Hello!

In 2022, we celebrated the 30^th year of operation for MRFRS and as we look back at the last 12 months, we are amazed at everything that we accomplished together with you, our supporters. When we asked everyone to “Be a CATalyst” in 2022, even we could not have foreseen the powerful impact that would be made as you all “raised your paws” in support of helping cats live healthier and happier lives.

This past year, MRFRS improved the lives of 4,400+ cats and kittens through our programs that provided access to spay/neuter surgery, subsidized veterinary care, free vaccinations and microchipping, and adoptions. For the first time since the pandemic began, we were able to return to in-person events for Strut for Strays, Fur Ball and Whisker Wonderland, which helped us re-connect with our community and raise funds to ensure MRFRS’s life-saving programs and services continue.

We could never have accomplished all of this without the hard work of our amazing volunteers, our staff and the generosity of our donors who believe in our mission to improve the lives of cats – we are grateful to all the CATalysts who helped make a difference this past year. On behalf of everyone at MRFRS, thank you for making 2022 such a success and here’s to keeping that momentum going full steam ahead into 2023!

It was wonderful to see so many friendly faces at the shelter on December 10^th when MRFRS hosted our Whisker Wonderland! Everyone was in a cheerful mood and the shelter was decorated like Santa’s workshop. Visitors shopped one-of-a-kind handmade crafts created by talented volunteers and enjoyed some home baked goodies too.

This holiday event raised more than $3,000 in support of MRFRS’s programs and services, and we thank everyone who was able to join us for some festive fun while helping the cats!

MRFRS is proud to partner with the Newburyport Screening Room for an exclusive showing of the 22/23 Cat Film Festival on Saturday, January 14th!

This year’s festival had the most international submissions in any year, with films from Brazil, China, Italy and the UK to name a few. Unlike random internet “cat videos”, the films in the festival were each made with the intention of conveying something essential about cats. Collectively, they celebrate the kitties who share our world and their relationships with people, no matter where or how they live. (The film is unrated and runs 1 hour and 42 minutes - view the film trailer here)

Did Santa forget to bring you the one thing you really wanted this year – your very own 2023 MRFRS Cat Calendar? Well, don’t worry – you can still purchase one before the new year begins!

Her new family shares that “Smudge has been a good companion for our other cat and has proved to be quite the character and good fit for the family! She quickly adapted to the house and after a gradual introduction, she gets along very well with Dini. Smudge enjoys the views out from windows and sliding doors especially when birds are near. She loves to play and when she is done, she'll drop and fall asleep until she is rested and ready to go for more!”