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Meet Olive
Lonely Hearts Club Member
Olive is a spunky 7-year-old diabetic cat. With a mischievous personality, she’s quickly become a favorite amongst the staff at CCS. If you adopt Olive, we assure you there will never be a dull day in your household again! View her profile to learn more.
Adopt
Save a life and find your new best friend while opening up more space in the shelter. After picking out your purrfect match, apply to adopt!
Foster
Volunteer
Get involved by giving back! We have many volunteer roles available to help support the cats in our shelter. A few hours can make a world of difference.
Upcoming Events
Free Seminar: Clicker Training Your Cats
Tails of the Painted Cats
Duet Drag Show Benefitting Cat Care Society
Free Seminar: The Benefits of Play
Oktobermeow at Wild Sky Brewery
Free Seminar: Estate Planning with Your Pets in Mind
Free Seminar: Keeping Senior Cats Healthy
National Nonprofit Day
Adoption Event & Thrift Shop: Clear the Shelters
Free Seminar: Resolving Litter Box Issues
Free Seminar: Building a Better Bond
CCS at Denver PrideFest
- Ends June 29, 2025
Fore the Felines at Topgolf & Online Auction
Kitten Shower
Santa Paws
Summer Art Auction (Online)
- Ends August 9, 2024
The Whisker Whisper Blog
From Lonely Heart to Loving Home
When Sunny came to Cat Care Society, she was heartbreakingly fragile. This petite brown tabby faced some of the toughest medical challenges we see in cats: advanced kidney disease, severe anemia, constant vomiting, and dangerous weight loss. Each day, her future seemed uncertain.
But even when she was weak, she never stopped showing us her sunny disposition. She purred through exams and headbutted our staff’s hands as if to say, “Don’t give up on me.”
And we didn’t.
Sunny quickly became a staff favorite at Cat Care Society. That’s why we gave her a special distinction: the “Lonely Hearts Club.” This group is reserved for cats who need a little extra help to find their perfect match — older cats, those with longer stays, or cats facing complex medical needs. Sunny ticked every one of these boxes, but we knew she deserved the chance to find a home where she could feel safe and loved.
To continue receiving the daily medications, fluids, lab work, and constant care that keep cats like Sunny alive, we rely on support from donors like you. Every lab test, every dose of medicine, every gentle pat from our veterinary team is only possible because someone chose to give.
Most importantly, generosity from donors like you gave her the greatest gift of all: time. Time to grow stronger, stabilize, and wait for someone who would open their heart to a 14-year-old cat with lifelong medical needs and costly care.
After five months of care in the shelter, Sunny met her perfect match. A local veterinarian met Sunny and instantly knew they were meant to be together. Able to provide the ongoing medical attention Sunny so desperately needed, she was able to give Sunny a loving and restorative home to live out her golden years.
“Sunny (now called Cardi) is doing great! She is a very sweet girl, loves pets and cuddles, and has adjusted well. Her kidney disease is also doing well, her anemia is holding steady, and her weight has continued to go up. I love senior kitties and helping them feel the best they can by managing any medical issues.” – Dr. Hale, Sunny’s adopter
At Cat Care Society, every cat’s care is guided by a compassionate and expert approach — combining veterinary protocols, staff training, donor-funded medical treatments, and specialized initiatives like the Lonely Hearts Club. Sunny’s recovery was not a one-time miracle, but the result of this proven approach designed to identify, treat, and advocate for our most vulnerable feline friends.
Today, Sunny is no longer a lonely heart. She is safe, cherished, and adored — thanks to supporters like you.
But while Sunny’s story has a happy ending, many other Lonely Hearts are still waiting at Cat Care Society. Senior cats. Cats with medical challenges. Cats who have been overlooked time and again. They are counting on us, and on you, to give them love, care, and a second chance at life.
Will you open your heart today to help the next lonely heart find their loving home? Your gift provides the medications, veterinary care, and loving support that make happy endings like Sunny’s possible.
