In this January 2026 update, there’s a lot going on. From cats currently in care, to feral kittens discovered at one of our managed areas, rescue never sleeps.

The big story this month is Blue. Sadly, after trying many, many different interventions to get his diarrhea to resolve, it still persists. We had him back at the vet for another round of bloodwork to see where his ALT (liver) value was and it increased from the last test in August. In consultation with our vet, we have decided to go all out and get him a CT scan in case he has an portosystemic shunt. What is that? Blood vessels carry blood to the liver to process waste. That waste is filtered out and the clean blood goes back into the system. A shunt carries unprocessed waste AROUND the liver and back into the system without being cleaned. Eventually, the unfiltered blood winds up wreaking havoc on the body and brain.

The CT scan will be able to tell us if he has this shunt, or possibly another problem that is causing his liver value to be chronically elevated. The cost for the scan? $2,000. Recall, we’ve already spent about $3,000 on his dental, ultrasound and other tests and treatments. Because he’s only just over a year old, we want to give him every opportunity to be cured of whatever is affecting him. So, if you have some spare change, please consider either donating funds or shopping at Mia’s Emporium. Also, spread the word!

Since I’ve, essentially, retired from work (save for the odd construction project), I have taken up sewing. That is very odd for me because I have hated sewing all my life. However, my mother gifted me one of her sewing machines so I could make some cushions for the couch and for our cats to sleep on. I realized I was actually good at it, so I decided to create the cat carrier covers that had been created for the WLCA Scaredy Cat Academy foster program in 2018. A wonderful crafter, and staff person, at WHS invented them and gave me permission to create my own to raise funds for WLCA rescues.

You can find these covers for sale at Mia’s Emporium. Over the years, they’ve kept many cats warm, and calm, on their way to, and from, appointments. I find them indispensable. I’ll never go back to using towels again. They’re stylish and I always get comments and questioned about where I bought mine. People are disappointed when they find out they’re not available for sale. But, now they are.

My pricing reflects the size of the carrier they cover. At auction, they went for over $40. For now, I have four available (one small, two med and one large). I hope they become popular (but not so popular that I have to get them manufactured overseas, lol!). Once these run out, I’ll make more (and take orders if I run out). I’m also considering making lightweight ones for summer to keep cats calm, and cool, in the car.

Miki had his vet appointment and we all held our breaths for a clean bill of health. He tested positive for FIV, but he has decent teeth, doesn’t need an immediate dental and his other parameters were good. Miki needs to lose weight and continues to adjust to indoor life at his foster home. He is a work-in-progress. His vet bill was just over $500.

I received word that there are three, approximately, six month old kittens at one of my managed community cat areas. Apparently, there was a house fire on the block in late November and the person who lived there had been collecting cats without having them spayed or neutered. Those that were indoors, wound up outside. So, there’s a new batch needing TNR (or placement). These kittens aren’t approachable, so I’m not that hopeful that they’re just scared, rather than feral. Also at the location, a big, grey tabby with a wonky eye. Sigh.

I made them a winter shelter and put it on the property. If they don’t have access to the inside of the burned house, hopefully, they’ll be able to stay alive using the shelter together. These kids will be a project for the spring and with your help (donations, purchases), they will have a better chance for good health and survival.