LADDER OF LIFE: A KITTEN'S JOURNEY HAS APPLIED FOR 501c (3) STATUS AND APPLICATION IS PENDING!
KITTEN SHELTER - Opening Goal Fall 2025
ABOUT OUR MISSION
Mission Statement
Ladder of Life: A Kitten's Journey is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming vulnerable kittens while fostering a compassionate community. Through structured care and our unique ladder-themed approach, we ensure that every kitten progresses through essential developmental states, from rescue to adoption. Our mission includes providing a safe shelter, medical care, socialization, and education to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of homeless kittens in our community.
Our 501(C)(3) Status is pending. When granted, your donation may be tax-deductible retroactively. Please consult a tax advisor.
HOW IT WORKS
At Ladder of Life: A Kitten's Journey, our shelter will be designed to support each kitten's journey from rescue to adoption through a structured, step-by-step approach - our unique ladder system. Each room represents a new phase in a kitten's growth and preparation for their forever home.
~Rungs of the Ladder~
INTAKE & MEDICAL Newly rescued kittens start here for veterinary evaluation, vaccinations, and any necessary medical care. This ensures all kittens are healthy before progressing to the next stage. This room will house up to 10 kittens including a specific area for one nursing mama. Because this is the scariest time entering the rescue for them, this area will not be open to the public. Young kittens who need bottle-feeding or extra medical attention are cared for in a quiet, controlled environment. Sick or recovering kittens also stay here until they are ready to move forward. Kittens may be sheltered in this space for up to 6 weeks depending on their individual need. Each kitten will be housed in separate enclosures and we are striving for 10 enclosures.
SOCIALIZATION Once kittens are strong enough, they enter this area to start interacting with other kittens, with trained volunteers, and to get involved with enrichment activities. During this stage, vaccinations will continue, neuter/spay will be completed while promoting good behaviors and stabilizing them on appropriate food. This is a very important step in a kittens life, as we are able to identify any specific needs and also determine the personalities of each kitten to ensure they are eventually placed in the right forever home. Although kittens in this stage will have the opportunity to play with their roommates, each kitten will have their own enclosure for privacy and recovery from surgery if needed. We are hoping for 10 enclosures. This area will be open to the public but by appointment only for pre-adoption meet and greets.
ADOPTION FLOOR When a kitten reaches the final stage of the ladder, they are placed on the adoption floor to roam around with their friends. There will be plenty of activities to keep them busy. The public will be welcome to come join in on the fun! Because space will be limited, a "Full Sign" will be put on the door if needed. Time will be limited to 30 minutes per person. Appointments will not be required but strongly encouraged. (Rules to come)
At this time, Ladder of Life: A Kitten's Journey will only intake kittens that are under 1 year old. We will work closely with other local rescues. Space will be limited to approximately 30 kittens and space must be available before intake will be approved for a new entry.
If you would like any additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are in the process of establishing protocols, and forming long lasting relationships with other rescues, with hopes they will help provide safe veterinary services when needed.
Preliminary Start-up Costs
Ladder to Love Kitten Rescue - Start-Up Cost Breakdown
To help our supporters understand the initial costs of setting up Ladder to Love Kitten Rescue, here’s a summary of the essential items we need to create a safe, comfortable, and functional space for rescued kittens:
30 Cat Enclosures - $ 6000
50 Cat Litter Boxes and Cat Litter - $ 3000
Two Medical-Grade Tables - $2800
Office Equipment - $2500
Medical & Care Supplies - $2500
Cleaning Supplies - $750
Kitten Food (for 30 kittens initially- for 6 months) - $2500
Enrichment & Comfort Items - $1000
Cat Toys, Towers & Beds - $1500
Business Licensing and Other Registration Fees - $2200
Start-up Marketing/Advertising - $2000
Lease 6 month cushion (Approx 750 Sq. Ft) - $18,000
Space Improvement (To make it our own) - $10,000
Contractor and wages (6 month cushion) - $15,000
Total Estimated Start-Up Cost: $69,750 Your support helps provide the necessary care, comfort, and medical attention these kittens need before they find their forever homes. Every donation goes directly toward creating a safe and nurturing environment for rescued kittens. Would you like to sponsor an item or contribute toward our start-up costs?
