Tails High

10/09/2025

Our little unicorn 🦄 , Hurkle Durkle, has brought us yet another challenge on her journey. You might recall that we recently shared she was finally ready to start looking for a forever home, but Hurkie had other plans. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, she had a series of seizures and was rushed to the ER. While Hurkie has always been neurologically a bit special, these convulsions were totally out of the blue and very scary, leading us to believe something has changed with Hurkie’s brain which is what her neurologist, Dr. Kaiman, believes is happening.

Since early September, Hurkle Durkle has been on daily anticonvulsants, but in the last week her episodes have increased in frequency and duration even on medication. We are very worried for our precious girl and want answers. Dr. Kaiman has given us a number of differentials with varying prognoses but we can’t be sure what’s going on in Hurkie’s special brain without an MRI. We’ve weighed the possibilities and what is best for her future, and while we know this will be expensive, we never hesitate to get our kitties what they need.

Hurkle Durkle has been through so much in her first 6 months of life. Since her tragic beginning, being struck by a car that killed her mama cat and caused the traumatic brain injury that has had lasting effects, to the infection she battled after her leg amputation, she’s been so strong. Her foster mom, Casey, has been her rock and gotten her through these challenges with so much love.

We need to raise at least $3,800 for the low end estimate for Hurkie’s MRI within the next week. There’s a possibility she will also need a spinal tap with analysis depending on what Dr. Kaiman finds, which would cost up to $5,000, and discussion of potential surgical repairs that would be an additional $8,000-$10,000, but we’re taking one step at a time and hoping for the very best for our girl. Please consider donating and sharing for Hurkie. She means the world to us and we are so grateful for your support. 💖

💜Donate here >> https://www.tailshigh.org/home/donate/
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10/08/2025

Some cats come to us as if written in the stars, and Constellation is one of them. This tiny calico wandered the world looking for someone to see her, running up to strangers by busy roads and lingering near a preschool hoping anyone would take notice. No one stopped, until we saw a plea for help.

When our volunteer went searching, Constellation was found sitting quietly in a cemetery, as if waiting in the stillness of the night sky. The moment she saw her rescuer, she ran straight into loving arms, ready to leave the uncertainty behind. She was truly desperate to feel love and safety.

We searched for a family to reunite her with, but she had no microchip, wasn’t spayed, and no one came forward to found/stray hold reports. It is a mystery where she came from and why she stayed near the cemetery. Perhaps she had once been loved and was left behind, or maybe she was keeping watch over someone who could never return. We will never know, but what we do know is that her future is bright now that’s she’s a Tails High kitty.

Now safe indoors, Constellation shines as the sweetest girl. She will climb into your lap the moment you sit down, purring and soaking up every bit of love. She is chatty and expressive, eager to tell you about her day. Though she hasn’t met other pets yet, her gentle spirit suggests she would find her place with the right introductions.

At just one year old, Constellation is ready for her forever family. She deserves a home where she will never be overlooked again, where she can glow as brightly as the stars she is named after. Please share her story so we can find her the perfect family! 💫

10/06/2025

When we brought Conch Fritter to Virginia all the way from St. Thomas USVI in May, we knew we had some work to do. While he was totally perfect in every way, his eyes showed signs of scarring that needed veterinary attention, and we are fortunate to work with one of the best ophthalmologists that would later change his life and open up the aperture of his future - literally! What we don’t understand now is how he hasn’t had a single adoption application.

With his beautiful improved eyes, the world has come into focus for our precious Fritz and he has his sights set on forever. This handsome guy is 100% lover boy and all he wants is a lap to curl up into and purr the day away. Despite his tough start growing up in the St. Thomas Humane Society with many other cats in need, he took to his foster home as if he knew he was made for the house cat life. He’s grateful for every new toy he discovers, the cozy spots in the windows he finds to lounge in, but most of all the assuring touch of your hand that he leans into for as much love as he can soak up.

Fritz is simply wonderful. Orange cats get a reputation of being a little silly and he’s happy to perpetuate that stereotype with his zoomies, random sounds, and bouts of energy when he gets a playful streak. At just 1.5 years old, he’s got expected kitten energy but he also appreciates when it’s time for a cat nap.

