09/11/2025
It's with a heavy heart that Sage Cat Oasis, a cat sanctuary, announces its closure. I surrendered 10 of the 12 cats in my care, to a shelter for assistance in placing them in new homes.
Why? The financial struggle to stay afloat upended us. I used my tax refund to cover part of the cost of their care, and this year it was half of what last years was. In addition a benefactor who donated in September previously, was unable to do so this year. Furthermore, a small sanctuary often times is unable to get the fundraising reach that others do.
There are hundreds of us across many states pinching pennies to stay afloat. I would often see an elderly couple at Walmart comparing prices and strategizing over how and where to get the best prices. Debating, could they buy half a pallet, at so and so store, and save money that way? Was buying a certain food in bulk worth it, if all of the cats didn't like it, or it didn't fit their dietary needs?
Anyone who runs a sanctuary or rescue knows, when it gets to a certain point, you cannot compromise on the care of the cats. As many others have said, litter alone will chew up a budget, and that is indeed fact. But of course the cost of monthly preventatives, medicines, and veterinary care are the most important part of their care along with food.
Sage Cat Oasis sadly said good-bye today, Thursday, September 11th to Lillian-Bristol, Willow, and Daisy, Bode and Mica. In addition, Ava, Mae, and Grayson, Max and Birch. Their best care was of the utmost importance and we know the shelter will provide that until their next homes are found.
Hobbes, S.C.O. Spokescat, stayed with us because I do not believe he would have done well in a shelter setting. In addition, he is heavily bonded to me, his Gammie. Ivy also stayed because she is bonded to one of my original cats, Piper. I also have Suzy Q, who is Piper’s mom and the very first original cat, after my seniors that passed.
So in the days that come, I along with the remaining cats, will navigate this new normal that will be both heartbreaking and so strangely different. But I will constantly remind myself the cats will receive the care they so richly deserve.
Please remember your local rescues and sanctuaries year round and donate when you can. Spread the word about them, volunteer, and skip a coffee when you can.
Hobbes S.C.O. Spokescat would want me to say Peace, meowt!
