Meet the Cats
Click on image to read individual stories.
Meet and Greet. Bobbina Ballerina.
Less adoptable does not mean any less important and here at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary we believe that every animal deserves dreams come true. Enter, The Black Cat Inn, the original kitty area at Tomten, and Bobbina and Fig.
Created in honor of our original barn cats, Skaii and Cinder, The Black Cat Inn was created before we had our barn and was designed to offer at-risk cats a safe haven with indoor and outdoor access. Because black cats are said to be the least frequently adopted and tortoiseshells are a close second, we decided to continue our pre-Tomten tradition and offer the comforts of a home to the two colors said to most likely to be euthanized.
But, in keeping with our “be more, do more and give more” philosophy, we took it one step further and opened our doors to another hard-to place group: the ferals and semi-ferals, the lives in highest need with the greatest risk of euthanasia. Did you know that it is estimated the United States has almost as many feral cats as domestic cats? MeWOW! That's a lot of need! And while we cannot help them all, the lives we save can be important ambassadors sharing their story with you as they find themselves living lives of peace, protection and possibility.
As you know, we love the opportunity to work with other nonprofits, joining forces to make a difference and in 2018 we were honored to partner with the MetroWest Humane Society to welcome our first two kitties, Bobbina Ballerina and Figgy Pudding Pie, as well as two additional kitties the following year, male black cats, Borisimo and Svenglini.
Before they arrived at Tomten, our beautiful little tortie, Bobbina, had been in the care and safety of MetroWest for three years! As cat after cat was adopted around her, she patiently awaited for the adopter that just never came. Imagine that, THREE years of sitting inside, waiting for someone to welcome her home. She is proof that we should never give up on our dreams and just when you think they may never happen, they really can come true.
Prior to life at the Humane Society, she had lived on the streets where life can be more than unkind, especially here in New England where Winters can be cruel and unforgiving. Fortunately for her, she was trapped in 2015, and brought to the shelter where she delivered 7 adorable little kittens—seven lives that would never find themselves out in the cold, alone. Of course, the kittens were easily adopted to fabulous homes, but shy and semi-feral, Bobbina sat waiting as do many older and “less adoptable” cats. That is until our two organizations joined forces to make another difference in her life.
But we could not step up for her alone and so it was determined that we should accept her friend as well. After all, everyone needs companionship whether you are two footed or four, and it is always best to have a friend of one's own kind. And so, we extended our invitation to Figgy Pudding Pie, a younger black and white female. Another stray, she was brought to the shelter at approximately 7 months of age where, like her friend Bobbina, she sadly but safely remained for two years. Thankfully, Metrowest is a no-kill organization and her time never ran out but that is time most at risk cats never receive.
There are so very many cats in need and it is easy for potential adopters to overlook those who may not have the social skills most homes desire. But here at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary we have no expectations, no timeline and we are happy to house our ferals even if they prefer to stay “outside.” So often animals find homes because of what they can do for US. So rarely do they find homes simply because of what WE can do for them. And that is something we are proud to offer and hope after reading this, perhaps you could too. Is there room for a feral or semi-feral in your life, your barn or home?
Our fenced in, in-and-out facility boasts an indoor and outdoor playground that simultaneously allows them freedom and safety. Not only did their transition here mean that they could live as they preferred, out and away from humans, while remaining safe, but it opened up space at MWHS for other feral cats in need, providing them food and shelter, vet care and love until they too found homes to call their own. A win-win! We couldn’t have welcomed them (and the two additions) without the help of Patti and Susan whose love of kitties really did make their dreams come true.
Of course, as comfortable as their Tomten "home" is, we always hope to provide more than just basic care and on our wish list is an opportunity to expand their outdoor area. Creating an improved "catio" for them to enjoy with an even wider range of options for mental and physical stimulation will help to keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their days.
Together we make a difference for animals in need and that means for felines too! With over one million cats euthanized in shelters every year, they need you and they need us to give the gift of light and life and we thank you for being on this meow-nificent journey.
Bobbina Ballerina
Meet and Greet. Figgy Pudding Pie.
Less adoptable does not mean any less important and here at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary we believe that every animal deserves dreams come true. Enter, The Black Cat Inn, the original kitty area at Tomten, and Bobbina and Fig.
