10/06/2025
💔 When It Rains, It Pours 💔
First, we want to start by saying thank you — truly — to everyone who sent food, litter, and continued to support Cali Cats Rescue through everything. Because of your generosity, we can finally breathe a little easier knowing that for the next few weeks, we won’t have to stress about those essentials. It means the world.
We’ve been quiet about what’s been going on lately — partly because we didn’t want to break everyone’s hearts, and partly because sometimes our long posts just don’t get fully read. But it’s been a rough few weeks here at Cali Cats Rescue, and we think it’s time to share what we’ve been enduring.
They say when it rains, it pours… but lately, it’s felt more like we’ve been caught in a hurricane.
Over the last few weeks, we received three heartbreaking calls — three of our kittens had to be put to sleep due to an FIP diagnosis. Two, previously adopted, one still in foster, all of those kittens were littermates, not surprisingly, as FIP is mostly genetically contagious. They came from a colony we worked tirelessly to help — a colony that required long trips well outside our normal range. We poured our hearts into saving them.
We were absolutely devastated. 💔
Having to reach out to the adopters of the other kittens in that litter was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do.
We know how critical it is to catch FIP symptoms early, but not everyone does — and cats are so, so good at hiding pain and illness. We urge every cat owner: please learn about FIP, and always pay attention to even the smallest changes in your cat.
Two of those kittens were laid to rest just weeks after joining their new families. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, another little girl from that same litter — who hadn’t yet been adopted — went in to be spayed. The vet immediately noticed her distended belly and frail body. After testing, the results confirmed our fears. Her fluid was thick and yellow… her bloodwork off the charts. By 5pm that same day, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Velma. 💔
At the very same time, one of our board members — and dear friends — learned that her own cat had also been diagnosed with FIP. Thankfully, his was caught early, and he’s responding well to treatment so far. But the emotional toll has been heavy.
While all of this was happening, our building was finally about ready to be used again after three long months. Just as we were starting to feel a little relief, the requests for help kept pouring in:
🐾 4 kittens – 12 weeks
🐾 1 single kitten – 7 months
🐾 4 kittens – 4.5 weeks (mom passed away from a seizure)
🐾 5 kittens – 8 weeks
🐾 3 kittens – 12 weeks
All while our fosters are struggling — watching their kittens grow up in care, waiting for homes that haven’t come yet. 💔
And on top of everything, we have 4 large events in the next 6 weeks to plan for.
The heartache, the stress, the sadness, the concern… it’s all been overwhelming. But at the same time, seeing our building come back to life and watching these kittens — new and old — thrive despite it all keeps us going.
In total, 23 new intakes, plus their moms getting spayed, adds up financially — fast.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can help, here’s how:
🐱 Sponsor a new intake for $75
💛 Make a donation — monetary or supplies
🎉 Come to our events
📣 Share our posts
🤍 And most importantly — give us your compassion and understanding
From the bottom of our hearts — thank you for standing with us through every heartbreak, every rescue, and every tiny life we fight to save.
— Cali Cats Rescue
VENMO ajeney7882
PAYPAL [email protected]
CASHAPP $calicats2021