With gratitude,
– EC Michaels
Why Cats Need to Eat Meat
Cats are often known for being picky eaters—whether it’s an aversion to certain kibble shapes, a preference for pâté over chunks in gravy, or a liking for food served slightly warmed. For cat owners, finding a food that their cat enjoys while still meeting nutrition needs can be a real challenge. However, one thing remains certain: cats are obligate carnivores and need to eat meat.
An obligate carnivore is an animal that must eat meat to survive because its body is biologically adapted to derive essential nutrients solely from animal-based sources. Cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates, and they still typically do best consuming those proportions today. Just like humans, cats also require certain amounts of micronutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to thrive.
Key Nutrients Found in Meat
Cats require many kinds of micronutrients from a variety of sources. Below are some of the key nutrients that are either exclusively found in meat or for which meat is the best source.
- Taurine: An amino acid, taurine is necessary for heart health, vision, digestion, immune system function, and reproduction. Unlike humans and other omnivores, cats cannot readily create taurine from other amino acids, making it essential for them to consume. Taurine is found almost exclusively in animal tissues, including muscle meat and organs. Cats cannot store taurine in their body, so it’s important that they consume adequate amounts on a daily basis.
- Arachidonic Acid (AA): An essential omega-6 fatty acid found in animal fats, especially liver and poultry fat, cats need arachidonic acid for normal growth, skin health and inflammation balance. Cats lack the enzymes to convert linoleic acid (found in plants) to AA.
- Preformed Vitamin A and Vitamin D:
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, skin health, and immune system function. Cats cannot convert beta carotene (the plant form of vitamin A) into active vitamin A, so it’s best for them to consume it through natural sources, including liver, fish, and animal fat.
- Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Unlike humans or dogs, cats cannot synthesize vitamin D through sunlight exposure. Liver, fish, and animal fat are great sources of the active form of vitamin D.
- B Vitamins—Niacin, Thiamine, B6, B12: B vitamins as whole are essential for energy metabolism, nervous system function, the immune system, and healthy skin and coat.
- Cats have a high requirement for niacin and thiamin compared to other animals, and because their bodies cannot synthesize these vitamins, they must be obtained through food.
- Cats need adequate B6 to metabolize protein, and fortunately, meat is a great source!
- Similarly, cats need vitamin B12 for digestive health as well as immune and nervous systems function, and meat is the best source for the form of B12 cats can most readily use.
- Organ meats and muscle meats are some of the best natural sources of B vitamins.
Without adequate intake of these vital nutrients, cats can experience deficiency symptoms and even irreversible damage to their health, so it’s important to provide them with a complete and balanced diet that reflects their biological need for meat-based nutrition.
Food Allergy Note: Even though cats need meat, they can still develop allergies to certain kinds of meat. The most common meat allergens for cats are beef, chicken, and fish. If you regularly feed these to your cat and notice them scratching, licking, or chewing themselves more than usual, they may have a meat allergy. Your cat’s veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet trial where you avoid the foods they regularly eat for a designated time to see if the symptoms improve. Alternative meat protein like rabbit, duck, and venison are often good options for cats with known meat allergies.
Don’t Pull Out the Grill or Roasting Pan Just Yet!
If you’re starting to think this is all leading to a time-consuming recommendation for homemade, all-meat meals—don’t worry. Regardless of quality, feeding your cat only prepared muscle meat (such as chicken breast or ground turkey) can actually lead to essential nutrient deficiencies! Cats need a variety of nutrients found in organ meat and animal fat, too. For balanced and complete nutrition, cats typically do best consuming commercially balanced raw and cooked food.
Look for products that contain a nutritional adequacy statement on the label. This indicates that the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a nonprofit that establishes nutritional standards for pet foods. Cat Care Society is a proud partner of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, and we feed Hill’s to our shelter cats. Hill’s recipes meet AAFCO nutrition standards, so our cats get the complete and balanced nutrition they need. (Note: AAFCO does not directly test or certify pet foods. Pet food companies use third-party testing agencies to analyze their foods according to AAFCO guidelines.)
