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Mews & Merlot is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Northern Virginia, specializing in the care and rehabilitation of neonatal kittens. In this episode of COFFEE Chat, we learn all about the unique care requirements of these young kittens, why Kelsie started the rescue and what you should know if you are considering volunteering as a neonatal foster.

Plus, you don’t want to miss all the adorable and heart-warming pictures of kittens that have been cared for by Kelsie since starting Mews & Merlot.

This video is part of the All Pet Voices COFFEE Chat series. CLICK HERE to see all the series videos.

During All Pet Voices COFFEE Chats we talk with pets and animal experts about the pets who we love and the animals we admire. We also get to know people that dedicate their lives to making the world a better place for pets and animals and whose passions are often unknown.

Kelsie McKenzie

Founder of Mews & Merlot, a rescue non-profit that specializes in neonatal kittens, Kelsie McKenzie dedicates much of her time and energy to her passion for saving “the tiniest lives”. Caring for several neonatal kittens in her own home at any given time, she has earned a reputation as the person that other rescue volunteers seek out when they need help with orphaned kittens and those with special needs.

Originally making a name for herself in the pet industry with her blog It’s Dog or Nothing and her love for the Great Pyrenees breed. However, it was clear that her love of animals extended beyond her focus on a single dog breed. Recognizing that she had the ability to provide the time-intensive care that neonatal kittens require, she stepped forward to fill a need in the world of animal rescue.

Mission: “To end unnecessary euthanasia at shelters in the NOVA area by rescuing and rehoming kittens, promoting spaying and neutering, and educating on responsible pet ownership.”

Takeaways from Kelsie McKenzie:

  • The story of how Kelsie got into the pet industry through her blog, It’s Dog or Nothing, and how that experience led to the creation of Mews & Merlot.
  • Neonatal kitten care and how much work and time is required to care for these young kittens.
  • The Cycle of Fostering and how that joy allows Kelsie to adopt out the kittens that she cares for.
  • Challenges involved in kitten care that people are generally not aware of.
  • Recommendations for those who are interested in getting into neonatal foster care.
  • The importance of connecting with a vet that has experience with neonatal kitten care.
  • Recommended donation items that are needed by fosters and organizations caring for neonatal kittens.
  • TNR and why it’s important in breaking down the cycle of cats in need.

Closing

“They are often overlooked. It takes a lot of time and effort to care for them. You are up every two hours overnight for weeks on end, especially if you’re getting litter after litter. During the summer you don’t sleep, and most shelters just don’t have someone that can do that. I work from home. I have the time. I have the space and energy. So, I felt like that was a need that I could fill.” ~ Kelsie, Mews & Merlot

For more information on Kelsie McKenzie:

Website – mewsandmerlot.com

Facebook – @mewsandmerlot

Instagram – @mewsandmerlot

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