Created in honor of our original barn cats, Skaii and Cinder, The Black Cat Inn was created before we had our barn and was designed to offer at-risk cats a safe haven with indoor and outdoor access. Because black cats are said to be the least frequently adopted and tortoiseshells are a close second, we decided to continue our pre-Tomten tradition and offer the comforts of a home to the two colors said to most likely to be euthanized.
But, in keeping with our “be more, do more and give more” philosophy, we took it one step further and opened our doors to another hard-to place group: the ferals and semi-ferals, the lives in highest need with the greatest risk of euthanasia. Did you know that it is estimated the United States has almost as many feral cats as domestic cats? MeWOW! That's a lot of need! And while we cannot help them all, the lives we save can be important ambassadors sharing their story with you as they find themselves living lives of peace, protection and possibility.
As you know, we love the opportunity to work with other nonprofits, joining forces to make a difference and in 2018 we were honored to partner with the MetroWest Humane Society to welcome our first two kitties, Bobbina Ballerina and Figgy Pudding Pie, as well as two additional kitties the following year, male black cats, Borisimo and Svenglini.
Before they arrived at Tomten, our beautiful little tortie, Bobbina, had been in the care and safety of MetroWest for three years! As cat after cat was adopted around her, she patiently awaited for the adopter that just never came. Imagine that, THREE years of sitting inside, waiting for someone to welcome her home. She is proof that we should never give up on our dreams and just when you think they may never happen, they really can come true.
Prior to life at the Humane Society, she had lived on the streets where life can be more than unkind, especially here in New England where Winters can be cruel and unforgiving. Fortunately for her, she was trapped in 2015, and brought to the shelter where she delivered 7 adorable little kittens—seven lives that would never find themselves out in the cold, alone. Of course, the kittens were easily adopted to fabulous homes, but shy and semi-feral, Bobbina sat waiting as do many older and “less adoptable” cats. That is until our two organizations joined forces to make another difference in her life.
But we could not step up for her alone and so it was determined that we should accept her friend as well. After all, everyone needs companionship whether you are two footed or four, and it is always best to have a friend of one's own kind. And so, we extended our invitation to Figgy Pudding Pie, a younger black and white female. Another stray, she was brought to the shelter at approximately 7 months of age where, like her friend Bobbina, she sadly but safely remained for two years. Thankfully, Metrowest is a no-kill organization and her time never ran out but that is time most at risk cats never receive.
There are so very many cats in need and it is easy for potential adopters to overlook those who may not have the social skills most homes desire. But here at Tomten Farm and Sanctuary we have no expectations, no timeline and we are happy to house our ferals even if they prefer to stay “outside.” So often animals find homes because of what they can do for US. So rarely do they find homes simply because of what WE can do for them. And that is something we are proud to offer and hope after reading this, perhaps you could too. Is there room for a feral or semi-feral in your life, your barn or home?
Our fenced in, in-and-out facility boasts an indoor and outdoor playground that simultaneously allows them freedom and safety. Not only did their transition here mean that they could live as they preferred, out and away from humans, while remaining safe, but it opened up space at MWHS for other feral cats in need, providing them food and shelter, vet care and love until they too found homes to call their own. A win-win! We couldn’t have welcomed them (and the two additions) without the help of Patti and Susan whose love of kitties really did make their dreams come true.
Of course, as comfortable as their Tomten "home" is, we always hope to provide more than just basic care and on our wish list is an opportunity to expand their outdoor area. Creating an improved "catio" for them to enjoy with an even wider range of options for mental and physical stimulation will help to keep them happy and healthy for the rest of their days.
Together we make a difference for animals in need and that means for felines too! With over one million cats euthanized in shelters every year, they need you and they need us to give the gift of light and life and we thank you for being on this meow-nificent journey.
Figgy Pudding Pie
Meet and Greet. Borisimo.
Borisimo
Meet and Greet. Svenglini.
Svenglini
Meet and Greet. Inigo Meowtoya.
Sometimes there is an unexpected and urgent need and while we may not be prepared, with you by our side, we are able to rally and change a life or two or five. Just over two years ago we were unexpectedly asked to help some cats in desperate need.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the tenants of a local rental home suddenly skipped town. In their haste, they left quite a bit behind. Not things. No, they left behind precious lives. They had, sadly, abandoned their many, many cats.
