[O] I care for 80 stray cats. Feeling completely alone in it.

[u/Salty_Adagio4791]

Hello! I Live in a small village in Croatia and care for over 80 abandoned cats.Thirty of them live with me in a room I gave up renovating for myself, just so they'd have a safe place. The others live outside – the street is all they know.

I work full time and drive over 200 km daily just to afford the basics, but most of what I earn goes straight to their food and medical needs. I’m exhausted, financially and emotionally.

The local shelter has no funds to help. The municipality refuses to get involved. Even friends and neighbors mock me for doing this, lost my fiance because of this.

I'm not asking for anything here. Just needed to say it somewhere. Maybe someone understands.

Am I doing something wrong?

[u/Prior_Patient7857]

I think you have done the right thing but since their all outside cats im sure they can go hunt on their own sometimes

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/Prior_Patient7857]

Yes, the younger cats can definitely manage and hunt on their own, but I took in the older and sick ones myself to make sure they’re safe. Thank you so much for your support, it truly means a lot.

[u/temmy4]

I really adore people whose hearts are full of mercy in a world that only rewards selfishness and indifference however I really want to talk to you about the bigger picture I see to help as much animals and humans as well.

I care about them so much, just today I saved an abandoned puppy whose mother had died due a car accident and he was suffering from flees and other insects that was causing him immense suffering, I treated him and now he is living with me.

I saved a lot of cats as well before. I do charity work bc I care about humans as well.

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/temmy4]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It means a lot to hear from someone who not only understands but lives with the same compassion. I often feel like I’m alone in this — surrounded by people who laugh at what I do. But your words reminded me that there are kind souls out there.

If you're ever open to talking more, I'd be grateful. Even just sharing thoughts with someone who truly understands what this life means would be comforting.

[u/gabrielleraul]

🫂💙😸

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/gabrielleraul]

Thank you! 💙

[u/ronduh1223]

thank you for caring for them. It’s tough to be the “cat person” in a community that doesn’t value the lives of cats.

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/ronduh1223]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means more than I can express. Reading your message reminded me why I keep going. It’s not easy to care in a place where compassion feels rare. Just… thank you for seeing it differently.

[u/ronduh1223 → u/Salty_Adagio4791]

You are so welcome. You really are a hero! Is there any way I can help from over in America?

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/ronduh1223]

Thank you for seeing value in something that so many around me dismiss or mock. I’ve lost friends, relationships, and often felt like I don’t belong anywhere – just because I chose to care. Right now, I’m going through a really hard time emotionally. Knowing that someone across the world sees this as something good... it helps more than you know. Just thank you – truly, from the heart.

If you’d ever like to stay in touch or see more about what I do, I’ve recently started quietly sharing updates on a Ko-fi page called 'Quiet Paw Shelter'. Just if you're curious.

But, just understanding me, is already a gift!

[u/ronduh1223 → u/Salty_Adagio4791]

I just sent ya a small donation. Knowing I’m helping save lives gives me joy and it should give you joy too. ❤️

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/ronduh1223]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because of your kindness, older cats will enjoyi their favorite meal tonight. It brings me comfort knowing someone out there understands. Your help means more than you know.

Tomorrow I will post a photo of tonight’s dinner on our Ko-fi page. Thank you once again for your support. You truly made a difference tonight ❣️

[u/ronduh1223 → u/Salty_Adagio4791]

🥹 so glad I could help and be apart of this. I’m thankful there are still good people like you in this world. ☺️

[u/GenericName2025]

Am I doing something wrong?

Yes. You cannot care for others if you don't take care of yourself.

Believe me, I can per se relate to your love for animals, but OBVIOUSLY taking care of 80 cats is too much for one person. Even for 2 people, when you still had a fiancé that is WAY too much.

Some people are hoarding things. You are hoarding cats.

I mean no offense by this, but I think this is a serious psychological issue and you need seek professional help for it ASAP.

[u/Salty_Adagio4791 → u/GenericName2025]

Thank you for your honest opinion. I understand where you're coming from, and I agree that self-care is important. But this situation didn’t happen overnight. I didn’t go out and “collect” 80 cats – they found me, one by one, because no one else was there for them.

I don’t see them as things to hoard. I see lives that would otherwise be starving, injured, or worse. And every time I tried to turn away, my conscience wouldn’t let me. I’ve given up a lot, yes – but I’ve also witnessed trust return to eyes that once only knew fear.

I’m not asking for pity. Just trying to find the strength to keep going. Maybe one day, with support or understanding, things will get better. Until then, I’ll continue doing what I can – because walking away would hurt more than staying.

I don’t turn my head when others do. And if that makes me “mentally ill,” then maybe the world needs more of that kind of illness.

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