Again, we are baffled that we don’t have 100 applications for this most adorable and hilarious boy. He is the whole package! It’s been 538 days since Conch Fritter arrived in the shelter and has waited for a forever family. Help us give him the life he deserves and share him or apply to adopt! 🧡🐚

10/05/2025

Sunday afternoons are the perfect reminder that senior kitties like Carlos make the best company. Whether you are curled up with a book, watching football, catching up on folding laundry, or just enjoying a quiet moment on the couch, this easygoing gentleman will be right there beside you.

Carlos is 9 years old and has already known great love and great loss. His mom adored him but faced an inoperable brain tumor and had to make the heartbreaking choice to let him go. We want nothing more than to honor her by finding Carlos the second forever home he deserves, a place where he can live out his golden years surrounded by comfort and love.

In foster care, he has blossomed from a nervous boy into a sweet companion who adores belly rubs, head boops, and cozy lap time. Do not let his age fool you, he still loves a good play session and is a master bug-catcher. He has also shown just how adaptable he is, now happily sharing space with both another cat and even a German Shepherd.

Carlos has so much joy left to give and is waiting for a family who sees that senior cats are truly golden. Could you be the one to give him the happy ending he has been waiting for? Submit your adoption application today! 🤎

10/03/2025

My oh my! Look how far you’ve come, sweet Flutterby! It’s been 12 weeks since we answered the call to help a tiny kitten dragging herself across the road. We had no idea what was in store for her then, but we knew we’d do everything we could to give her the best chance at the best life. Every single day she showed her strength. Like a delicate butterfly, she needed time to heal her wings, but the day has come that she’s finally ready to fly - with both legs fully healed!

Flutterby has miraculously healed, not just one, but BOTH of her fractured legs! We were originally preparing to amputate her left leg, as it was unlikely that her displaced femur could heal properly, but with expert veterinary care, proper rest, pain management and perseverance, her kitten bones fused and Dr. Werden confirmed it is totally stable. We were so excited to review her X-rays and see the wonder of what kitten’s bodies can do!

This resilient little girl has brought her foster family so much joy, but it’s time for her next adventure. Flutterby and Sea Glass are hopeful for a forever home together, as a pair, as they’ve become best friends and are the cutest, silliest, most loving duo. We’re excited to see them continue to grow up together if the right family comes along to make it possible!

Thank you for following along on Flutterby’s journey and your continued support to allow us to say yes to the cats and kittens that need us most. 🦋

10/01/2025

Calamari’s story started with a grainy clip on a community member’s camera. Our volunteer was aiming to help a devastated family searching for their missing cat, but instead, she came across this sweet boy in need. He was living on the edge of a busy road and finding scraps at a seafood restaurant just to get by. As she set her trap, she came across the remains of other kitties that had sadly not made it and knew Calamari needed to get out of there.

Once he was safely inside, Calamari quickly leaned into pets, gave soft head boops, and showed right away that what he wanted most was love. He had no microchip, wasn’t neutered, and we received no responses to stray hold/found reports. Sadly, we come across cases like this all too often with friendly stray kitties and we wish we were able to ask them about their past.

Calamari is estimated to be about a year old and has the s***k of a kitten through and through. He is sweet with just a dash of mischief and we suspect he likely grew up without other kittens from how he gets a little overexcited when he plays. In his foster home, he enjoys the company of cats, dogs, and every new friend who comes to visit. He’s Mr. Congeniality, especially for a Churu!

This boy is proof that sometimes the catch of the day can change a life in the world of cat rescue. Calamari is one of the lucky ones and his world got a lot brighter because of the kindness and dedication of an awesome trapper. We are so grateful for the volunteers who cast their nets wide to save cats like Calamari.

Now Calamari is patiently waiting for a forever family to reel him in. Submit your adoption application for this one of a kind treasure. 🐟

09/28/2025

Scroll for Sunday Sleepies. Flutterby is all of us on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you just don’t want to get out of bed. This little survivor has a lot to say and we’ll be sharing an update on her journey very soon. Until then, enjoy your weekend! 💤

09/27/2025

A little royal family was discovered on the streets of DC, doing their best to survive without the safety of a home. Young mama Avalon and her four kittens — Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, and Guinevere — needed a helping hand. Thanks to rescuers and a foster family ready to open their doors, this legendary clan found safety and love just in time.