No one had any idea until the bodies started appearing. Multiple felines had been found dead on the road. Law enforcement was called in to investigate and when they went into the house, the sight they saw was quite disturbing. Unfortunately, they found numerous deceased cats among many more that were alive—a total of more than 50 lives.
It was such a sad situation and as you can imagine, the home was in such a state of disrepair and neglect, so damaged, that it was condemned. Traps were immediately set for the many ferals residing there.
The kittens, who are always the most adoptable, were immediately headed for safety but there were many feral adult cats that simply had nowhere to go. Not only did their limited socialization inhibit their chances of instantly finding homes, it also lessened their chance at being accepted into many shelters. With so many purrfectly social cats already in need and waiting for homes at adoption facilities, the fates of these more challenging adults were looking quite grim. The "No Vacancy" signs seemed to out just about everywhere.
We understand it. That is one of the true hardships of rescue–with limited time and funds at most nonprofits, choosing who to save when there are never enough resources to rescue all is a hard job. We have made the same hard choices and, like almost all rescues, we have done it over and over again. It simply breaks your heart, but it is why we must continue to fight on their behalf and why together we must do more, be more and give more.
We wanted to help but how? We couldn't take these cats into The Black Cat Inn for fear it would disrupt the peace of the Rescues already residing there. But we found another solution. We could transfer them to our big red barn (where there were no other feline residents) and allow them to become free-roaming Tomten Barn Cats after a gradual introduction and release. It would be a good life with infinite freedom, warm beds, steady food, permanent shelter and the option to make as many friends (or not) as they would like. And that is exactly what we did.
Because black and tortoiseshell cats are the least likely to be adopted, when the call for help came in, we said yes to those that had been trapped and courtesy posted others. In the end we welcomed three black ones (two with a bit of white) and two tortoiseshell ones and our courtesy posts resulted in homes for three others. Inigo Meowtoya was one of the first adult cats trapped at the hoarding site but somehow he escaped before ever arriving at Tomten. Fate was not to be deterred however and he was, amazingly, trapped a second time, finally joining his friends as they found their way to peace, protection and possibility.
We made up crates, prepared a secure room, and thanks to supporters like you, purchased climbing trees and beds, got each to the vet to be spayed, neutered, inoculated and microchipped and finally, officially welcomed these scared kitties to the farm where they spent a comfortable winter acclimating before being let out to free-roam in early spring.
Today, Inigo, Temperance and Raven enjoy a life of dreams come true. He and Temperance Tortoiseshell became fast friends and over the past several months, Raven Black has made their duo a very tight trio. They have become bolder and bolder and now even regularly make their presence known to our volunteers. The other black cat, Felina Finefur continues to act more like our resident Tomten, hiding in the shadows. We know she is there only through the food she eats and quick glimpses of her as she darts behind a hay bale or scoots quickly beneath a rock. Sadly, the other tortoiseshell, Prudence Purrkins unexpectedly passed away. We came down one mild morning just two years after her arrival to find her resting in an empty stall. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we know each of these kitties are far, far better off for finding their way to Tomten Farm and Sanctuary. Sometimes, the best we can do is offer them a home to live as they choose.
Our barn cats enjoy the safety and security of a warm, available loft, free-choice dry food, daily cans of wet food and even the occasional tin of sardines. They snooze in cat-comfy bedding and hayloft hideaways to keep them warm even on the coldest night. It would not have been possible without all of you who stand by our side and give the gift of life…even for the smallest animals in need. No matter how long they are here, they are happy and their simple welcome was a life-saving, life-changing gift.
Interestingly, not only are cats the number-one euthanized domestic animal, they are the number-one victims of animal hoarding. It is suspected that more than 250,000 animals are the victims of hoarding in the United States and that number continues to be on the rise making hoarding the number-one animal cruelty crisis for companion animals.
Need is everywhere. Please spay and neuter. We must do better.
Inigo Meowtoya
Meet and Greet. Temperance Tortoiseshell.
Sometimes there is an unexpected and urgent need and while we may not be prepared, with you by our side, we are able to rally and change a life or two or five. Just over two years ago we were unexpectedly asked to help some cats in desperate need.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the tenants of a local rental home suddenly skipped town. In their haste, they left quite a bit behind. Not things. No, they left behind precious lives. They had, sadly, abandoned their many, many cats.
