Author: Shadow Cats

In Memory of Uno       4/12/2010 – 2/16/2023

When individuals and rescues reach out to us about taking in kitties sometimes the decision can take a bit of time. We take into consideration a lot of different things to ensure that the kitties we take are the perfect fit. But with Uno we knew the second we heard his story that he was meant to be a Shadow Cat.

Uno came to us on May 18, 2022, from the Austin Animal Center. He was abandoned by his previous owners and left to live on the streets after they brought home new dogs that did not like Uno. This little sweetheart was just too nice to be a street cat – he was always seen snuggling with other strays and even neighbors’ dogs. A good Samaritan kept close tabs on Uno and noticed how skinny he was getting and was finally able to catch him and take him to AAC. After he tested positive for both FeLV and FIV our contacts at AAC gave us a call to see if we could help. This was probably the quickest “yes” we have said in some time.

There is just something about Uno that instantly endears anyone and everyone to him. He has quite possibly the kindest face ever. He came to us severely malnourished, and with an infected underdeveloped eye. We were able to get him back to a good weight range and help his eyes. His time with us has seen its ups and downs and he eventually had to have his good eye removed leaving him blind, but that did not slow him down for long. He quickly had Cookie’s Annex memorized and could even navigate to the middle levels of cat trees.

Uno’s favorite places to be were either in the catio in a beam of sunlight or cuddling up in someone’s lap (especially if that someone had treats.) Uno loved a good scritch session and always repaid the kindness with exuberant head bonks!

To say Uno is special is an understatement. This boy just has a way of getting so deep into your heart that he cannot be ignored. Staff and volunteers alike make time out of their day to dote on Uno – special meals, spa days, food, and treats just for him. We all want nothing more than to see Uno happy. There may even have been talk about how he could be part of a staff member’s upcoming wedding. He is just that loved!

Unfortunately, as is the case with many double positive kitties, Uno’s body just could not keep up. We tried everything we could to keep him going and keep him feeling good. The treatments were just no longer helping him bounce back. Our final gift to our sweet special Uno was to help him pass painlessly while surrounded by those who loved him so very much!

We will forever love you, Uno, and forever miss those head bonks. Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported our boy!

Uno had 2 Sponsors

Gretchen and Kerry McIntyre

Christina Zimmer

In Memory of Tweety       8/02/2005 – 2/13/2023

Can I tell you my story? My name is Tweety.

I was a young’un living in McAllen, Texas, in 2005. I thought life was pretty good. I was given food and I heard kind voices talk to me. I really was not interested in communicating with these voices – I think they were coming from “humans”! Life went on, I got a little bigger and some humans started to not be nice to me. They were very mean and would throw things at me trying to hurt me. What the heck, I thought, what have I done to upset them? I spent my days trying to hide all the time and became very scared. I knew at a young age I was going to be a lone kitty and was very afraid I was not going to have many friends. This made me so sad.

One day there were lots of ’ voices’ and not long after a discussion they called it, this happened – I was tricked into this thing called a trap and whisked away. I was hissing and very angry that I had been caught, but I was a little relieved to be away from the mean humans, to be honest. After a fairly long car ride I arrived at this new place; they called it a managed colony, whatever that meant! It was calm and I was looked after every day by kind people. They came to feed me and check up on me. I caught a glimpse of them sometimes and even came out of my hidey holes to say hello. I lived there for a long time and finally had some buddies. Life was good!

Well, what do you know. The nice place where we lived for over 10 years was getting sold they said and that trap thing appeared again. I was afraid to go in but as I saw my buddies leave I did go in and my life changed from then on. I did not know it then but I lived my best years at a place called Shadow Cats.

