My daughter always wants a cat. I promised her to adopt one when I come back from a long trip to China. She just couldn’t wait when I was away. When we came to the North Toronto Cat Rescue, we were surprised by so many cats in the house. Thank you Donna’s team to take care of these wonderful lives. We adopted Styx, a lovely gray white little kitten. When he came to his new home, he was so excited, running from here to there, visiting all the floors. Now Styx is our best friend. He likes to play with my daughter and nap on my lap. He is so wonderful, just like our baby. We all love him very much!

Just wanted to let you know that George is a treasure. He is such an affectionate boy and had adjusted very well. He enjoys spending days with our other 2, Walter and Jack.

When we first took him home, he seemed depressed. I think he missed the other cats he left behind. Then came out the happy George, people who meet him adore him...

Thank you!!!

Just a little note from Jagger, formerly known as Simba. Jagger came into our lives in October of 2011. I laid eyes on him through the first door on the right as you enter the front area. He was so beautiful and regal I was afraid somebody else would take him home before I could claim him as my own. My family all walked into the first room and I picked up Jagger and sat him on my lap. He went limp and sprawled on my lap purring quietly. I told my children that they could look around all they wanted but this is the cat we are taking home.

We explored the rest of the sanctuary petting cats and kittens as we went. I was very impressed how clean the litter and the feeding areas were. Not only did I get the opportunity to pick out a companion, but I also got a lot of pointers about cat care and health. As we took Jagger home in the cat carrier, he was very quiet and relaxed and even fell asleep after a few minutes. He is one cool cat. Right off the bat he walked the house like he owned the place, not afraid in the least. The vacuum worried him at the start, but after 1 week he totally ignored it. Being very quiet at first he was incredibly relaxed around us all.

Now that a few months have passed, Jagger is getting into the groove of home life here in Whitby. We found food he loves, and have actually had to limit his feedings as he is developing quite the little tummy. He has even taught us to put all bread away when we are finished with it as bread makes a nice snack in the middle of the night! Jagger's playfulness is coming out more and more every day. He constantly flies through the air doing flips while trying to catch his favorite toy on a string. He is learning fast to be gentle with his claws and teeth. Every night he sleeps on the bed purring away seemingly louder and louder every night. He isn't a lap cat quite yet but as he ages it will just be a matter of time.

Every room we go to Jagger follows. He walks along the bathroom vanity while you brush your teeth, waving his tail against you. Jagger's oddest quirk is that he scratches the glass frantically if you are outside and he sees you. Coming back inside you will be greeted with a lot of affection because he missed you so much.

Halloween was busy as every time the door bell rang he would run to the door to greet whoever was on the other side. Of course when coming home from work it's so nice to be greeted at the door with the most beautiful cat in the world. Not a day has gone by that I don't watch him sleep admiring his beauty and feeling so lucky to have found North Toronto Cat Rescue who took such good care of my new best buddy. Thank you to all those who help the innocent,

Shannon and Family

I just wanted to write you a letter to provide you with an update on Guinness and Diva.

It was a bit of a shaky start indeed – I barely even saw Diva for the first 2 weeks as she chose to live under my dishwasher, up on the bookshelf or in other as-of-yet-found hiding places! She was nervous and scared and I did my best to give her some time & space to get used to me and her new home. Guinness on the other hand started warming up right away. Although he sequestered himself to the upstairs floor for the first week or so, he quickly became comfortable in his new surroundings and with me, and moved himself right in!

I felt a little sad for Guinness, as he was clearly lonely for the company of other cats, and Diva was too scared to even socialize with him. But after 2 weeks, I saw a rapid change in her. Although still wary of me, she began to emerge and quickly bonded with Guinness. The two of them started to explore the house together, and they quickly showed me that there is no place in this house that they can’t get to!

They have been playing together like mad, watching TV with me, grooming each other, sleeping together, wrestling and all sorts of crazy antics. I don’t even think I can call them "brother and sister" as it seems more like "boyfriend and girlfriend" – Diva follows Guinness around everywhere he goes, constantly rubbing up against him.

Guinness has made it clear that he is home now, and is having a blast with the place. He enjoys my company, and the company of Diva – so much so that he likes to play games... He’ll pay attention and play with her, then abruptly leave to come and play with me... back & forth and then suddenly he’ll walk away from both of us, but look behind to make sure we’re still watching him. I’ve tentatively renamed him "Tango" because he definitely loves to "do the dance" between us!

