Name: Xena
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-09-29
Date departed: 2025-11-24
Xena arrived in our care as an emergency: a young kitten who had survived something unimaginable. She had been brutally attacked, and her injuries were severe.
Upon further diagnostics, we learned that Xena’s injuries were far more severe than we had hoped. She had a skull fracture, her mandible was torn open, and one eye was ruptured. Repairing these injuries would have required multiple complex surgeries with a very high risk of serious infection.
Because of this, the veterinary team at Alta Vista recommended humane euthanasia as the kindest option, and agreed to proceed. We were absolutely heartbroken. Xena’s final moments were spent resting comfortably on pain medication and surrounded by care and love. Her comfort and dignity remained our priority.
Despite everything she endured, Xena remained kind and gentle until the very end. She was so brave through it all, truly living up to her name as our warrior princess.
Xena arrived in our care as an emergency: a young kitten who had survived something unimaginable. She had been brutally attacked, and her injuries were severe.
Upon further diagnostics, we learned that Xena’s injuries were far more severe than we had hoped. She had a skull fracture, her mandible was torn open, and one eye was ruptured. Repairing these injuries would have required multiple complex surgeries with a very high risk of serious infection.
Because of this, the veterinary team at Alta Vista recommended humane euthanasia as the kindest option, and agreed to proceed. We were absolutely heartbroken. Xena’s final moments were spent resting comfortably on pain medication and surrounded by care and love. Her comfort and dignity remained our priority.
Despite everything she endured, Xena remained kind and gentle until the very end. She was so brave through it all, truly living up to her name as our warrior princess.
Name: Swiffer
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-09-22
Date departed: 2025-11-23
On Saturday evening, her breathing seemed a bit fast, so I stayed up with her to make sure that she was ok—but by Sunday morning, a trip to Alta Vista was warranted. They revealed that poor Swiffer had a few displaced/broken ribs, as well as mild pneumothorax & pulmonary contusions 😞.
She spent the day in the special oxygen tank and was later able to come home with pain medication to keep her comfortable while she rested and healed. Upon returning home, Swiffer seemed like her usual active, outgoing, and loving self; coming out immediately and climbing into my lap for purrs, pets, and treats 🩷. Later that evening, her irregular breathing returned worse than before, and she had an accident all over herself, so we went back to Alta Vista immediately. Although she was admitted to critical care overnight, her prognosis seemed good; she was stable, and the veterinary team advised that flare-ups could occur, which was a relief given the circumstances.
By morning, we learned that little Swiffer had quickly deteriorated overnight, with a bad fever, back in the oxygen tank, and not doing well. Given the extent of testing and the amount of pain and discomfort that this sweet little girl was in, humane euthanasia was determined to be the kindest option 💔.
Thanks to Donna, April, Marta, Muriel, and the rest of the incredible foster team, and the wonderful staff at Alta Vista, I was allowed to go say goodbye to my baby in-person. The vet who had originally found and brought Swiffer, Lint, and Arabella to Furry Tales inquired about doing a CBC to see whether Swiffer was stable enough to be transported to her clinic for continued care, but this was understandably advised against by Alta Vista given her condition, and I had, and have, complete faith in Donna and AV’s judgement and expertise, especially during such hard times. The moment I saw Swiffer in the ICU, I knew that this was unequivocally the right decision.
She was extremely weak, pale, and could barely lift her own head. When I pet her, she tried so hard to stand up, but she just couldn’t, and was suffering from having the door to the oxygen tank ajar for only a minute. At approximately 1:15pm on Sunday, November 23rd, baby Swiffer took her last breath.
As incredibly heartbreaking as this was, and is, I am so deeply grateful that Swiffer was given her best chance to recover, and that her comfort, dignity, and best interests were prioritized until the very end, and that I got to hold her and be with her in her final moments. I am devastated about the loss of Swiffer, especially so soon after losing her sister Arabella. It is a small comfort to think that they are now happily reunited and no longer suffering.