In 2017, Tweety was welcomed to the sanctuary along with his buddies that were at the colony. They were all scared and very nervous about their new surroundings. We made them feel as comfortable as we could. They had lots of places to hide and lots of places to observe us from afar. We would talk to him all the time but getting too close we would be rewarded with a swat. So many of us have been on the receiving end of loud hisses from Tweety! He was so handsome, he had so many stories to tell, and beneath that tough exterior we knew he was a sweetheart. He looked at us with sad eyes, and even though we received hisses sometimes, we cannot tell you how much we loved this gorgeous boy!

When we moved to the new sanctuary Tweety began to be a little more social, and as he got a little older he seemed to be enjoying his new life and the new digs. He could be who he wanted to be and interact with us when he wanted. He even liked being petted on occasion and we loved that! He was so happy out on the catio but very content to be snuggled inside in a warm bed at night. How his life had changed. He was cared for every day, never hungry, safe, and very much loved and he had friends!😊

Over the past few months, Tweety has been suffering from renal issues and this feral boy has been the best patient, most of the time, when we have given him his meds and fluids. He has been closely monitored by our veterinarians and our amazing staff. He really has been a champ and we have given him the best quality of life we could.

We knew that his time was coming, his health was declining, and today Tweety told us that he could no longer fight and he was tired. Tweety passed ever so peacefully and gently. He was held so close in loving arms and he heard sweet whispers telling him he was loved deeply.

What a life you have had, Tweety! The stories you will tell to all those waiting for you.

From a rough start, Tweety lived to be almost 18 years of age. We celebrate his life with us and hope all the memories he took with him are good ones, that he had forgotten his early life and only knew how much he was loved. Rest easy, handsome boy, you were much loved by so many.

Our thanks as always to our caring compassionate staff, our volunteers, all at Liberty Hill Veterinary Wellness, and his sponsors. Thank you for loving Tweety.

Tweety had 3 Sponsors

Sheri Biggs

Keven and Mitzi Clark

Pat Heltke

In Memory of Rupert       8/18/2020 – 1/13/2023

This little cutie arrived at our door all the way from North Carolina. He was found on the streets there with a bad mouth injury and taken to a shelter. They fixed him up, but found him to be FeLV + and after several rechecks staff at the shelter worked hard to be able to find him safe haven. Time was running out for this little cutie pie as he was put on the euthanasia list.

We were contacted and we had room. We had just moved into our new sanctuary and had more space. We were so happy to be able to welcome him and couldn’t wait to meet him. Lots of plans were made for his journey with help from some wonderful transporters and with the shelter’s support within a couple of days his bags were packed and he was on his way to his new home at Shadow Cats. As always you know we loved him to bits even before he arrived 😊

Well, when he did arrive cute doesn’t begin to describe him. We knew he needed a really distinguished name, of course, Elvis ( because of his lip ) was up there on the list but the name Elvis did not suit him, so he was named Rupert.

Rupert was a little shy at first, but ever so sweet. He had been through a lot at such a young age. He was just a few weeks old and such a little bitty thing when he arrived. After his initial days in our hospital room, Rupert joined the gang in Cookies. He was small but mighty! He did all the things a young un should do – played hard, zoomed about, had some great wrestling games with his roommates, and then fell asleep cuddled all up together with them. He was becoming much more comfortable with us humans too as he realized we were ok to be around.

Over the months, Rupert blossomed and grew into the most handsome young lad, so distinguished – his curly lip and four white paws made him all the more good-looking. He learned to love pets and chin scratches and sometimes a lap. He would even roll over at our feet and want belly rubs and of course we were always happy to oblige! And smart! He could tell time like so many of our kitties, always waiting by the door, looking through the glass for the staff to arrive with food at mealtimes, first in line. He loved being in sunbeams out on the catio, always front and center with all the gang to watch when squirrel activity was happening. The sweetest and most gentle boy, sometimes he looked like he was deep in thought just contemplating the world around him, and then he would look up at us and give us that crooked lip smile of his. Such great memories we will cherish. He was an absolute sweetheart. He had our hearts!

