Today we’d like to introduce you to Samara Mitchell
Hi Samara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Founded in 2021 by Kelly Manno and Samara Mitchell, Smelly Cat Rescue began with an unexpected and heartwarming story. On a hot September afternoon, Kelly received a call to help a friend who had recently acquired farmland. What the new owners didn’t realize was that a feline resident had already claimed the property—and given birth to a litter of kittens scattered across the land.
As Kelly and a team of volunteers searched for the kittens, she reached out to Samara, knowing her experience with bottle feeding would be invaluable. After hours of searching, they discovered a tiny kitten trapped in an oil pit. Complicating matters further, the pandemic made it nearly impossible to find immediate care for the mother cat and her one surviving kitten.
That moment lit a spark in Samara. She saw an opportunity to make a meaningful difference for the community’s most vulnerable cats. With a bit of inspiration from a certain iconic “Smelly Cat” song—and a lot of determination—Smelly Cat Rescue was born.
Today, the organization is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and outdoor cats in the St. Louis and St. Charles metro area. Through close collaboration with the community, Smelly Cat Rescue ensures that every cat—no matter how “smelly”—has a chance at a loving forever home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting Smelly Cat Rescue has been one of the greatest challenges of my career. There’s no guidebook for launching a nonprofit, let alone a foster-based rescue, from the ground up. From navigating Missouri Agriculture regulations to achieving 501(c)(3) status, the process was filled with red tape. I tackled it all by leveraging community connections, conducting extensive research, and learning through trial and error.
Resources are always a challenge. None of us are independently wealthy; we work full-time jobs (Kelly as a TikTok content creator and Samara as local real estate agent) to support our families and dedicate our extra time to running the rescue. Having enough parent foster homes for the need is always needed. The more parent fosters we have the more cats we can support. On top of that, sourcing affordable veterinary services can often feel like an uphill battle. Yet, despite these obstacles, the passion for saving lives keeps us going.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Smelly Cat Rescue?
At Smelly Cat Rescue, our mission is to provide a lifeline to stray and abandoned cats in the St. Louis and St. Charles area. We’re committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these felines, ensuring they find the loving forever homes they deserve.
We hope to be able to be able to establish a rescue hub in the next 5 years that will allow us to administer vaccinations internally at a lower cost, process intake of cats coming into the rescue, and offer select services and support for adopters and the community.
What Sets Us Apart:
• Community-Focused: We collaborate with local communities, other rescues, and shelters to identify cats in need and connect them with suitable adopters.
• Compassionate Care: Our dedicated volunteers provide gentle, nurturing care to every cat, no matter their condition or circumstances.
• Transparent Operations: We believe in open communication with our supporters, sharing the tangible impact of donations and volunteer efforts. Our social shares are intentionally upbeat, focusing on compassionate storytelling rather than shock or gore, which we know can be distressing to many followers.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
• Successful Adoptions: Over 600 cats have found their loving families through Smelly Cat Rescue.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local organizations have expanded our reach and strengthened our impact. One of our favorite partnerships is with the Cat Zen Cafe and Lounge in St Charles. All of the adoptable cats within their lounge are from our rescue.
• Volunteer Dedication: The passion and commitment of our foster families are the heart and soul of everything we do.
What We Want You to Know: Every cat deserves a chance. In the U.S., an estimated 9,000 cats are abandoned every day. Without being spayed or neutered, they can begin reproducing as early as four months old, making cat populations grow out of control quickly.
By supporting Smelly Cat Rescue, you’re directly saving lives and helping to create a brighter future for countless cats. Together, we can make a difference—one smelly cat at a time.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The rescue industry is evolving rapidly, and the next 5-10 years will likely bring significant changes driven by societal trends, technology, and evolving attitudes toward animal welfare. While I don’t have a crystal ball here are a few things predict:
1. Increased Focus on Community-Based Solutions
• TNR Expansion: Trap-Neuter-Return programs will grow as communities seek humane and effective ways to manage feral cat populations.
Strength in Unity: The future of animal rescue depends on fostering collaboration, not competition. Rescues, shelters, and animal advocates must work together to address overpopulation, resource shortages, and community needs. Divisiveness only hinders progress, leaving animals to suffer.
• Shifting Mindsets: As the industry evolves, there will be a growing emphasis on creating a culture of respect and mutual support. Combating bullying and misinformation within the rescue community will be vital to improving outcomes for animals and volunteers alike.
• Shared Resources: Partnerships between rescues and other organizations will allow for better pooling of resources, such as medical care, fostering networks, and funding opportunities. A united front can amplify impact and save more lives.
2. Growth of Foster-Based Models
• Traditional shelters may pivot to foster-based models like yours, as they’re often more cost-effective and provide a better environment for animals.
• Technology platforms will emerge to better connect foster homes with rescues, making it easier for volunteers to sign up and manage animals.
3. Integration of Technology
• Microchip Tracking: Advances in microchip technology and apps could simplify reuniting pets with owners.
• AI and Big Data: Predictive analytics could help rescues identify at-risk populations or optimize resource allocation.
4. Increased Pressure for Sustainability
• Green Initiatives: Rescues will adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using sustainable litter, food packaging, and energy-efficient facilities.
• Fundraising Diversification: Creative fundraising efforts (merchandise, online challenges, and community events) will become more crucial as traditional donation streams shift.
5. Enhanced Veterinary Access and Care
• Affordable Vet Services: Rescues may push for legislative changes to expand access to low-cost spay/neuter clinics and vaccines.
• Telemedicine for Pets: Virtual vet consultations will grow, making care more accessible for fosters and adopters in underserved areas.
6. Shifting Public Perception
• Adoption Over Breeding: Public campaigns will continue to promote “adopt, don’t shop,” reducing the demand for pet stores and unethical breeders.
• Focus on Senior and Special-Needs Pets: Growing awareness about these animals’ challenges will lead to more resources and programs for their care and adoption.
7. Personalized Care for Adopters
• Rescues will likely offer post-adoption support, such as training resources, behavior consultations, or online groups to keep adopters connected.
8. Emphasis on Mental Health: The emotional toll of rescue work will receive greater attention, leading to more resources for burnout prevention and mental health support for volunteers and staff.
9. Advocacy and Policy Changes
• Stricter regulations on breeding and pet sales will gain traction, reducing the number of animals entering the rescue system.
• Rescues will advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and increased funding for spay/neuter initiatives.
Pricing:
- Adoption Fee is $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smellycatrescue.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smellycatrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmellyCatRescue
