FFRC Blog week ending January 3, 2026

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎊

Time to reflect on the past year and use our experiences to being in the new.

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Oprah Winfrey

Adoptions:

SNICKERDOODLE was adopted on 12/29. This was our last adoption of 2025. Snickerdoodle came from Dr. Darcy's office and had an upper respiratory infection, fleas, lice and ear mites, basically all the yucky stuff! Once again, FFRC worked their magic and turned this kitty into a beautiful long-haired fluffy girl. She is a dilute tortie and is absolutely gorgeous. She was besties with Peapod and Fudge. She is a little over 3 1/2 months old, which put them about the same age. On adoption day, she wasn't really happy because she had just received a little pokey so she didn't want to spend much time at the camera. She only had a short commute to her new home. She will be the only child and will be keeping her name. Hurray for Snickerdoodle!

Intakes:

There were no intakes this week.

Health Updates:

ROCKET had his surgery to remove his remaining back leg and tail on Monday, December 29th. He returned to FFRC on Tuesday. His first day back was a bit rough, but by Wednesday, we definitely saw much improvement. He became bright-eyed and very talkative. Currently, he is in a double condo, with both sides open. We are keeping him in this area so that he has a chance to heal. By Thursday, he was playing and is happy but wants more room to play. He is using the litter box and is staring to lift himself up onto his front legs. He has to relearn his new center of gravity, so he is a bit clumsy. Dr. Darcy did her best to create a pad to help raise Rocket's private parts. We are in hopes that when he is able to roam, he won't drag them on the ground and leave a potty trail. Why did we remove the tail? Good Question!!! We have learned from experience that keeping the tail is not only awkward, but the area is prone to infection, because when using the litter box, it is very difficult to keep the area clean. Although Rocket is a happy boy, he really doesn't like taking his meds. But then again, who does?

CRACKERS' drain tube was removed on Monday, 12/29. His eye sutures are healing great. We will begin removing them late next Monday. We will be taking out every other suture on Monday and then slowly removing the remaining ones as the week progresses. We don't want to rush his healing process.

BETTY who had hip surgery last week will also have her sutures removed next Monday.

HAGRID, one of Megan's dogs, is doing great. He was a bit of a baby after the removal of two teeth last week. He is now ready to start eating dry food.

ANGELIQUE: Are there babies or not?---"baby" watch continues. She has gained about two pounds since her arrival. Her belly is protruding and is firm. Still no baby movement. A viewer let Megan know that there is a urine pregnancy test for cats. This is something to consider.

Holds:

FLOOF is officially on hold, although she will not be available for another couple of weeks. She is scheduled for her spay on 1/13. Floof is one of Angelique's babies. She is a grey and white long-haired baby girl. Absolutely FLOOFY! Keeping this until she is adopted, because she is just so darn cute!

PEAPOD and FUDGE, our tiny panthers, will be going to the same home. They are also scheduled for their spay and neuter on 1/13.

PEAPOD:

FUDGE:

CHURCH and SCAMPER will be adopted together on 1/10 at about 10:30 EST. The date is a bit fluid because their parents have to travel from out of state to get them. We are watching the weather closely and hoping for a sunny and dry day.

CHURCH:

SCAMPER:

Center Kitties:

KAHU is doing great and is ready to come up to the main room, but she has not yet been spayed. If there is an opening with Humane Ohio on 1/13, she will fill the slot. She can't come up because BLUE is in the main room and has not yet been neutered. He will be neutered on 1/13 with Peapod, Fudge and Floof. Blue enjoys the warmth and food at FFRC, but he is a bit of a lazy boy. He even lays down to eat. He will be someone's snuggly bunny.

KAHU:

The babies have had goopy eyes. They are all getting better. This is nothing to worry about, just cold season.

ELSIE is the non-resident who has been at FFRC the longest. She is Egypt's "Dog Run" Buddy. We did get to see her a bit this last week. She normally is in Front Thumpers Room.

Events:

On New Year's Eve, Megan and Debbie hosted a New Year's version of "Would you Rather". For those of us able to stay awake, it was a great time. Midnight treats for everybody!

Humane Ohio bookings are taking place for 1/13. For 2025, FFRC sent 800 kitties to be spayed and neutered!