Avalon has shown nothing but grace and gratitude since the day she was rescued. At just 1.5 years old she’s still playful herself, yet she raised her babies with sweetness and care. Now she’s ready to be treated like the queen she is in a forever home of her own. With slow introductions she could join other friendly cats, or she would be just as happy soaking up the love as your one and only.

Her kittens, Arthur and Merlin, are a mischievous, magical pair who are bonded for life and must be adopted together. At 2 months old they are full of silly antics and playful energy, always keeping their foster family entertained. Their siblings, Lancelot and Guinevere, have already found their happily ever after, staying with the family who loved them from the start, and now Arthur and Merlin are waiting for their turn.

Helping families like this one is at the heart of what we do. Every mama cat that comes off the streets reminds us why it matters so much to step in when they need us most. We work hard to help as many as we can, but there is always a need for more volunteers and people who care, just like the wonderful foster family who gave Avalon and her kittens a safe haven.

Applications are open for Avalon and for Arthur and Merlin. Could you be the one to give this little royal family their next chapter?

09/27/2025

📖✨🩶🩶

A mother cat and her only kitten were rescued from life on a porch and are finally getting the happy tale they always wanted. Storybook the mother cat and Fable the kittenTails HighA frail mother cat was found abandoned on a porch, with her tiny kitten clinging to her ...

09/26/2025

Somehow Funky Munky hasn’t had a single application and we’re totally stumped. With his adorable face, sweet spirit, and laid-back charm, we can’t imagine why this lovable guy hasn’t been scooped up yet.

Funky Munky (aka Monkey) is a street-smart former alleycat who decided he was ready for the good life. One chilly day last November, he walked right into a condo like he’d been planning it all along, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Now fully committed to the indoor lifestyle, Funky Munky enjoys gentle pets, soft beds, and tasty treats (especially Churus… he’s a connoisseur). He likes to take his time getting to know new people and spaces, but once he’s settled, he becomes a calm, affectionate companion who loves curling up in a favorite cozy spot.

He currently lives with two cats and a large dog in his foster home and gets along great with everyone. He’d do well with another mellow cat or a respectful, cat-savvy dog. He’d also be just as happy being your one-and-only four-legged companion.

Funky Munky has a soft spot for quiet corners and comfy hideaways. You’ll often find him lounging in a basket, tucked into a wool bed, or cozied up in a suitcase under the bed. He’s all about the chill life.

If you’re looking for a peaceful, sweet cat with a soulful gaze and a heart of gold, Funky Munky is ready to bring his magic to your home.

09/23/2025

We have shared the heartbreaking losses of our beloved foster cats and kittens throughout this year and we have collectively grieved with this amazing community. When a precious soul crosses the rainbow bridge, the loss is palpable. We do everything in our power to comfort the volunteers that open their hearts and homes to these special kitties as they navigate the unthinkable reality, no matter how long they’ve had them in their lives. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it is that nothing heals a broken heart like saving another deserving life.

As we talk to adopters and new fosters as they engage our organization to get involved with fostering or adopting, we are privileged to hear the stories of the cats that have changed their lives. The grieving process is not linear and it is different for everyone. Some might be coming to us to adopt decades after recovering from the loss of a best friend, while others have just said goodbye days prior - but our mission is the same, to find them their next soul mate. We are so honored to get to guide them to the kitty that will mend what has been broken and truly change their lives.

When we thought about each of the special kitties that have left this world in 2025, we felt an overwhelming calling to make sure all of our supporters feel seen. If you have lost your fur baby recently, or even years ago, we know how painful it can be to miss them every day. We understand. And so we felt it might help to channel our collective grieving into something good. In dark times, we can be the light, and in their honor we will continue to save more lives that need us.

If you would like to make a donation in memory or honor of a loved one you have lost, we promise to keep their spirit burning bright, putting your contribution towards the care of worthy cats and kittens that need an advocate.

🤍Donate here >> https://www.tailshigh.org/home/donate/
🤍PayPal Giving Fund (zero fees) >> paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/38090
🤍Venmo >> tails-high
🤍Facebook/Instagram >> Use the DONATE button on our posts or profiles

Our kitties that have crossed the rainbow bridge this year: Three Ring Binder “Booker”, Aurora Borealis, Mini Muffin, Liam, Armani, Leno, Spencer, Glue Stick & Lunchbox “Kolbe and Lunchin”. Love you forever. 🤍