A Heart for Strays: How Rescue Nearly 1,000 Cats in 18 Years

Every cat lover knows that felines have a way of choosing us—whether we’re ready or not. For Ms. Cai, a former construction business owner turned full-time animal advocate, that choice happened on a frigid winter morning more than 18 years ago. Today, at 65, she has given refuge to nearly a thousand stray cats, turning her own home into a bustling sanctuary of meows and purrs.

From a Heartbreak to a Lifelong Mission

It began with tragedy. One bitterly cold night, a pregnant stray cat sought shelter under Ms. Cai’s heavy machinery. Startled when she approached, the mother bolted, leaving behind three newborn kittens. By morning, all four lay frozen in the snow. The sight haunted Ms. Cai’s dreams—and ignited a determination in her heart.

Building a Home, One Cat at a Time

After retiring, Ms. Cai dedicated her days to managing what has grown into a 70-cat household. Her once-spacious residence has been carefully reconfigured to include:
• Heated winter shelters lined with soft blankets.
• Multiple feeding stations serving steak, shrimp, ham, and specialty milk.
• Clean, odor-controlled litter areas, swapped and sanitized on a strict schedule.
• Quiet nooks and climbing structures, so cats can exercise and hide when overwhelmed.

To fund the operation, she downsized from a large home to a modest rental, channeling every yuan saved into high-quality cat food and medical care. Her daughter—also an animal lover—provides regular financial support, ensuring no cat goes hungry or unmedicated.

The Rigors of Rescue Work

Caring for dozens of cats is physically and emotionally demanding, especially for someone in her sixties. Over 18 years of strenuous feeding rounds, late-night bottle feedings for orphaned kittens, and frequent vet visits, Ms. Cai has endured her own health challenges. Yet she remains undeterred, rising before dawn to prepare formula for the youngest strays and returning again at dusk to replenish water and fresh meals.

Her routine is unwavering:
1. Morning Check-In: Inspect every cat for wounds or illness; administer medications as needed.
2. Midday Maintenance: Deep-clean shelters, launder bedding, and rotate toys.
3. Evening Feeding: Serve protein-rich dinners, from lamb milk to chicken breast, encouraging even the shyest strays to eat.

Turning Compassion into Advocacy

More than just sheltering cats, Ms. Cai has become a local voice for responsible pet ownership. She emphasizes:
• Adoption Over Abandonment: Every cat deserves a forever home; surrender should be a last resort.
• Spay/Neuter Programs: Preventing litters is key to reducing the stray population.
• Community Education: Teaching families how to recognize and treat common feline ailments—diabetes, skin conditions, and dental disease—before they become life-threatening.

She often opens her doors to neighbors curious about her “cat army,” showing them the impact of consistent care and urging them to “adopt, don’t abandon.”

How You Can Help

Ms. Cai’s story reminds us that one person’s compassion can ripple out to transform an entire community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Foster or Adopt: Give a stray a second chance in a loving home.
2. Volunteer: Offer to clean, feed, or transport cats to veterinary appointments.
3. Donate: Contribute food, bedding, or funds to local rescue groups.
4. Educate: Share Ms. Cai’s story and encourage spay/neuter initiatives in your area.

A Legacy of Love

As winter approaches, Ms. Cai reflects on her 18-year journey with a mix of pride and humility. “Every cat you save rewards you with a purr,” she says, “and every life matters.” Though she worries about what will happen if she can no longer care for them, she trusts that the seeds she’s planted—of compassion, responsibility, and respect for all life—will continue to grow.

Through her unwavering dedication, Ms. Cai has proven that rescuing strays isn’t simply an act of mercy; it’s a testament to the power of empathy. Her sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with a little love—and a lot of hard work—anyone can change the world, one whisker at a time.