In September 2023, WildCat Ridge Sanctuary was contacted regarding 49 bengal and Asian leopard cats rescued in Texas after the death of a homeowner. Nineteen cats had previously been seized from the same property after the cats, including tiny kittens, were found living in deplorable conditions.
WCR gladly agreed to offer four of the Asian leopard cats a forever home. The three females, Sage, Poppy, and Saffron, who arrived together, immediately made it clear that while they found comfort in each other, they had no interest in bonding with humans. And after all they had endured, we didn’t blame them.
Over the next few months, Poppy began to settle into a routine. While she never became affectionate, she grew curious. She’d peek out as her keepers approached with breakfast, watch them clean with sharp eyes, and thoroughly explore her outdoor space. For the first time in her life, she had a safe and warm home where she was well fed and cared for.
We knew that these cats had never received veterinary care and came from truly horrific conditions, so when 3.5 year old Poppy’s appetite slowly started to decrease, we feared the worst. Sure enough, radiographs confirmed that Poppy’s tiny body was losing the fight with cancer. The difficult but compassionate choice was made not to wake her up, as treatment was not an option.
We were so privileged to be able to offer Poppy over a year and half of shelter, we only wish that it could have been longer, as we do with all the cats that call WCR home. Thanks to your continued generosity we are able to offer Poppy and cats like her a safe and enriching home in which to thrive.
We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Zena, a vibrant African serval who was just six years old. Zena’s passing was completely unexpected. She had been doing well until one day when she became lethargic and rapidly declined. Despite immediate action, Zena passed away on the way to the emergency veterinarian. A subsequent diagnosis revealed an abdominal hemorrhage caused by hepatocellular carcinoma.
Zena’s time at WildCat Ridge Sanctuary, though far too short, was filled with unmistakable personality. She was bold and confident when it came to mealtime, yet preferred a more secluded life outside of those moments. Zena delighted in tearing apart cardboard boxes, rubbing on the stinkiest enrichment she could find, and showing off her impressively large, beautiful ears that drew admiration from everyone who met her.
She shared her habitat and her life with Willow, another African serval and her longtime companion. The bond they shared brought comfort and familiarity, and Willow was a constant presence by Zena’s side throughout her life at the sanctuary.
From our animal care team:
Zena was a zesty serval that showed confidence when it came to meal time but was very secluded otherwise. Her favorite type of enrichment was tearing up cardboard boxes and rubbing on stinky smells. Her ears were impressively large and beautiful, one of the first things that everyone at the sanctuary was drawn to. She shared a habitat with Willow, another African serval, and companion since they were young. Zena’s spunky quirky high jumps during snack time will not be forgotten by our WCR family.
Zena’s energy, individuality, and spirit will always be remembered. She was deeply loved and will forever remain a part of the WildCat Ridge Sanctuary family.
Zena’s History
Willow, and Zena arrived at the sanctuary on August 21, 2022 with two caracals, Raja and Nia. Unlike many of our wildcats, these cats did not suffer abuse or neglect. They lived with a private owner who simply could no longer afford to care for them. She contacted us and we made the trip out to Montana to pick them up.
Neeme
I have been putting off writing this email because it’s been really difficult to put into words the grief. Last week after months of doing everything possible, we had to let Neeme go.
This sweet boy had so many wonderful people pulling for him and we refused to stop doing anything and everything we could to get him better, but in the end, his spirit was strong but his body was too weak to continue.
When he came to us in September of last year we were hopeful we could make a difference, and we did! He was doing well and gaining weight until a few months ago. Bloodwork confirmed level 4 renal failure including all the other issues he was facing. Despite different medication, daily fluids, and all the love we had, Neeme didn’t rally.
He had been seen by different veterinarians over the time he lived with us, blood pulled, tests run, biopsies were done and all with conflicting diagnoses. Possible Lymphoma and or severe GI complications were making it impossible for him to process food normally and he was also hyperthyroid. We tried raw diets, hydrolyzed diets, and of course renal support diets but he continued to lose weight. I brought him inside so we could keep a close eye on him and every day the keepers would hold him, give him fluids and cuddle him while he purred and made muffins on their laps.
Last week he let us know that he was tired and it was time. Our vet came out and we held him in our arms while he was released from his frail body. It was peaceful but so very heartbreaking knowing that despite everything we couldn’t save him.