Leukemia does not play fair. At any time we know things can change very quickly and for our dear boy Rupert, this was the case. We knew he wasn’t feeling well and after a visit to the hospital a large mass was found in his abdomen. Sadly, the effects of leukemia had reared its ugly head for Rupert way too soon in his life. He came home and spent his last couple of days being loved on by all his buddies in Cookies, spent his time on the catio in his favorite place soaking up the sun, his buddies sharing the shelf with him and being with him. So precious to see.

Rupert ever so gently and peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge surrounded by love and light, cradled in loving arms, hearing sweet whispers in his ears telling him he was the best kitty. Our hearts are so sad and many tears are shed but knowing that Rupert lived every day he was with us loved deeply, safe and happy, brings us such comfort. He had the best life. Thank you, darling Rupert, for the beautiful memories and joy you gave us. We will miss you so much, our sweet gentle crooked lip boy, you will forever be in our hearts. Rest easy, sweetheart.

Our heartfelt thanks to all who loved Rupert from his caregivers in North Carolina to our caring staff, volunteers, his sponsors, and all at Sam Bass Veterinary Wellness. We are so very grateful.

Rupert had 4 Sponsors

Anne Llana Koob

Anne Elizabeth Fajkus

Steve and Joan Paine

“In memory of Boulder Kitty Olson”
-Julie Frank

In Memory of Ivy       10/1/2020 – 1/10/2023

Our little darling Ivy had such a rough start to life. She was found on the streets of Mission, Tx. She was under a year old, pregnant, and in critical condition. It is a sad and scary truth that cats who are not spayed can get pregnant as early as 4 months old. Unfortunately, the kittens did not make it and she ended up losing a leg. Ivy turned out to be Leukemia positive as well. Things were not looking hopeful. But thankfully she found her way to Shadow Cats and she was welcomed in with open arms and open hearts.

Ivy has always been a bit of a wallflower. She is shy and quiet but oh so very sweet! There is not a person around who has looked at Ivy and not fallen instantly in love. Even as she got older, she still maintained just the most perfectly cute kitten face. Due to allergies, over time, the tips of her ears started to curl down. This happens sometimes with kitties. We did not think it was possible for Ivy to look any sweeter but her ears made her look like a cute little mouse.

In her time with us, Ivy was never seen to get into spats; she always showed the utmost respect to all her fellow roommates. She shared her bed, she shared her toys and she even occasionally shared a lap. Ivy was the kindest and most agreeable girl.

Ivy was always easy to find – if it was a sunny day she was on the catio, if the weather was drab she found the fluffiest bed she could. She took full advantage of enjoying the little things in life.

Leukemia is said the be the virus of lovers, this is because it seems like cats with leukemia have the biggest hearts and have the most love to give. Maybe this is because they somehow know their time may be limited and they want to take full advantage of every moment, every cuddle, every warm lap while they can. And that is what our sweet Ivy did. She never wasted a second on anger or aggression. She never said no to a gentle pet or sweet words from a volunteer. She soaked it all in. We could learn so much from Ivy.

Unfortunately, as is so often the case, Ivy’s time was cut short. Over the last few days, she was seeming distant and not wanting to eat. She was taken in for a check up and it was discovered that she had fluid around her lungs and enlarged kidneys. With FeLV, things go fast but we were able to grant Ivy one last blessing by helping her to cross the rainbow bridge, held in the arms of those who cared for her and loved her so deeply. Fly high, sweet girl, you will be so missed!

Ivy had 5 Sponsors

Angie Noelle

Nancy O’Donohue

ALLOTTADOLLS

Mary Diermier

Renee Vorbach

In Memory of Sergeant       5/14/2020 – 1/9/2023

Our sweet Sergeant was one of The California Four, the Cali-cats as they were known. This gorgeous boy was the only boy in the group. They stole our hearts from the moment they arrived. Of course, being the only boy Sergeant was a favorite right from the get-go! They were so much fun and a joy to behold.

