Date departed: 2025-11-08

Written by her wonderful foster, Mia Brabyn-Jones:

“TBH, I have been avoiding/putting off writing this post because it is difficult to think about, however; like every cat, Arabella deserves to be remembered.

Arabella sadly passed away last weekend, the cause of which is uncertain. She was just 5 months old, and had yet to experience the full extent of being a pampered house cat with her forever person or people.

She was quite shy, but during her time with me, I got to experience small glimpses of her personality. Arabella loved to spend the day looking out of the window, watching life on the outside from the comfort of indoors. She loved being pet, curling up in my lap, and finding cozy new spots to rest in. Although she didn’t eat much here, she could not resist a Churu tube, and tried almost all of the different flavours !

I am certain that she would have eventually made a wonderful, loving companion for someone lucky, had she had more time with us.

It makes me really sad that there are so many cats just like Arabella who don’t get the chance to have a home, and I truly admire the fosters, veterinary medicine professionals, and rescue volunteers who continue to do their part (and then some) despite seeing and experiencing so much loss constantly. I am grateful to have a very small part in helping cas like Arabella, who I miss very much.

I hope she is warm, happy, and has a belly full of yummy food across the rainbow bridge 🌈🌉“

Date departed: 2025-09-23 and 2025-09-24, respectively.

Missy and Mable were two beautiful sisters brought into care who in their short time with us, showed different personalities. Yet both deeply loved.

Missy was shy and quiet, preferring the comfort of the background, while Mable was outgoing, full of personality and life. Mable’s little scream-meows and confident spirit made her the heart of her trio, always side by side with her brothers. Though Missy and Mable have gone, the warmth they brought and the memories they left behind will always be cherished.

A few more words from Missy and Mable's wonderful foster, Meghan Kiley:

“People think the hard part about fostering is when they get adopted, thats the easy part... you meet the families and you see the light in their eyes and you feel the let go.

The hardest part is loss, you put alot on yourself thinking of everything, thinking you could've done something but the reality is sometimes you can do everything and its not you, its the life they had before coming into care with the rescue.

R.I.P Missy and Mabel ♥️🌈

you both knew love and a home.“

Date departed: November 2025

Written by Elfin's wonderful foster, Tania Hutchison

“Little Elfin came into our care with his Mom, Eve, and sister, Ella.

Elfin was diagnosed with a severe congenital condition called Vascular Ring Anomaly. This birth defect caused a ring of vessels to constrict his esophagus and trachea, meaning he was unable to keep any food down. Watching him struggle, ravenously hungry but unable to swallow, was heartbreaking.

Since the required expensive and invasive surgical correction was not possible due to his small size, the difficult decision was made to compassionately let him go and rest in peace. This is the sad, often unseen reality of rescue work.

He was loved deeply by everyone who knew him and will never, ever be forgotten.“

Date departed: 2025-10-16

Written by Twinkie's wonderful foster, Ashley Tran

“Sweet Twinkie passed away overnight. She was the chillest, gentlest, calmest little cat. At first, she was shy and preferred to stay in her carrier. But once she settled in, she showed us how much she loved being near people. Twinkie would sit and stare at us with her blank little face, purring softly when we pet her. She didn’t mind being held or kissed on the head, and she’d happily curl up on our shoulder or lap. She loved attention, made biscuits when she was content, and waited by the door to greet us.

She wasn’t too interested in play and preferred to observe, probably because she wasn't feeling well. But she loved Churu and took her time eating, one tiny bite at a time.

Twinkie was pure calm and sweetness. We’re so grateful we got to love her, even for a short while.“

Date departed: 2025-11-14

In loving memory of Courtney

As many of you know, we asked our followers for donations to help in Courtney’s FIP journey. Unfortunately, we don’t have good news. After several days of FIP treatment and supportive care at VCA Ottawa Veterinary Hospital, it was obvious that Courtney was not improving and her quality of life was deteriorating. We unfortunately made the difficult decision to euthanize this sweet girl.

We are beyond heartbroken to see such a robust, healthy kitten fade so quickly. It has taken many years for the antiviral therapy GS-441524GS to become available to vets so they can prescribe/administer to their FIP patients. But for it to work, diagnosis and treatment must begin as soon as possible. Unfortunately, Courtney was sick for longer than we knew, and her little body just didn’t have the fight left in her.

She was a special girl to Donna and to all the volunteers she touched. None of us could understand why she wasn't adopted. Maybe a higher power knew she needed to stay with us. Maybe it was fate. But it does seem like a cruel fate. She had her whole kitty life ahead of her and FIP has stamped that out.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the vets, techs, assistants and admin staff at VCA Ottawa Veterinary Hospital. You gave Courtney the best care possible. We are forever grateful. We also thank all of our supporters who donated money towards Courtney’s care, shared her post and kept her in your thoughts.

Date departed: 2025-10-12

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved Smooch, who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join her baby, Squirt, just over 10 days after his passing. Below are some heartfelt words from Smooch’s wonderful foster, Erika Ray:

“As we gather and give thanks, my heart feels heavy thinking of Smooch. 💔🕊️

I’m truly thankful Smooch was able to experience true love and kindness with FTCR. Though she’s no longer with us, her spirit and the memories we shared will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Rest peacefully, little one. We’re so grateful for every moment you gave us. 🧡🍂🐾“

Date departed: 2025-10-01

Written by Squirt's wonderful foster, Erika Ray

“We said goodbye to Squirt last night. He was 11 weeks old. He didn’t like me all that much but I loved him anyway. He will be buried in Muriel’s mother’s rose garden next to other well loved babies. Squirt reminded me of Mars the pygmy hippo (@tanganyikawildlifepark) and mars the baby cat meme (@mars.babycat), so for the nearly 6 weeks he was with me, I liked to call him mars.

