When we first moved into our neighborhood we didn’t think much of the cat population, as most appeared to be owned by neighbors. That all changed when we met Tomallama. After a pretty traumatic event, it became crystal clear that Tomallama wasn’t actually owned by anyone.  So we took her in. Not long after that, Teddy (pictured below after his first hospital stay) showed up on our front porch, sick as can be and emaciated to a severe degree. As Teddy’s medical bills started to take over our lives, we soon realized: that most of these cats weren’t owned, and some of those that were owned appeared to be owned irresponsibly…

With no-kill shelters overrun and no luck trying to find them homes ourselves, we began doing the best we could in a bad situation. Back against the walls, we began making calls looking for help with spay/neuter procedures and health care. Every vet within 100 miles quoted prices beyond our means. So we called rescues and non-profits looking for resources and advice. No help could be found…

For a while anyway. A returned phone call from the Somerset/Pulaski Humane Society transformed our lives. They were able to help with TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), stabilizing the population.

Soon after, we increased the radius of calls looking for help and found Bluegrass Vet Clinic in Paris, Ky. They offered low-cost medical care within our means, increasing the quality of life of the colony.

Our hard work was paying off and something magical began to take root. Others could see it too and began showing such through the generosity of of unsolicited donations. Solidifying in our minds, that the work that we do with this colony of kitties is important in a way that wasn't understood at the start.

Over time, the colony transformed for the better. What started with food, water, and a front porch, turned into creatively made cat houses, preventatives, health care, a permanent structure to escape the elements, electricity for heat and light, a separate recovery room, toys, and a whole lot of love, memories, and meaning.

We didn’t do it alone and it didn’t happen overnight. With the help of a lot of good people, this colony has been transformed from surviving to thriving. Cat Patch Inc. was officially formed in May 2024 to ensure these efforts will continue, that more proactive efforts can occur, and to secure the longevity of the colony.