Sergeant was the cutest kitten and he grew into the most handsome cat. He was a stunner! His personality was huge, too. He did not meet another cat that he did not get along with and he certainly did not meet one of us humans that he did not like. He was sweet, handsome, outgoing, full of life, and had the softest coat.

We have always said that growing up his three ‘sisters’ Frankie, Gracie and Jacky taught him the best manners and guided him to be one of the best cats, which he sure was.

The most playful boy, he would greet you as you walked into Cookies and would sit at your feet asking for a lap or a shoulder or just to climb up your leg, just wanting to be loved. Of course, we were happy to oblige always. Shoelaces were never safe around Sergeant as he loved to chew on them! He was full of energy, non-stop, a blur running back and forth always on the go, enjoying his life to the fullest. He loved to be outside on the catio soaking up the sun and watching all the goings on with rabbits, the birds at the feeders, and ‘stuff’ happening. A leaf floating in the wind held wonder for him to watch. He was a happy boy!

As we know with feline leukemia things can change in an instant. We are never prepared for the suddenness and shock of this sometimes. Sergeant had been feeling quiet for the last couple of days, and he was constantly being monitored. A sudden drastic change happened today so Sergeant was rushed to our hospital. Leukemia had taken its toll and our kindest and final gift was to give him a gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by those that loved him dearly.

Still a youngster and gone too soon, Sergeant lived a full life, his best life. Rescued from the streets of Irvine, CA, he knew what it was to be loved deeply and cared for every day. We know he took these memories with him of a life lived well, albeit short. He had a chance and that’s what we give all the precious feline leukemia kitties that call Shadow Cats home.

Just before he was rushed to the hospital, his sister Jacky came over to him and gave him a kiss. The most beautiful moment… they know ….so many tears.

Rest easy, our precious Sergeant/ You stole our hearts the day you came and you take a bit part of our hearts with you. You will be missed so much dear boy, loved more than we can say. Reunited with your sister, Frankie, who was waiting for you …

Sergeant had 2 Sponsors

Dana and Alex Guruprasad

Tammy Lydeen

In Memory of Ginger       1/1/2020 – 11/26/2022

 

In Memory of Lizzie       8/10/2010 – 11/16/2022

Our Lizzie!

Everyone knew Lizzie and everyone loved Lizzie.

Wandering the neighborhood at the old sanctuary many years ago, she turned up at the right front door one day. She had bloody ears, looked a little beat up, who knows what had happened to her? After a short stay at the hospital, treated by the amazing Dr. Roy Smith at the Central Texas Cat Hospital, Lizzie was all fixed up and came to join the Shadow Cats gang. Such a beauty! She had a lot to say right from the get go! With a clean bill of health, gorgeous, young, and playful, this tabby girl was adopted. Much joy, a home for our Lizzie!

After around six months in her home, Lizzie came back to Shadow Cats. She was a little nippy, an excitable girl, and very very vocal! She was not doing well in her adopted home. Remember, Once a Shadow Cat, Always a Shadow Cat, so we welcomed her back with open arms.

A larger-than-life character, Lizzie has spent the rest of her life with us, entertaining us every day. Very vocal, oh yes! 😊 She has so loudly told us stories every day, she has loudly greeted us at the door, she has loudly complained when food is not served at the right time. The nosiest girl, too! Always into everything and always front and center when a box arrived, claiming it as hers! We have shared laps, shared sandwiches, shared chicken, and yes, she has ‘nipped’ so many of us! This was Lizzie, our Lizzie, who could be a feisty one! But, she was who she wanted to be and we could not have loved her more. After we moved, Lizzie was so settled; she loved the new digs and the big catio. She had to always be around us – where we were, she was, on the kitchen counter, on the best comfy chair and she had her special cat tree at the front door, always greeting whoever came in, yes, very loudly!