I read a quote the other day that resonates “I will take a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you for all of yours”
While Swiffer was with me for only ~3 weeks, she made such a profound impact. Her first couple of days, she was hissy, growly, and scared, but she quickly revealed her incredibly gentle, loving, playful, and comforting personality, and brought so much happiness to Lint and I. She was the perfect kitten who lit up the room simply by occupying it; she would always come and sleep directly under my chin, purred the moment I looked at her, and showed Lint how to be brave and courageous. She loved to exchange grooming with resident cat Beans, curl up in my lap during Zoom lectures and work calls, and was so full of life. Despite being a foster kitten, it felt like she was “home” and I love her just as I do my own cats.”
Written by her wonderful foster, Mia Brabyn-Jones:
“This past weekend, sweet baby Swiffer joined her big sister Arabella across the rainbow bridge.On Saturday evening, her breathing seemed a bit fast, so I stayed up with her to make sure that she was ok—but by Sunday morning, a trip to Alta Vista was warranted. They revealed that poor Swiffer had a few displaced/broken ribs, as well as mild pneumothorax & pulmonary contusions 😞.
She spent the day in the special oxygen tank and was later able to come home with pain medication to keep her comfortable while she rested and healed. Upon returning home, Swiffer seemed like her usual active, outgoing, and loving self; coming out immediately and climbing into my lap for purrs, pets, and treats 🩷. Later that evening, her irregular breathing returned worse than before, and she had an accident all over herself, so we went back to Alta Vista immediately. Although she was admitted to critical care overnight, her prognosis seemed good; she was stable, and the veterinary team advised that flare-ups could occur, which was a relief given the circumstances.
By morning, we learned that little Swiffer had quickly deteriorated overnight, with a bad fever, back in the oxygen tank, and not doing well. Given the extent of testing and the amount of pain and discomfort that this sweet little girl was in, humane euthanasia was determined to be the kindest option 💔.
Thanks to Donna, April, Marta, Muriel, and the rest of the incredible foster team, and the wonderful staff at Alta Vista, I was allowed to go say goodbye to my baby in-person. The vet who had originally found and brought Swiffer, Lint, and Arabella to Furry Tales inquired about doing a CBC to see whether Swiffer was stable enough to be transported to her clinic for continued care, but this was understandably advised against by Alta Vista given her condition, and I had, and have, complete faith in Donna and AV’s judgement and expertise, especially during such hard times. The moment I saw Swiffer in the ICU, I knew that this was unequivocally the right decision.
She was extremely weak, pale, and could barely lift her own head. When I pet her, she tried so hard to stand up, but she just couldn’t, and was suffering from having the door to the oxygen tank ajar for only a minute. At approximately 1:15pm on Sunday, November 23rd, baby Swiffer took her last breath.
As incredibly heartbreaking as this was, and is, I am so deeply grateful that Swiffer was given her best chance to recover, and that her comfort, dignity, and best interests were prioritized until the very end, and that I got to hold her and be with her in her final moments. I am devastated about the loss of Swiffer, especially so soon after losing her sister Arabella. It is a small comfort to think that they are now happily reunited and no longer suffering.
I read a quote the other day that resonates “I will take a lifetime of missing you for the privilege of loving you for all of yours”
While Swiffer was with me for only ~3 weeks, she made such a profound impact. Her first couple of days, she was hissy, growly, and scared, but she quickly revealed her incredibly gentle, loving, playful, and comforting personality, and brought so much happiness to Lint and I. She was the perfect kitten who lit up the room simply by occupying it; she would always come and sleep directly under my chin, purred the moment I looked at her, and showed Lint how to be brave and courageous. She loved to exchange grooming with resident cat Beans, curl up in my lap during Zoom lectures and work calls, and was so full of life. Despite being a foster kitten, it felt like she was “home” and I love her just as I do my own cats.”
Name: Arabella
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-06-04
Date departed: 2025-11-08
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 🌈🌉“
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 🌈🌉“
Name: Missy and Mabel
Sex: Female
Birthday:
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.
