Watching Over Whiskers:
Saving Lives One Paw at a Time

Every year, millions of cats and kittens enter animal shelters across the US – and without the support of compassionate rescue groups, far too many would never make it to a loving home. In Southwest Missouri, Watching Over Whiskers (WOW) is one of the shining beacons of hope for felines in need. Since its founding in 2014, WOW has worked tirelessly to rescue, heal, and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected cats, giving them a second chance at the life they deserve. 

WOW’s mission is rooted in compassionate care and community action. Through routine veterinary support, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) assistance, and emergency medical help, WOW strives to control overpopulation, improve animal welfare, and ultimately place cats into loving forever homes. This dedicated nonprofit doesn’t just care for cats, it transforms lives. 

To date, WOW has helped over 9,300 felines through TNR work, vet care, and adoption placements. This remarkable impact stands as a testament to the power of community commitment and the generosity of supporters who share a passion for saving lives. 

But the need is enormous. Across the U.S., it’s estimated that 6.5 million cats and dogs enter shelters annually, yet not all find homes quickly enough to avoid space-related outcomes. Locally, WOW often cares for around 250 adoptable cats and kittens at a time, and with kitten season intensifying needs, there simply aren’t enough homes or hands to keep up with incoming animals.

This is why fosters are crucial. Fostering gives cats a safe, nurturing environment while they recover, grow, and wait for their forever families. WOW provides everything a kitty needs – from medical care and food to toys and supplies – so fosters can focus on what matters most: love and care. Yet even with this support, the organization still needs many more foster homes. In 2025, WOW estimated they ideally need 35–40 active foster homes, but often have far fewer, limiting how many lives they can save. 

Forever homes are equally essential. Every adoption frees up space and resources for the next cat in need. When you open your heart and home to a rescued feline, you’re not just giving them shelter, you’re giving them a future. Adopted cats often go on to become beloved companions, enriching the lives of their humans just as much as their humans enrich theirs.

Funding underpins every success story. Donations help cover vet bills, TNR programs, emergency care, and supplies. Your contribution, whether big or small, directly supports the lifesaving work WOW conducts every day.

And then there are the fabulous felineteers: volunteers, fosters, donors, adopters, and advocates whose collective impact turns compassion into action. Whether you’re sharing a social media post, attending an event, or bringing food for a foster kitty, you’re part of a movement that changes lives, one whisker at a time.