A Day in the Life of a Cat Rescuer | Kirsten Cares for 21 Rescue Cats

A Day in the Life of a Cat Guardian: Inside Kirsten’s World

There’s a certain kind of madness required to dedicate your life to 21 cats. A beautiful, necessary madness. One that starts before sunrise and ends long after most of us have collapsed on the couch with a glass of wine. For Kirsten, it’s not just a passion; it’s a full-time, no-breaks, no-vacation job. And yet, despite the chaos, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Morning: The First Priority – Sweet Pea & Mimi

Before most people even hit snooze on their alarms, Kirsten is already up and dressed in what can only be described as her “pee-proof uniform.” Sweet Pea and Mimi, two of her many feline dependents, don’t exactly have the luxury of bladder control, so out they go into the outdoor enclosure for some fresh air and an early morning bathroom break. Sweet Pea, ever the warrior, scoots his way along with a determined sparkle in his eye. Mimi follows, taking in the cool morning air. This isn’t just a routine—it’s an act of devotion.

Mid-Morning: The Blind Sanctuary

Next stop: the blind sanctuary. Not many people would look at a blind cat and think, “Yeah, I’ll build an entire haven just for you guys,” but Kirsten is wired differently. Inside, these sightless wonders navigate their world through sound, smell, and the sheer force of will. She checks in on each one, making sure their water is fresh, their food bowls full, and their litter boxes spotless. They may not see her, but they know she’s there—guardian, caregiver, provider of belly rubs and safety.

Midday: The Real Work Begins

Back in the house, it’s time to tackle the never-ending cycle of litter box duty. With 21 cats, this isn’t an occasional task—it’s a constant one. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real work happens between the scooping and sweeping. Kirsten is coordinating with vets, figuring out how to get stray cats spayed and neutered, paying vet bills for those who can’t afford it, and finding ways to get food to underprivileged pet owners. In the world of animal rescue, the fight never ends—it just shifts to a different battlefield.

Afternoon: Quality Time

Between calls, emails, and last-minute emergency vet runs, Kirsten does what all cat guardians should do: she plays. The cats, despite their varied histories of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, still know how to chase a toy, still know how to trust—at least, the lucky ones who found their way here. For a moment, there’s peace. A reminder of why she does all of this in the first place.

Evening: Dinner & the Final Check-In

As the sun starts to dip, her husband Ray steps in for his favorite duty: dinner time. The cats gather like a well-trained (but very vocal) army, eagerly awaiting their wet food feast. Even the two strays outside know the routine and show up, tails flicking in anticipation.

The last act of the day is “tucking them in.” Kirsten and Ray go from room to room, checking every single cat, making sure each one is comfortable, safe, and well-fed. Litter boxes are checked one final time, water bowls are refilled, and then, finally, it’s time to rest—if only for a little while.

The Reality of Rescue

This is what it means to dedicate your life to animal rescue. There’s no clocking out. No leaving work at the office. No vacations. Just an endless rotation of feedings, cleanings, medical runs, and unexpected emergencies. But for Kirsten, it’s worth it. Because every cat under her care, once abandoned, broken, or unwanted, now knows what it means to be loved.

And that, in the end, is all that matters.

Remember, 10% of all apparel sales from Mushroomskitty.com go directly to Kirsten’s Cares for Cats, helping her continue this incredible work and bettering the lives of Panama’s stray and rescued felines.

Check out her page here