Pets Alive WNY

Last year, Give 716 supporters helped change the life of a tiny kitten named Stitch 🥰

When Stitch came to Pets Alive WNY, he was struggling with severe breathing and feeding issues. Despite multiple veterinary visits and consultations with specialists, no one could determine what was wrong. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to continue searching for answers, eventually making the trip to the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, where Stitch was diagnosed with a rare swallowing disorder.

Today, Stitch is thriving. Thanks to his specialized diet and upright feeding, he's healthy, happy, and has fully embraced his Disney namesake; Mischievous, goofy, and always finding new ways to entertain his foster family! 😅

Your support made that possible. Your generosity gave him the chance he deserved and it will do the same for the next animal who needs us ❤️

Stitch's story shows what your generosity made possible. But every year, new emergencies remind us why that support is needed more than ever.

Just a few months ago, another one of rescued cats, Mulligan, faced a life-threatening medical emergency. He was rushed to the emergency veterinary hospital after developing a urinary blockage, a condition that can become fatal in a matter of hours if left untreated.

Between emergency diagnostics, lifesaving treatment, an overnight hospital stay, follow-up care with our veterinarian, and his ongoing special diet, Mulligan's medical care has already cost Pets Alive WNY more than $3,000.

Today, Mulligan is doing well, but his journey isn't over. He must remain on a specialized diet and be monitored closely to help prevent another blockage. He's also a shy boy who takes time to trust new people, which means finding the right forever home may take longer than it does for many cats.

For some, it would be easy to look at the cost of his care or the uncertainty of his future and decide he isn't worth the investment 🥺

We don't see it that way.

At Pets Alive WNY, we believe every cat deserves the chance to live a healthy, happy life, whether they find a home tomorrow or months from now. Mulligan doesn't know he's expensive. He doesn't know he's shy. He only knows that someone cared enough to save him.

Because of supporters like you, we can continue saying "yes" to cats like Mulligan, giving them the care, compassion, and second chances they deserve while they wait for the person who sees just how special they truly are 💗

Not every cat’s journey is filled with dramatic rescues or emergency surgeries. Sometimes, the greatest challenge is simply making sure they’re cared for every single day...

Sonja has been with Pets Alive WNY for several years after her owner moved away and left her behind in the basement of an apartment. Through no fault of her own, she lost the only home she had ever known.

Despite everything she’s endured, Sonja is one of the sweetest cats you’ll ever meet. When she first came to us, she would happily curl up in our laps, soaking up every bit of love and attention she could find. Her adorable little bulldog-like underbite only adds to her charm, giving her a face that makes us smile every day. She has now spent years waiting for someone to see what we see. While shelter life can never replace the comfort of a home, she still leans into gentle affection, reminding us that she has just as much love to give today as she did the day she arrived.

Unfortunately, Sonja’s medical journey is ongoing. She requires daily medication to manage high blood pressure, and more recently she developed conjunctivitis that required multiple visits to a veterinary ophthalmologist and several rounds of medication. Her care doesn’t end with a single procedure or one emergency visit. It’s a lifelong commitment.

Cats like Sonja often wait much longer to find a home. Managing chronic medical conditions can make potential adopters hesitant, but we don’t believe that should determine whether a cat receives the care they need.

To us, Sonja isn’t “too expensive” or “too much work.” She’s simply a wonderful cat who deserves to feel safe, healthy, and loved ❤️

Your Give716 donation helps us provide ongoing medical care, prescription medications, specialist visits, and the everyday compassion that cats like Sonja rely on while they wait for the family willing to look beyond a diagnosis and see the incredible cat she truly is.

At Pets Alive WNY, we believe every cat deserves compassion, medical care, and the chance to be loved, regardless of their age, their medical needs, or how long it takes to find the right home. With your support during Give716, we can continue turning stories of fear into stories of hope. Thank you for believing that every life is worth saving! 🙏

With gratitude,

The All-Volunteer Team at Pets Alive WNY

Pets Alive WNY is an all-volunteer, nonprofit cat rescue dedicated to giving every cat a second chance through compassionate care, lifesaving medical treatment, and thoughtful, lasting adoptions. We believe successful adoptions aren't measured by how quickly a cat finds a home, but by finding the right home. By carefully matching each cat's unique personality, needs, and history with the right family, we strive to create lifelong bonds that benefit both our cats and the people who welcome them into their homes.