Most people think that running a cat rescue is a heartwarming experience filled with purring kittens, cozy blankets, and happy endings. And sometimes, it is. But if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to keep a rescue operation going—the truth is, it’s less about cuddles and more about courage.
This is the honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to do this work day in and day out. It’s not always cute, but it’s always worth it.
The Daily Grind: More Than Just Feeding Cats
The day usually starts early. Before most people have had their coffee, we’ve already cleaned litter boxes, dispensed medications, and checked on the newest arrivals. Then it’s feeding time. And then cleaning again. And again.
Unlike house cats, rescues often come in sick, underweight, scared, or injured. This means our days involve everything from force-feeding kittens to managing quarantine protocols for contagious illnesses. And all of this happens alongside answering emails, posting on social media, and organizing supply runs.
Intake and Triage: Every Rescue Begins With a Story
Cats come to us from all kinds of situations: found on the streets, abandoned after a move, pulled from high-kill shelters, or rescued from hoarding conditions. Each new arrival requires a careful evaluation—are they injured? Pregnant? Contagious?
And sometimes, the hardest part is saying no. With limited space and resources, we can’t always help every cat. That’s a pain no one prepares you for.
Medical Care: It’s More Than a Vet Visit
Each cat that comes in often needs a round of treatments: deworming, flea meds, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgery. Some need more serious interventions—like surgeries for broken legs or care for upper respiratory infections, ringworm, or FIV.
We form partnerships with veterinarians, but often, we become medical aides ourselves—giving fluids, treating wounds, and learning how to read symptoms long before things get serious.
Fostering and Adoption: The Bridge to a New Life
We rely heavily on our foster network—those compassionate souls who open their homes to a cat in need. Fostering provides the environment these animals need to heal and socialize.
But fostering is only half the battle. Finding the right adopter, screening them, educating them on cat care, and making sure it’s a good fit takes time and discernment. When it works, it’s beautiful. When it doesn’t, it’s heartbreaking.
The Hidden Work: Paperwork, Fundraising, and Endless Planning
Most of what keeps a cat rescue alive isn’t what you see in photos. It’s behind a laptop—applying for grants, answering messages, updating medical charts, creating flyers for adoption events, or brainstorming the next fundraiser.
Then there’s the constant need for money. Food, litter, vet bills—it adds up fast. So we write posts, send emails, and plan events, hoping the community will support the mission.
Burnout Is Real
There are days when we lose a cat. Or when a promising adoption falls through. There are nights we lie awake wondering how to afford the next vet bill. And there are seasons when the calls for help don’t stop—but we’ve run out of space, or energy, or hope.
Compassion fatigue is real, and so is burnout. We grieve every loss, and yet we push forward for the next one who needs us.
Why We Keep Going
Because then there’s that one cat. The one who came in sick and scared, and left in the arms of a loving family. The one who finally purred after weeks of hiding. The one who reminds us that rescue is holy work.
Every time a cat finds their forever home, a little bit of our heart goes with them. And somehow, that keeps us going.
How You Can Help (Even If You Can’t Adopt)
You don’t have to run a rescue to be part of this mission. Here are a few simple ways you can help:
- Foster a cat in transition.
- Donate money, food, litter, or supplies.
- Volunteer for transport, cleaning, or event help.
- Share our posts to spread awareness.
- Offer your skills—photography, design, legal help, anything helps.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Glamorous—But It’s Worth It
Running a cat rescue is messy, exhausting, and emotionally taxing. But it’s also one of the most meaningful things we’ve ever done.
We may not save them all. But for the ones we do—it means everything.