Thank you for supporting Villa Kitty in 2022 ❤
As 2022 hurtles to its end, we raise our glasses to you, our compassionate generous supporters. Without you, this year of extraordinary achievements here at the new Villa Kitty Foundation would never have happened.
To every one of our donors who made it possible to build the new Villa Kitty Foundation, we give thanks. To everyone who supported us during the critical weeks of moving our 319 cats and kittens and 39 dogs (those numbers seem so low now!) across the short 1.7 kilometres to our new beautiful Villa Kitty in Banjar Tegal Bingin MAS, we offer our heartfelt gratitude.
We are now on a spacious 35 are (3,500 square metres) of land, which is 3 ½ times the size of our old Villa Kitty.
Today, in this last newsletter for 2022, I can tell you just how much your support and your compassionate donations have achieved.
This year Villa Kitty has vaccinated more than 1,500 cats and kittens against the viruses that kill them, including the lethal Panleukopenia. We have provided vets on the island with vaccines so that they can vaccinate, without charge, the feline families of local people whose circumstances do not permit them to pay for the care of their beloved cats and kittens. We have sterilised in excess of 1,000 cats here at Villa Kitty plus we have supported local veterinarian practices to conduct sterilisations for those who cannot afford the cost.
The move to the new Villa Kitty took a mountain of logistical planning. By mid-February, we were all here but we were still a long way off from ensuring the pavilions were safe homes for the cats and kittens and securing the areas for our boisterous dogs. Every pavilion was wrapped in strong netting while we netted the perimeters of the entire Phase I Villa Kitty Foundation.
What fun we had ‘dropping the nets’ when each area was finally secured! Some of the cats bolted out in glee. Others, whose tiny feet had never felt grass, took tiny tentative steps. It was an absolute joy to watch.
2022 has given us a treasury of memorable moments, some filled with delight, others when the entire staff mourned lives lost.
In June, Forest, the “face” of Villa Kitty, breathed his last.
Forest is, and will always be, our face of Villa Kitty appearing on our Tshirts and other apparel and our signage. Forest to many was Marlon (Brando), a stunningly handsome young cat, who, alas, ran to an impressive fatness in his later years. Vale Forest: you leave a big gap at Villa Kitty, both literally and metaphorically.
On the 13th October, one of our staff died in a tragic motorbike accident. We miss Denox every day. He was an extraordinary young man. So many of you sent in photos you had taken of Denox when you visited. He was always to be found gently stroking a cat or kitten. Denox: you will never be far from our hearts.
This year, we suffered two outbreaks of the deadly feline virus Panleukopenia. During these events, we declared we could not take any more kittens, but the dumping of babies continued relentlessly so we had to continue receiving them. How could we do this if you hadn’t come to our aid?
A final pair of numbers for 2022:
From 1 January to 26 December, we received 983 cats and kittens and we have had 293 wonderful adoptions! A couple of days to go...
Of course, our most joyful experiences of 2022 have been showing you, our supporters, our friends, around the new Villa Kitty and seeing you lazing on the lounges, playing with the kittens, giving and receiving so much love. We asked you to take this journey with us and you came. We hope you keep on coming.
Happy New Year our friends. Our wish is that 2023 brings peace throughout the world.
Love from us all
Elizabeth Henzell
Founder
Villa Kitty Foundation
P.S. If you would like to make one final donation for the year that would be greatly appreciated, please donate here. Thank you again for your support.