At the start of the year, the US has been facing extreme weather conditions. With freezing temperatures dropping well below zero, Katryn Kessel decided she had to help the local stray cats.
To help them, she built an outdoor shelter to protect them from the cold and left out food to keep their strength up.
But she did more than just leave out food and shelter. With every interaction, she aimed to show them they were safe with her. It was an approach that required patience and kindness, and it eventually paid off.
A simple gesture with a huge impact
As the weather grew colder, Katryn managed to bring the cats inside her home. Thanks to the trust she had built, nine stray cats found refuge indoors, although they were understandably nervous at first.
For now, it's a temporary arrangement. The cats' rescuer plans to keep them safe and warm "until things warm up outside".
Planning for a brighter future
Once the temperatures rise, she will look into long-term solutions. These include neutering, rehoming, or finding suitable shelters to ensure the animals don't have to face the harshness of winter again.
