Friends Of Felines Rescue Center

08/24/2024

Disclaimer: The person who wrote this has never been to FFRC (physically).

I put my credit card into the little machine. We waited. The woman behind the glass partition was very nice “we’re having slowness with the computer stuff”. She noticed my card holder, ‘cute kitty’. Once I start, I can’t stop.

“Oh, that’s Putter. He passed away a few years ago. But I still think of him, still love him. He still makes me smile. See this keychain, that’s Kiara. She was so special, oh I miss her. She knew, just knew who needed a cuddle and would climb in with them and just make things a little better, one hug at a time.”

Her and Emaline, they were good friends. When Emaline passed, I swear a whole nation cried. Now Sevaun, well I have her picture on my refrigerator. Seems appropriate for her, she loved her food, which is only because she was once so skinny she fit in a girl scout box. So boney and hadn’t eaten for, who knows when. But she was saved, and boy did she end up having a great life. Loved every day by everyone. She was the original Boss of Kitty City. I still tear up a little when I think of her, but always smile, knowing how loved she was.

Oh, back to Putter, he acted like he didn’t care for the kittens, but I know he had a soft spot for them. He could be, well, a little grouchy, but it was only because he had standards and rules and they just had to be followed.

When I think of him, I think of Ada Jane. Oh, she was so sweet. Her family gave her up after 10 years because they wanted a kitten and she wasn’t ‘fun anymore.’

So they brought her to a kill shelter. They knew she wouldn’t last over 10 days, but they took her there anyway. Thank goodness Jacci came to get her. She had another 10 years of loving and being loved. She loved the sink. It was her sink! Oh and Magenta loved the counter, her counter.

And if you sat on the ground, within minutes, Cutie would come from somewhere and hop on your lap. Cutie was a survivor. They all were and are.”

The woman just looked at me, then another woman said “how many cats do you have?”

“Oh, well right now, about 115 or so.” But over the years, well hundreds, thousands. Oh, I’ve never met any of them but they were part of my family. They’re in my heart and always will be.”

‘You can remove your card now. Have a great day. Please take your card. Really, take it.’
As I walked away, I saw all the people standing behind me in line move away from me as I walked past them. Sure, they may think I’m crazy and you know what? I am. Crazy for a place I’ve never been to but that has saved thousands of my cats. Proud to be Crazy. Proud to be a Friend to Friends of Felines Rescue Center in Defiance, Ohio.
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One week from today is the official one year anniversary of FFRC. We invite anyone who has ever adopted one of our cats to share your picture of them under this post. Even if they are just in your heart now, they are part of the history of FFRC, saving lives for 25 years.

Happy Anniversary Week, FFRC. Help us celebrate the memories.

08/24/2024

This is Juniper. She is two years old. These are not Juniper's kittens. She has no kittens.

Be like Juniper. When someone needs your love, just welcome them, give them love.

What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of.

No, not for some but for everyone.

Video by Megan.

08/23/2024

It was meant to be. There really could be only one person to adopt Bellamy. And yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. Today, our Bellamy went home with her person, Carmine.

Anyone who watches the cam during the day knows that from the moment he comes to work and throughout the morning and day, when Carmine comes into the Center, his Bellamy follows him, here, there and everywhere. When he recently went on vacation, she was so sad. I know I’ve seen her just staring at the door, waiting. Well, her Dad came home and today, so did she.

Bellamy came to FFRC with 4 other kitties in late April, 2024. The five were from Michigan and were from a hoarding situation where 90 cats were removed from one woman’s house. The Humane Society asked FFRC to take a few, so 5 kitties came to Defiance.

Bellamy was in the best condition of any of them, but she still wasn’t in good condition. She was skinny and her hair was matted and she was kinda rough looking. But soon, her beauty would shine!

All the Michigan cats were very scared when they came in, Bellamy wasn’t as withdrawn as the others, but she took to Carmine right away and she picked him. She just had to be patient until he said, “hey, want to come home with me?”

So tonight a cat is home with her Dad that she picked and her Dad is with the sweet little girl who he picked.