Supplemental homemade meals can often be included as a part of your cat’s healthy diet, provided that it’s approved by the cat’s veterinarian, safely prepared, and does not include any ingredients harmful to cats, such as garlic, onions, raw eggs, and excess sodium. Additionally, do not feed your cat raw meat. While cats eat raw meat in the wild, feeding them raw meat purchased at a traditional grocery store can cause illness due to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
Closing
Understanding your cat’s biological need for meat is essential to supporting their lifelong health and well-being. As obligate carnivores, cats rely on meat not just for protein, but for critical nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and essential vitamins that they cannot make on their own. By choosing high-quality commercial foods that meet AAFCO standards and consulting with your veterinarian, you can feel confident that you’re giving your cat the nourishment they need to thrive.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Announcing the 2025 “Painted Cats” Artists
29 Colorado Artists Featured in 2025 Sculpture Exhibition
Cat Care Society is proud to announce 29 local artists selected for the 2025 “Tails of the Painted Cats” (TOPC) exhibition. These Colorado creatives have each transformed fiberglass animal sculptures into stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art, now on public display and set to be auctioned this fall to benefit the shelter’s life-saving programs.
Now in its tenth year, Tails of the Painted Cats has become CCS’s signature fundraiser and a beloved event in the Denver arts community. The event brings together artists, animal lovers, and supporters to celebrate compassion through creativity.
“What began as a small, unique fundraiser has grown into a cherished tradition,” said Cat Care Society Executive Director EC Michaels. “As our largest fundraising event, every ticket, bid, and vote truly makes a difference, supporting critical medical care, enrichment, and safe housing for the more than 1,000 cats who come through our shelter each year.”
Seventy-five artists applied for this year’s collection, of which 29 were selected to create animal sculptures. The sculptures are currently on tour.
- May 19-June 30 – Lakewood Cultural Center
- July 2-31 – Lakewood Arts Council
- August 1-24 – Red Rocks Community College
This year’s exhibition includes:
|
|
“It’s been an incredible joy to watch this event grow over the years,” said Jane Dorsey, Cat Care Society’s longtime Art Director. “This year’s collection is one of our best yet—full of creativity, love, and spirit.”
Tara Deenihan, Art Coordinator and incoming lead for the program, added: “The artists participating this year have truly blown our minds! We have several new artists and many returning artists, and seeing their ideas come to fruition has been really exciting. The cats are all so different and beautifully realized – I love seeing what cats can inspire.”
The public is invited to view the sculptures in person or online and vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award. The winner will be announced at the TOPC gala on October 18, and the artist will receive a cash prize.
This year’s TOPC gala will take place Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Pinehurst Country Club and will be masquerade themed. 9News Reporter, Steve Staeger returns as this year’s emcee. Tickets will go on sale in mid-June.
Learn more about Tails of the Painted Cats at catcaresociety.org/topc/
From Lonely Heart to Loving Home
When Sunny came to Cat Care Society, she was heartbreakingly fragile. This petite brown tabby faced some of the toughest medical challenges we see in cats: advanced kidney disease, severe anemia, constant vomiting, and dangerous weight loss. Each day, her future seemed uncertain.
But even when she was weak, she never stopped showing us her sunny disposition. She purred through exams and headbutted our staff’s hands as if to say, “Don’t give up on me.”
And we didn’t.
Sunny quickly became a staff favorite at Cat Care Society. That’s why we gave her a special distinction: the “Lonely Hearts Club.” This group is reserved for cats who need a little extra help to find their perfect match — older cats, those with longer stays, or cats facing complex medical needs. Sunny ticked every one of these boxes, but we knew she deserved the chance to find a home where she could feel safe and loved.
To continue receiving the daily medications, fluids, lab work, and constant care that keep cats like Sunny alive, we rely on support from donors like you. Every lab test, every dose of medicine, every gentle pat from our veterinary team is only possible because someone chose to give.
Most importantly, generosity from donors like you gave her the greatest gift of all: time. Time to grow stronger, stabilize, and wait for someone who would open their heart to a 14-year-old cat with lifelong medical needs and costly care.
After five months of care in the shelter, Sunny met her perfect match. A local veterinarian met Sunny and instantly knew they were meant to be together. Able to provide the ongoing medical attention Sunny so desperately needed, she was able to give Sunny a loving and restorative home to live out her golden years.
