Cat Sanctuary & Virtual Adoptions
Wild Whiskersof Hillcrest Farms
Several years ago, cats began finding their way to Hillcrest Farms. Here, they find food and rudimentary shelter. Nearly all have been trapped and released as part of a TNR (trap-neuter-release) program by the area’s humane society. However, being already overwhelmed with other rescues, the humane society declined to accept these for adoption. A few months later, the pandemic arrived.
Getting Involved
How to Help a Kitty
Adopt (or virtually adopt) a pet
The cats in this colony are feral to varying degrees. Some would make good barn cats, if you’re local. A few may make good house pets. Some are affectionate and enjoy human company, but may not be appropriate as an indoor pet.
If you would like to virtually adopt one of our cats, browse those available, select one for a virtual adoption, and we’ll work out your contribution to its food, shelter, and medical care.
Make a Donation
Most, but not all, of the cats have been spayed or neutered. They all need food, shelter, and occasional medical care.
A few cats have taken residence in former chicken houses. Most of them stay inside a field fence that was put up around the yard to protect them from coyotes. Other than a small tool shed (which accommodates only a few of them) the only protection the yard cats have are the cardboard boxes in which their food is delivered from Chewy.com. With winter approaching, a priority for funding is more substantial individual shelters.
Featured Cats
Chevron
Named for the white mark above her nose, Chevron is a spayed female; a remarkably wonderful mother who allows her grown children to stay close.
Junior
Junior was born here as a feral kitten of a feral mother. One day out of the blue when he came to the patio to eat, he walked up close to me and put his front paws up as though wanting to be picked up for a hug. And that’s the sweetie he’s been ever since!
Stranger Kitty
I’m not certain of this sweetie’s gender, but little Stranger Kitty is one of the tamest of the ferals. This little guy comes up close to be petted, though has never been picked up or taken indoors (other than during the spay/neuter program).
Swirly Orange Kitty With Exclamation Point Nose
This guy has been neutered and is still one of the wildest. He does meow at me and come to be fed with the other cats, but doesn’t allow me to get close. He and his brother used to venture over to the old barn, but his brother disappeared. He seems to be part-time buddies with Mini Chevron, who looks like Chevron (above) but with long hair and more white.
What we do
Our Goals
Rescuing Pets
We are not taking additional animals at this time. The ones who are here simply found their way here, were left in the neighborhood by previous owners, or were born of those.
Animal Licensing
We do not provide licensing. Contact your local humane society.
Finding Pets a Home
If you’re local and need a barn cat, there are some here that could use a good, loving, permanent home. A few may work as house pets. While most are feral, a few came here as tame and affectionate strays.
Spay & Neuter
The goal is to have 100% of the sanctuary cats spayed or neutered. Those who are wilder must be trapped, and it’s tricky trying to trap a particular cat when forty to fifty of them share the same territory. Donations for a couple more traps would be helpful. We’ve used the Hamlett Spay and Neuter Clinic, and the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
To keep the little furry friends who find their way here safe, comfortable, and happy.
Get Involved
With nearly all cats spayed or neutered, we hope to get the cat population under control. Still, there are approximately fifty cats to be fed, housed, and sometimes provided with medication or healthcare. Cat food, small outdoor shelters, feline flea treatments, and financial donations are welcome.
Lack of free or affordable healthcare for feral cats is a problem of which I became all too aware last year (2019) when cats were ill and dying, with one having been diagnosed previously with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) and euthanized. If you are a veterinarian, please consider donating time for treating feral felines. Let’s start a Veterinary Friends of Feral Felines (VFFF or VFoFF) movement.
Upcoming Events
Sept 17-20, 2019 - Trap-Neuter-Release
All Day None Scheduled.
Adopt, Virtually Adopt, or Simply Donate
Featured Pets
Puss 'n' Boots
Black and White domestic shorthair. Nice cat, though not tame.
Tippy
Gray and white domestic short hair. One of Chevron’s now-adult children. Gradually able to get closer, but still not pettable.
Calico Kitten
Longhaired Calico Female, sister of Dora, daughter of Little White-faced Kitten. Not tame.
Learn
Pet Adoption Notes
Adopting VS BUying
TBD – Under Construction
How to Find the Perfect Pet
TBD – Under Construction