04/16/2025
❤️ HAPPY CAT SANCTUARY CATS NOW UP FOR ADOPTION ❤️
THIS IS SHARED INFO
We are a volunteer transport group for shelter pets and to assist rescues.
ORIGINAL POST:
MEDFORD, Long Island (WABC)
More than 180 cats that survived the devastating fire at Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, Suffolk County, are now up for adoption.
Those who are interested in adopting any of the surviving cats can fill out an application on a recovery website set up after the deadly blaze.
The massive fire on March 31st engulfed the sanctuary, killing more than 100 cats and the facility's owner, 65-year-old Chris Arsenault.
https://happycatsanctuaryrecovery.setuprescue.com/Cats
🐾 😺 🏡
FROM THEIR WEBSITE:
Update on Rescue Efforts at Happy Cat Sanctuary
Date: April 10, 2025
We would like to provide a transparent update on the ongoing rescue efforts at Happy Cat Sanctuary and address some of the questions and concerns from the public.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
At this time, the recovery of deceased cats from the house and the safe trapping of feral cats still on the property is actively underway. Many have asked why the process appears to be taking so long. Please understand that when this tragedy occurred, no rescuers or trappers were allowed on the premises for four days. Due to the loss of life, it was considered an active crime scene and required supervision from the District Attorney’s office before any animal recovery could begin.
During this initial waiting period, the Sanctuary's board members, in consultation with other experienced 501(c)(3) rescue organizations, immediately began a two-phase emergency response:
1. Emergency Medical Response: Severely injured or ill cats were trapped around the perimeter and rushed to local emergency veterinary hospitals.
2. Trapping Effort Coordination: Approved trappers were assigned to begin — and continue — trapping outside cats who were not visibly injured, for safe transport to the warehouse facility for vetting. While we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of public support and offers to help trap, the board made the decision to limit trapping efforts to a few trusted individuals. This is being done to avoid further traumatizing the already distressed cats by minimizing the number of people on site and maintaining a calm, coordinated approach.
2. Temporary Shelter Setup: Volunteers quickly secured a warehouse space to house up to 200 animals. They obtained or received donations of large double-door dog crates, and began setting up medical and intake areas. Veterinary teams and technicians were brought in to assess each cat upon intake, evaluating temperament (friendly, semi-feral, or feral), administering full vaccinations, SNAP testing, scanning for microchips, and conducting comprehensive health checks.
3. Assignment Each cat was then assigned a crate number, and if no microchip was found, one was implanted. Any cats showing signs of respiratory or other contagious illnesses were moved to an isolation area for close monitoring.
All intake data has been uploaded to our online database. However, please understand that scanning, cataloging, and processing the medical data of nearly 200 cats is a time-consuming task. We are working as quickly and efficiently as possible, but accuracy and care are our top priorities.
Concerning Previously Surrendered Cats
We’ve received many messages from individuals who previously surrendered cats to Happy Cat Sanctuary and are hoping to find out whether those cats are alive or deceased. We understand how heartbreaking this situation is and truly sympathize with your concern.
However, these cats are legally under the care of Happy Cat Sanctuary and its board. We kindly ask for patience. Many cats are still being scanned and processed, and those who have been scanned are in the process of being entered into our system.
Deceased cats recovered from the site were sent to multiple facilities where they were scanned for microchips. If the chip was intact and readable, we will be receiving those reports shortly. Once we’ve compiled all data, we will provide a way for the public to submit microchip numbers via a form on this page. If we find a match, we will reach out to you to confirm the cat’s status.
Please understand that this does not imply that any living cats will be returned, but we hope it can offer peace of mind and some closure.
Regarding Adoptions
Many have inquired about the adoption process for these cats. Please know that these animals were deeply loved by Chris and remain under the care of Happy Cat Sanctuary. Our priority has been to partner with reputable 501(c)(3) organizations equipped to handle feral and semi-feral cats. These organizations are continuing the work of decompression, socialization, and eventually, adoption.
If you are interested in adopting or helping a specific cat, we will direct you to the partner organization responsible for their care. Each organization will follow its own established adoption screening procedures.
The Future of the Upstate Sanctuary
There have also been questions regarding the upstate sanctuary. That facility is not yet complete and currently cannot safely house this many cats. This is why we are relying on other rescue groups to help with fostering or permanent placement. No formal decisions have been made regarding the construction timeline or direction of the upstate facility.
That said, our commitment to Chris’s legacy and the mission of Happy Cat Sanctuary remains unwavering. We are working tirelessly to rebuild and come back stronger than ever, with the support of our community and generous donors.
In Closing
This has been an incredibly challenging time for all involved. The scope of this effort is unlike anything we’ve ever faced, and we are doing our best to ensure each cat receives the care, respect, and attention they deserve.
We thank you for your compassion, your patience, and your ongoing support. Please check this page regularly for verified updates, and understand that while we may not be able to respond to every inquiry immediately, we are doing everything possible to stay organized and focused on the animals in our care.
—
The Board and Volunteers at Happy Cat Sanctuary
