Big news for tiny kittens
October 24th, 2025
SAFe Rescue is thrilled to let the cat out of the bag about a major new development: effective October 20th, 2025, we have begun integrating Hidden Gem Cat Rescue into our operations.
Prior to this merger, Hidden Gem operated entirely out of foster homes, with an emphasis on the intake and care of neonate kittens or “bottle babies.” Joining with SAFe Rescue offers the team from Hidden Gem a physical location to continue cultivating life-saving services.
Likewise, uniting with Hidden Gem’s network of trained caregivers enables SAFe to expand the reach and scope of our existing foster programs and community services. Most of all, this partnership will allow SAFe to widen our focus on an especially vulnerable segment of feline populations: orphaned newborn kittens. This comes at a time of growing need in Washington state as well as the country, as large numbers of unaltered cats produce litters with higher mortality risks if left in the wild.
“The timing of this merger couldn’t be better,” says Michelle Flowers, SAFe’s Foster Program Manager. “SAFe’s foster program spent 2025 creating and implementing new medical protocols for young, vulnerable neonates, and we are already seeing positive results across the board: healthier kittens, fewer ER visits, and fewer kitten losses.”
Hidden Gem’s integration into SAFe Rescue brings a new crop of experienced foster families to the fold. While SAFe’s fosters are no strangers to the highs and lows of neonate care, this combination of efforts promises a mutually beneficial give and take through education and collaboration. As we navigate this transition together, we look forward to increased capacity and resources to accept more neonates than ever before.
“Bottle baby kittens need a special kind of foster–someone patient, committed, and ready to provide care at all hours,” says Sam Winchester, Hidden Gem’s former Executive Director. “Because their care requires so many resources, rescues rely on our community to help give these babies the love and support they need to flourish and find loving homes.”
Above: SAFe’s Foster Program Manager, Michelle Flowers, bottle feeds a young kitten.
Looking to the Future
Both Hidden Gem and SAFe take a community-centered approach to feline welfare, prioritizing not just the inherent value of each cat, but also the strength of their bonds with humans. Our shared empathy is our greatest asset. Together, we can offer new depths of life-saving support for young cats who otherwise might not have a chance.
“This merger will help us to increase the number of orphaned neonates we are able to save,” says Michelle. “And at the same time, we will help meet the needs of our partners who need places for these babies to go to continue care and find homes. We are blessed with such a generous and enthusiastic community!”
To further develop SAFe’s neonatal support during this transition, local philanthropic association Svanee’s Foundation will be matching up to $20,000 in donations made on behalf of Rescue bottle babies. This means all gifts made through the link below will make double the difference for fragile newborn felines.
SAFe Rescue looks forward to the new opportunities afforded by the Hidden Gem merger, as well as the heightened impact it will have for kitties in dire need. It is an honor and a privilege to team up with like-minded cat lovers in support of a common cause. Svanee’s Foundation’s generous match for bottle babies is the cherry on top of this incredible combination!
Learn more about SAFe’s Foster Program here.