No one had any idea until the bodies started appearing. Multiple felines had been found dead on the road. Law enforcement was called in to investigate and when they went into the house, the sight they saw was quite disturbing. Unfortunately, they found numerous deceased cats among many more that were alive—a total of more than 50 lives.
It was such a sad situation and as you can imagine, the home was in such a state of disrepair and neglect, so damaged, that it was condemned. Traps were immediately set for the many ferals residing there.
The kittens, who are always the most adoptable, were immediately headed for safety but there were many feral adult cats that simply had nowhere to go. Not only did their limited socialization inhibit their chances of instantly finding homes, it also lessened their chance at being accepted into many shelters. With so many purrfectly social cats already in need and waiting for homes at adoption facilities, the fates of these more challenging adults were looking quite grim. The "No Vacancy" signs seemed to out just about everywhere.
We understand it. That is one of the true hardships of rescue–with limited time and funds at most nonprofits, choosing who to save when there are never enough resources to rescue all is a hard job. We have made the same hard choices and, like almost all rescues, we have done it over and over again. It simply breaks your heart, but it is why we must continue to fight on their behalf and why together we must do more, be more and give more.
We wanted to help but how? We couldn't take these cats into The Black Cat Inn for fear it would disrupt the peace of the Rescues already residing there. But we found another solution. We could transfer them to our big red barn (where there were no other feline residents) and allow them to become free-roaming Tomten Barn Cats after a gradual introduction and release. It would be a good life with infinite freedom, warm beds, steady food, permanent shelter and the option to make as many friends (or not) as they would like. And that is exactly what we did.
Because black and tortoiseshell cats are the least likely to be adopted, when the call for help came in, we said yes to those that had been trapped and courtesy posted others. In the end we welcomed three black ones (two with a bit of white) and two tortoiseshell ones and our courtesy posts resulted in homes for three others. Inigo Meowtoya was one of the first adult cats trapped at the hoarding site but somehow he escaped before ever arriving at Tomten. Fate was not to be deterred however and he was, amazingly, trapped a second time, finally joining his friends as they found their way to peace, protection and possibility.
We made up crates, prepared a secure room, and thanks to supporters like you, purchased climbing trees and beds, got each to the vet to be spayed, neutered, inoculated and microchipped and finally, officially welcomed these scared kitties to the farm where they spent a comfortable winter acclimating before being let out to free-roam in early spring.
Today, Inigo, Temperance and Raven enjoy a life of dreams come true. He and Temperance Tortoiseshell became fast friends and over the past several months, Raven Black has made their duo a very tight trio. They have become bolder and bolder and now even regularly make their presence known to our volunteers. The other black cat, Felina Finefur continues to act more like our resident Tomten, hiding in the shadows. We know she is there only through the food she eats and quick glimpses of her as she darts behind a hay bale or scoots quickly beneath a rock. Sadly, the other tortoiseshell, Prudence Purrkins unexpectedly passed away. We came down one mild morning just two years after her arrival to find her resting in an empty stall. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we know each of these kitties are far, far better off for finding their way to Tomten Farm and Sanctuary. Sometimes, the best we can do is offer them a home to live as they choose.
Our barn cats enjoy the safety and security of a warm, available loft, free-choice dry food, daily cans of wet food and even the occasional tin of sardines. They snooze in cat-comfy bedding and hayloft hideaways to keep them warm even on the coldest night. It would not have been possible without all of you who stand by our side and give the gift of life…even for the smallest animals in need. No matter how long they are here, they are happy and their simple welcome was a life-saving, life-changing gift.
Interestingly, not only are cats the number-one euthanized domestic animal, they are the number-one victims of animal hoarding. It is suspected that more than 250,000 animals are the victims of hoarding in the United States and that number continues to be on the rise making hoarding the number-one animal cruelty crisis for companion animals.
Need is everywhere. Please spay and neuter. We must do better.
Temperance Tortoiseshell
Meet and Greet. Raven Black.
Sometimes there is an unexpected and urgent need and while we may not be prepared, with you by our side, we are able to rally and change a life or two or five. Just over two years ago we were unexpectedly asked to help some cats in desperate need.
