Orphan Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

Orphan Animal Rescue and Sanctuary Orphan Animal Rescue & Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and finds homes for cats and kittens. Stop in and visit our multi-room Adoption Center!
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OARS is different than many other animal welfare organizations: our adoptable cats call our cage-free Adoption Center.

**Meet our adoptable cats and kittens on Petfinder and the following link. http://awos.petfinder.com/shelters/WI341.html

These cats have the full run of a room, complete with sunshine to doze in, cozy kitty beds, and scratching posts. Our volunteers give them plenty of love, pr

oviding twice-daily care 365 days a year. While the Adoption Center is almost as good as a home of their own, we are committed to finding a forever person (or family) for each animal in our care. Providing quality care for these pets in a homelike environment is important to us. Interested in adopting? Visit our website for an application. We follow an adopter screening and application process, and seek to make a lifetime match for both person and adoptable pet. As many community shelters are near capacity, we partner with animal groups such as shelters and humane societies, rather than accepting owned pets or strays into our adoption program. Partnering offers a great opportunity to help even more pets find their forever family!

Did you know that OARS sells Vande Walle's candy bars? Bars are available at our shelter (open by appointment-only) and ...
04/25/2025

Did you know that OARS sells Vande Walle's candy bars? Bars are available at our shelter (open by appointment-only) and at Ye Old Goat in Appleton and Birch Bark Veterinary Care in Kimberly for $2 each. Candy bar sales made up about $3,700 of OARS' income during 2024, so it's a great way to support our shelter and get some delicious chocolate out of it! Remember, OARS is entirely run by volunteers and we have no paid employees, so we rely on donations to keep operations running and help as many cats as we can.

We had a pop-up sale at Lillian's of Appleton this past Saturday and raised $240 for OARS! Thanks to our volunteers, Kim and Cole, for your help with this!

Why do cats purr? All domestic cats and most wild cats are born with the ability to purr. Cats purr when they are happy,...
04/19/2025

Why do cats purr?

All domestic cats and most wild cats are born with the ability to purr. Cats purr when they are happy, such as when they are being petted, anticipating dinner, or snuggling in a cozy spot. Mother cats purr when nursing their kittens, and kittens purr when nursing. Some cats don’t purr, which doesn’t mean they aren’t happy; they may just prefer to converse via other methods like vocalizations or facial expressions. Cats may also purr when they are afraid or in pain as a form of self-soothing.

Does your cat purr? What does it sound like? How does it make you feel? 😻

Pictured below is the adorable Hattie, who is available for adoption with her sister, Honey!

Siblings? Besties? Second cousins once removed? It’s anyone’s guess with gorgeous Tux and Tessie who were found on the r...
04/04/2025

Siblings? Besties? Second cousins once removed? It’s anyone’s guess with gorgeous Tux and Tessie who were found on the run together as strays. What is clear is how much they love each other. One of the many amazing things about OARS is the practice of never separating bonded pairs. When cats form deep emotional connections with each other, separating them can cause severe emotional distress, behavioral issues, and even health issues, so these two will only be available for adoption as a pair. The great news with this pair of (almost) one-year-olds is they’re both so sweet and lovable. Tessie’s love language is physical touch and she loves to be right against you getting pets and love. When she’s getting attention her purrs can be heard down the hall. Tux is a little more reserved, but he loves playing with toys, especially wands. Once you’ve warmed him up to you by playing, he’ll happily come and sit next to you to be pet. Both take their neighborhood watch duties very seriously as they keep their eye on the neighbor’s driveway. Check out a few videos in the comments, then click on the link to complete the application to come in and scoop up these adorable babies.

Friends, OARS needs your help! And you can help this Saturday from 11-1 by ordering some delicious food and catching som...
03/25/2025

Friends, OARS needs your help! And you can help this Saturday from 11-1 by ordering some delicious food and catching some March Madness games at Buffalo Wild Wings across from the mall at 4601 W College Ave in Grand Chute. Buffalo Wild Wings will donate 10% of your total bill to OARS. Eat good food, have fun, and help us! Remember to mention or show the below ticket to make sure your order counts.

This Spring, OARS will be making some much needed repairs to our parking lot and accessible ramp, and we need your assistance. If you can't make it in to Buffalo Wild Wings, there are ways to donate on our website, orphananimalrescue.org.

We’ve had several exciting adoptions in the last month! The following cats and kittens went from OARS’ shelter in Neenah...
03/17/2025

We’ve had several exciting adoptions in the last month! The following cats and kittens went from OARS’ shelter in Neenah or one of our great foster homes to their forever homes in the past month.

- Ethan and Kwan
- Dak and Finn
- Leo and Lewis
- Brindy
- Cleo and Binx
- Reggie and Gatsby

Thank you for adopting!!

