Our Programs

FIV is a lentivirus that progresses slowly, potentially compromising a cat's immune system and diminishing its ability to fight infections. This rare virus affects approximately 2-3% of cats in the U.S. and around 3-4% globally, with even lower rates among healthy, domesticated indoor cats. The virus has a lengthy latent period and progresses so gradually that it may never impact a cat's health.

Long-term studies support what caregivers and rescuers have observed for years: FIV-positive cats can live just as long and healthy lives as their non-FIV counterparts, often passing away from the same causes. Moreover, FIV-positive cats can coexist with non-FIV cats without transmitting the virus.

At Rustic Hollow, we provide care for FIV+ cats that might otherwise face euthanasia due to their care requirements.

If a cat is friendly and lacks behavioral issues, we encourage posting about them on our Facebook page. We share these posts with rescue groups that adopt out FIV+ cats and trusted contacts in the rescue community to help find them loving homes.

We advocate for seeking homes for friendly FIV+ cats, as they can safely live with negative cats when properly introduced and if they do not engage in fights.

Rustic Hollow takes in felines with neurological issues. Most prevalently, we care for cats with Cerebellar hypoplasia.

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Cerebellar hypoplasia, sometimes called wobbly cat syndrome, is a congenital condition in cats that is neither contagious nor progressive.

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CH affects the cerebellum of cats, which is the area of the brain that controls fine motor movement, balance and coordination. Cats with CH often have noticeable symptoms from birth, which range from mild signs of head bobbing and high stepping to more severe signs like tremors and the inability to walk. 

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A common misconception is that these cats may be in pain. Cats and kittens with CH can lead a very normal, happy, and healthy life. It does not affect their life expectancy and many adapt exceedingly well to their disability, especially with accommodations we provide our felines.

We offer sanctuary to felines displaced at the death of their guardian. Families who cannot care for their loved one's cats can feel relief in knowing there is a secure option for these cats to receive the attention and care they need.

This program was designed to offer a safety net for your pet's future, giving you peace mind knowing that your companion animals will be cared for in a loving environment if you are unable to provide for them due to unforeseen circumstances or in the event of your passing.

Our Safety Net Program ensures that your wishes regarding your pet's future are honored. If you're interested in learning more about our Safety Net Program, please request additional information via email.

FeLV is a retrovirus that weakens a cat's immune system and is specific to felines, meaning it cannot be spread to humans. Cats that test positive for FeLV can enjoy many years of life without significant symptoms. A positive FeLV test result should NOT be viewed as a death sentence. At Rustic Hollow, we aim to provide a sanctuary for FeLV+ cats that would otherwise face euthanasia.

For intake requests regarding Feline Leukemia, we require a second PCR test to confirm the cat's positive status.

If the cat is friendly and has no behavioral issues, we encourage posting about the cat on our social media pages like: Facebook. We will share the post with rescue groups that adopt out FeLV+ cats and with trusted contacts in the rescue community to help find a loving home.

It is our belief that a sanctuary is to be there for cats deemed 'adoption challenged' who have issues that make it hard for them to find a caring home. 

Cats with behavioral issues and or disabilities statistically less-likely to be adopted. It is our goal to provide a space for them to thrive instead of being euthanized.

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We also offer behavioral counseling to families who want to keep their cat but need to resolve issues they are having with their companion animal. 

Conservation is also a part of our mission. The sanctuary is a release site for rehabilitated wildlife who enjoy the creeks, marshland, and woodlands.

We act as a release site for rehabilitated raptors and other animals.

It is not uncommon to see the raccoons and opossums enjoying supper on the Co-Founder's deck as they feed several of them to keep them from bothering other wildlife.