Lizzie became unwell a few weeks ago and despite every effort by our wonderful vet team and staff and all the love in the world, we could not change the incredibly sad outcome today. A favorite of so many, she was a popular girl! But Lizzie also had her fave people too. Jana, our Sanctuary Manager, was one of them! Lizzie passed today held so close and cradled in her arms knowing she was loved so deeply and she was the most special girl. There were lots of smiles as the tears flowed, our wonderful memories of Lizzie being shared with all who surrounded her with love and light as she gained her wings.

Soar on those wings, Lizzie! You will be missed more than we can put into words. You had the biggest fun personality and were part of the very being of the sanctuary. Thank you for the joy you brought into our lives, the love you gave us, the daily smiles, the stories you told us every day, the loud singing you serenaded us with, and the many many times we just said Oh Lizzie! 😊 You were the best. Loved and cherished every day.

Rest easy, sweetheart, you will have a special place in our hearts, always.

Our heartfelt thanks to all her caregivers who have looked after Lizzie all her life, and thank you to all those who loved Lizzie near and far.

Lizzie has 5 Sponsors

“In loving memory of El Blanco, who was a cherished member of our family for 17 years.  El Blanco was a real character and we had lots of fun with him.  He was nippy once in a while and “talked” to us constantly, which is why Lizzie reminds us of him.  We loved El Blanco and miss him very much!”
-Dale and Carol Jackson

“I am sorry things did not work out for beautiful Lizzie.  We want to sponsor this gorgeous girl, along with our four babies Luna, Madeleine, Tabitha, and Karma to support Shadow Cats and let Lizzie know she is loved.”
-Dawn and Paul Lawson

Kaharine Ferguson

Neil Coffey

Crileen Kixmoeller

In Memory of Ichabod       7/11/2019 – 11/15/2022

This striking house panther is a former street cat from Graham County, Texas. He was found by animal control and taken to Graham County Humane Society. A stray at 3 years old, not neutered, yet so loving and friendly. They had high hopes for him but then Ichabod tested positive for FeLV. Unfortunately, this landed him on the Euthanasia list, but thankfully his story was shared online and his information made its way to Shadow Cats. In July 2022, we were able to take in Ichabod with the support of the GCHS.

You would never have guessed that this sweet boy could have been a stray. Ichabod had so much love to give us. He loved to snuggle with us, loved to be petted, loved scratches, and was just really happy being in a lap! Ichabod loved people! Sometimes he could be a little snippy with his roommates but as long as they gave him his space all was well, kinda like all of us at times. 😊 At the sanctuary, Ichabod had all the love and care he deserved. A street boy no longer, just one of the Shadow Cats gang. In his few short months at the sanctuary, his life was full and happy every day. Yes, he was living his best life.

Ichabod has suffered from some health issues related to leukemia since he has been with us and today those issues took a sudden downturn. Leukemia is a dastardly disease and things can change very quickly. With our wealth of experience unfortunately and sadly, we know the path it can take. Knowing does not make the always devastating decision any easier. Our precious panther boy passed cradled in loving arms as he gently made his way to the Rainbow Bridge to frolic healthy and healed in the meadows and hills, many friends waiting for him. Rest easy, precious Ichabod, we will miss you very much.

Many thanks to all who loved Ichabod – our staff, volunteers, and his sponsors. To all, we are so very grateful.

Ichabod had 3 Sponsors

Cherie Wright

Amy Juried

Neena Reeve

In Memory of Clyde       10/6/2016 – 11/7/2022

When you hear “street cat from the south” you conjure up images of a mean, tough, cat that is prone to fighting. But then there is Clyde, “lovable lug” is probably a much better way to describe this handsome boy.

Clyde’s beginning was tough though, starting out as a street cat on the border. He was then picked up by Animal Control and eventually made his way to a rescue in San Antonio. There he tested positive for FeLV and his prospects quickly diminished. But that’s where we came in! Fortunately, we had room for Clyde and he was brought to Cookie’s place at Shadow Cats.

