Kisa Marie, a female Eurasian Lynx, was 21 years old when she arrived at the sanctuary in July of 2022.
We specialize in caring for geriatric cats, especially when they grow into their senior years here at the sanctuary. Over the years, we’ve taken in many cats who are over 18 – which is the average life expectancy of a wild cat in captivity.
Providing a home for these special seniors is a decision we don’t take lightly. The stress of the move or living in an unfamiliar area can be detrimental to them, both physically and emotionally. We make an overall evaluation, deciding if bringing a specific geriatric cat to the sanctuary is the right move.
Over the years, we’ve developed protocol and procedures designed for these types of intakes. Of course, we aim to decrease stress for those coming to the sanctuary, whether old or young.
Meme, our very first tiger rescue, was over 20 years old when we brought her home. Other sanctuaries thought a cross country transport might be too much for her. But we gave her a chance and took her in, and I’m so glad we did! She was a very special tiger who changed the trajectory of the sanctuary in a positive way.
Since that time, we’ve taken in many other geriatric cats. Those who come to mind include bobcat Amos, cougar Harold, serval Nacho, lynx Cleo, caracals Ivan and Nigel, tiger Layla, lions Wally and Marlene and bengal Nala.
And some we’ve rescued have even been 24 years old or older, like strong lioness Saltena and sweet bobcat Murray.
It’s never just about saving a life; it’s about ensuring the life they have left is well-lived.
So, when we received a call about two senior cats, our Founder Tammy spent a lot of time talking to the owner. It was a decision neither took lightly.
This is the last decision this person thought she would ever have to make. Running a wildlife facility earlier in her life, she planned on keeping these cats until they passed away. Sadly, her health was declining, and the responsibility for the care of the cats and land were just too much.
We discussed all scenarios to determine what was best for the cats. How were they living now? How was their health? How did they deal with change? Were they easily stressed by change/strangers? Would a different climate be better? Even humane euthanasia was considered.
In the end, she felt our sanctuary could provide the best retirement home for 18-year-old Buddy the bobcat and 21-year-old Kisa Marie, a Eurasian Lynx. She knew that no matter how much time they had left, TWS would make sure it was quality time.
Life at the Sanctuary
Our staff made the 1700-mile round trip to ensure this special cargo made their way safely back home to the sanctuary.
Kisa Marie transitioned to her new life at the sanctuary very well. She now has lots of room to roam and live wild at heart during her elderly years. But she still has her friend bobcat Buddy living next door, too.
Caretakers have given Kisa Marie loads of love and attention, making her feel just as special here as she was to her former owner.
How You Can Help
As you can imagine, rescuing a geriatric cat is expensive. The last chapter of their lives can be the most expensive.
Would you consider helping by becoming Kisa Marie’s sponsor parent? It would help cover medications, a special diet, habitat modifications and so much more.
An annual sponsorship costs $300 or $25/month if you’d like to pay in installments. We’ll be happy to send you photos and updates whenever you reach out to us during the year. You can click the button at the top of this page if you’re interested.
Thank you for welcoming Kisa Marie!
and how much it saddens us to have to share her passing. Knowing that, like us, many of you who follow and come to know our residents feel the same as we do. We truly hope each time we attempt to provide our best to the cats in our care, that we’ll have good news to share. That we’re looking forward to more time with those we rescued. And sadly our hearts break knowing our time was far too short with Kisa Marie.
come around on daily checks. She had a signature huff that many of the interns liked to comment about as she quickly made her way over to see what was going on, or what you had. Her power walk was also a signature move of Kisa Marie’s when she was looking forward to something coming her way.
out several possibilities of what might be ailing Kisa Marie. Though we didn’t have a concrete answer as to why. With high hopes and supportive care, we brought her back to her room to recover and monitor closely over the next several days. 
residents or others. Thank you, Kisa Marie, for being part of our family, no matter how badly we wish it had been longer. For showing us no matter our age, we can make a large impact on others. We might not be able to see the paw print of her impact, but we feel it where it matters most. May you have all the snacks you crave Kisa Marie over the rainbow bridge. Know you will be sorely missed.
