Rags To Riches Cat Rescue is a federally registered cat charity with a big mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the forgotten cats and kittens abandoned across southwestern Ontario’s rural communities.

Many of the cats we save have been dumped, abused, or left to fend for themselves in the harshest conditions — from freezing winters to predator-filled woods and remote areas where help sadly never comes. With zero government funding and limited resources, our small but dedicated team works around the clock to give these animals what every living being deserves: safety, medical care, love, and a second chance at a beautiful life.

Since January alone, 120+ cats have found their forever homes through our rescue — a testament to what compassion, resilience, and a caring community can achieve when we come together.

As a registered charity, Rags To Riches Cat Rescue remains deeply committed to responsible rescue. Every cat that enters our care is spayed/neutered, fully vetted, and provided the individualized attention they need to heal and thrive. We also work to combat overpopulation and educate the community on proper cat care and welfare.

But the past few months have tested us like never before. After a report from a disgruntled community member, we found ourselves facing unexpected scrutiny and harmful misinformation — amplified by relentless scrutiny and online bullying.

In order to continue our mission and daily operations without the current barriers, we must continue to fundraise for a new facility — a larger one that provides dedicated quarantine areas and more sustainable environment for the cats in our care. But we cannot do this alone.

We need more than donations. We need people we can depend on — fosters, volunteers, and advocates — to help us carry this work forward.

Fosters play a life-changing role. Every time someone opens their home to a cat in need, it frees up space in our shelter, reduces stress on our animals, and gives that cat a calm, nurturing environment to recover and prepare for adoption. Simply put: without fosters, we cannot continue saving lives at the same pace.

Volunteers are the backbone of our day-to-day operations. Whether it’s cleaning, feeding, transporting, assisting at events, or supporting our team with administrative tasks — every hour someone gives helps to keep the rescue running. We are a small team. Without consistent volunteer help, we face burning out and won’t be able to continue our mission for the cats.

And we need advocates — people willing to stand with us, share our mission, and help counter the misinformation that threatens our rescue’s reputation and future. So today, we’re asking — humbly, urgently, and from the bottom of our hearts — for your continued support. Not for us, but for the cats still waiting to be cared for. For the ones clinging to hope. For the ones who haven’t yet had their second chance.

We need dedicated fosters. Reliable volunteers. Advocates. And yes, we still urgently need funds to help us move forward — to build a better home for our cats and volunteers to enjoy. Every dollar, every share, every hour given makes a real difference. Each one reminds us that we still have a reason to be here — not just for the cats, but for the community we serve. With your help, we can rise above this moment. We can build something stronger. Safer. Better. For the cats who depend on us. And for the future we still believe in.

Please make a donation today and help us — and our cats — move toward a brighter, safer future. We urgently need your support. We can’t do this without you. 🐾

With deepest gratitude,

The Rags to Riches Cat Rescue Team