Cat rescue calls for help as funding runs dry
HENDERSON, Tenn. — At Frisky Feline Rescue, the mission is simple but powerful: to provide a safe haven, compassionate care and a second chance for cats in need.
For years, the rescue has saved abandoned and medically vulnerable cats across the region.
“A lot of times when we get them, there is something wrong with them like Gringo; he had to have a leg amputation because somebody shot him. Sebastian, with the teeth removal. There’s two sets of kittens behind you; they have ringworm so we have to treat them,” said Lisa Reed, Director of Frisky Feline Rescue.
But the increasing cost of essential services — such as flea and heartworm prevention, spay and neuter costs, emergency vet care and shelter maintenance — has put a financial strain on the nonprofit.
“Rising costs have really hurt us,” Reed said. “Our adoption fees are only $75, but we put in up to $100-$200, and even higher per kitty to get them ready for their fur-ever home.”
Last week, Reed let people on social media know of some unfortunate news: the rescue is out of funding. In fact, she received an overdraft notice from the bank, and she said she was in tears as she posted the message online.
“I went to order flea medication and my card was declined twice, and I thought, ‘oh my gosh, how am I going to order flea medication’ when I couldn’t because they all need flea treatment.”
Funding is needed most at this time, as the rescue ensures every cat or kitten is fully vetted, including spay and neuter, vaccinations and preventative care, so the animals are healthy, safe and ready to thrive in their new fur-ever home when adopted.
The animals are housed in two separate enclosures – one for quarantine and one for play – but with high utility costs, limited volunteers and a mission fueled purely by her love for the cats, keeping the rescue open is becoming challenging.
“I clean litter boxes, I play with kitties, I help if she needs help with the vaccines or whatever she needs,” said Beth Myers, volunteer. “Helping her at the vet, because there is a lot of trips to the vet.”
Donations can be made through Venmo, Paypal or Donorbox on Facebook. You can also send a check directly to the shelter address.
Frisky Feline Rescue is located at 1510 Sanford Road in Henderson, Tennessee, 38340. Click here to visit their official Facebook page for more information.
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