20/12/2025
💔 In Loving Memory of Ernie 💔
On Sunday, we made the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to Ernie.
Ernie had been living with chronic health issues for a long time and had been incredibly brave through ongoing pain. Over recent weeks we began to see additional, serious signs of infection — including lockjaw, weight loss, and constant diarrhoea — which strongly suggested infection affecting both his jaw and gut. Despite our best efforts, he was not able to gain weight, and while he was still very much “Ernie” in spirit, his body was clearly struggling.
Ernie was FIV positive and immunocompromised. Due to his individual needs and strong dislike of other cats, he was cared for in a secure, warm pen where he could remain safe, sheltered, and as comfortable as possible. After speaking in depth with our vet, and for the first time hearing clear confirmation that it was now about his quality of life, we knew we could not allow him to continue declining or remain in pain.
We had always said that as soon as further signs of infection appeared, we would make the kindest decision for him. On Sunday, we honoured that promise. Ernie passed peacefully, and it was clear he had been fighting chronic pain for far longer than he ever showed us.
On Monday, we took Ernie to the pet crematorium in Llanidloes, where, as always, the service was gentle, respectful, and compassionate. We were able to say goodbye properly, and Ernie has now been scattered in his favourite plants and in our pet garden — places he loved to sit and watch the world go by.
Ernie’s story is also an important reminder.
He was originally an owned cat whose life changed after his owner sadly passed away. He became what many refer to as a “community cat,” with people feeding him but no single person taking full responsibility for his welfare. Sadly, shared responsibility often means no real responsibility at all. Ernie was later involved in a road traffic accident, and while someone did step in to get him veterinary care, his age, health, and circumstances meant his situation was already incredibly complex.
⚠️ A gentle but important reminder ⚠️
In cold weather especially, if you notice an elderly, injured, or unwell cat, please don’t assume “someone else is looking after them.”
• One person needs to step up
• Keep the cat somewhere safe if possible
• Take them to a vet yourself
• Have their microchip checked
• Contact rescues by email and ask to be added to a waiting list
This makes a huge difference and helps rescues support the cat more effectively.
Please also remember: Rescues are completely full across the UK. Do not harass or become angry with rescues if they cannot help immediately. Be persistent, but also kind and understanding — everyone is doing their absolute best within an overwhelmed system.
⚠️ Never take a cat into your home permanently without checking for a microchip.
⚠️ If an owner wishes to sign a cat over, ask for a simple written agreement.
At present, Karen’s Cat Community is closed to new intakes and exists solely as a sanctuary for the cats already in our care.
If you are local to Mid Wales and need support, please contact:
• Hay Animal Rescue Team
• Purrfectly Feral
If you are elsewhere in Wales or the UK, please contact your local rescue organisation.
Ernie could be a grump but was also affectionate, gentle, and deeply loved. He would lick us, lean in close, and remind us daily why we do this work — even when it breaks our hearts.
It will be some time before we consider opening any sanctuary spaces again. Over Christmas, we will be focusing on caring for our remaining sanctuary cats, who still rely on us every single day.
If you would like to support them, details can be found on our website.
Run free, Ernie.
You were so loved, and you will never be forgotten 🐾💔