03/17/2025

We are aware that local stores are now selling chicks, and wanted to share this information with everyone:

Many people may not realize the long-term commitment and costs associated with raising chickens, and unfortunately, this can lead to situations where animals are abandoned or need rehoming. Some key points that might be helpful to share:

• Egg Prices vs. Reality: Some may see backyard chickens as a solution to rising egg prices, but the reality is that raising chickens comes with significant ongoing costs, including feed, housing, and wintertime care. They typically do not even lay eggs until they are 6 months or older.

• Rooster or Hen? At a young age, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a hen and a rooster. Buyers may unknowingly end up with a rooster, which can be challenging to rehome.

• Legal Considerations: Roosters are not allowed within city limits, which can lead to unexpected issues.

• Winter Challenges: Wisconsin’s harsh winters require proper care, including a draft-free coop and a heated water source to prevent freezing—both of which can add to the cost and responsibility of ownership.

• Rehoming Difficulties: Roosters are particularly hard to place in new homes. OAHS, like most shelters, does not take in poultry.

Please share to help others make informed decisions!

03/14/2025

You might've heard us mention more than once that we're a 100% privately owned and independently operated small business. But what does that mean? Here's some background - Lots of clinics here in the Valley have "gone corporate." For some that means they're owned by a larger company that own many clinics. For others it means they've received a cash injection from a Private Equity firm. We don't fall into either category. Neenah and this community is what keeps our lights on, so thank you! We have amazing small business banking partners at Nicolet Bank and both our doctors work a stone's throw away from the clinic here in Neenah.

This week we had a chance to chat with some other local small businesses who were kind enough to help spread the word about Dr. Ann and our appointment availability (we need to fill up her schedule!) Thank you to the following friends for their support. Let us know in the comments who some of your small business faves are!

Future Neenah
Seven Thymes, Flowers & Other Lovely Things
Lucy's Closet Pet Boutique
Lawlss Coffee
Envisionink
TailWaggers Doggy Daycare - Neenah
Transcend Veterinary
Yahr Complete K9s - Training and Behavior
Wood Violet Montessori
Cozy Country Pet Care LLC

Knock Knock.Who’s There?Timmy and Spicy. We’re here. We’re always here. In fact, we’ve been here for nearly a year and a...
02/21/2025

Knock Knock.
Who’s There?
Timmy and Spicy. We’re here. We’re always here. In fact, we’ve been here for nearly a year and a half. We’re a sweet and shy pair of best buddies who are desperate to find our forever family. We would do best in a quieter home with older respectful children. Sadly, adopters often seek out cats who are immediately outgoing which results in us being overlooked time and time again. If you spend just 30 minutes with us, we’ll begin to warm up to you and want to play and will bump up against you - our way of hugging you and seeking pets. Just look at our pictures to see how loving we are with each other and know that we’ll gladly share that love with you once we trust that we’re safe with you. Facebook followers, can you help us out? Can you please post a picture of your shy cats and how amazing they are, and then share this post? Maybe we can convince someone who is on the fence that two lovable shy boys will bring them so much joy.

Leo and Lewis here ~ We're ecstatic to share our remarkably flourishing pop-up biscuit making business, which has been s...
02/11/2025

Leo and Lewis here ~ We're ecstatic to share our remarkably flourishing pop-up biscuit making business, which has been soaring at our foster home, and we're now eager to propel it to unprecedented heights by establishing a permanent site. Our mission is to ignite joy and inspiration, one biscuit at a time, while sharing the profoundly soothing sound of purring as we meticulously craft each treat. If you're willing to provide a nurturing environment for our business to thrive, link to the application in the comments.

Hattie and Honey are a bonded pair of 1 year old sisters available for adoption! They are still very playful, but are pa...
02/01/2025

Hattie and Honey are a bonded pair of 1 year old sisters available for adoption! They are still very playful, but are past the crazy kitten stage. These girls can be found cuddling together and seeking attention from our volunteers. If you think these two would be the perfect addition to your household, fill out an application today!

https://www.orphananimalrescue.org/adopt

Have you ever wondered what the different tail positions cats display mean? The tail’s position and movement can indicat...
01/30/2025

Have you ever wondered what the different tail positions cats display mean? The tail’s position and movement can indicate their mood.

Thrashing: indicates fear or aggression, a warning to stay away
Twitching: can mean they’re curious or excited
Swishing: means the cat is focused
Question mark-shape: shows they’re in a happy or playful mood
Tucked: cat may be fearful or anxious
Tail up: feeling confident and friendly
Floppy: could indicate a health issue - schedule vet appointment
Puffed up: threatened or frightened

Understanding a cat’s body language can lead to better interactions for both humans and cats!

Meet the cutest mother-daughter duo, Rosie and Jane! They came to OARS from a local shelter and moved into their current...
01/27/2025

Meet the cutest mother-daughter duo, Rosie and Jane! They came to OARS from a local shelter and moved into their current foster home. Two of Rosie’s kittens have already been adopted, and now it’s her and Jane’s turn. They are each other’s ride or die and will do best staying together forever. Rosie is estimated to be 2-3 years old and Jane is 8 months old.