Funnily enough, he’s earned the nickname "Toots!" This is because he’s developed a strange habit – while in the throes of a good cuddle session, he’ll let out a toot (rather stinky one!) – I think he believes it’s a sign of affection! Diva is coming along. She’s still a little skittish and tends to run when anyone approaches her, but if we are still, she’ll happily have the fun of the place, and approach me for cuddles and play. Although still wary, every day she’s gaining a little more trust in me. She even (sometimes) lets me rub her belly – she definitely likes it, but is still grappling with her trust issues. She watches me cuddle with Guinness (Tango) a lot, and from that I think she’s realizing that I mean her no harm.

I’ve tentatively renamed her "Trix" because she likes to play hide & seek, though sometimes I call her "Slinky" because she can get around with such stealth and speed it’s pretty amazing!

Over the last number of days she’s really blossomed, and become quite the chatty girl – both of them in fact love to have conversations with each other and with me.

She’s starting to take over the place as well, and grows more bold each day, especially after she observes Guinness’ comfort. She’s now even allowing my boyfriend to pet & play with her, so I’m happy she’s getting comfortable with the people in her life.

What’s growing into my biggest challenge is the ability to cuddle them both at the same time! When they want their cuddles they want me all to themselves and like to block each other’s path. Guinness will often place himself between Diva & I, and sometimes will lie down right on top of her, so that he gets petted instead! He’s a crafty one indeed!

I can’t even begin to describe how much joy they bring to me. Ever since my girl (Kashmir) passed away last August, it has been so empty and quiet in my house, and it’s affected me more than I realized. Now my house feels like a home again, and I’m constantly smiling, laughing and marvelling at their antics (it’s taking some time to get used to their youth & vigour compared to my senior kitties!)

I can’t thank you and your team of volunteers enough for all of the great things that you do at the North Toronto Cat Rescue. Your love and attention has saved these cats from such terrible fates, and gives them the opportunity to enjoy long & happy lives. I’m so excited to have given Guinness and Diva their forever homes, and they both have come to enjoy being here.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for bringing us together to make a happy little family, we will always remember your kindness and the second chance at life you gave them.

Sameth Wolfe

Good morning! Lewis has fit in incredibly well. He didn't even blink when he met our dogs. He actually rubs up against them when they walk past him. The most incredible reaction has been Kingston's. I've never seen anything like it. Lewis spent half a day in the den and then Kingston accidentally got in. Kingston immediately started cleaning Lewis! He's treating him like his own personal pet. Kingston has Lewis all cleaned up and fluffy now! Anytime Lewis starts to clean himself, Kingston comes right over and takes on the task himself! Lewis is very confident in the house. He is cuddly and playful... just a lovely and perfect addition to our family. I think Kingston is the most pleased with the new addition though. Lewis isn't a big eater yet. He isn't keen on Acana kibble. We had some Hills food from the vet (junk food we call it!) and he loves that. I'm sure once he gets eating regularly he will adapt to the healthy stuff.

Thanks for all you do! It is impossible to imagine someone not giving Lewis and Kingston a wonderful home. It's hard to fathom these lovely boys on death row in the pound. They are little angels in fur suits!

Linda

Hi Donna and everyone at the North Toronto Cat Rescue.

We just wanted to send an update about Coppurr (formerly known as Raven) whom we adopted on June 4, 2011 (along with Lucy). Coppurr is a pure joy to have in our home and she has blossomed into a very affectionate, playful and talkative kitty! She certainly has come a long way from when we first brought her home; she was very skittish and shy and fearful and for the first month hid under the bed and would hiss and try to run away from any contact. Very slowly we worked with her every day, sitting on the floor reading a book and just let her become used to our presence. Eventually her curiosity would take over and she would slink out for a look and a sniff - over the weeks she would allow us to rub her neck and stay beside her as she ate her food.

By 3 months, she was allowing us to pet her all over and even sit on our laps briefly and she had decided it was okay to walk around the entire house and hang out in the living room with the other cats and our dog Hamish without being afraid. Now she is eager to be petted all the time, loves to play with all the toys, runs up and down the stairs chasing Rupert and Chester and she talks alot at feeding time and when being brushed and rubbed. We could not have picked a more wonderful cat to become part of our family and we are so happy to have given her a "furrever" home. Thanks again to all of you and keep up the great work! We have attached some pictures for you to enjoy!

Jo-Ann & Ron

Hi Donna.

I wanted to share a couple of photos of Tiffany (formerly Dolly). She has settled in quite nicely in our family, Tiffany loves to play with Amy and Evan and is very affectionate, she even takes turns sleeping with the kids. She has adjusted very well to living with a dog and we are hoping they will become good friends in no time.

