Mandarin Answers Your Questions
- 1. What is a Wonky Cat?
A wonky cat originally meant a cat that was different. Mandarin uses the term to mean any cat with a chronic illness, aged, physical disability such as blindness, deafness, missing limbs or tail; or a possibly fatal disease such a feline leukemia or feline HIV. A wonky cat has extreme difficulty in finding its furrever home through adoption.
- 2. Can you take a cat that I found?
No, we cannot. The cats we receive come from trusted sources with a clear chain of custody. Remember, in Texas animals are considered property. We take transfers from other rescues under certain circumstance, but we are space limited and assist local TNR organizations with dealing with their sickest cats. We Do Not Take Animals from the General Public.
- 3. How many cats do you have at Mandarin’s Retreat?
Currently we are over our capacity to house cats. You can see all our cats in the Cat Galleries under “Cats in Residence”.
- 4. What is the largest number of cats you received at one time?
One weekend in May 2023, we received 15 kittens within two days.
- 5. Where do you get your cats?
We take cats at the request of known TNR trappers, at the request of know veterinarians, and from El Paso City Animal Services. We can on a case-by-case basis accept transfers from other cat rescues. We do not take drop-offs at our door. We are a refuge of last resort.
- 6. What is your experience?
Mandarin’s Retreat is a new 501c(3) which started in July 2023, but the Hamiltons (our founders) have over 20 years of experience in caring for multiple cats. Aga is known in vet circles as the “Kitten Whisper” for her ability to nurse sickly kittens back to health.
- 7. How many salaried employees does Mandarin’s Retreat have?
There are no salaried employees. All donations go to support care for the cats. Administrative expenses are small, going for phone, software and web presence support.
- 8. Where do you get your funds?
Until the formation of the Mandarin’s Retreat organization, the retreat was funding totally from the personal funds of the Hamiltons. With the establishment of the 501c(3), We are dependent on donor, grant funds, and donor advised funds. All annual reports showing income will be posted on the website under the “Legal Stuff” tab.
- 9. Have A Question Not Covered?
Use the “Contact Us” form and we’ll post the answer here.