Congratulations to you both.

A match made in heaven. It was meant to be!

08/23/2024

In July, 2022 a pregnant cat walked into an open garage and proceeded to give birth to 6 kittens, 3 boys and 3 girls. Peggy S. fostered them for a month or so, then they came into FFRC.

And in the two plus years since, each kitty was adopted out, except MightyKat. This sweet girl is so shy, spends so much time up on the rafters, away from all the chaos that just made her want to be alone.

Such a sweet girl, but unlike her siblings, just wasn’t outgoing. She needed a special family to want her, accept her and to let her be the cat she wants to be.

Today, our MightyKat got her wish and her family! She’s going to a family with a 4 to 6 year old brother (4 legs) and a human sister. Her new kitty brother, Pepper, shares her laid back, quiet personality. They should become good friends and be that special one who ‘gets one another’.

MightyKat is very special to all of us, as she was named by our chat mod Alan Cross. MightyKat was his screen name. Alan passed away suddenly a few years ago and MightyKat, the cat, was named for him.

Just as we will always remember Alan for his kindness, we will remember MightyKat for her sweetness.

Congratulations on you getting your very own home and family, MightyKat. Now, you go and have a long, happy life being the cat you were meant to be. We love you and will always hold a special place in our hearts for you.

Her goodbye photo is in her traveling crate as she really didn't want to be held up for the cam. And you know what? That's ok with us as we always want her to do things on her terms!

08/22/2024

Ever hear some news and it makes you smile for the rest of the day? So many people have commented since it was announced the other day that Sanford was to be adopted: “Yay!” And our Friends have been smiling ever since.

Sure, we will miss seeing him every day, laying on his beach chair with a little ‘fur’ coming through the seams, but that just makes us love him even more. Seeing him giving the ‘look’ to Dagda when he dared to climb onto ‘his’ chair!

What a road it’s been for Sanford. And today, he’s on the road to his forever home.

Back in 2016, little Sanford was adopted into a home that had previously adopted Piet. They both were in the home until earlier April, 2023 when the family decided to downsize and had no more room for Sanford or Piet. So back to FFRC they came.

Even though they were ‘siblings’ for many years, they weren’t really bonded. They would say “hi” if they saw the other, but they both are cats that really like to chill on their own. For months, we hardly saw Sanford or Piet on cam as they would find a hidey hole in the back and just get away from the other cats.

Then Sanford came out one day to get some snacks and decided the Main Center room was the place to ensure first dibs on snacks. It also didn’t hurt that Kim made sure he got a daily lickey stick for being such a good boy!

Sanford goes home now where he will meet his 20 year old sister, Belle. These two kitties will definitely get along as they both like to keep to themselves. Sanford is 8 years old (and a few months) but he’s entering the ‘distinguished’ phase of his life where he just wants his sleep, snacks and for any whippersnappers to just get off his lawn.

He’ll have a catio where he can safely go outside to watch the birds and squirrels and come inside to take his morning, afternoon and evening naps. He’s going home with two beach chairs, a personal Sanford rug, a blankie and Kim brought him a box of lickey sticks to tide him over on his first few days in his new home.

Happy new life Sanford. We’ll miss you but we’ll all be smiling knowing you are getting a chance to live the rest of your life surrounded by a loving family and no kittens in sight.

Oh, he’ll keep his name and there just might be a King added to the front of it!

08/22/2024

Guess what time it is?

08/22/2024

Today is the second birthday for our two much loved brother and sister kitties, Thor and Malade.

Both came in, along with brother Zeke, in Nov. 2022. They were just 3 months old and were found locked in a shed with no food or water. They were in rough shape and needed a lot of help. They were dehydrated, had lots of fleas, goopy eyes that were so infected they couldn’t open them, and a bad URI.

So many different medicines were tried, a lot of patience and many ups and downs in their recovery. They emerged strong but after battling ongoing issues for several months, they were tired of being sick and turned things around. Wellness was in their future!

Zeke got adopted and is loving life. But Thor and his sister Malade wait.

