“If we don’t help, the cats will be euthanized by 3pm.” Stella Keyes, dedicates two afternoons a week at Kitten Rescue LA, a non-profit organization focused on rescuing cats. “At first I thought it was overwhelming because it was the most cats I’d ever seen, and I was expected to take care of them and make everything go smoothly,” Keyes recalled. For the past year and a half, she has been working with cats on “kill lists” at large shelters. 

Kitten Rescue LA is part of a network of “rescues that clear out the end of the day cats, or cats that will be euthanized by 3:00 p.m.” Volunteers at Kitten Rescue LA work to rehabilitate

these cats and provide them medical attention, as well as seek loving homes for each and every one of them. Within the organization, there are various stations and places you can work, but Keyes finds herself working in the nursery where she cares for kittens and disabled cats. 

“Some of those disabled cats are diagnosed with neurological disorders which can leave them paralyzed, and some have amputated limbs,” Keyes shared.  

Keyes’s responsibilities include cleaning and disinfecting the nursery, doing the dishes, and cleaning the cages. She also feeds groups of cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that can cause paralyzation. Keyes works patiently with these cats, helping them eat and socializing with them to “help with brain stimulation,” as she puts it. Keyes recalls a heartbreaking moment while volunteering where she was to watch a baby kitten who was very ill and on the edge of death. She “created a makeshift oxygen mask for her and was responsible for counting her breaths per minute” to ensure she would survive the rest of the day. Through working with each cat individually, Keyes believes that she really gets to know them and their personalities, which allows her to further help by connecting with potential adopters. 

Keyes has always adored cats and currently owns five of her own, all of which she fostered and rescued. She first learned about the organization from her older sister, who worked with them for her senior service project. Keyes was inspired by watching the positive impact her sister was able to make, which motivated her to volunteer with the organization as well. When volunteering, Keyes feels particularly drawn to helping disabled cats, who are “very often looked over” in shelters.  

“It’s so important to give attention to these animals and branch out from only volunteering with kittens,” Keyes said. Volunteering at Kitten Rescue LA allows her to give these animals a second chance. She encourages others to volunteer, rescue, or foster animals in need.

Through volunteering, Keyes said she has gained a deep understanding and love for animals and has connected with those that would otherwise be forgotten. She gained a lot of responsibility and was able to get a glimpse into how difficult animal care is, but also how rewarding it can be. Keyes was further inspired to pursue a degree in pre-veterinary medicine. “Working here has changed my career goals and shown me that I’m not just playing with the kittens, I’m caring for them,” Keyes said, “I love having that impact on their survival.”