07/11/2026
At the beginning of June, one of our Felius alumni, Cali, made her way back to the playroom. She returned with her adopted sister, Miss Honey (an NHS alum), after their family had to unexpectedly move and couldn't take them along. A few weeks later, two more Felius alumni and littermates, Misty and Whiskers, also made their way back to the playroom after their family experienced some major life changes.
However, this wasn't a case of two unrelated returns. In fact, a quick look (both at the cats and our records...) revealed that Cali, Misty, and Whiskers were littermates who had been adopted from Felius in 2024. Nearly two years after leaving rescue as kittens, these three sisters found themselves back together again in our playroom. While we can't say whether they remember each other, it's been pretty special to watch them share the same space once again.
As bittersweet as this reunion has been, it also tells a much bigger story. Across the country, shelters and rescues are seeing more animals returned than they have in years. Our owner surrender requests have nearly doubled over the last few months. Not because people suddenly stopped loving their animals, but because life has become a whole lot harder.
Rent keeps going up. Pet-friendly housing can be difficult to find. Groceries cost more. Veterinary care costs more. Unexpected medical bills, job loss, layoffs, family emergencies, military deployments, immigration-related challenges, and other major life changes can force people into impossible situations.
When people lose stability, their pets often lose it too. We know surrendering a pet is rarely anyone's first choice. More often than not, it's the last option left after every other door has closed.
That's why, at Felius, our goal isn't just to find homes for cats who need them. It's also to help keep cats in the homes they already have whenever we can. If you're going through a difficult time, our free pet supply pantry is here to help. Food, litter, and other essentials can make the difference between a temporary hardship and having to say goodbye to a beloved family member. No judgment. No shame. Just neighbors helping neighbors. And cats.
If you're in a position to help instead, there are so many ways to make a difference. Adopt one of the incredible cats waiting in our care. Donate food or litter to stock our free supply pantry. Or make a monetary gift to help us care for cats like Cali, Misty, Whiskers, and the many others who need a safe place to land.
Together, we can help more cats stay where they belong and be there for the ones who need us when they can't.