It took Malade a long time to come out of her shell, and she is still very low key and quiet but comes out of the back room to play and likes to visit her girl friends in Nyota’s nest.

Thor likes to play, but will often climb up high just to chill out. Thor is a sweet boy. He loves to play with squishy things!.

These two siblings are sweet and just go with the flow. They are gentle souls waiting, just waiting. Never underestimate them. They may look like any other cat, but what they went through and the strength they showed while recovery makes them both Super Cats.

We wish their brother Zeke a Happy 2nd Birthday in his home. He was adopted in October, 2023.

As for Malade and Thor, their FFRC family and Friends give them virtual hugs from the cam and ‘real’ hugs in person.

We are so happy you were found on that cold November day two years ago and through your journeys to wellness, we know how strong you both are.

Happy 2nd Birthday Malade and Thor. Here are pictures of them as little kitties and now, all grown up. A picture of their brother Zeke is included. All pics by Dawn E.

There’s an extra picture of Thor as it was simply too cute to not include.

08/21/2024

Sunshine and Lucy, now that the day is winding down, did you have a nice World Goat Day?

08/21/2024

Malade stops by to say to her BFF's. There's Piet, Chia, Victoria and Nyota.

Temptations will be served promptly at noon.

Video by Megan.

08/20/2024

Happy 4th Birthday to our Bridge girl! This sweet girl came to us two years ago, with her two month old kittens, Monty and Winter. They were all covered in fleas and in rough shape. They were found in Toledo, OH.

They all owe their lives to our long time volunteer and kitty whisperer, Brandon V. Brandon (Camvie’s best friend) knew they needed help and off to FFRC they came.

Monty and Winter have long since been adopted, but their mom remains at FFRC waiting for someone to take her home. She’s looking for a quiet family that has no dogs or children. She prefers the stress free life. And if you have a dryer that she can sleep on top of, well our number is 419-393-2400.

If you see her on cam today (maybe running the wheel) wish her a very happy 4th birthday. And tell her you love her, because we do.

08/19/2024

It’s a happy day when any of our cats get their very own family. But today was especially happy: Our Radar was adopted.

Radar and his sister Victoria came to FFRC in May after their owner took ill and could no longer care for them. It was a heartbreaking decision, but a necessary one.

Radar was originally an FFRC cat who had come to us in 2018 as a kitten (stray). Through the years he has grown and is now on a journey to shed a few pounds to remain healthy and live a long life.

His new owners know of his goals and are willing and able to work with him to achieve a healthy weight while loving him.

Radar will have a new name to go with his new life. His name will be Michael. Michael (Radar) gets to have a new family, new life and he no longer has the stress of being surrounded by so many cats. He’s a sweet boy but gets very anxious and stressed when there are too many cats around.

His sister will remain at FFRC as she is loving her new life with her roommates Nyota, Piet and Chia.

Today is indeed a happy day as a cat who desperately needed a home and family has found one. Take a breath, and smile for this sweet boy. He’s faced life changes this year and now will be able to say, “I’m home.”

08/19/2024

FFRC Weekly Blog Week ending August 17, 2024

Adoptions:

None this week.

New Cats:
None this week.

Health Updates:

Checkers, Bella and Luna have all passed their tests for FIP and Leukemia and they are now out of their cages and down on the floor with each other.

Roo continues to do well and we are now letting her in the main Center for supervised visits for short periods of time. We will slowly build up the time depending on her progression.

Thumbelina is also out in the main center for short periods of time. She was in the Kabana and discovered that Peacocks walk by the window.

Both Maverick and Ridley continue to do well. Their ringworm is almost cleared up with about a week or so of meds before they will be completely ringworm free.
They are the funnest two boys who love to play and are eagerly waiting for a world without ringworms!

Several of the cats have been experiencing some stool issues (loose) and we’ve decided for a week to cut down on one of the wet food feedings. Cats still have access to dry food, 24 hours a day. Wet food is very rich and we hope to calm down the stomachs of all the cats. We are still doing wet food feedings, just cutting back on one for the next week. They get five wet food feedings a day, we are cutting it down to four. If any cat comes to the cam and tells you they are starving, don’t believe them. They are liars, lovable, but still liars.

