On April 25, 2023, Katie’s Operation Aloha Cat flight took off! It was comprised of 14 Lucky cats who travelled to PAWS via our airline partner Aloha Air Cargo. Eight of the 14 cats were black cats, just like Katie. The flight was sponsored and named by Gary and Sara, longtime supporters of Good Cat Network and the subject of our last Donor Spotlight. Read more about Gary, Sara and Katie’s rescue here.
Katie’s Operation Aloha Cat flight included lots of special kitties! Here are a few of their rescue stories, as told by the rescuers.
Fudge and Smudge, black kitten siblings who (thankfully) never had to live outdoors. Story told by Honi Honi Cats Maui Founder, Jennie Kalani Ben-Dayan:
Fudge and Smudge were born in foster at Victoria’s home – to a momma cat that we believe was dumped at a Wailea colony because she was VERY friendly. When she was found, she was about to give birth and we took her in so her kittens could be born inside.
A few short days later, Fudge, Smudge and her siblings made their arrival. Fostered until they were old enough to fly, these two spent time at a second foster, Sarah Marie where they loved lounging in the sun and playing with their bunny roommates and little dog.
Talky, a black cat with a two names, and a doppelganger. Story told by rescuer and foster, Victoria H.:
Two years ago a black juvenile all black started showing up at my colony at feeding time. We care for around 25 “neighborhood” cats, who mostly live in the park next to our house. We noticed he wasn’t fixed so he was next on the list. We called him “Void.” A week later he was trapped and sent to MHS to be neutered (a.k.a. to lose his “Trouble Puffs.”)
That night while Void was recovering from his neuter surgery in the trap, I went out to feed the others. To my surprise, “Void” showed up for dinner, with his Trouble Puffs still intact. That’s when I realized there were two identical black cats. This version of “Void” had a lot to talk about and was pretty friendly. “Void2” soon became “Talky Void” and the original Void, which is most likely his brother, became known as “Stealthy Void.”
Talky Void, or “Talky” for short, was neutered soon after and became a permanent fixture around the yard and at our front door, peering in. He made it very known that he wanted to be inside with us. That’s when we knew he would be a great candidate for Good Cat Network’s flight program. Once he was inside full time, he became such a loving house panther. He loved to tell you about his day and give feedback on anything you said to him. We know “Talky” will be an amazing companion to his new adopted family.
We’ve talked a lot about black cats, so let’s talk about a white one! Well, Betty White the tabby! Story by Jennie:
Betty White was tiger tabby colony cat who kept coming up to her feeder asking for attention. When she was trapped to be fixed by local rescuer, Kalea, the colony caretaker mentioned how friendly Betty was. Kalea thought the cat might belong to someone, so she tried to search for her owners. No matches for her owner were made, but in the meantime this kitty showed us she was not meant for colony life and would make a great best friend! We named her Betty White because she is sassy, full of personality, and everyone who meets her falls in love with her. She was one of those rare fosters that stuck out from the crowd. It was very hard to let her go, but we knew a wonderful life was waiting for her in Seattle.
Katie’s Operation Aloha Cat flight was successful as can be, and nearly all of the 14 cats flown to PAWS have already been adopted.
Gary was not only one of the subjects of our Donor Spotlight and named the flight after his rescue cat, Katie, but was also a foster for two of the cats on it! Gary brought Doug and Arthur to the airport and he was able to see Katie’s Operation Aloha Cat flight prepare for takeoff. It was a gorgeous day full of gorgeous hearts.
Katie’s Operation Aloha Cat flight was successful as can be, and nearly all of the 14 cats flown to PAWS have already been adopted.
Want to donate to our Operation Aloha Cat program and help cats like Talky, Fudge, Smudge and Betty White find their forever homes? Just click here!
