Meet
Ernie

Ernie

Our clever little escape artist!

Ernie came to us through a unique “trade”: when we found a stray dog in need, Big Dog Ranch helped us place the pup, and in return we welcomed three tiny kittens – Ernie and his brothers Bert and Grover – who’d been discovered under a house. Bert and Grover quickly found loving homes, but Ernie’s journey took a different turn.

Two years ago, Ernie suddenly became gravely ill. He turned yellow with jaundice and was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) – a condition in which the kidneys slowly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. Without treatment, CKD can cause toxin buildup, anemia, and dangerous dehydration. For weeks Ernie needed prescription food, daily medications, IV fluids, and constant monitoring just to stabilize.

Today he’s thriving, but his health depends on strict management: a kidney-support diet, regular wellness checkups, and careful hydration to keep his kidney values in a safe range.
Despite everything, Ernie is a bundle of energy. He zooms up wall steps and cubbies to watch the world from above, turning the cat room into his personal obstacle course. He’s playful and clever – his favorite game is sneaking toward the door so we’ll chase after him. Ernie is sweet and loves gentle head scratches, but he’s not a fan of being held (yet – we’re working on it).
By sponsoring Ernie, you’ll help us provide the prescription kidney diet, routine bloodwork, and ongoing checkups he needs to keep thriving and perfecting his next great escape – all while supporting a spirited young cat with a lifelong medical condition. Ernie may face extra challenges, but his playful mischief is a daily reminder that resilience can be full of joy.