Other Updates:

Our longtime Friend and volunteer, Dee, passed away. Dee was 87 and such a joy when she came to visit. For years she has come and brushed the cats. Certain cats would come running when they saw her as she had a gentle way with them all. We will all miss Dee but are so blessed to have known her for so many years.

Porchie and Jefferson are also doing well. They are very quiet cats. Remember, they were returned after spending many years in a family. The family had some medical issues and could no longer care for them. They are bonded and we would love to have them adopted together. Porchie is 5 and Jefferson is 6. If you want two cats that are sweet as can be and cause no trouble, these two are for you.

Mitzy may be blind but no one told her. She goes here, there and everywhere. She has actually snuck in the office to be spoiled. It is truly amazing how physical challenges do not slow down cats. Mitzy is 3 months old and so loving.

Radar has lost a little weight. He is able to come into the Main Center, but he chooses not to. It appears to be a little overwhelming to him. He is happy, looking out the window at the birds.

Financial Updates:

If any of you pledged $$ for Cat-A-Thon and have not yet paid, please remember to send your pledged money sometime this week. We appreciate this so very much.

We had a flash sale this week and raised $1,800. That will help us with bills, especially with getting vaccines as we did 50 vaccines this week. Vaccines are so very important for the long term health of our cats.

Holds

Mightycat will be going home this coming Friday (time, yet to be determined).

Bodie is officially on hold! While we will all be sad to see him go, he gets his very own home! He will also be going to a home that already has an FFRC cat.

FYI:

Your cat is part of your family. You love them. You care for them. You take them to the Vet when they are sick. Love doesn’t end with your passing. Make a plan, let your family or close friends know what that plan is for your cat. Don’t assume someone will take them. Talk to the person you want to care for them if you are no longer able to care for them, for whatever reason. Some of you may remember Dodger from many years ago. Dodger was the sweetest old soul whose mom passed away. His family didn’t know what to do with Dodger so let him outside to fend for himself. Dodger hid under the house for many weeks before a kind neighbor found him and brought him to FFRC. By then, Dodger was bone thin, dehydrated and in terrible shape. Make a plan. Love your cat forever and a day. Plan for them. They are counting on you.

08/18/2024

Mr. Mustachio teaching Percy how to climb. Percy learning to play!

SonJa M. video

08/17/2024

Be happy, with others or by yourself. Be like Lucie, Be Happy!

Video by SonJa M.

08/17/2024

08/16/2024

One of our newer cats: Sahara. She has extra toe beans on all four paws! This polydactyl is being heavily scouted by the Tigers. A number of teams bowed out of the bid for her as she poses an extra threat. The Orioles, Cardinals, and Blue Jays are kinda scared to put her on their team.

Photo by Dawn E.

08/16/2024

Our beautiful Mitzy. "Seeing" love all around!

Photo by Dawn. E.

08/15/2024

Magellan supervising Bodie, teaching him to clean out the drawers to help the staff. Cats are so helpful, really they are, they really, really are....

Photo by Dawn E.

08/15/2024

Theon wants you to have a sunshiny day!

Photo by Dawn E.

08/15/2024

40 cats were sent up to Humane Ohio today! 24 females and 16 males!

Big thanks to for this amazing service! We're grateful for all you do!!

08/14/2024

She may be blind, but Pania knows we are lying when we told her there are no more Bonito Flakes. She's yelling, she knows some came yesterday!

Thanks Flakes giver!

08/14/2024

Stratton, the mighty hunter, can't believe his chicken pate dinner is late.

Photo taken in the jungle by Dawn E.

08/13/2024

Thank you for being part of our journey. Where would our cats be without our Friends?

08/13/2024

Ridley and Maverick have each other and now they have us. We’re with you boys, every step of the way.

Love is so much better than hate. Our focus is on Love. These boys need that.

Photo by Dawn E.

08/12/2024

Checkers, just remember:

It doesn’t matter how you got here, now you’ve got Friends to help you move forward.

