Dear friends,

As we approach the holiday season, we at Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue are reaching out to you with a special request on this #GivingTuesday. This year, let's come together to make a significant difference in the lives of our beloved senior feline friends.

One such senior cat found their way to our rescue back on February 4, 2020. Here's the story:

"This cat is about to go into labor!"

On February 4, 2020, we were contacted by a concerned employee of Philips Medical in Highland Heights. A friendly, vocal, stray cat had approached the woman as she was getting out of her car to head into the building for a meeting. The woman said that the cat was meowing, demanding attention, was very large, and seemed about to go into labor to deliver her kittens.

The woman found a co-worker to care for the cat until one of our volunteers could arrive. When our volunteer arrived, she found the cat calmly sitting on the co-worker's lap on a couch in the lobby. Our volunteer took the cat to a nearby vet clinic for an examination and to check for a microchip.

The cat was not about to have kittens. The cat was a male! An elderly, obese, neutered male, missing several teeth who was not microchipped. He appeared to have been on his own for quite some time as his fur was quite matted and needed to be shaved in places.

We decided to name him Phil because he was found at Philips Medical, and, since it was just after Groundhog Day, as a nod to Punxsutawney Phil.

It's our mission ...

At Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue, we have made it part of our mission to provide a loving temporary home for older cats like Phil, offering them a second chance at happiness with a new family. This #GivingTuesday, we're focusing on a critical aspect of our rescue efforts - the medical needs of our cats.

Viva Los Gatos covered Phil's medical bills including the removal of his remaining teeth. Shaving his fur revealed several long-healed scars, probably received from his hard life outside.

These kinds of issues could lead to surly and mean behavior in some cats, but as we got to know Phil, we discovered how very sweet and affectionate he was!

Prior to the start of the pandemic, we brought Phil to a few adoption events and he was content to be held by our volunteers and to fall asleep on their laps.

Just as long as he was getting love, Phil was happy. In his foster home, Phil could sit on a lap for hours. And, he even took his daily medications willingly in a Pill Pocket, which we referred to as a "Phil Pocket". He quickly earned the nickname "Chill Phil" because of his easy-going demeanor.

Senior cats require special care ...

Just like humans, senior cats often face health challenges that require specialized care. From arthritis to dental issues, our feline friends require extra attention to ensure their well-being. Your generous donation this #GivingTuesday will directly contribute to the medical care, veterinary visits, and necessary treatments that will make a world of difference for these senior cats.

Here's how your support can impact the lives of our cats:

Veterinary Care: Your donation will fund essential veterinary check-ups and medical treatments, ensuring that our senior foster cats receive the attention they need to stay healthy and happy.

Specialized Diets: As cats age, their nutritional needs change. Your support will enable us to provide specialized diets tailored to the unique requirements of our senior feline fosters.

Comfortable Accommodations: We aim to create a peaceful and comfortable environment in our foster homes for our senior cats, with cozy beds, warm blankets, and quiet spaces where they can relax and remain safe as we help them find a suitable forever home.

Pain Management: Many senior cats suffer from conditions like arthritis, and your contribution will help us provide effective pain management solutions, ensuring our elderly feline friends live their best lives.

This #GivingTuesday, let's join hands and paws to make a lasting impact on the lives of senior cats like Phil. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in providing the care and love these cats deserve in their golden years.

Given Phil's advanced age, Viva Los Gatos decided it was in his best interest to remain as a Permanent Resident in his foster home. The foster family adopted Phil themselves because they realized an elderly cat with multiple medical issues was unlikely to be adopted. But really, they fell in love with Chill Phil and gave him the best last 2 years of his life.

Donate today, and let's make this holiday season a time of compassion and joy for our senior feline companions.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission to make every day brighter for cats in need!

Warmest Wishes,

Joanne, Sue, David, Donna & Dan
Co-Founders
Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue
Cleveland, Ohio

One of our favorite rescue stories for #GivingTuesday

Give the Gift of Comfort and Care to Senior Cats this #GivingTuesday!