We know that a lot of fundraisers and events have been held recently, please do not ever feel that you need to participate by donating. You can help the rescue by subscribing to our YouTube channel…LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE. This helps tremendously and doesn’t cost the viewer anything. Also, JUST BE KIND!

Current Needs:

A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website

Other Updates:

FFRC was closed from noon on 12/31 and will reopen on 1/5 so that staff can enjoy family during the holidays.

Sweet Lynnette will be off from the afternoon of 12/24, returning on 1/5, We are missing Lynnette and hope that she enjoyed her time off.

A full Friday Q & A will return on 1/9. However, Megan popped in to provide a few updates on 1/2.

We had a visit from Carmine on 1/2. It was great to see you!

Jan 2 was our Mod Terri's birthday! 🎉

Jan 2 was a busy day. Tony and Stephanie dropped by and brought 35 pounds of food for our babies. We love to see our viewers.

The new Kabana TV sent in by Wayne has the new protective screen in front of it. The kitties are loving this. Thanks!

We are looking for a better solution for the Kabana cam. Our kitties like to move the camera around too much. We have someone in mind that should be able to help us with this.

The Beach chair has returned. I think someone is ready for Summer to return. Sorry, Winter is here for a while yet.

2026 Calendars are now available and are being offered in two sizes: 8 1/2 x 12 or 8 1/2 x 14. Orders for calendars will be through the FFRC Store and also on the FFRC website. We are unable to take orders via the phone or e-mail. I've received mine, how about you?

Photos by Dawn and our adopters.

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"In the New Year, never forget to thank your past years because they enabled you to reach today! Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future."

Mehmet Murat Ildan

FFRC Blog week ending December 27, 2025

I hope that all of you enjoyed your Christmas and Boxing Day holidays. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers that worked throughout the holidays, so that the kitties could celebrate with warm and full bellies.

Megan shared this Christmas message below:

Merry Christmas, FFRC Nation - our family.

We can't begin to express how grateful we are to have each and every one of you in our lives. We hear so often how much this channel means to you, but we hope you know how much you mean to us.

The love, kindness, and unwavering support you surround us with truly keeps us going, even on the hardest days. Because of you, we've been able to save kitties who may not have had a happy ending otherwise - and that is something truly extraordinary.

From our hearts (and paws) to yours, thank you for being part of our FFRC family. 💗🐾

Megan and the Cats

Adoptions:

There were no adoptions this week.

Intakes:

BLUE: Our New Boy has a name. He is now BLUE. In case you missed it, here is his story: On Monday, 12/15/25, Megan received word from her friend that a cat had been found. He had been coming around in the evening, huddling in alcoves trying to keep warm. Megan was able to rescue this sweet cat that is grey in the face and grey tiger elsewhere. He is about 6-8 months' old. You know the rule is NO NEW CATS BEFORE VACATIONS....but this one needed to be brought in. All intake and tests were completed before Megan left for her two-day vacation. Tests were all negative. Blue had just a few fleas and appeared to be healthy. He is un-chipped and un-neutered and has large copper-colored eyes. He loves the warmth of FFRC and is a purr-baby!

ROCKET came to the center this last week. We work with another rescue that is about 1 1/2 hours away. This rescue specializes in FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, also known as Kitty AIDS) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus). It is a small rescue that also takes in other cats in need. The positive-tested cats are kept in a separate area from others. About a month ago, FFRC had a kitten that tested positive for FeLV. The kitten, CHAMBIT, was transferred to this rescue and is doing great. This week, the rescue reached out to FFRC because they had a cat that needed FFRC's special care. ROCKET is about 5 months old. When he was around 4 weeks old, a cinder block accidently fell on his back legs. Before coming to FFRC, one leg was amputated, with the hopes that the other leg could be saved. Unfortunately, it cannot be. He is an Inky ball of energy that loves to chew on hands. We are trying to break him of this bad habit by adding a kicker for him to chew on. In his condo, he uses the litter box well, but when he is on the floor running around, he drags his leg and other parts and leaves a bit of a trail on the floor. We are in hopes that once his other leg and tail is removed, he will be able to lift his body enough to keep him trailless!

Health Updates:

SYLVESTER is back in the main room and is very happy.

