About — Casa Estrella Cat Rescue

Estrella's Story

At only five years old Estrella was diagnosed with diabetes. Her condition went untreated for months and by the time she was surrendered to the city shelter, she was in crisis. The shelter diagnosed her with diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Because the shelter couldn't provide the ICU-level care she needed, Estrella was immediately given a 48 hour timestamp. If no rescue pulled her by then, she would be humanely euthanized.

Estrella at the shelter, a calico cat with green eyes lying on a gray blanket, looking directly at the camera

It was the start of Christmas break and most rescues were closed for the holidays. Despite reaching out to every local rescue (and some not so local) no one has the room or resources to take on a cat in this level of critical condition. We didn't want her to fall through the cracks. So we pulled Estrella from the shelter the night before she was scheduled to be euthanized and transferred her directly to emergency ICU, where she received 24/7 care for the next several days.

Estrella in the ICU wearing a blue cone, looking up at the camera with an IV port visible

Estrella sitting up in her ICU kennel with her cone and IV lines, looking upward

When she was first admitted, we were told her chances were very low, but the team would do everything they could. Day by day, Estrella fought back. When we visited her, she was bright and affectionate, playing with the toys we brought her for comfort, and letting out the tiniest, sweetest meows we'd ever heard. Through all of it, Estrella remained remarkably calm, gentle and showed extraordinary resilience.

Estrella lying on her side in the ICU, cuddling with a fish toy

Estrella walking around the ICU room with her cone and bandaged legs, tail held high

Estrella wrapped in a blue paw-print blanket in the ICU, looking contemplative

Estrella was released to come home just a few days before Christmas. She's now a happy, affectionate cat who loves to explore and is very much the star of the house.

Estrella grooming her paw in a sunbeam, healthy and relaxed at home

Estrella curled up on a yellow blanket, paws tucked against her face, completely at ease

In total, Estrella's emergency care cost over $8,000, paid entirely out of pocket. Her story is why we're doing this. Every cat deserves someone willing to say yes when no one else will.

Our Mission

Casa Estrella Cat Rescue is dedicated to improving the lives of cats in Delaware County, Pennsylvania through rescue, foster care, trap-neuter-return, behavioral rehabilitation, and community education.

What makes us different

Every cat we work with is handled using science-based, low-stress methods. For cats who are undersocialized, fearful, or shut down, this approach is what makes the difference between a cat who stays "unadoptable" and one who learns to trust people.

Our founder, Amanda Ferry, brings years of professional experience in animal training, applying the same science-based methods used with professional clients to the cats in our care. Not every cat will become a lap cat, but every cat deserves patient, skilled handling that respects what they're feeling.

Our Programs

Rescue, foster & rehome

We take in stray, abandoned, and surrendered cats; provide veterinary care, socialization, and safe foster housing; and place them in permanent adoptive homes through a structured application process.

Trap-neuter-return & community cat care

We conduct and support TNR to humanely stabilize free-roaming cat populations in Delaware County, including post-surgery monitoring and ongoing colony care.

Behavioral rehabilitation

We rehabilitate undersocialized and fearful cats using highly effective, science-based methods, preparing them for successful placement in adoptive homes. For cats who aren't candidates for adoption, we provide long-term foster or hospice care.

Community education

We provide community education on responsible cat care, TNR awareness, recognizing signs of fear, pain and stress in cats, and compassionate approaches to living with companion animals.

Our Founders

Amanda Ferry

Co-Founder

Professional animal trainer and the founder of Casa Estrella. Amanda has years of experience in science-based behavior work with cats and dogs, and started the rescue to formalize the work she was already doing out of her Havertown home.

Matthew Callahan

Co-Founder

Matthew works hands-on with daily care: feeding, transport to vet appointments, coordination, and making sure every cat in our care is comfortable and looked after.