Florida Couple’s Brilliant Plan Helps Many Senior Cats Enjoy Their Final Years
A couple in their seventies made the heartwarming choice to open a retirement home for cats, offering senior felines comfort and care in their golden years.
Many people even describe it as a kind of “Disneyland” for cats, and they might just be right.
Bruce and Terry have poured their hearts into running this special haven, where older cats can truly relax and enjoy life before crossing the rainbow bridge.
What began as a simple act of love with one cat named Patches soon grew into their greatest mission.
Terry never imagined she would one day run a sanctuary for senior cats. At first, her plan was much simpler – she went to the local vet and asked if there were any kittens available.
As she spoke, a woman nearby overheard and said softly, “I wish you could take a look at this cat.”
She pointed at Patches and explained that Patches was her father’s cat, but she couldn’t take her because she lives in a condo. Terry further explained:
“The lady brought her there to be euthanized. Because she felt like she had no solution. So, of course, I took the cat.”
Adopting Patches started their new mission! Bruce and Terry Jenkins converted their backyard into the Cats Cradle Foundation.
Bruce shared that they had land once intended for their children, but since it was no longer in use, they decided to repurpose it.
Bit by bit, they transformed the space to fit the vision they had in mind, and before long, their dream became a reality.
In the video, Terry explains that they wanted the cats to be free:
“We had a vision where they could be free the way I think cats would like to be free – outside, but protected.”
The cats feel secure in their sanctuary. They’re free to sleep up on a bridge over a lake or hide away in the bushes.
When they started, Bruce would visit their vet’s office and ask them to contact him if anyone came by wanting to euthanize their cat.
“The phone just kept ringing.”
Initially, they hadn’t planned on accepting cats from private owners. But whenever someone arrived with a cat battling cancer or another serious illness, they simply couldn’t turn them away.
As Bruce explains:
“It’s pretty heartwarming when they are so happy that their cat has found a place like this to live.”
Many of the cats that come to their facility suffer from dementia, and Bruce and Terry feel they are the perfect choice to care for these kitties.
Terry shared that they only welcome cats aged ten and older, since those are the ones least likely to be given another chance.
Bruce sees caring for seniors as a true gift, noting that many of these cats don’t fully understand what’s happening to them and that even small health problems can take a toll.
To brighten their days, he’s designed a variety of spaces for enrichment and play. From cozy indoor areas to outdoor spots with a running wheel and even a catnip island, every detail is meant to bring the cats joy.
As you can see in the video:
Bruce and Terry take great joy in seeing their vision come to life, knowing it allows them to provide comfort and happiness to so many senior cats.
What matters most to them, though, is being there for each cat when their final moments arrive, ensuring they are surrounded by love and care. As Bruce says:
“The secret to a cat’s happiness is to have a place where they can be alone when it’s time.”
Each and every one of their cats is unique, and every cat that enters their retirement home is special in its own way.
They cherish all of them, and even after they pass, the cats remain with them, in their hearts and memory.
Terry and Bruce are amazing people, and their love for cats is incredible. As Bruce explains:
“These older, loving creatures still have a lot of love left in them, so, just love them.”
For nearly a decade, their sanctuary has been a safe haven for senior cats, rescuing more than 350 during that time.
They’ve funded the effort almost entirely from their own savings, with Bruce estimating that they’ve personally invested between $50,000 and $60,000.
Over time, their mission began attracting support from others who believed in their work. Many became “guardian angels,” donating a little each month to help with food and veterinary costs.
The Cats Cradle Foundation has grown into something truly special. It not only brings comfort to senior cats and enriches the community, but it has also given Bruce and Terry a renewed sense of purpose.
Terry shared that it eased her shift from full-time work into retirement, giving her a meaningful way to channel her skills and energy.
To her, the senior cats they care for are a touching reflection of the stage of life she and Bruce now embrace.
This amazing Florida couple also discovered how unique and sweet senior cats can be. As Terry puts it:
“They had qualities in their older years that young cats don’t have. And maybe that’s true of people as well. You just need to discover it. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to make a difference.”
How amazing is this retirement home for cats? I hope you enjoyed Terry and Bruce’s story. Feel free to share it, and let’s inspire more people to help senior cats just like they do.