We are very pleased with our decision to adopt from North Toronto Cat Rescue, and are thankful that Tiffany chose our family. Take care,

Lisa, Dave, Amy & Evan Graham

Pumpkin has instantly adjusted very well to her new home. She is the sweetest and happiest little cat. She wakes me up in the middle of the night to bring me her favorite toy as a present. She is so laid back and friendly to everyone who meets her. I am so very happy I found her and I am very thankful for NTCR taking her in and looking after her. It is an amazing rescue group whom I will continue to support through my work at an animal hospital and personally. I wish I could have adopted more, they were so friendly and well taken care of when I visited. All my future cats will be from NTCR, no other shelter or group.

Thank you Donna and North Toronto Cat Rescue.

Hi Donna and everyone at the North Toronto cat Rescue!

We just wanted to send an update about Lucy (formerly known as Lola) whom we adopted on June 4/2011. She is such a sweet little monkey! The first few days she was a little nervous with all the new sounds in the house, but it really didn't take her long to settle in. She actually went right up to our Westie, Hamish, and rubbed against him like they were long lost pals, so she obviously has had no previous exposure to dogs or if so, they were positive. She has definitely embraced the moniker of a "copy cat". Lucy follows our big boy Chesterton all around the house - ironically enough he is also black and white, so she looks like his little sister and has picked up all his bad habits of yowling for food, jumping up on the top of the fridge and the kitchen cupboards, and taking over Hamish's dog bed!

But we just love our little Lucy goose! She is a wonderful addition to our family and we are very happy to have found her and to be able to provide her with a wonderful forever home. Thanks again Donna for everything. We have attached some pictures for you to enjoy!

Jo-Ann & Ron

Dear Donna and North Toronto Cat Rescue

I wanted to thank you for introducing beautiful black Olivia into our lives. She has been an absolute angel since we brought her home a few weeks ago. It only took her a day to adjust to our other cats and our dog. We re-named her Ivy since another cat is already called Olivia, and since as all your volunteers know, Ivy likes to climb around shoulders and cuddle there for hours.

I am so surprised that after a year at the shelter Ivy had not yet been adopted. She has so much to offer, and is truly a 'family cat'. Ivy sleeps with my kids, our dog, or one of her feline friends. She uses the scratching post like a pro, found the litter boxes right away and adjusted so quickly to our household. I think that's her 'training' at the shelter. You may recognize two former NTCR kittens. The top photo shows Koko, who I believe was a special needs, fragile little kitten last summer and is now just one big white and grey furball. Buff-coloured Dubsie is also in a photo -- he likes to sleep cuddled up with Ivy, but whenever I brought the camera near, they both scampered off. I'm sure they both seem so much larger to you now!

All the cats sure like to look out the sliding door, but of course we keep them indoors for their own safety and protection. What's captivating them in these photos is my dog, who is out on the deck chasing flying leaves. That's her black nose at the window, looking in ...

Thank you again for this gorgeous and sweet black cat. I hope other prospective visitors to the shelter also consider an adult cat -- honestly, so easy to take care of, no follow-up at the vet clinic since the spaying/neutering and vaccinations are already done, strong and healthy -- comes 'fully loaded'. And as for Ivy being a black cat (which apparently and shockingly still deters some people in 2011) -- she has brought us nothing but good fortune and many blessings. We are so thrilled to have her join our household. Keep doing your amazing work!

Hi Donna,

I wanted to share these photos of my Sassy with you.

She has brought me so much joy & I just love her to pieces.

Kathryn

Hi Donna,

Thanks again for everything you've done for Chevis in his young life. He's been in our house for about two weeks now and we have to say: he is just the friendliest, best-natured and most forgiving cat! It took him about two days to settle in, getting familiar with the house, the new people and new cat in his life, but now he is enjoying himself immensely, evidenced by his roaring purr, playful antics, perfect manners, and the love that he happily gives and accepts.

Chevis almost immediately tried to befriend Biggie Smalls, our other cat, but Biggie needed some time to adjust, to get used to having another cat share his environment, and so there was some hissing on Biggie's part. Now, however, the hissing has stopped and they play together, chase each other, and we are hopeful that their bond will grow stronger over time so that Chevis will finally be able to give in to his beloved habit of grooming other cats. Anyway, we hope you and the other kittens at the NTCR are doing well, and thanks again for everything,

Susan and Koen

Merlin and Pumpkin, our two handsome boys, two very sweet souls and two gifts from above….

from Joyce and Ron Armstrong