“Sunny (now called Cardi) is doing great! She is a very sweet girl, loves pets and cuddles, and has adjusted well. Her kidney disease is also doing well, her anemia is holding steady, and her weight has continued to go up. I love senior kitties and helping them feel the best they can by managing any medical issues.” – Dr. Hale, Sunny’s adopter
At Cat Care Society, every cat’s care is guided by a compassionate and expert approach — combining veterinary protocols, staff training, donor-funded medical treatments, and specialized initiatives like the Lonely Hearts Club. Sunny’s recovery was not a one-time miracle, but the result of this proven approach designed to identify, treat, and advocate for our most vulnerable feline friends.
Today, Sunny is no longer a lonely heart. She is safe, cherished, and adored — thanks to supporters like you.
But while Sunny’s story has a happy ending, many other Lonely Hearts are still waiting at Cat Care Society. Senior cats. Cats with medical challenges. Cats who have been overlooked time and again. They are counting on us, and on you, to give them love, care, and a second chance at life.
Will you open your heart today to help the next lonely heart find their loving home? Your gift provides the medications, veterinary care, and loving support that make happy endings like Sunny’s possible.
With gratitude,
– EC Michaels
Why Cats Need to Eat Meat
Cats are often known for being picky eaters—whether it’s an aversion to certain kibble shapes, a preference for pâté over chunks in gravy, or a liking for food served slightly warmed. For cat owners, finding a food that their cat enjoys while still meeting nutrition needs can be a real challenge. However, one thing remains certain: cats are obligate carnivores and need to eat meat.
An obligate carnivore is an animal that must eat meat to survive because its body is biologically adapted to derive essential nutrients solely from animal-based sources. Cats evolved as hunters that consume prey containing high amounts of protein, moderate amounts of fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates, and they still typically do best consuming those proportions today. Just like humans, cats also require certain amounts of micronutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to thrive.
Key Nutrients Found in Meat
Cats require many kinds of micronutrients from a variety of sources. Below are some of the key nutrients that are either exclusively found in meat or for which meat is the best source.
- Taurine: An amino acid, taurine is necessary for heart health, vision, digestion, immune system function, and reproduction. Unlike humans and other omnivores, cats cannot readily create taurine from other amino acids, making it essential for them to consume. Taurine is found almost exclusively in animal tissues, including muscle meat and organs. Cats cannot store taurine in their body, so it’s important that they consume adequate amounts on a daily basis.
- Arachidonic Acid (AA): An essential omega-6 fatty acid found in animal fats, especially liver and poultry fat, cats need arachidonic acid for normal growth, skin health and inflammation balance. Cats lack the enzymes to convert linoleic acid (found in plants) to AA.
- Preformed Vitamin A and Vitamin D:
- Vitamin A is essential for vision, skin health, and immune system function. Cats cannot convert beta carotene (the plant form of vitamin A) into active vitamin A, so it’s best for them to consume it through natural sources, including liver, fish, and animal fat.
- Vitamin D is essential for bone health. Unlike humans or dogs, cats cannot synthesize vitamin D through sunlight exposure. Liver, fish, and animal fat are great sources of the active form of vitamin D.
- B Vitamins—Niacin, Thiamine, B6, B12: B vitamins as whole are essential for energy metabolism, nervous system function, the immune system, and healthy skin and coat.
- Cats have a high requirement for niacin and thiamin compared to other animals, and because their bodies cannot synthesize these vitamins, they must be obtained through food.
- Cats need adequate B6 to metabolize protein, and fortunately, meat is a great source!
- Similarly, cats need vitamin B12 for digestive health as well as immune and nervous systems function, and meat is the best source for the form of B12 cats can most readily use.
- Organ meats and muscle meats are some of the best natural sources of B vitamins.
Without adequate intake of these vital nutrients, cats can experience deficiency symptoms and even irreversible damage to their health, so it’s important to provide them with a complete and balanced diet that reflects their biological need for meat-based nutrition.
Food Allergy Note: Even though cats need meat, they can still develop allergies to certain kinds of meat. The most common meat allergens for cats are beef, chicken, and fish. If you regularly feed these to your cat and notice them scratching, licking, or chewing themselves more than usual, they may have a meat allergy. Your cat’s veterinarian may recommend an elimination diet trial where you avoid the foods they regularly eat for a designated time to see if the symptoms improve. Alternative meat protein like rabbit, duck, and venison are often good options for cats with known meat allergies.
