Meet Crystal and Travis, devoted cat lovers who reside in the picturesque countryside just outside Ellicottville, an hour and twenty minutes away from the Cat by Cat Inc. shelter in East Amherst. Last May, they decided to open their hearts and home to two new furry family members, Sassy and Stella. "I call them Sassy Pants and Stella Bella," Crystal chuckles as she lovingly describes her feline companions.
The decision to bring Sassy and Stella into their lives was not made lightly. Crystal and Travis had recently said goodbye to their beloved 15-year-old calico and were eager to provide a loving home for two sisters, with at least one being a calico. The search for the perfect feline companions led them on a two-year journey, scouring Petfinder for the right match.
However, their quest was met with disappointment each time they found a calico cat, only to discover that it had already been adopted. That is until they stumbled upon Cat by Cat Inc. Crystal recalls the moment vividly: "I sent an email right away, set an appointment for a meet and greet, and the rest is history."
While it had been 15 years since Crystal and Travis had kittens in the house, they quickly relearned the ropes of kitten-proofing and adjusting their daily routines. The kittens brought an abundance of energy and joy into their lives. "It's just wonderful—I don't know what I'd do without them. They have so much personality!" Crystal says with genuine delight.
But Crystal is quick to emphasize that there are many more kittens and cats in need of loving homes. Crystal, who grew up on a farm, knows all too well the challenges faced by abandoned cats in rural areas. "People would abandon their cats on farms, so the numbers grew. Back in those days, they weren't spayed, so the kittens kept coming," she explains.
Sadly, not much has changed since then. Cats are still being left in the countryside, hoping to find a place to call home. Crystal's neighbor, a farmer, has taken it upon himself to care for nine stray cats (so far), a testament to the ongoing need for assistance.
Crystal urges everyone to resist the temptation to drop cats off in rural areas, where they may struggle to survive against predators and the elements. Instead, she advocates for surrendering them to no-kill organizations like Cat by Cat or humane societies, where they can receive proper care and a chance at a better life.
Reflecting on her experience, Crystal expresses her admiration for Cat by Cat Inc. and its founder, Sally Merritt-Braciak, saying, "I am so impressed with how Sally manages Cat by Cat. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Sally and her volunteers." She also commends the foster parents who nurtured Sassy and Stella before they found their forever home, noting that their transition was seamless thanks to the love and care they received.
Crystal's message is clear: Let's all do our part to help cats in need, just as she and Travis did for Sassy and Stella. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these wonderful creatures, one adoption at a time.
Thank you for your continued support of Cat by Cat Inc. We couldn't do it without your dedication to our mission and the welfare of cats in Western New York.