Run wild and free, Poppy – June 2025
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.
