Where do our rescue kitties come from?
Photo of Sonic, Felius adoption #1,195!
Photo credit: Christi Monson.
We are often asked where we get all of our adoptable cafe kitties. Do we partner with another rescue? Are they all strays from the streets? Today, we’ll explore all the ways that wayward felines actually find their way to Felius.
80% of our cats are found as strays
Eighty percent of our feline residents were once friendly strays living on Omaha’s streets. These cats are generally escaped pets or have been abandoned by their owner. Through our dedicated team of fosters, we're able to rescue these kitties, giving them a better life. This also involves reuniting lost pets with their owners. If no owner can be found, we provide these cats with love, medical care, and the chance to be adopted by a loving family.
One point of distinction is that we only intake cats who are friendly [aka socialized]. Community cats are easy to tell apart from a lost or abandoned pet, as they are wild animals that fear humans. Instead, we offer community cats free trap-neuter-return (TNR) services to humanely prevent future kittens.
Rue was found during a routine trap-neuter-return (TNR) outing. From the moment she was trapped, we knew she previously had some form of socialization but was forced to adjust to life on the streets. After spending weeks recovering from a nasty wound and infection, she officially became Felius adoption #1,178 this past January!
Photo Credit: Amanda Guidero
13% are born to community cats in our maternity ward
Within our trap-neuter-return (TNR) initiative, Felius and our partner organization, Stray-to-Spay, frequently encounter pregnant community cats. Due to the high number of cats on the streets and limited resources, many rescue groups opt to compassionately euthanize unborn kittens during the mother's spay surgery. This is a difficult reality that Felius approaches with great care.
However, when we trap a pregnant cat close to delivery and vetting options are unavailable, we can provide a safe environment in our Maternity Ward for her to give birth. After weaning her kittens, the mother is spayed and returned to her original location, no longer subjected to continuous pregnancies.
The challenges of rescue work often present difficult decisions for those involved. These decisions are made considering the welfare of the cats, the organization's sustainability, and the local environment. Every choice is guided by compassion and responsibility, prioritizing what is humane and ethical in every circumstance.
These are just two kittens born in the Felius Maternity Ward last year. Their mother came to us nearly nine weeks pregnant and we were able to give her a safe space to deliver and nurse her little nuggets before spaying and re-releasing her.
Photo credit: Bre Phelan
4% are transferred in from other rescues
Rescues and shelters frequently face challenges with an abundance of cats. To avoid euthanasia due to limited space, we collaborate with other organizations to transfer in cats when we are able. Like most rescue organizations, Felius often operates at full capacity, making it difficult to accommodate these transfers. Nevertheless, we strive to support organizations in need as much as possible.
3% are owner surrenders
Life can present unexpected challenges, and even the most devoted pet owners may encounter difficult situations. Whether it's a shift in living arrangements, a loss in the family, or financial constraints, Felius is here to assist these owners in finding a caring new home for their cats. We take great care in evaluating every potential home for a Felius cat, and owners rely on us to secure the ideal family when opting to rehome their feline friends.
Mei was abandoned by her desperate owner at our veterinary partner, Lone Tree Animal Care Center. Upon receiving a call from our friends at Stray-to-Spay, we were eager to place her in a foster home. Currently, Mei is bravely fighting a severe upper respiratory infection and will need significant dental treatment. We are grateful she found her way to us, where we can help her find the loving forever home she deserves.
Photo Credit: Amanda Guidero
How can you help Felius save more cats?
Foster: Open your home to a temporary tenant by becoming a foster parent. The more foster homes we have on deck, the more cats we can intake and save!
Adopt: The next time you are looking for a feline companion, choose to adopt from a rescue or shelter verses shopping for a pet from a breeder.
Donate: Whether it's a few bucks or a monthly donations, every penny impacts our mission. Plus, your gift is 100% tax-deductible!