06/12/2026
I am happy to share an update on the sad St. Joseph, MO cat situation, with info about cats we've already helped, as well as work we have planned for the near future. This particular location is going to take awhile to work through, since there are so many intact adults giving birth to more kittens, and many of the litters are born and living in buildings that cannot be accessed (abandoned homes, garages so full of junk the door cannot be opened, etc). But thanks to all of our generous supporters, we have funds to help spay and neuter cats, as well as provide necessary medical care to any that require it.
Since the beginning of May, we have helped more than 22 adults, plus a litter of four kittens who were found in an abandoned home, sick with URIs and eyes glued shut. š¢
The adults were all combo tested with a mix of results - many cats in that area have both FIV and FeLV which makes them more prone to getting seriously ill with diseases most cats would be able to manage because of strong immune systems. We did have to euthanize four of the cats due to their positive FeLV status and poor overall condition. Several had large, gaping bald spots and raw wounds on their skin, and many were so congested with URIs that they couldn't breathe unless their mouths were open. When FeLV cats get this sick it usually means the disease has progressed and the kindest option is euthanasia.
We kept a family of three who tested positive for FeLV but are currently healthy. We are looking for placement with someone who has leukemia cats in their home already, or with an organization that has a sanctuary or adoption program for leukemia cats. We also kept a sweet tabico girl named Stella who tested positive for FIV and had severely infected canine teeth that almost fell out on their own when she was spayed. She has been re-tested to confirm negative FeLV result, and will be heading to Whiskers Cat Cafe and Coffeehouse in the near future!
The remainder of the cats were either returned to caretakers, placed with adopters or transferred to other organizations for adoption. Any cats living in an area with known FeLV cats are given a leukemia vaccine following a combo test. This doesn't guarantee they won't contract the virus at some point down the road, but it offers some protection. The caretakers have also been asked to contact us if any of their FeLV cats become ill or need medical care/euthanasia. This way we can help prevent slow deaths outside where cats can be harmed by dogs, people, etc.
On July 11, we will be fixing another 15-18 cats from St. Joe, with local help from Sherri Constable who lives in the area and knows many caretakers. She is helping to identify areas where cats are living so that we can put a plan into place for spaying/neutering. The cats will be picked up to come to Belton where they will be fixed, vaccinated and combo tested before going back to St. Joe.
Moggy's Refuge also took some bottle babies from the area, and we are covering the costs to vet and spay/neuter them so they can be adopted into homes when they are old enough.
If there are any other rescues in the area who can take friendly, fully vetted adults and/or kittens who do not have a caretaker, please let us know. All cats will be fixed, combo tested and vaccinated, and health certs can be done for any going out of state.
If you are interested in helping we can use volunteers to coordinate trapping/pickup of cats in St. Joe as well as transport to Belton (or partway to Belton)!
I'll share some new photos as soon as I can get them organized on my phone š