MURPH had an unplanned trip to the vet on 12/22. He had been drooling and pawing at his mouth. He has stomatitis. This is an inflammation in the tissue lining the mouth or lips and is not contagious. Murph recently had a full dental which usually cures this condition; however, it didn't work with our big guy. He is back at FFRC, and we are trying different medications to help resolve his issues.

BETTY'S hip surgery on 12/22 was a success. She did well but was uneasy at the vet's office. She came back to the center on 12/23. She will be staying in a condo during her recovery.

CRACKERS' eye surgery went well; but the sutures opened up a bit. Dr. Darcy recommended that the sutures be removed. After this, his socket was cleaned, and a blood clot was found. A drainage tube was added to relieve pressure then his socket was re-sutured. We are watching him closely.

ROCKET our new boy, will have his second leg and tail amputation on 12/29. Magic is very interested in helping his new buddy recover and learn how to fly around the Center.

HAGRID, one of Megan's dogs, will also be going to the vet on 12/29. He needs some dental work and to have his ear looked at. Another of the pack that is not feline!

ANGELIQUE: Are there babies or not?---"baby" watch continues.

Holds:

FLOOF is officially on hold, although she will not be available for another couple of weeks. She needs her spay before she gets to go home. Floof is one of Angelique's babies. She is a grey and white long-haired baby girl. Absolutely FLOOFY! Keeping this until she is adopted, because she is just so darn cute!

Adopted Kitties:

The below adopters reached out to Megan to pass on Holiday Wishes:

ASTRA: Here is Astra. She is sitting by her newly decorated tree. She is a bit of a nut case but is a very happy girl. She is getting along with her sibling, Sid.

WIXX: Here is Wixx. She is wishing us a Merry Wixxmas!

ODIE is doing great. He is happy and healthy. He had sniffles but is fine now. He also had a heart murmur that went away on its own. He is as goofy as ever and makes his family laugh every single day.

OPIE CUNNINGHAM is very cute in his new home, but he doesn't really like his outfit. What do you think?

PELICAN is having a wonderful time in Florida. He's a bit of a fluff and is he Popsicle's uncle?

NIGEL and RUFFLES are looking like angels. HMMMM?

These are not the only ones that we have updates on. We always appreciate hearing about our adopted babies!

Events:

On Christmas Eve, we were treated to the reading of one of Cindy's (yes, our own Cindy G) stories, "FFRC Goes to the North Pole", read by Debbie. It is a wonderful story of the spirt of giving of oneself and was written in 2020. Following the story, a game of "Would You Rather-Christmas Version" was held with all of us gaining insight on the FFRC staff and Chatters. The evening ending with Megan reading the age-old classic," Night before Christmas" by Clement Clark Moore. What a wonderful way to wrap up the night!

On Christmas afternoon, Megan read a sequel to Cindy's earlier story. This one called "FFRC's Secret Special Guest", tells of an elf that had heard wonderful things about FFRC and hitched a ride back the Center to see if it was true. Another great tale of the Christmas spirit. Megan and Debbie then hosted one more of game of "Would You Rather-Christmas Version"

Roz held a virtual holiday party on 12/23. All were invited to bring a snack. Jammies were the acceptable and expected attire. Yummy and Comfy!

Friday Night Mary is doing good. We hope to see her visit soon.

Looking forward to kicking off the New Year with new ways to help FFRC.

Current Needs:

A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website

Other Updates:

Megan enjoyed her two days away from the center. But we are all glad she's back.

Staffing issues. Special thanks to all that pitched in during the staffing shortage!! No kitties were affected, and we got to see some faces at different times than their usual times.

FFRC was closed from noon on 12/24 and will reopen on 12/29 so that staff can enjoy family during the holidays.

Sweet Lynnette will be off from the afternoon of 12/24, returning on 1/5, WOW!! We will miss her!

Friday Q & A will return on 1/9. However, Megan popped in to provide a few updates on 12/26. Most of her updates are listed above in the Adopted Kitties Section.

Photos by Dawn and our adopters.

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"On New Year's Eve the whole world celebrates the fact that a date changes. Let us celebrate the dates on which we change the world."

Akilnathan Logeswaran

"Be at war with your vices, at Peace with your neighbors, and let every New Year find you a better man."

Benjamin Franklin

FFRC Blog week ending December 20, 2025

HO HO HO and OH OH OH!!! Winter is here and for those that celebrate--a Very Merry Christmas!

