Hearts That Purr Feline Guardians

Hearts That Purr Feline Guardians is a nonprofit organization dedicated to: 

• Providing shelter and loving care for senior felines made homeless due to the terminal illness, incapacitation or death of their owners. 

• Educating the public about the importance of planning for the ongoing care of their beloved companion animals should a time come when they are no longer able to do so themselves.

Hearts That Purr Feline Guardians is a niche rescue organization founded in 2013. Our efforts are focused exclusively on helping senior felines who have become homeless due to the terminal illness, incapacitation or death of their owners. We do not operate a "cat shelter" in the usual sense. Here, we understand the special needs of cats that were never unwanted but have been essentially orphaned. Our programs and priorities are designed to carefully transition these cats who are used to a secure and loving home, and give them the next best thing when their owner passes away or must enter a hospice or nursing home. We try to make a difference in the lives of these cats and the humans who have loved them through four special programs, as follows:

Adoption - We use private, low density residential group and foster homes to shelter cats in our care until new, carefully screened homes are found through an adoption program that tries to alleviate some of the concerns often associated with adopting an older cat. Our program maintains ongoing assistance with basic veterinary care for the life of the adopted cat for those persons who may not be able to afford such care.

Sanctuary & Hospice - In the case of those cats who may never find a new home, such as very elderly felines or those with chronic or terminal illnesses, we provide loving care in a peaceful, home-like setting for the remainder of their lives. Our lifetime residents are afforded daily human interaction and the best veterinary care, including compassionate hospice care.

Senior Citizens and Senior Kittizens - Not an adoption, but rather a novel, long-term foster program designed to match lonely elder persons in our community with senior felines in need of a home. It addresses the two main reasons capable, older persons decide not to adopt a feline companion later in life: expense of vet care and worry about predeceasing a new pet. In this program, we maintain financial responsibility for all cat care, including food and litter for low-income individuals. We also maintain oversight of care with regular contact and are always ready to retrieve the cat should the foster no longer feel they are able to continue care.

The Feline Guardian Program - This is a prearranged, comprehensive care plan for those who worry about predeceasing their cat and do not have a trusted friend or family member willing to assume the responsibility of cat care, nor want their cat in a traditional shelter. We work with the cat owner to plan ahead so their cat is protected and has continuity of care in accordance with their owner's wishes.

Testimonials

"I have personally volunteered and worked at several animal sanctuaries, including the largest in the country and I can honestly say that HTP is one of the best organizations I've found. Their dedication to feline welfare is second to none and I recommend them 100%."~L. Erdman

"As per usual, Hearts That Purr Feline Guardians gave piece of mind to his heart broken owner and was able to rescue a scared, old, blind kitty and make him feel safe ,loved again. I will say it again, your rescue is the most wonderful organization I have ever known ! I tell everyone about you and praise your work! This is just another shining example of how vital Hearts That Purr Feline Guardians is. Thank you for all you do for these sweet senior kitties always and for the piece of mind you give to the elderly owners when they feel so helpless!"~ D. Kane

"I've been a medical volunteer in animal rescue for over 20 years and have to say that Hearts That Purr was the most satisfying rescue to work with. I looked forward to going there the three days a week that I volunteered. It is a one of a kind rescue for the older, mainly medical, cats that have been displaced from the home that they have always known. It was always a pleasant environment when there. I love working with the older cats as I think they are sometimes forgotten as kittens seem to always be in the limelight. Jeanmarie and Becky were wonderful to work with. The cats always have their best interests put first and medical concerns are always immediately cared for. I recently moved out of the area so unfortunately can no longer volunteer there. I will always remember what a great rescue it is and miss the cats (and people) there immensely. Hopefully I can at least return for a visit!"~M. Davis