From Passion to Purpose: How Kirsten Built a Safe Haven for Cats in Panama

Panama is a funny place. It’s where the jungle meets the expat dream, where retirees sip coffee on their terraces while feral cats slink through the streets, unnoticed. Well, unnoticed by most.

Kirsten noticed.

She didn’t move to Panama planning to become the patron saint of stray cats.
It just... happened. It always starts with one, maybe two.  A scrawny kitten outside a café, a limping tomcat in an alley.  Then, before you know it, your house is full, and you’re explaining to people why your backyard now includes a sanctuary for blind cats.

Yeah. She built a sanctuary. For blind cats. Let that sink in.

Kirsten’s home is not a shelter in the traditional sense.  There’s no front desk, no neat rows of cages, no sterile smell of antiseptic.  No, it’s her house.
And in that house, 21 cats—abandoned, abused, sick, forgotten—live their best lives, sprawled across furniture, tucked into corners, weaving between legs.  Thanks to Kirsten, they have food, vet care and a place to call home.
Thanks to her husband, they have something even better: A space designed just for them.

He’s the man behind the catios, the wall-mounted cat beds, the custom-built kennels—because if you’re going to turn your home into a feline sanctuary, you might as well do it right! These cats don’t just survive; they thrive.

This is where I come in!

I run a cat-themed apparel business.  A simple concept: you buy a shirt, you look cool, and now, a portion of that sale goes to Kirsten’s mission. Because cat rescue isn’t glamorous. It’s messy, expensive, and often heartbreaking.

But it’s also full of second chances.

So, here’s the deal: every time you buy from my shop, you’re helping cats like the ones in Kirsten’s care. Your support means vet visits, good food and safe spaces for the ones who need it most.

I’ll be sharing more stories about these cats, the chaos, and the incredible work happening behind the scenes.  But for now, take a look at the shop.
Even a small purchase makes a difference.

🐾 Shop & Support: Mushroomskitty.com 

🐾 Check out Kirsten’s Page Here: Kirsten Cares for Cats