Photo by Dawn E.

08/12/2024

Xavi gives Percy some advice:

"Look, I’m telling you, when the visitors approach, don’t mention the worms. They’re over. Trust me, you’ll get adopted if you don’t say the W Word!"

Wise Worm Words. So glad Percy is Worm Free and loving life with his friend Xavi.

Photo by Dawn E.

08/11/2024

Below is our weekly blog:

FFRC Weekly Blog Week ending August 10, 2024

Adoptions:

None this week.

New Cats:

Two four month old male kittens (both orange) came in this week. They are safe now. We aren’t going to dwell on how they came here, but will focus on them being here, starting a new chapter in their lives surrounded by love and good people who will do no harm to them.

Health Updates:

Thumbelina: she will need surgery on her paw at some point. She has one ‘mitten’ that is deformed.

Cheerios ear looks better and at this point doesn’t need surgery but may have a little head tilt permanently.

Alma -- little bit of bowel issue, lost a little weight and lost some hair. She does have a little thyroid issue which she needs some meds to treat. She is 12 so much of her issues are age related.

Rumpelstiltskin continues to feel much better as he continues his rehab from his latest 'tweaking’ of his leg.

Roo continues to do well. She is still in a Dodger’s Pen as she needs to be in a more contained environment as she heals from her surgery.

Checkers is doing well also. He is such a happy boy.

Other Updates:

Nyota has new roommates. Piet, Victoria and Chia have all joined her to form a special girls club where quiet rules. So far they are all loving their new tranquil environment. They are all comfortable and Nyota is enjoying having friends (but not too many!)

Percy and Xavi are now in the main Center. They are fitting in quite well with the other kittens running around. They do like to stick together, which is so sweet.

The two gray babies found by the Waste Management hero now have names (courtesy of him!):

They are both females. The light gray is Bella and the dark gray is Luna. They are now both eating solid food. They are progressing very well.

Bellamy has been a little down in the dumps the past few days as her Carmine has taken a few days off. He’ll be back this week and we predict he will have a certain brown haired beauty waiting at the door for him. Just as people have favorite cats, cats have favorite people!

The AC in the office was fixed this week, then a few hours later it stopped again and apparently it keeps ‘freezing’ so a new part has been ordered and due in sometime this week.

Financial Updates:

We had a flash sale this week which raised over $900. The whole amount is going to our vet’s office as we’ve had quite a few cats visit there the past month with some serious issues Roo, Cheerio, Alma to name just a few). We thank everyone who helped and cheered for the flash sale.

Holds

MightyKat is officially on hold! MightyKat was found with her 6 siblings from a stray cat who couldn’t care for them. Each of the kittens were adopted except MightyKat. She’s been waiting over 2 years for someone to give her a furrever home. Her soon to be mom was mom to Ming who was adopted several years ago and remains in our hearts always.

MightyKat is a sweet girl who is extremely shy and really needs a home where there aren’t so many cats around making so much noise! She picked them and they fell in love with her at the same time. TBD when she will be going home

FYI:
Kindness is giving hope to those who think they are all alone in this world. You are never alone.

Here is Crumbles. Still looking for a family.

08/11/2024

Gordy and Chowder, you came from an unimaginable situation, so scared, so unsure. It’s taken some time but slowly, each day you are learning to trust and you are finding out that life can be happy and full of wonders.

You are both Covies now and we are so happy that you will never again be neglected or treated poorly. You are part of our FFRC Family and we are so lucky to have you both.

Happy 6th Birthday Boys, now and forever each birthday will be a celebration of life, love and freedom.

08/11/2024

Robert wants you to know he’s just as cute as ‘those who shall remain nameless’. We know Robert, we know. Just keep running around with the cutest face ever and you’ll hear the crowd: “ROBERT, ROBERT!”

Photo by Dawn E.

08/10/2024

Cat scratcher = $19.99
Paw print bed = $39.99
Flying butterfly toy = $12.99
Free paper from Amazon box =

Priceless

Remember, cats don't care about money, they just want to have fun!

Video by SonJa M.