zzz-giveBIG 2022 Update – May 4, 1pm

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. As of 1 pm this afternoon, we have raised over $31,000 and our match funds have been fully utilized! These funds will help ensure that we will be there for the animals, including those with special needs.

MEOW is proud to offer special needs cats the care and treatment they need, until they are chosen by that special family.

Meet Cisco

Cisco was left behind when his family moved, and soon after his rescuer brought him to MEOW he was diagnosed with a neurological condition called hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia in cats is an extreme sensitivity, almost always on the back, most often right in front of the tail. Some cats may become suddenly aggressive and bite. Their pupils may dilate, their skin may ripple, they may drool, vocalize, or even urinate, and may self-mutilate.

Thankfully, Cisco has never exhibited these behaviors. What his fosters did notice was that he frequently acted uncomfortable, turning his head quickly toward his tail with a soft growl, and sometimes biting at himself. When this happened, he could easily be distracted and calmed by a soft voice or a gentle touch. Although he was clearly in distress, never did Cisco redirect his agitation outwardly, toward people or animals.

Since his diagnosis, Cisco’s hyperesthesia has been treated with acupuncture and is well controlled with twice daily doses of an inexpensive medication for neurological pain.

Cisco’s condition, which requires ongoing treatment and medication, labels him as “Special Needs”. Often kitties like Cisco have a harder time finding their forever home. We are so grateful that we can be there for Cisco and other special needs cats, and we’re thrilled that Cisco recently found his perfect family!


Our reasons for doing what we do each and every day are focused around the animals, but when members of our community recognize our efforts, it fills our hearts with pride and gratitude. 

From Marti – posted on MEOW’s Happy Endings Page

“In the past year, after the loss of my two senior kitties within 9 months of each other, plus, a close family member, plus the pandemic and isolation, and…and… and…I felt completely lost. After my last kitty passed away on January 29th, my house was so lonely. I contacted Joni at MEOW, and we explored several options for a new companion.

Miss Fritzy (previously known as Fritzy) joined me on a foster-to-adopt basis on February 10th. She is almost 2 years old and had some puzzling behaviors that meant she couldn’t be with young children and other cats. She needed a specialized setting with an experienced and patient cat parent. As a result, she was having trouble finding a forever home.

Happy Ending! I adopted Miss Fritzy! She has brought so much joy to my home. Her antics and vocalizations are just what I needed. She is curious and loving. She plays foos ball or soccer throughout the house for an hour at a time. She loves to bring me the ball, as if to say, “Look what I brought you, Mommy!” 

Miss Fritzy sleeps on the end of my bed every night and loves looking out the windows. She loves watching me unload the dishwasher, sweep the floor, talk on the phone, watch TV, and ‘do’ my life. I needed her, and she needed me. Happy ending, for sure.

Thanks to all of you at MEOW for the love of my sweet Boo and Atticus, who are now gone, and this sweet Miss Fritzy.”