Led by Elizabeth Oliver and fueled by the generosity of the neighborhood
By: Johanna Elattar, pictured is Poppy
On Seneca Street, in Hornell, a stupendous Victorian home stands tall, its doorways open large to welcome these in want of a heat refuge. But that is no peculiar abode; it’s the home of Cozy Cats and Kittens, a haven for felines in misery. I lately had the pleasure of visiting this sanctuary and sitting down with its compassionate founder, Elizabeth Oliver.
Upon getting into Elizabeth’s outstanding 10,000-square-foot Victorian residence, it’s instantly obvious that that is greater than only a home; it’s a sanctuary for cats in want. Since its inception in 2019, Cozy Cats and Kittens has been a beacon of hope for numerous felines within the Hornell neighborhood and past.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020 introduced unprecedented challenges. The demand for help with cats soared, overwhelming each assets and volunteers. Yet, Elizabeth remained undeterred, persevering with her mission to offer solace and care for each cat that crossed their threshold.
At Cozy Cats and Kittens, the dedication to the welfare of felines is obvious in each nook. With 6-8 lively foster mother and father and a fluctuating inhabitants of roughly 47 cats (generally reaching as excessive as 70), the sanctuary operates tirelessly to make sure every cat receives the eye and care it deserves. Currently, 13 cats reside in foster properties, awaiting their ceaselessly households.
Among the sanctuary’s distinctive options is the “Leukemia Room,” devoted to cats bothered with the illness. Here, 5 volunteers repeatedly go to to socialize and play with these particular felines, offering them with consolation and companionship.
One of essentially the most outstanding tales to emerge from Cozy Cats and Kittens is that of Wyatt, an epileptic cat who arrived on the sanctuary in dire situation. Thin and suffering from fixed seizures, Wyatt’s prognosis appeared bleak. However, below Elizabeth’s nurturing care, Wyatt skilled a miraculous turnaround. He gained weight, his seizures ceased, and he finally discovered a loving ceaselessly home.
For these inquisitive about adopting a cat from Cozy Cats and Kittens, the method is easy but thorough. Prospective adopters should full an software, present landlord permission (if renting), furnish the contact particulars of their veterinarian, and disclose details about current pets within the family. These measures are in place to safeguard the well-being of the cats below the sanctuary’s care. To provoke the adoption course of, people can attain out to Elizabeth by way of personal message on Facebook.
Despite their unwavering dedication, Cozy Cats and Kittens depends closely on the generosity of the neighborhood to maintain its operations. Donations, whether or not by means of the Amazon Wish List, direct contributions, or the donation of things bought at Old Town Antiques, are essential in supporting the sanctuary’s efforts. With 100% of proceeds from the vintage store benefiting the rescue, each buy instantly impacts the lives of cats in want. Donated objects may be left on the porch at 80 Seneca Street.
Looking forward, supporters of Cozy Cats and Kittens can mark their calendars for an upcoming fundraiser. In June, a “Penny Social” might be held on the American Legion, that includes basket auctions and alternatives to help the sanctuary. Donations for the occasion are warmly welcomed, with all proceeds instantly benefiting Cozy Cats and Kittens.
In the guts of Hornell, amidst the hustle and bustle of day by day life, Cozy Cats and Kittens stands as a beacon of compassion and hope for cats in want. Led by Elizabeth Oliver and fueled by the generosity of the neighborhood, this sanctuary continues to remodel the lives of felines, one purr at a time.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based mostly author who covers a spread of neighborhood, business, and particular curiosity tales. She reaches a neighborhood and nationwide viewers! Contact her anytime, [email protected]
