The 2025 Rescue Donation Recipient is: Little Cats Lost!

Funds donated from the Edmonton International Cat Festival will support a variety of Little Cats Lost programs including:

FIX ME: Spay/neuter assistance program. Cat Fest funds towards this program would provide financial assistance and resources to make spaying and neutering accessible and affordable to various members of our community, both urban and rural. This, of course, will help to reduce the number of unwanted cats and improve the overall health and well-being of our cat population. This program operates for pets and owners as fund availability allows.

LITTLE CATS LOST TNR: Curbing cat overpopulation with humane solutions. True to their namesake, as pioneers of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) in Edmonton, LCL is steadfast in continuing our efforts both within the city and beyond. While some of the TNR operations can be managed through Animal Care & Control, our rural TNR initiatives are conducted and financially dependent on us. 

ID FOR ME: Feline identification program. The Feline Identification Program focuses on promoting the idea that cats without any form of identification can be properly microchipped for a reasonable cost. By partnering with local veterinary clinics, we resurrect the program to host specific “ID For Me” Days, during which microchipping services are provided at a subsidized rate. Part of this cost would be borne by the rescue. This initiative significantly improves the chances of lost cats being reunited with their owners and contributes to the overall safety and well-being of our feline community.

CHLOE’S HOUSE: Special Homes For Special Cats .This program was named after a sweet little cat, Chloe, who was found frozen to the ground next to a dumpster in northwest Alberta. Despite LCL veterinary intervention, she sadly passed from the ordeal. Chloe’s House now covers other special foster kitties that come into care needing special attention. From cats like Scooter, who is diabetic; Ziggy, who has chronic ringworm; Skipper, who has Spina Bifida; Dudley, a senior with kidney issues; the list goes on. These types of cases require constant veterinary care, which is a significant financial drain. Each and every one of the cats in the Chloe’s House program deserves their chance, and LCL cares for them until their special home arrives.

SHARING IS CARING: Financial assistance to help save owned pets with treatable conditions from euthanasia Sharing is Caring is an 11th hour reprieve. Cats and kittens going through this program are usually facing immediate euthanasia for a treatable medical condition due to families being financially challenged. Most calls come in to LCL from the emergency veterinary clinics. When possible most cats are moved to our partnering vet clinic who provides the necessary treatment to us at a rescue discount. Providing LCL feels the home is where the cat should be we gladly return him/her to the family.

FELINE FORTRESSES: Homes for houseless cats. The feline fortresses are strong, durable, fully insulated shelters and food boxes capable of withstanding wildlife attacks. Built with plywood and insulation, we provide both heated and unheated options to caregivers for kitties living in urban and rural areas where temperatures can drop significantly. Since inception in 2009, LCL shelters have been a source of safety and comfort for community cats.

MOE MOE’S HOPE: FIP education and assistance program. LCL’s journey with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) began nearly a decade ago with a little feral street cat named Moe Moe. Moe Moe was a curious and resilient feline who captured hearts, but unfortunately, he succumbed to FIP on March 3, 2014. His passing ignited a spark within us to delve deep into understanding FIP. Fast forward to today, and the mission has evolved significantly. LCL has made substantial progress in educating pet parents about FIP and the importance of early detection and intervention. They emphasize the significance of understanding the disease, its transmission, and the available treatment options today. Education and financial assistance remain at the core of our efforts. The goal is to ensure, while funds allow, that no cat suffers with FIP due to financial constraints. LCL offers financially challenged pet parents assistance to treat and offer the finances for qualified veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) to teach pet parents proper injection protocols for administering the medicine. They are able to teach but feel creating the relationship between client and vet allows for more ongoing support. In summary, LCL’s journey, which began with Moe Moe’s tragic loss, has transformed into a passionate mission to educate and support the feline community. Through this program, LCL strives to create a space where cats in our community with FIP have access to life-saving treatments and a chance to thrive. The commitment to this cause remains unwavering, and they will always continue to advocate for better understanding and management of FIP.

RODENT WRANGLERS: Barn and shop cat heroes. Rodent Wranglers are the cats that have no desire to be part of family life and prefer a more independent lifestyle roaming the outdoors. They are the feral cats that can’t be returned to their location mainly because of jeopardy. They remain socially challenged and stressed even after our best efforts to gain their trust. LCL is always in search of safe, warm barns and workshops willing to give these wonderful cats a home in return for their services.