Just baby steps, but Mystique got herself a snack. ๐ธ
Mystique is FeLV+ and tends to keep her distance, so staffer Claire being able to offer her a treat was a meaningful moment. Patience and respect go a long way here. ๐
@shadowcats.bsky.social
Sanctuary life, just outside Austin, TX ๐ We are a 501c3 nonprofit that cares for FeLV+ & special needs cats, and we support TNR ๐ป Come for the mission, stay for the cats: ๐ linktr.ee/shadowcats ๐๐โโฌ
Just baby steps, but Mystique got herself a snack. ๐ธ
Mystique is FeLV+ and tends to keep her distance, so staffer Claire being able to offer her a treat was a meaningful moment. Patience and respect go a long way here. ๐
Caught Crinkle Fry making a devious pose. What do you think is going through his head? Jokes about orange cats only, please ๐น
29.01.2026 16:02 โ ๐ 9 ๐ 1 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 1Hump day has arrived and... well we're all a little discombobulated here in Central Texas ๐น Some of us, including this FeLV+ trio of Barney, Mr. Toes, and Evie, have been stuck inside since the freeze from over the weekend. And you can read it all on their faces ๐พ
28.01.2026 22:02 โ ๐ 6 ๐ 5 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 1Listen, if you're tired of kitten pictures, you've come to the wrong place, pal.
Felix practically begs for his picture to be taken and we are more than thrilled to oblige. Growing stronger and more confident every day, this wiry void FeLV+ guy is really stealing all the hearts at Shadow Cats ๐
That is a good question, let me ask and get back to you!
28.01.2026 15:32 โ ๐ 1 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 1 ๐ 0Heโs doing really well! We do have a grumpy picture of him posting later today but I just caught him at a bad angle haha. Heโs the sweetest guy and he has such an interesting color to his coat โ sometimes itโs brown, sometimes it seems almost green! Love him ๐
28.01.2026 14:59 โ ๐ 1 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 1 ๐ 0Texas freeze? Absolutely not.
โฆUnless your name is Elsa. โ๏ธ๐น
Elsa thinks she's her own biggest fan so of course she laughed about the joke. But the truth is, we don't deserve her ๐
Freezing temps donโt pause sanctuary life. ๐
Caitlin and Abby have been staying overnight since Friday, caring for the cats by day and spending evenings playing, handing out snacks, and making sure everyone stays safe and warm.
This is what sanctuary looks like.
Safe, warm, and watched over.
But when Vance decides itโs time to be noticed? Thatโs your cue. Pets are required. Resistance is futile. And suddenly this big lug is right where he belongs ๐ธ
26.01.2026 22:01 โ ๐ 7 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0Vance takes a stroll on the catio ๐
Staffer Abby recently caught Vance in all his glory, doing a casual strut around the catio like he owns the place. This orange FeLV+ boy tends to blend into the background most days โ quiet, unassuming, just vibing.
Stitch is first in line for Catio access post-freeze ๐ฟ
As part of any severe weather prep at Shadow Cats, we prevent access to the catios so none of the cats are susceptible to the elements. It's tough because, as you can tell in this photo, these guys LOVE access to the catio!
We missed Caturday yesterday, but itโs now officially extended indefinitely! Until the frost melts, weโll share endless cozy cat pictures.
Bruce, Greta, and Baylor found warm beds to sleep through the freeze. And even Pepper let Shadow II share her space ๐
Freezing temps are unusual here in Central Texas, but preparation is part of sanctuary life. ๐
Staff stays on-site, supplies are stocked, and warm beds and heating pads are everywhere so our cats remain safe and comfortable.
Safe, warm, and watched over.
Petunia says this shark bed is doing an excellent job keeping her warm. ๐ฆ
Weโre in the middle of a big freeze here in Central Texas (as are a lot of folks across much of the country), but our cats are cozy and safe with plenty of warm beds, heating pads, and blankets throughout the sanctuary ๐
Good morning, friends ๐ Cold weather has arrived in central TX; we're doing our best to stay warm. As evidenced by Prince Dorian finding himself a cozy box to hunker down and also with Pepper allowing Tommy to share the couch ๐ธ
We will keep you updated on the goings on at the sanctuary ๐ป
Just confirmed we got some! Iโm hoping to do a follow up post showing the kitties using them ๐ธ
23.01.2026 22:41 โ ๐ 1 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0Let me confirm!!!
23.01.2026 22:30 โ ๐ 0 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0So is Hamilton ๐น๐น๐น
23.01.2026 22:29 โ ๐ 1 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0Arctic air is moving in! To help outdoor animals stay safe: ๐ Bring them inside if possible ๐ Crack a garage or shed door ๐พ Lay down straw for bedding ๐ Watch for animals out during the day to eat
Stay warm, everyone! Post your shelter photos belowโhere is our crew at the Sanctuary. ๐
๐
Hamiltonโs manicure ๐
Regular care like nail trims might seem small, but itโs a big part of keeping our FeLV+ residents comfortable and thriving. Hamilton was very brave. He would also like extra treats for his efforts ๐น
Dapping up the Shadow Cats to see who will play along ๐น
22.01.2026 22:01 โ ๐ 13 ๐ 3 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0If youโd like to help this birthday kid celebrate, consider gifting a meal or a toy from our wishlists. Every little bit helps us keep spoiling the cats who call Shadow Cats home. ๐๐พ
Chewy: buff.ly/guy7oRw
Amazon: buff.ly/aBDWoHr?
Jokes aside, we really love Marty so much. He's been with us at the sanctuary for 3 years now and although he spends a lot of him time attempting to steal food from Edith, he is as happy as can be.
So join me in wishing this big lug a happiest of birthdays! ๐
๐ Happy birthday, Marty!! ๐
The resident Shadow Cat office cat turns 11 today! This big dude can be a bit shy unless you're Sanctuary Director Sarah, who has the pleasure of experiencing Marty stomping his big feet all over her desk when she sits down to do work ๐โฌ
Hump day vibes, provided by Kibble ๐ผ
Staffer Anna captured Kibble in these upside down poses, bathed in the morning sun, and we think it's the perfect way to cruise through the middle of the week and hope your agree.
I love stories in three photos: Josie, a tennis shoe, and a stern look.
I thought changing my shoes would deter this behavior, but upon entering Cookieโs Cottage, Josie claimed my shoes and declared them hers.
I didnโt need them, and Iโm sure sheโll enjoy them more than I did.
With chilly temps (and possibly ice or snow!) on the way, weโre getting ready to keep our cats cozy and warm. Weโd be so thankful if youโd consider gifting a self-warming bed for our cats. Just look at Stitchโฆhow could anyone say no?
Check out our wishlist here: buff.ly/OqhwDey
Thank you๐
Folks, weโre no longer participating in Tongue Out Tuesday.
Itโs now called TOMMY TONGUE OUT TUESDAY ๐ป
The King Of Blep has been hiding in Shadow Cats but wonโt show his tongue anymore. Staffer Lyss captured him here, and we think heโs handsome ๐ผ and playful ๐น
POV, it's the end of Monday and Coraline has you in her sights. The beginning of a new week caught her off guard and she ain't having it ๐น
With love and patience, this sweet FeLV+ gal has started to settle down and know what it means to truly trust her caretakers ๐
If you need him, Dorian can be found in Cookie's Cove atop the cat condos awaiting his meals ๐น
19.01.2026 16:01 โ ๐ 4 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0