If you’ve ever gazed into the eyes of a stray cat and wished there was something you could do to help, you’re not alone. In late 2024, a group of local Murfreesboro cat lovers approached Catfeine Café owner Taura Byrd with an exciting proposal to launch a new rescue that would work to save the most vulnerable cats in the Murfreesboro community.

Catfeine had operated for six years working alongside other rescue organizations and sheltering cats in the café, so Byrd understood that the need was out there, and growing. Catfeine’s primary rescue partner was preparing to cut back services, as two of its original board members had retired after a decade of intense volunteer work. Recognizing the need and the opportunity, Byrd partnered with experienced rescuers Danielle Harrett and Nicole Campanella to establish Tennessee Whiskers Cat Rescue in January of 2025. And in only six months, they’ve already made a lasting difference.

It’s no small task to begin a rescue from scratch, but the community of Murfreesboro rallied.

“People have donated, volunteered and fostered,” Byrd said. “Without them, this rescue wouldn’t be here.”

The organization entered 2025 with the hope of saving 100 cats during the first half of the year. As of June, they have already saved 119 from the streets.

All of these cats have a story. Stewart, a blind 9-year-old cat surviving on the streets near the Murfreesboro Square, required a whole month of patient trapping attempts to get him into safety. He’s adjusting to indoor life now but still awaits a forever home.

Of the cats rescued thus far, 53 have found a home with adoptive families. 17 feral cats were TNR’d (Trap-Neutered-Returned), controlling the populations of the cat colonies humanely and effectively. And although most outcomes have been positive, Tennessee Whiskers has had just one devastating loss—part of the emotional cost of doing rescue work. The rescue still has 66 cats remaining in its care, many of whom are recovering their health and waiting for their second chance.

“We’ve taken in several difficult medical cases,” Byrd begins, “kittens like Hansel and Gretel, who were found in a homeless individual’s backpack and were determined to give up. But we didn’t let them. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to provide the veterinary care they desperately needed. Today, they are thriving and available for adoption at Catfeine.”

Rescuers Harrett and Campanella are the ones taking emergency calls in the middle of the night, bottle-feeding orphaned kittens, out on the streets and doing hands-on work to rehabilitate cats that require special care. Byrd works more on the back end of the rescue, and temporarily fosters up to 20 cats at Catfeine, providing them with a safe space to recover and socialize with the public.

What’s even more remarkable about this group? They do it all as volunteers—donating time, energy, and resources because they believe every cat deserves a chance.

Catfeine is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a sanctuary. Tennessee Whiskers cats are often fostered in the cat lounge, where customers are welcome to enjoy lattes among adoptable cats. It’s a low-key atmosphere in which timid cats can emerge from their shells and in which potential adopters can get to know them in a calm environment. Every visit is a win for the rescue. From adoption events to fundraisers and sales of merchandise, Catfeine’s friendly space has become a hub for community cat bonding.

Catfeine will host a Community Foster Fair on July 27. These open-house-style events are meant to show prospective foster families about what fostering entails and how it can transform lives, both feline and human. All supplies and medical attention are taken care of by the rescue; fosters simply need to supply love and time.

“We receive three to five rescue calls daily,” Byrd says. “We’d love to say yes to every cat, but we can’t unless we have fosters to place them in.”

Building the rescue’s foster network and continued fundraising are at the top of Tennessee Whiskers’ list for the remainder of the year.

Through exhaustion and hard choices, the reward is priceless. Tennessee Whiskers has already proven that with a heart large enough and a little help from the community, a large impact is achievable.

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To adopt or foster, download applications at catfeine.net or attend a Foster Fair, set for 5 p.m., Sunday, July 27 at Catfeine Cat Cafe, 517 Cason Ln., where potential candidates for fostering can come and learn more about how to help. Fosters must be 21 years old to apply for foster care. Every donation saves lives and offers critical care. Catfeine is also constantly looking for volunteers to help look after cats in the café.

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Find Tennessee Whiskers on Facebook or Petfinder for news and adoption tales, and for more information or to apply to foster, visit tennesseewhiskers.com.