A Rescue Mission to Remember: 18 Cats Saved from the Brink of Euthanasia!

This year, New Hope Animal Rescue has worked tirelessly to save countless animals, but one mission this fall truly stood out: rescuing 18 cats who were at imminent risk of euthanasia. Trapped by animal control and unable to be neutered or returned to their original home due to a pending investigation against their owner, these cats faced an uncertain and heartbreaking fate—until we stepped in.

A New Hope volunteer patiently works with a timid kitten from this story, teaching him that human touch is "safe".

For over a month, 18 cats endured confinement at an open intake shelter during an ongoing investigation against their owner. Their shy, misunderstood dispositions, combined with the trauma of their ordeal, left them particularly vulnerable and at imminent risk of euthanasia as some of these cats were not adoptable as house pets.    

Finding rescue placements was no easy task, but we didn’t see this as a reason they should die and thankfully the shelter staff didn’t want to see this outcome either.  They allowed us to actively network these cats for rescue placement.

Determined to give them a second chance, New Hope stepped in and contacted every cat rescue we could with videos assessments of each cat, but our pleas to save their lives remained unanswered. Only one rescue was able to partner with us to help get the cats out safely.  
🐾 14 cats were placed in New Hope Animal Rescue
🐾 4 cats were placed with Austin Pets Alive [Thank you!]

Thanks to the incredible efforts of dedicated fosters and volunteers and a rescue partner who also stepped up to save 4 of the cats, all 18 cats were saved! 

Cats like sweet Marshmellow have since found loving homes!

5 other cats we took in that were not happy living indoors or being handled by humans were placed in safe barn cat placements where they will have access to shelter, food and water at all times. 

And others like -Big Poppa- are still waiting to meet you!  

Big Poppa was possibly the most misunderstood kitty of the colony. Once known as the big, protective daddy of the colony and possibly destined for barn cat placement - he has surprised us all with his sweetness and cravings for human warmth and affection! He would love a home for the holidays!  

This remarkable rescue story is just one example of the life-saving work you make possible and how committed our volunteers are to saving lives and they continue to work daily with the remaining cats from this story. From shy cats who were unable to return home so unfairly faced euthanasia, to senior dogs needing medical care, to healthy puppies needing spay neuter surgeries, your generosity ensures we can say “yes” to animals in desperate need.

Help us save even more lives in 2025.

Your year-end gift provides the resources to respond to urgent rescue cases, deliver critical care, and ensure animals in need find their forever homes.

You can make a difference today. From all of us at New Hope Animal Rescue, thank you for giving hope to animals who need it most.