Rosie and Jane are often found snuggling, grooming, or playing with one another. They love their humans and will greet you at the door by wagging their short bob cat tails, stand in front of you, and fall to the floor like a fainting goat just to get pet. Rosie is a sweetheart and Jane is very playful and adventurous.

These ladies have been thriving in the foster home that they share with three respectful school aged children, but are eager to settle into a forever home! Fill out an application for them at this link: https://www.orphananimalrescue.org/adopt

Having issues with cats scratching inappropriately? Keep reading for information from The Humane Society of the United S...
01/20/2025

Having issues with cats scratching inappropriately? Keep reading for information from The Humane Society of the United States.

Scratching is normal, instinctive cat behavior. Cats have a need to scratch. Cats do not think in terms of right or wrong, they think in terms of meeting their needs. If desirable materials for scratching are not available, cats will scratch furniture, carpet, etc. Follow these tips to curb scratching in undesirable areas.

1. Provide your cat with multiple scratching options made from a variety of materials and in a variety of shapes.
2. Place the scratchers in areas your cat wants to scratch.
3. Introduce your cats to the scratchers by adding catnip, or playing near them with toys or a laser light. Do not carry your cats to the scratcher and rub their paws on it, as this will cause a stress response and may result in them being fearful of the scratchers.
4. Temporarily make the previously scratched areas less accessible and desirable by covering furniture with a fitted sheet, or smaller areas with double-sided tape.
5. Declawing is never the solution to inappropriate scratching. In addition to being extremely painful and inhumane, it often results in behavioral and other health issues.

New Year, still here. Remember us? We're Binx and Cleo, an adorably sweet mother-daughter duo. Despite our amazingness, ...
01/11/2025

New Year, still here. Remember us? We're Binx and Cleo, an adorably sweet mother-daughter duo. Despite our amazingness, we have been overlooked for over a year. We are friendly and curious, but can take a few minutes to warm up. Once we do, we’ll be looking for attention and love. We would do best in a quieter home with no kids or with respectful children. While we love our OARS family, being here isn't the same as having a family and a home of our own. Could you be the person or family to open your home and your heart to us? Click on the link in the comments to submit an application to meet us, or one of the other awesome adoptable pairs here

As a small rescue, OARS is not able to take in stray cats from the public. So what should you do if you find a stray? Wh...
01/05/2025

As a small rescue, OARS is not able to take in stray cats from the public. So what should you do if you find a stray? While different communities' practices can vary, here is a good general list of what to do if you find one.

1. Call your local non-emergency police department. In most cases, the city or town contracts with a particular shelter and the police can transport the cat to a shelter – even outside of normal shelter hours. If your community does not offer this service, please follow whatever steps the non-emergency police recommend.

2. While you wait for the police, if the cat is a kitten, or looks like a nursing mother cat, check the area thoroughly for other cats or kittens.

3. Give the cat water. Never give a cat milk – they are lactose intolerant.

4. Take some photos of the cat so you can post their picture in missing pet groups online so that the owner can see that they were found and what shelter they were taken to.

Cats are great escape artists. Just because a cat is outside does not mean that it was abandoned. It is illegal to keep a found cat without trying to reunite it with the owner, so please follow these steps to try to get them reunified. And finally, THANK YOU for taking the time to help a stray.

Thank you to Logicalis for the $375 donation, and to Adam for matching the donation! Adam stopped by to drop off the che...
12/24/2024

Thank you to Logicalis for the $375 donation, and to Adam for matching the donation! Adam stopped by to drop off the checks and met a couple of our adorable kittens. Merry Christmas Eve from OARS!

Sometimes a pair of cats come along and they’re so perfect that all of the volunteers know they’ll be adopted immediatel...
12/23/2024

Sometimes a pair of cats come along and they’re so perfect that all of the volunteers know they’ll be adopted immediately. It’s us. Dak and Finn. We’re perfect. And we have been waiting for SEVEN MONTHS!!! We’re 2 years old, the perfect age – we’re over the crazy kitten stage, but we still love to play. We’re perfectly affectionate – we’ll walk right onto your lap for pets and butt scratches (our favorite). Check out the video of us in the comments. We’re perfectly handsome bonded brothers who were found stray by a rural shelter who are looking for our perfect forever home. If you think we’re a perfect fit for you, please fill out an application here! https://www.orphananimalrescue.org/adopt

Thank you to everyone who donated to OARS on Giving Tuesday yesterday; we raised a total of $1,925! Finn, pictured below...
12/04/2024

Thank you to everyone who donated to OARS on Giving Tuesday yesterday; we raised a total of $1,925!

Finn, pictured below, is available for adoption 😺

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810 S Commercial Street
Neenah, WI
54956

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