Don’t Pull Out the Grill or Roasting Pan Just Yet!
If you’re starting to think this is all leading to a time-consuming recommendation for homemade, all-meat meals—don’t worry. Regardless of quality, feeding your cat only prepared muscle meat (such as chicken breast or ground turkey) can actually lead to essential nutrient deficiencies! Cats need a variety of nutrients found in organ meat and animal fat, too. For balanced and complete nutrition, cats typically do best consuming commercially balanced raw and cooked food.
Look for products that contain a nutritional adequacy statement on the label. This indicates that the food meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a nonprofit that establishes nutritional standards for pet foods. Cat Care Society is a proud partner of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, and we feed Hill’s to our shelter cats. Hill’s recipes meet AAFCO nutrition standards, so our cats get the complete and balanced nutrition they need. (Note: AAFCO does not directly test or certify pet foods. Pet food companies use third-party testing agencies to analyze their foods according to AAFCO guidelines.)
Supplemental homemade meals can often be included as a part of your cat’s healthy diet, provided that it’s approved by the cat’s veterinarian, safely prepared, and does not include any ingredients harmful to cats, such as garlic, onions, raw eggs, and excess sodium. Additionally, do not feed your cat raw meat. While cats eat raw meat in the wild, feeding them raw meat purchased at a traditional grocery store can cause illness due to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.
Closing
Understanding your cat’s biological need for meat is essential to supporting their lifelong health and well-being. As obligate carnivores, cats rely on meat not just for protein, but for critical nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and essential vitamins that they cannot make on their own. By choosing high-quality commercial foods that meet AAFCO standards and consulting with your veterinarian, you can feel confident that you’re giving your cat the nourishment they need to thrive.
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
Announcing the 2025 “Painted Cats” Artists
29 Colorado Artists Featured in 2025 Sculpture Exhibition
Cat Care Society is proud to announce 29 local artists selected for the 2025 “Tails of the Painted Cats” (TOPC) exhibition. These Colorado creatives have each transformed fiberglass animal sculptures into stunning, one-of-a-kind works of art, now on public display and set to be auctioned this fall to benefit the shelter’s life-saving programs.
Now in its tenth year, Tails of the Painted Cats has become CCS’s signature fundraiser and a beloved event in the Denver arts community. The event brings together artists, animal lovers, and supporters to celebrate compassion through creativity.
“What began as a small, unique fundraiser has grown into a cherished tradition,” said Cat Care Society Executive Director EC Michaels. “As our largest fundraising event, every ticket, bid, and vote truly makes a difference, supporting critical medical care, enrichment, and safe housing for the more than 1,000 cats who come through our shelter each year.”
Seventy-five artists applied for this year’s collection, of which 29 were selected to create animal sculptures. The sculptures are currently on tour.
- May 19-June 30 – Lakewood Cultural Center
- July 2-31 – Lakewood Arts Council
- August 1-24 – Red Rocks Community College
This year’s exhibition includes:
|
|
“It’s been an incredible joy to watch this event grow over the years,” said Jane Dorsey, Cat Care Society’s longtime Art Director. “This year’s collection is one of our best yet—full of creativity, love, and spirit.”
Tara Deenihan, Art Coordinator and incoming lead for the program, added: “The artists participating this year have truly blown our minds! We have several new artists and many returning artists, and seeing their ideas come to fruition has been really exciting. The cats are all so different and beautifully realized – I love seeing what cats can inspire.”
The public is invited to view the sculptures in person or online and vote for their favorite in the People’s Choice Award. The winner will be announced at the TOPC gala on October 18, and the artist will receive a cash prize.
This year’s TOPC gala will take place Saturday, October 18, 2025 at Pinehurst Country Club and will be masquerade themed. 9News Reporter, Steve Staeger returns as this year’s emcee. Tickets will go on sale in mid-June.
Learn more about Tails of the Painted Cats at catcaresociety.org/topc/
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