Pooka’s Purrhouse Cat Rescue

06/24/2026

Our O.G. - Original Gato! 18 year old Fiona getting pampered with palliative care - acupuncture and cold laser therapy!

06/08/2026

FACING THE END

Today we were reminded how difficult the decisions we make for our pets can be. It’s a terrible moment, and our hearts go out to anyone who has had to face it.

When we’re confronted with serious diagnoses, emergency situations, or discussions about end-of-life care, it’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to make sure you fully understand what is happening and what options are available.

Our pets can’t speak for themselves. We are their advocates. It’s okay not to be rushed into making a decision.

Before making any major medical decision, consider asking:

• What exactly is the diagnosis?
• What tests or imaging support that diagnosis?
• What treatment options are available?
• What is the likely outcome with treatment?
• What is the likely outcome without treatment?
• Is supportive care an option?
• Can we have time to think about this?
• Would a second opinion be reasonable?
• What will my pet’s quality of life look like with each option?

Sometimes the answer will still be that it’s time to say goodbye. Sometimes it won’t.

There is no single “right” decision that fits every situation. There is only the decision you make with the best information available, guided by love and compassion for your companion.

Whatever path you choose, make sure your questions are answered, your concerns are heard, and that you feel at peace with the decision you make.

Our pets give us a lifetime of trust. They deserve our best efforts to understand all of the options before us. ❤️🐾

05/13/2026

Day 84. Final FIP medication day!

It’s been a long road, and we’re still only halfway there. A whole community of friends and allies helped get us here, and deep thanks to every one of you who supported Nimbus along the way.

Three years ago, Nimbus likely wouldn’t have survived. Today, because of incredible advancements in FIP treatment and medication, he has a real shot at a healthy life.

Next up: 84 days of observation… and, surprise, a dental surgery for extractions and cleaning. Ugh.

This journey definitely wiped me out a bit, so Pooka’s Purrhouse may be slowing down for a breather while we focus on getting this lovely guy fully healthy and living the normal cat life he deserves.

A special thank you to Anne and The Cat Garden Rescue who fielded panicked calls, donated, advised, and offered meds when needed.

Also, many thanks to the great humans out there who continue supporting animal welfare and rescue work. ❤️

This is the LAST day of his FIP medication...whew!

03/14/2026

🚨 Cat Rescue Needs Your Help — Please Help Save Nimbus' Life and our Rescue from the Cost of F.I.P. 🚨

In the past few years, we’ve used our own funds to save cats, now we are spent.

We’ve built shelter, had them fed, medically cared for, and given our residents a comfortable quality of life. Nimbus came and was not sick until F.I.P was triggered in his immune system.

We refused to put him down if there was a treatment to save his life, and there is but it cost us dearly. Please consider helping, and if you can’t help right now, please

*** Share this post to your networks***

Thank you the The Cat Garden Rescue for being a 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor for larger donations and Community Concern for Cats Clinic in Clayton for intake, Neuter, and shots.

Please watch the 120 second video and hear our caring journey with this sweet little skinny grey guy.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-nimbus-survive-fip

02/25/2026

After 14 Successful Rescues… This One Is Different: We’ve finally hit a tough spot with Nimbus. He’s been diagnosed with FIP—once a death sentence, but now treatable. We refuse to give up on him, and we believe he’ll have a future with a loving home once he’s healthy. We’ll be launching a fundraiser to help cover his treatment, and we’ll share every step, every bill, and every update along the way. Stay tuned—we’ll need your help to give Nimbus that second chance.

02/04/2026

Today, my 17.5 year old CKD Fiona and I are starting International Cat Caregivers Day. It’s different from International Cat Day in August, which celebrates cats themselves. This day is about the relationship — the quiet, intimate bond between cats and the humans who care for them. It’s intentionally placed within National Cat Health Month, because caregiving and health are so deeply intertwined, especially as our cats get older.

Over the last two and a half years, our journey together has shown me what giving back with gratitude really looks like. Daily supplements, sub-Q fluids every other day — these routines became moments of connection. It took a full year, but Fiona has gone from 8 pounds to 9. A small win, but one that means everything. Even as she’s slowing down and becoming a bit arthritic, I know I’m doing my best to support her comfort, mood, and quality of life.

I want to dedicate this day to Fiona, to caregiver communities everywhere, and to anyone who has loved and cared for a senior cat or a cat with chronic illness. As recently highlighted in the New York Times, there’s so much we can do to make our cats’ later years healthier and more meaningful.

It’s not a battle, but it is a journey of love. There’s still so much misunderstanding about cats and the depth of our bond with them. I hope today helps shine a light on just how profound that connection truly is.

01/16/2026

Coyote vs (Bob)Cat - wham bam, AND Kitty did it with food in his mouth! Well done, Kitty! (pt. Reyes)

https://fb.watch/EFwMbb8EVW/?

12/29/2025

For the new 2026 year, we are introducing:

February 4 — International Cat Caregivers Day 🐾
(Within the month of National Cat Health Month).

Today we’re honored to introduce International Cat Caregivers Day, a day created to recognize the deep, quiet bond between cats and the humans who care for them—especially as they age or face illness.

Cats give us years of companionship, comfort, and presence. They sit with us through grief, make us laugh on hard days, and become part of the rhythm of our lives. Their love is subtle, but profound. And when the time comes that they need more from us, caregiving becomes a way of giving that love back.

This day isn’t about obligation or sacrifice.
It’s about gratitude.

Caregiving is a continuation of the relationship—a way of saying thank you for all the years they showed up for us.

At Pooka’s PurrHouse, we created International Cat Caregivers Day as a way to honor cats while they are still here. To slow down. To be present. To recognize that the care we give now not only supports their quality of life, but also shapes how we carry them in our hearts when they’re gone.

This inaugural year, we’re dedicating International Cat Caregivers Day to our own senior girl, Fiona.

Fiona is 17½ years old, living with stage 3 CKD, and doing beautifully on a steady, supported course. She’s comfortable, engaged, and very much herself. Caring for her has reminded us how powerful it is to honor a cat in real time—not only in memory, but in presence. To choose quality of life. To meet her where she is. To cherish every ordinary, extraordinary day.

We also want to give a special shout-out and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Emily for the inspiration, education, and tireless work she does to help caregivers support senior and chronically ill cats. Her guidance has empowered so many of us to advocate for our cats and give them the best quality of life possible. We highly recommend looking up her YouTube channel for thoughtful, practical pro tips on caring for aging and sick cats.

International Cat Caregivers Day is for:
• the cats who gave us years of love
• the caregivers who show up quietly every day
• the bond that deserves respect, dignity, and care

Today, we invite you to:
• share your cat’s story
• honor a senior or ill cat in your life
• remember a cat you’ve loved and lost
• support a caregiver or rescue
• or simply sit with your cat and be present

Because caregiving is not just care.
Caregiving is gratitude.

🐾 International Cat Caregivers Day — February 4
Founded by Pooka’s PurrHouse

12/02/2025

It’s GIVING Tuesday, and if you’d like to help us save some cats, we’ve got a few which could use your help! Check out the shiny new website www.pookaspurrhouse.org for links to donations, Amazon lists, and all that fluff! Until then, enjoy Micha and one of my sweet guys (Weasley) on the Catwalk!