The Rags to Riches Cat Rescue in Tillsonburg, Ontario, is looking for emergency foster homes for a group of cats abandoned in a local rental unit. While a foster has already been secured for one mother and her two-week-old kittens, the rescue issued an urgent plea on March 27, 2026, for the remaining animals. The rescue noted that they are currently at capacity and cannot house any more animals at their main facility; the cats in need of placement include a second mother and several newborn kittens born only 25 to 48 hours ago.
This emergency comes as animal shelters across the province deal with “kitten season,” a time of year when feline births increase and put extra strain on local resources. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society reported a 16 per cent increase in the number of animals entering its care for re-homing over the last year. Rising costs for pet care and veterinary services are contributing to a province-wide rescue crisis that has forced some shelters to stop taking in new animals.
The organization was founded in November 2022 by Tammy DaPalma after she witnessed many cats being left behind on her rural Norfolk County property. As a registered charity (#769680612 RR0001), the rescue does not receive any government funding and relies entirely on donations and the work of volunteers. They currently serve communities across Norfolk, Oxford, and Elgin counties, frequently helping cats that have been dumped in the countryside.
In 2025, the group found permanent homes for 257 cats and continues to care for more than 250 animals through its foster network. While the rescue underwent a provincial inspection in December 2023 that identified concerns with its facilities and health protocols, the organization has worked to address those issues and continues to provide care for cats in need. Residents who can help with fostering are encouraged to reach out through the rescue’s Facebook page.