A little treat found on The Purrfectly Holistic website:

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas

’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, except for a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with bling
In hopes that more cat treats Santa would bring.
The kitties were snuggled all cozy in beds
With visions of catnip and toys in their heads
Cat mom and cat dad spent all evening wrapping
With gifts under the tree they went to bed happy
When down in the kitchen there arose such a clatter,
They sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Right down the staircase they flew like a flash,
Racing into the great room they heard a loud crash.
That’s when they found them—each cat with tail swishing
All focused and staring, growling and hissing
Ignoring their parents’ attempts of distraction
The cats kept their eyes on the prize and the action.
And then without warning the cats began chasing
The small furry creature on which they’d been gazing.
More rapid than eagles they flew down the hallway
Ignoring the shouting of mom and dad calling.
Over the table, the chairs and straight down the hall,
Dash away, dash away, dash away all!
All you could hear was thundering feet
As they ran and then leaped to the top of the tree
The presents were scattered from under the tree
As tinsel and baubles all fell underneath.
That’s when they saw him—he peeked his head out,
To locate the cats–a cute little mouse!
Through howling and protests cat mom and cat dad
Grabbed each of the cats, scrambling fast.
Locked in the bedroom they still heard meows
As they went back downstairs wondering what to do now?
The mouse blinked his eyes and tilted his head
Letting them know they had nothing to dread.
With a squeak and a dart he jumped to floor
And he raced towards cat dad who held open the door.
Before he ran off he wiggled his nose,
Gave a quick wink, finally turning to go.
The excitement was over, they turned out the lights,
Merry Catmas to all, and to all a good night!

~Merry Christmas from Purrrfectly Holistic!

Adoptions:

There were no adoptions this week.

Intakes:

NEW BOY: On Monday, 12/15/25, Megan received word from her friend that a cat had been found. He had been coming around in the evening, huddling in alcoves trying to keep warm. Megan was able to rescue this sweet cat that is grey in the face and grey tiger elsewhere. He is about 6-8 months' old. You know the rule is NO NEW CATS BEFORE VACATIONS....but this one needed to be brought in. All intake and tests were completed before Megan left for her two-day vacation. Tests were all negative. This yet un-named kitty had just a few fleas and appears to be healthy. He is un-chipped and un-neutered and has large copper-colored eyes. He loves the warmth of FFRC and is a purr-baby! Naming to be soon!

Health Updates:

SYLVESTER has evacuated the mop string. Megan held a contest with prizes to whoever discovered the string. Morning Kim won the "Find a String" contest. Here winnings included a delicious fudgy coffee, Grandma's famous skillet cookie log and $20. He is very happy to now be stringless!

JOJO also swallowed a mop string. She is being watched. The evil mop head has been thrown away.

NYOTA arrived back in her nest on 12/18. She's feeling great and is happy to be home. Kitty HAPPY is happy to have her buddy back.

BETTY'S hip surgery is scheduled for Monday, 12/22. We will report updates as soon as we have them.

CRACKERS' eye surgery went well. There was a bit of swelling after surgery, but he's fine now. He was supposed to be neutered while he was at Dr. Darcy's office, but because his testicles had not descended, he will have to have actual surgery (like a spay). This condition is called cryptorchidism and affects about 2% of male cats. He is now out of his pen and on the floor in Back Thumpers Room awaiting another trip to Dr. Darcy's.

ANGELIQUE: Baby watch continues!

Holds:

Events:

The last fundraiser of the year was held this week. Previously reported that the $5 basket raffle was the last fundraiser. Surprise! On 12/17, Lynnette held a Flash Sale while Megan was off. There were books, little and big Polly Blankets, Pocket blankets and grab bags. All items were sold for a total of $1,140. Thanks to all that donated and purchased these items.

Looking forward to kicking off the New Year with new ways to help FFRC.

Current Needs:

A list is kept up to date on the Amazon Wish List found on the FFRC website

Other Updates:

Megan enjoyed her two days away from the center. But we are all glad she's back.

Staffing issues. Vanessa has been ill and weekend coverage has been difficult. Please be aware that the kitties always will be taken care of. You may see different faces and a little bit different schedule. Thanks to all that have stepped up to make sure that the kitties are ware, safe, fed and pottied.

Photos by Dawn.

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"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling."

Edna Ferber