In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Wink’s world changed. Like it did thousands of people and animals, the flooding that swept through Central Texas over the 4th of July weekend uprooted the tiny kitten and left her in a precarious position.
Imagine going through the chaos of an emergency evacuation while suffering from a case of ringworm and a nasty upper respiratory infection. That’s what Wink had to endure at a very young age.
But, because of our supporters like you, Alley Cat Allies ensured Wink and many more cats and kittens affected by the flooding found safety, recovery, and a new beginning. The moment we heard news of the disaster, our Rapid Response Team mobilized. After coordinating with advocates, veterinarians, and organizations to understand the most urgent needs, we had a plan in place. Then, we got to work.
We save more lives by working together
In collaboration with Texas-based Operation Kindness, Alley Cat Allies began providing rescue, supplies, and emergency medical care for cats and kittens in flood-affected areas. The cats were evacuated from shelters in the flood zone and brought to safe harbor in the Dallas area to be evaluated, treated, and cared for.
And to a shelter in Williamson County, also swept by flooding, Alley Cat Allies supported the deployment of a response team staffed with veterinary technicians. The team provided vaccinations, scanned for microchips to determine if reunion was possible, and brought essential care to cats and other animals.
Many of the cats who came to us were nursing mothers with litters or young kittens suffering from medical conditions—like Wink. In a bright spot amid the darkness of those days, we can confidently say we provided these cats and kittens with treatment they would never have otherwise received.
These are their stories
Cammy, found alone outdoors in the aftermath of the flooding, immediately relaxed in the hands of rescuers after all he’d been through. Your generosity made his care possible.
Tecna and Ravyn had discharge from their upper respiratory infections gently washed from their eyes, and medication administered. They could move forward after the disaster, healthier than ever, thanks to your support.
Verano, who arrived with difficulty even taking a breath due to infection, received the treatment he needed to finally breathe easy. He could rest and recover safely in a foster home because of you.
Each of these cats is a survivor, and each of their stories of rescue and healing is the impact of our action, together.
We don’t let cats’ lives slip through the cracks
Since our founding, during the days of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, and up until today, our Rapid Response Team has saved lives through some of our country’s largest and most complex disasters. Your support puts our expert responders on the ground, rushes in vital supplies like generators and vaccinations, provides lifesaving medical care, and so much more.
Alley Cat Allies refuses to allow cats to slip through the cracks of disaster response. We were ready to save kittens like Wink when floodwaters rose in Texas and, because of you, we’ll be ready when the next emergency comes.
Learn how you can ensure your family—including cats—is ready to weather a disaster. See our disaster kit checklist, tips to disaster-proof a community cat colony, and more at alleycat.org/Disaster.