Cozy Cats n Kittens plans feral cat sanctuary in memory of Arsenault
By Johanna Elattar, pictured is the late Chris Arsenault
In Hornell, a movement is quietly taking root—one born from heartbreak, driven by compassion, and powered by the unshakable will to protect the voiceless.
Just two weeks ago, the animal rescue community was devastated by the tragic death of Chris Arsenault of Long Island, who perished in a fire alongside the 158 cats he so lovingly cared for. Chris wasn’t just a rescuer—he was a man who gave up everything, including his own home, to offer sanctuary to the most overlooked and forgotten. His loss has left an ache that reaches far beyond Long Island—and in upstate New York, it has sparked something extraordinary.
That spark is now becoming a full-blown mission.
In response to this heartbreaking loss, Cozy Cats n Kittens, Inc., a Hornell-based 501(c)(3) rescue, is launching plans to create a permanent sanctuary for feral, stray, and special-needs cats within 15 minutes of the city. This facility will serve as a protected haven for cats who have nowhere else to go.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/CozyCatsSanctuary
“This is about making spiritual sense of the tragedy,” says Elizabeth Oliver, founder of Cozy Cats n Kittens. “We want to carry Chris’s love forward.”
The sanctuary will feature a large indoor shelter, along with an expansive catio—a safe, enclosed outdoor space where cats can enjoy fresh air and sunlight. Free-roaming outdoors will not be permitted, to protect the cats and maintain peace with nearby residents. Any friendly, adoptable cats will be transferred to the main rescue house, where they’ll be matched with loving homes.
This project is already approved by New York State Agriculture and Markets, ensuring it meets all sanctuary operation standards. It is operating under the legal and nonprofit umbrella of Cozy Cats n Kittens, Inc., a federally recognized public charity.
And to be clear: this sanctuary is not affiliated with Happy Cat Sanctuary in Long Island, nor involved with the cats who survived the fire there.
Initially named in Arsenault’s honor, the sanctuary temporarily removed his name following online harassment and false accusations. But the mission remains unchanged.
“It was disgusting and hurtful,” Oliver says. “But we will not fold. We will build this sanctuary—because it’s what Chris would’ve done.”
The first planning meeting was held on April 13, drawing 19 people. Monthly meetings are now underway, with the next scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hornell Moose Club. Everyone is welcome to attend—no experience needed, just a love for animals and a willingness to help.
With more than 40 fundraisers already planned, Cozy Cats is asking the community to step up in creative and compassionate ways.
One of the most exciting additions? Cat-shaped donation bins will soon be appearing in local bars, cafes, and shops. These charming bins will accept cash and Venmo donations, with QR codes and instructions printed right on them. It’s a fun and easy way to give while you’re out and about—and every dollar counts.
Meanwhile, Cozy Cats operates nine booths at Old Town Antiques, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the sanctuary effort. When you shop there, you’re not just buying antiques—you’re helping save lives.
There’s also a community garage sale coming up on May 31 and June 1 at 28 E. Washington Street in Hornell. All items are available for donation-based pricing—pay what you can, and know it’s going to a worthy cause.
Bottle and can recycling continues to be another steady source of funding. Donations of items can be left on the porch of Seneca St, and E. Washington Street.
For Elizabeth Oliver, this mission is deeply personal. Inside her own home, she has carved out a space just for cats with FIV, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Seven cats currently live there—cared for, cherished, and safe. She dreams of offering that same love and security to hundreds more.
“This is about building something good from something that broke us,” Oliver says. “We lost Chris. We lost his cats. But we didn’t lose our will to fight for them.”
Cozy Cats and Kittens is also home to many adoptable cats looking for loving forever homes. Whether you’re ready to foster, adopt, or simply donate, there’s a place for everyone in this movement.
Hornell is rising to the challenge. Each day brings new volunteers, new donors, new hope. The vision of the sanctuary is coming into focus—brick by brick, paw by paw.
Because in the end, this is what real community looks like: not just mourning loss, but transforming it into love in action.
To donate, please visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/CozyCatsSanctuary
Read more about the devastating fire that took the lives of Arsenault and over 100 rescued cats:
https://www.fox5ny.com/news/long-island-happy-cat-sanctuary-fire-medford