Mars was a curious and shy little kitten. He LOVED to play but preferred to do so with his foster brother scoop. They would spend hours wrestling and chasing each other, sharing tube treats, and antagonizing mama. His favourite toy was a ball tower that he liked to watch go around and around.

Thank you everyone for helping take care of him up until the very end.“

Date departed: 2025-09-01

In Loving Memory of Queenie

Our hearts are broken as we say goodbye to Queenie, a beautiful and affectionate calico kitten who left us far too soon at just six weeks of age. Though her time with us was brief, Queenie’s gentle presence, sweet nature, and boundless affection left an everlasting imprint on all who knew her.

She was small in size but mighty in the love she gave, reminding us how deeply a tiny life can touch our souls. Queenie’s unexpected passing has left a hole in our hearts, but her memory will forever remain — a reminder of pure innocence, unconditional love, and the joy she brought in her short time here.

Run free, little Queenie. You were deeply loved, and you will never be forgotten.

Date departed: 2025-05-21

Rosco was a remarkable kitten with a heart as big as his personality! He came to us with a spinal injury and despite initially making a remarkable recovery, he has now crossed Rainbow Bridge. Here are some beautiful words shared to us by his wonderful foster, Melissa Sagan:

“Rosco Bean

It’s been hard to write this update—there just aren’t enough words to capture both the sadness and the gratitude I feel.

Rosco has moved on to his next life. He’s flying free now.

During his time with us, Rosco helped foster over 11 scared and spicy cats and kittens. He welcomed and befriended each one, showing them how to trust, give love, and accept it in return. His vibrant, caring, loving nature touched everyone around him—both feline and human. The profound impact he had on our lives is something we will carry with us always.

Because of Rosco’s steady presence and love, those cats found the confidence they needed to be socialized and adopted. I truly believe he played a key role in helping them find their forever homes. He wasn’t just my foster—he was theirs too.

Caring for Rosco wasn’t something I did alone as his Foster Mom. It took a team. I’m so grateful to the FTCR admin and social media teams, our foster community, vet staff, and everyone who supported us with advice, supplies, and love. You helped us give Rosco the best life possible, with the best possible care and opportunity to live and be loved.

Some of my sweetest memories are of him curled up snoozing on me, while gently touching my face to check I was still there. Or the texts from my son Emilio: “Mom, Rosco licked my Kraft Dinner!”He was always nearby… inspecting the kitchen, snuggling on the couch, or making friends with our resident cats.

Rosco had a gift for winning hearts. He certainly won mine, and his love will stay with me forever.

Photo credits to Mia Brabyn-Jones I’m so very grateful, thank you!“

Date departed: 2025-05-20

Didi who came from Montreal with Freedom Drivers! Didi was a sweet, gentle 15 year old boy who unfortunately crossed over Rainbow Bridge. Here are some words from his wonderful foster, Erika Ray:

“Darling Didi has crossed the rainbow bridge after 3 weeks in care.

Before coming into care, he spent several months at the Montreal SPCA where he wasn't doing well. He was a 15 year old declawed cat who was very skinny and suspected to be diabetic. Despite this, he was an absolute darling boy who loved to eat (especially tube treats which he practically inhaled), bat pom poms around with his paws, and bite at the fuzzy ball on his favourite wand toy. He adored pets, head scratches and brushes and would often snuggle up on my lap for a nap while I watched TV. He was so good and gentle, and purred nonstop like a motorboat.

While we didn't have much time together, I’m hopeful it was enough for him to feel truly loved and cared for in his final days. He certainly made a lasting impression on me and I miss him dearly.“

Written by Marta Bee, this family's wonderful foster

After a week of apparent health, three precious kittens passed away. We suspect underlying congenital problems that took away their ability to thrive.



On March 31st, 2025, little Xenon - who we eventually renamed Chaim, in accordance with an old Jewish tradition - fell ill first, and despite Muriel Henry's and mine round-the-clock efforts he did not recover.



Tiny Xena, the kitten born 12 hours after her siblings, fell ill second, and passed within minutes of her brother in Muriel's arms.



Sweet Xandra was the third to pass, on April 3rd, 2025. Perhaps most surprisingly as she appeared to be thriving.

We'll never know the cause of their passing but we do know that they were fiercely loved. Fly free, sweet babies. My condolences to Muriel, Thelma, Donna and all who loved them.

Date departed: 2025-05-28

Xander was a beautiful little boy who touched our hearts in the short time he was with us. The longest-surviving kitten of his litter, he gave us hope for a long and joyful life ahead.

But sometimes, no matter how much love surrounds them, fate carries these tiny ones away too soon. At just over two months old, Xander crossed the rainbow bridge, where he was reunited with his siblings—Chaim, Xena, and Xandra.

Though his time here was brief, Xander’s memory continues to shine. His gentle presence left pawprints on our hearts that will never fade.