We recently connected with Katrin Ferge Somer Black and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Katrin Ferge, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is the cornerstone of our work at KittenSnatchers Cat Rescue. For both of us, Kat and Somer, it comes from a combination of grit, determination, and perhaps a deep well of strength shaped by our past experiences. Growing up, we faced challenges that taught us how to stand strong in the face of adversity. That toughness is what fuels us to keep going, even when the odds feel insurmountable.
In animal rescue, you can’t afford to be a pushover. You’re constantly fighting—for the cats who need a voice, for the resources to care for them, and sometimes against people who try to tear you down. We’ve encountered heartbreak and cruelty more times than we can count, but we’ve learned to channel that pain into purpose. You can’t carry every tragedy with you—if you do, it’ll crush you. Instead, you focus on the lives you can save, the joy you can bring, and the change you can create.
The journey hasn’t been easy, and there were moments when giving up felt tempting. But every time, we reminded ourselves of why we started—to give abandoned, abused, and neglected cats a second chance. That mission is stronger than any punch we take, and it’s what keeps us standing, fighting, and saving lives.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At KittenSnatchers Cat Rescue, we dedicate ourselves to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats in need across Philadelphia. What started as a passion project has grown into a mission-driven rescue that saves hundreds of lives every year. Whether it’s bottle-feeding orphaned kittens through sleepless nights, healing cats who’ve suffered unimaginable neglect, or matching our rescues with loving families, every step of the journey is incredibly fulfilling.
What makes our work so special is the transformation we see in these cats. There’s nothing more exciting than watching a scared, malnourished, and abandoned animal blossom into a confident, healthy, and loved member of a family. We also take pride in educating our community on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying/neutering to address the overpopulation crisis.
Beyond the cats, our brand stands for resilience, compassion, and creating a future where every cat has a chance at a good life. KittenSnatchers is more than a rescue; it’s a promise to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
As for what’s new, we have a few exciting adoption events lined up before the holidays, perfect for anyone looking to add some feline love to their family this season. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re planning a mix of fun and impactful events, including music fundraisers, community engagement activities, and our participation in the highly anticipated Cat Extravaganza! These events not only help us raise funds for our rescue but also bring our community together to celebrate the cats we love so much.
If you’ve ever thought about adopting, fostering, volunteering, or supporting a rescue, now is the perfect time to get involved. Every small action adds up to a big difference, and together, we can save lives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities have been absolutely critical to our journey with KittenSnatchers Cat Rescue: resilience, resourcefulness, and communication.
1. Resilience: This is the backbone of everything we do. In animal rescue, you’re constantly faced with challenges—heartbreaking situations, financial constraints, and the emotional toll of witnessing cruelty. Resilience helps you stay focused on the bigger picture and the lives you can save. For those just starting out, our advice is to practice emotional self-care and develop a support system. Surround yourself with people who share your passion and can lift you up when things feel overwhelming.
2. Resourcefulness: Running a rescue is like being a problem-solver on overdrive. You’re figuring out how to stretch a budget, find new fosters, or get medical care for cats with complicated needs—all at once! Resourcefulness means thinking creatively and finding solutions where others might see roadblocks. For anyone early in their journey, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Build relationships with others in your field, learn from their successes, and look for opportunities to collaborate.
3. Communication: Whether it’s reaching out to potential adopters, educating the public, or rallying support for a fundraiser, strong communication skills are essential. Sharing your story and mission effectively is how you build trust, inspire action, and grow your impact. Our advice is to be authentic. People connect with honesty and passion, so let that shine through in everything you say and do.
To anyone starting out, our biggest piece of wisdom is this: don’t let fear of failure hold you back. You’ll make mistakes, but every challenge is a chance to learn. Stay focused on your mission, and remember that small steps can lead to big changes.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The journey of building KittenSnatchers Cat Rescue wouldn’t have been possible without the support and collaboration of others. First and foremost, other rescues we’ve worked with have been incredibly helpful. Animal rescue is a community effort, and the willingness of fellow rescues to share their knowledge, resources, and experiences has been invaluable. Their guidance has helped us navigate complex situations and grow into a stronger organization.
Our vet partners have also been a cornerstone of our success. Their expertise and dedication to helping our cats heal and thrive have been nothing short of extraordinary. Whether it’s managing emergency cases or providing long-term care for cats with medical challenges, their partnership has given us the tools to save lives.
And most importantly, we’ve been there for each other as business partners. Kat brings a business and marketing background, which has been instrumental in building our brand, raising funds, and connecting with the community. Somer comes from the medical field, giving us the skills and knowledge to care for our cats with the professionalism and compassion they deserve. Together, our complementary strengths create a balance that keeps KittenSnatchers moving forward.
This mix of collaboration, professional partnerships, and mutual support has been the key to overcoming challenges and building the skills we need to succeed. It’s proof that success isn’t a solo journey—it’s something you build with others who share your vision and passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kittensnatchers.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitten_snatchers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kittensnatchersphilly
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kittensnatchers7656
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