At first, he had some dominance issues and was a bit nippy, but once he knew he was safe, loved and surrounded by friends (both human and cat alike) he settled in. Now the only time Clyde would get “aggressive” was when he was hangry.

Speaking of angry, Clyde was so fast to fall in to the rhythm of life at Shadow Cats that he quickly learned when wet food feeding times were and was very quick to tell us when we were late! He was always first in line for a plate and quick to return for seconds.

When it wasn’t feeding time Clyde could be found in the lap of a volunteer getting pampered with pets and love, or playing with toys and his fellow kitty friends. No longer on the streets Clyde was finally able to be the care free kitty he was always meant to be.

Sadly though, as is often the case with Leukemia, Clyde recently started to decline and it hit him hard. We knew he was ready to leave us when he stopped lining up for food. He asked us for one last plate, one last cuddle and knew he was so very very loved! Clyde passed surrounded by his human and kitty friends, being held and told how special he is and how much we love him.

Our many thanks to our staff and our volunteers and his sponsors that loved our sweet boy Clyde.

Clyde has 2 Sponsors

Jacki Quaile

Jeni and David Johnson

In Memory of Bubba       11/20/2017 – 11/7/2022

Bubba….this boy!

This story is the best story, when the rescue world comes together and works together to give a boy like Bubba the best life we can.

One of Shadow Cats’ best friends TNR’d a beat up boy from the streets, a little rough looking, but the kind of face your heart just melts when you see him, Check out the crinkled ears, the beautiful eyes, and the cheeky little grin he seemed to have all the time.

After Bubba had his ‘spa day’ and recovered, he was found to be FIV/FeLV +. Certainly not a feral cat, far too friendly but a little bit of a handful and a little bitey, he was recovering at his rescuer’s home. He was a little shy but friendly, and his rescuer was very aware of his ‘nippiness‘. 😊

We were contacted about Bubba, and had room for this boy so he arrived at the sanctuary a year ago this weekend. How could you not love that face? And we did, so much!

Bubba was a little shy at first and we had been told that he could be nippy, so we were on the lookout for the signs. In the whole time he has been with us, Bubba has been a gentleman, not a nip or a bite. Somehow we think he knew that Shadow Cats was a pretty cool place to be and that he had a loving home and could just enjoy his life. Over the past year Bubba has never had to worry about being out in the elements, he was never hungry and had all the cuddles and love he could possibly want from his feline buddies and us humans. He was quite the ladies’ man at times! He was also the most laid back easy-going boy. Go figure!

There are some cats that become so famous and loved and known by many all over the county, and Bubba was one of those kitties. A bit of an internet star he was, such a distinguished good looking boy that he has been featured on our raffle posters and most recently on our Holidays at the Sanctuary flyer. Such a popular boy and loved by so many.

Today unexpectedly and suddenly Bubba was in distress. He was rushed to the hospital, and our veterinarian did all he could but Bubba crossed the Rainbow Bridge, gently and peacefully held in the arms of his caregiver.

It’s hard to put into words just how big a presence Bubba was at the sanctuary and how much he will be missed. He came to us exactly a year ago and lived the best year of his life. He thought he was a big tough street boy but in reality he was a big mushy boy with crinkly ears and a cheeky grin!

We are heartbroken that you are gone but we are thankful and honored we had this last year to enjoy the wonderful kitty that you were, Bubba. We have beautiful memories in our hearts that will live there always.

Rest easy, Bubba. Fly high on your wings. You were loved so very much.

Our heartfelt thanks to his rescuer, Jeanette Cacciola. Thank you for sharing Bubba with us. Thank you Ferallife Guards for TNR. And always, so many thanks to our staff and our volunteers and his sponsors that loved Bubba from afar.

Bubba had 4 Sponsors

Shannon Murdock

Kathy and Ron Gulley

Jeanette Cacciola

Acme Cats Rescue Ranch