On the morning of 31st March, tragedy struck Happy Cat Sanctuary in Long Island, New York.

The sanctuary was founded 20 years ago by Chris Arsenault, following the heartbreaking loss of his son. In his grief, Chris dedicated his life to rescuing cats – from waifs and strays to ferals, the friendly and the forgotten. He never turned a cat away. Over 350 cats found refuge at the sanctuary and in Chris’s home, where they were loved, safe, and free.

But on that morning, a fire – believed to have been caused by a propane explosion, though investigations are ongoing – tore through the property. Chris fought desperately to put out the flames, and when that failed, he rushed into the burning house again and again to save as many cats as he could. On one of those trips, he didn’t come back out.

Chris gave his life trying to save the animals he loved.

In the wake of the fire, a massive rescue operation was quickly mobilised, led by Jaeger Run and Strong Island Rescue, with the support of Paws of War mobile vet service. Volunteers rallied – trappers, transporters, vet techs, nurses, and members of the public – bringing food, water, crates, blankets, medical supplies, and comfort. A warehouse was donated to safely house and assess the surviving cats.

Amid their grief, two of Chris’s close friends are leading the rescue efforts. In recent days, they were granted access to the house and found the bodies of over 55 cats, including Chris’s three personal companions. The total number of cats lost is now over 190. The emotional toll is unimaginable.

Feline Network sends our deepest love and respect to everyone involved. The loss of a rescuer is devastating; to also lose so many innocent lives is beyond comprehension.

Please keep Chris, his beloved cats, and the incredible rescue community in your thoughts.
If you’d like to support their efforts, donations can be made directly via their respective pages.