In June 2024, we embarked on an adventure that few would dare to undertake. We packed up our entire cat sanctuary—50 cats in total—and moved 2,200 miles from the scorching desert of Phoenix, Arizona, to the lush, rolling hills of West Virginia. It was a journey filled with trials, tribulations, and moments of sheer panic, but it was also a journey driven by love and a fierce commitment to these incredible animals who call our sanctuary home.
To say it was challenging would be an understatement. Imagine trying to coordinate the logistics of trapping, crating, and safely transporting 50 cats, many of whom are feral or have known only the streets, across the country. I had no sedatives, no travel companions—just me, a rented RV that quickly felt too small, and a determination to get everyone to our new home safely. Check our our journey!
Finally got all the cats trapped:
Every mile we drove, I felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. The crates, many of which were generously donated, were larger than I had anticipated. This made space tight, and accessing each cat to check on them, refill water, or provide food became a Herculean task.
But somehow, despite the cramped quarters and the constant worry, we made it. We pulled into our new driveway on a Thursday afternoon, exhausted but relieved, after two and a half days on the road.
Seeing the cats finally free from their crates, exploring their new surroundings, was a moment of pure relief. We had made it. We were home. But the work was far from over.
The next challenge was creating a safe outdoor space for the cats, many of whom had been accustomed to the freedom of our old backyard in Phoenix. For over a month, they had to stay indoors while we constructed a catio. It’s not as large as the yard we left behind, but it’s a start. We’re hoping to extend it to encompass most of the backyard, giving the cats more room to roam and enjoy the fresh West Virginia air. We’re still about $1,500 short of our goal to finish the catio, so if you’re inspired to help, please consider donating to Cat Mama's Sanctuary.
First part of catio complete:
Unfortunately, our move was marked by unexpected heartbreak. Within two weeks of arriving, our beloved Hadi fell ill. Despite multiple visits to five different vets and spending over $6,000 on tests, treatments, and blood transfusions, no one could pinpoint what was causing his jaundice, anemia, and severe dehydration. Looking back, I suspect it may have been mycoplasma, possibly transmitted by fleas—something we never had to worry about in Phoenix. But despite all our efforts, which included several overnight stays at the ER, Hadi passed away. Losing him was devastating. He was such a special soul, loved by everyone who met him, and it breaks my heart that he didn’t get the chance to enjoy our new home. We will never forget Hadi and how hard he fought to get better.
As if that wasn’t enough, shortly after losing Hadi, our beautiful 7 year-old Jade began showing blood in her urine. I assumed it might be a UTI, a result of the stress of the move and the sudden need to share litter boxes inside the house. But bloodwork revealed something more serious—Jade has kidney disease. We’re now doing everything we can to manage her condition, including daily subcutaneous fluids and a special diet. However, her recent bloodwork showed her levels have worsened, not improved. Jade will require multiple vet visits to monitor her kidney disease closely as we continue to adjust her treatment plan. Please keep Jade in your thoughts as we do everything possible to help her body heal and give her many more years with us.
And just when you think you just want a moment to enjoy your new home, our dear Simon began acting lethargic and developing nosebleeds. A trip to the vet revealed indicators of FIP, a diagnosis that no cat owner ever wants to hear. FIP treatment is long and expensive—84 days of medication, not to mention the additional vet visits required to monitor his progress. Recently, Simon developed a lump between his eyes, which could be related to the FIP or something else entirely. We’re waiting for another vet visit to find out more.
Moving to West Virginia hasn’t been the smooth transition I had hoped for, especially with the wave of medical issues that have arisen. But despite the hardships, I’ve found solace in the kindness of the people here and the beauty of our new surroundings. It’s been a journey, to say the least—a journey that’s far from over.
For anyone out there considering a big move with a large number of cats, know that it’s possible. It’s stressful, it’s challenging, and it requires every ounce of your determination, but it can be done. If you need advice or just someone to talk to who’s been there, feel free to reach out to me—I’m more than happy to share my experiences.
Finally, if you’re reading this and feel moved to help, we could use your support now more than ever. Whether it’s contributing to our mounting medical bills, helping us finish the catio, or donating food and supplies, every little bit helps. Thank you for your kindness and for being a part of Cat Mama’s Sanctuary. Together, we can continue to provide a safe haven for these incredible cats.
Here are a few more photos of our journey, our new home, and our adorable residents. Thank you for reading and for caring.
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