Unbeknownst to anyone, the tenants of a local rental home suddenly skipped town. In their haste, they left quite a bit behind. Not things. No, they left behind precious lives. They had, sadly, abandoned their many, many cats.
No one had any idea until the bodies started appearing. Multiple felines had been found dead on the road. Law enforcement was called in to investigate and when they went into the house, the sight they saw was quite disturbing. Unfortunately, they found numerous deceased cats among many more that were alive—a total of more than 50 lives.
It was such a sad situation and as you can imagine, the home was in such a state of disrepair and neglect, so damaged, that it was condemned. Traps were immediately set for the many ferals residing there.
The kittens, who are always the most adoptable, were immediately headed for safety but there were many feral adult cats that simply had nowhere to go. Not only did their limited socialization inhibit their chances of instantly finding homes, it also lessened their chance at being accepted into many shelters. With so many purrfectly social cats already in need and waiting for homes at adoption facilities, the fates of these more challenging adults were looking quite grim. The "No Vacancy" signs seemed to out just about everywhere.
We understand it. That is one of the true hardships of rescue–with limited time and funds at most nonprofits, choosing who to save when there are never enough resources to rescue all is a hard job. We have made the same hard choices and, like almost all rescues, we have done it over and over again. It simply breaks your heart, but it is why we must continue to fight on their behalf and why together we must do more, be more and give more.
We wanted to help but how? We couldn't take these cats into The Black Cat Inn for fear it would disrupt the peace of the Rescues already residing there. But we found another solution. We could transfer them to our big red barn (where there were no other feline residents) and allow them to become free-roaming Tomten Barn Cats after a gradual introduction and release. It would be a good life with infinite freedom, warm beds, steady food, permanent shelter and the option to make as many friends (or not) as they would like. And that is exactly what we did.
Because black and tortoiseshell cats are the least likely to be adopted, when the call for help came in, we said yes to those that had been trapped and courtesy posted others. In the end we welcomed three black ones (two with a bit of white) and two tortoiseshell ones and our courtesy posts resulted in homes for three others. Inigo Meowtoya was one of the first adult cats trapped at the hoarding site but somehow he escaped before ever arriving at Tomten. Fate was not to be deterred however and he was, amazingly, trapped a second time, finally joining his friends as they found their way to peace, protection and possibility.
We made up crates, prepared a secure room, and thanks to supporters like you, purchased climbing trees and beds, got each to the vet to be spayed, neutered, inoculated and microchipped and finally, officially welcomed these scared kitties to the farm where they spent a comfortable winter acclimating before being let out to free-roam in early spring.
Today, Inigo, Temperance and Raven enjoy a life of dreams come true. He and Temperance Tortoiseshell became fast friends and over the past several months, Raven Black has made their duo a very tight trio. They have become bolder and bolder and now even regularly make their presence known to our volunteers. The other black cat, Felina Finefur continues to act more like our resident Tomten, hiding in the shadows. We know she is there only through the food she eats and quick glimpses of her as she darts behind a hay bale or scoots quickly beneath a rock. Sadly, the other tortoiseshell, Prudence Purrkins unexpectedly passed away. We came down one mild morning just two years after her arrival to find her resting in an empty stall. While we are deeply saddened by this loss, we know each of these kitties are far, far better off for finding their way to Tomten Farm and Sanctuary. Sometimes, the best we can do is offer them a home to live as they choose.
Our barn cats enjoy the safety and security of a warm, available loft, free-choice dry food, daily cans of wet food and even the occasional tin of sardines. They snooze in cat-comfy bedding and hayloft hideaways to keep them warm even on the coldest night. It would not have been possible without all of you who stand by our side and give the gift of life…even for the smallest animals in need. No matter how long they are here, they are happy and their simple welcome was a life-saving, life-changing gift.
Interestingly, not only are cats the number-one euthanized domestic animal, they are the number-one victims of animal hoarding. It is suspected that more than 250,000 animals are the victims of hoarding in the United States and that number continues to be on the rise making hoarding the number-one animal cruelty crisis for companion animals.
Need is everywhere. Please spay and neuter. We must do better.
Raven Black
Facts about Cats
Coming soon...