Neeme was such a kind, sweet boy who deserved so much more than the life he had been given. He leaves behind many broken hearts and we will never forget his gentle spirit. Safe travels dear boy we miss you every day.
Neeme’s History
Neeme, a male F3 Savannah Cat, was purchased from a breeder in Florida as a kitten. Savannahs are an exotic cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat. They do not naturally exist in the wild. He was kept as a pet for 10 years with his domestic “siblings”. As time passed his keeper noticed he began to lose weight. After a visit to the veterinarian, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) – which results in muscle wasting. He later was diagnosed with suspected irritable bowel disease (IBD) which manifested as chronic diarrhea.
Neeme spent time at the vet’s clinic shortly after being diagnosed. While there he received a therapeutic treatment regimen and showed improvement before he went home. However at home, Neeme’s health declined again, and it seemed his issues could not be managed at home. This is something that happens frequently with hybrid cats that retain some of the wildness of their exotic ancestors, and one reason why they don’t make good pets.
The owner, who felt she had exhausted all other options, requested he is euthanized to end his suffering. Feeling that this could possibly be avoided as his health improved with the vet’s direct supervision and care, the owner surrendered him in lieu of euthanasia at the veterinarian’s request. The plan was to restore his health and find a Sanctuary that could give him the life he deserved. The veterinarian and a long-term client of hers, whom she knew had contacts in the world of exotic cats, agreed to take in Neeme, who at this point weighed less than 7 pounds. The two worked tirelessly for weeks to improve his overall health and weight.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bella, a Savannah cat who was a beloved member of the WildCat Ridge Sanctuary family. At 13 years old, Bella was a gentle, delicate soul whose quiet presence brought warmth and joy to everyone who knew her.
Over time, Bella began eating less despite our team trying different foods and medications to support her. Although veterinary exams did not reveal a clear cause, her condition continued to decline. On the morning of September 23, 2025, Bella suffered a seizure and was rushed to the emergency veterinarian. After careful evaluation, it was determined that her quality of life was no longer viable, and the difficult but compassionate decision was made to let her go peacefully.
Bella’s sweetness left a lasting mark on the sanctuary. Her soft, tiny meows and her enthusiasm for both affection and the keeper team’s lunches were unforgettable. She had a way of brightening even the quietest moments and brought endless smiles to those who cared for her.
From our animal care team:
Bella was a delicate, kind soul who had a huge appetite, both for attention and for the keeper team’s lunches. Her tiny meows were the sweetest thing you’ve ever heard. She brought so much laughter and happiness to her WCR family.
Bella was loved deeply and will be remembered always. Her gentle spirit will forever remain part of WildCat Ridge Sanctuary.
Bella’s History
Penny (F1) and Bella (F2) Savannah cats grew up together and lived in California with their owner. They were both eight years old when they came to us in December of 2020. Their owner had taken wonderful care of them but as often happens his lifestyle changed and he reached out to find a good home for them both.
Bella was much smaller than Penny at about 10 lbs. She was the opposite of Penny, very shy and liked to take things slow. But she had made some good friends with the other cats and we loved being able to provide a lifetime home for he.
We are heartbroken to share that we lost our precious Ariel in November 2023. In May of this year, she was diagnosed with IBD after a complete physical exam. She had been eating and taking her meds well, and we kept a close eye on her. Over the past few weeks, we started seeing a change, nothing dramatic, but she didn’t seem to be herself. Her appetite was still good, and there was nothing we could put a finger on, but we decided to take her to the clinic. After bloodwork, radiographs, and consultation with other vets, nothing much had changed, so it was decided to wake her up and bring her home.
When the intubation tube was removed, it was covered in blood and clots. The decision was made not to wake her up. Necropsy results showed cancer had settled in her lungs, and there was nothing that could have been done. At 13 years of age, she was considered a geriatric cheetah, but we never expected to lose her.
Ariel came to WCR in 2020 on February 14th, Valentine’s Day. She was smart, sassy, opinionated, and we fell madly in love. Her days consisted of fussing at the keepers when she thought they were late with breakfast, napping in the grass and talking with chirps or hisses, depending on her mood. She was a joy to care for, and we can’t believe she’s gone.
Losing any of our residents is painful, but when it’s unexpected, it’s so much harder. We never imagined yesterday would be our last day with her. Safe travels, beautiful girl. You leave us with memories we will hold close forever . . . ????