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.“
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.“
Name: Elfin
Sex: Male
Birthday: 2025-09-14
Date departed: November 2025
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.“
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.“
Name: Twinkie
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-07-25
Date departed: 2025-10-16
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.“
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.“
Name: KitKat
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2017-03-09
Kitkat is a sweet and beautiful lady currently in palliative care with Furry Tales. When she was taken in, she was given an estimate of only nine months to live due to a cancer diagnosis, but thanks to one of our wonderful fosters, she now spends her days being loved and pampered.
After just a few days of settling in, she began following her foster around the house, enjoys playing with her toys, and absolutely loves to cuddle. something she will get as much as she desires for the rest of her days! 💕
After just a few days of settling in, she began following her foster around the house, enjoys playing with her toys, and absolutely loves to cuddle. something she will get as much as she desires for the rest of her days! 💕
Name: Courtney
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-06-20
Date departed: 2025-11-14
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.
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.
Name: Tabitha
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2015-08-28
Tabitha is a sweet, patient, and endlessly curious cat! Found as a stray, completely malnourished and suffering from untreated hyperthyroidism, she weighed only 2 kg and had to be shaved due to severe matting.
After two months of recovery in her foster home, Tabitha has blossomed into a loving, affectionate companion! She’s now ready to find her forever home!
Tabitha is a total purring machine and a devoted lap cat. Even when she was at her weakest, she purred the moment she was touched. These days, she prefers to curl up beside you or on your lap, and has a signature move when she wants attention: standing in front of you and staring with her big, soulful eyes until you give in. It works every time!
She gets along wonderfully with other cats, mostly because she ignores them completely, and is naturally calm and unbothered. She’s also very curious and loves to explore every corner of her surroundings (even the vet’s office!).
Tabitha will need thyroid medication for life, but her condition is very manageable and common in older cats. She’s a pro at spitting out pills, but turns into an angel when medication is paired with a liquid treat. Her thyroid levels are now stable.
Her mealtime habits are endearing: she’s a messy eater and drinker who tends to get wet food on her face and then dunk it right into the water bowl. She likes to alternate bites and sips, so expect to wipe her adorable face and clean her water fountain every few days.
She has a hilariously cute, raspy “old lady” meow that she mostly saves for breakfast time. It never fails to make her foster laugh.
And just one more thing: Tabitha once walked across her foster’s keyboard and typed “hi.” Coincidence? Maybe. But we like to think she really can understand us.
With her bright eyes, gentle heart, and quirky habits, Tabitha will make a wonderful companion for someone ready to give her the love and care she deserves.
After two months of recovery in her foster home, Tabitha has blossomed into a loving, affectionate companion! She’s now ready to find her forever home!
Tabitha is a total purring machine and a devoted lap cat. Even when she was at her weakest, she purred the moment she was touched. These days, she prefers to curl up beside you or on your lap, and has a signature move when she wants attention: standing in front of you and staring with her big, soulful eyes until you give in. It works every time!
She gets along wonderfully with other cats, mostly because she ignores them completely, and is naturally calm and unbothered. She’s also very curious and loves to explore every corner of her surroundings (even the vet’s office!).
Tabitha will need thyroid medication for life, but her condition is very manageable and common in older cats. She’s a pro at spitting out pills, but turns into an angel when medication is paired with a liquid treat. Her thyroid levels are now stable.
Her mealtime habits are endearing: she’s a messy eater and drinker who tends to get wet food on her face and then dunk it right into the water bowl. She likes to alternate bites and sips, so expect to wipe her adorable face and clean her water fountain every few days.
She has a hilariously cute, raspy “old lady” meow that she mostly saves for breakfast time. It never fails to make her foster laugh.
And just one more thing: Tabitha once walked across her foster’s keyboard and typed “hi.” Coincidence? Maybe. But we like to think she really can understand us.
With her bright eyes, gentle heart, and quirky habits, Tabitha will make a wonderful companion for someone ready to give her the love and care she deserves.
Name: Smooch
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2024-08-24
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. 🧡🍂🐾“
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. 🧡🍂🐾“
Name: Squirt
Sex: Male
Birthday: 2025-07-13
Date departed: 2025-10-01
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.“
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.“
Name: Queenie
Sex: Female
Birthday: 2025-07-20
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.
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.
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