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Grace Choi, a woman with long, dark hair is sitting on a light-colored armchair, holding a white cat with patches of orange and black on its head and tail. The woman is smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a light blue denim jacket. The cat appears calm and relaxed in her arms. To the left of the woman, there is a large, green potted plant with broad leaves, adding a touch of nature to the setting. Behind the woman on the right side, there is a wooden shelf with a beige, abstract-shaped vase and a green ceramic container. The background is simple and neutral, allowing the focus to remain on the woman and her cat.Grace Choi, a woman with long, dark hair is sitting on a light-colored armchair, holding a white cat with patches of orange and black on its head and tail. The woman is smiling warmly at the camera, wearing a light blue denim jacket. The cat appears calm and relaxed in her arms. To the left of the woman, there is a large, green potted plant with broad leaves, adding a touch of nature to the setting. Behind the woman on the right side, there is a wooden shelf with a beige, abstract-shaped vase and a green ceramic container. The background is simple and neutral, allowing the focus to remain on the woman and her cat.
by: Smalls Team

Interview with Grace Choi, The Happy Kitty Rescue

culture, editorials

Grace Choi is the founder and director of The Happy Kitty Rescue, a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating at-risk cats. Through her social media account @kittyboyandfriends, Grace shares the heartwarming stories of her rescues, with the goal of spreading awareness and inspiring others to get involved.

  • Smalls: What inspired you to start The Happy Kitty Rescue, and how has its mission evolved?

    Grace: In 2023, I started The Happy Kitty Rescue to make a difference in the lives of cats who are at high risk of euthanasia in shelters. After years of volunteering and fostering with various organizations, I felt compelled to start my own rescue where we could focus on this specific and vulnerable population.

Too many cats in shelters with medical issues and “aggressive” labels are often overlooked. They face euthanasia because they are deemed “too difficult” or “too costly.” These are the cats we are committed to saving.

Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate the most at-risk cats, such as neonatal, special needs, medical/trauma, and severe behavioral cases. We believe that every cat, no matter the label, deserves a second chance.

The image shows a cat, likely recovering from an injury or medical procedure, in what appears to be a veterinary or shelter setting. The cat is lying on a soft, white fleece blanket inside a wire cage. The cat has a cream and white coat, with cream coloring on its head, ears, and back, transitioning to white on its chest and paws. It has a round face with alert, slightly wide-set eyes and a pink nose. The cat's ears are perked up, giving it an attentive expression. Most notably, the cat is wearing a clear plastic Elizabethan collar (often called an "e-collar" or "cone"), which extends around its neck and flares outward. This type of collar is typically used to prevent animals from interfering with wounds or surgical sites. The cat's front left leg is wrapped in a bright blue bandage, extending from the paw up the leg. The paw itself is visible at the end of the bandage, appearing white. The cat is resting comfortably on the plush white blanket, which provides a soft surface within the metal wire cage. Part of the cage's wire structure is visible at the top of the image. Overall, the image conveys a sense of a cat receiving medical care and attention, likely in a veterinary or animal shelter environment.
  • Smalls: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in rescuing and rehabilitating at-risk cats?

    Grace: Working with severe medical and behavioral cases can be emotionally and physically draining. With medical cases, it’s hard to see a cat in distress or struggling with their recovery. As for cats with severe trust issues or trauma, they demand a lot of time, patience, and understanding. The process of building trust and seeing slow progress can really test your patience. Each cat is such a big emotional investment, so it can definitely take a toll. Despite these challenges, the reward of seeing these cats transform with time and love makes it all worthwhile.

  • Smalls: Can you share a particularly memorable rescue story that had a significant impact on you?

    Grace: Bruno, one of my most recent fosters, will always hold a special place in my heart. He has been my most difficult case to date. When I first met him in the shelter, he was labeled as aggressive—a label that often gives an animal no chance of making it out of a shelter.

It was clear that he had been through a lot. His eyes were filled with fear, and he didn’t trust humans at all. The first few weeks were tough—he was withdrawn and easily triggered. I have my fair share of scars from this boy! But thankfully, with time, patience, and consistency, Bruno slowly began to transform, letting his guard down little by little.

Over several months, he became a totally different cat. His favorite activity eventually became lying on my chest, purring loudly, and asking for pets.

Bruno has taught me so much about the power of patience and love. He is also a beautiful reminder of the incredible ability animals have to heal when given the chance. His journey wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it.

The image features a Siamese cat with striking blue eyes sitting on a wooden surface. The cat has a dark brown face with a distinctive white muzzle, a pink nose, and white whiskers. Its fur is a mix of cream and chocolate brown, with white paws and a white chest. The cat has an alert but calm expression, tilting its head slightly to the side. In the background, there is a green potted plant with broad leaves, adding a touch of greenery to the setting. The overall ambiance is warm and homey, with the cat as the focal point.

“Bruno, my most difficult case, was labeled as aggressive and filled with fear. But with time, patience, and love, he transformed into a totally different cat. His journey wasn't easy, but it was so worth it.”

— Grace
  • Smalls: What does the rehabilitation process typically involve for the cats you rescue?

    Grace: Each cat’s journey is as unique as they are! Some may need just a few weeks to get back on their feet, while others might stay with us for several months as we carefully address their medical issues and work through their behavioral triggers. My goal is always to get them healthy, happy, and ready for their forever home—no matter how long it takes.

  • Smalls: How can cat lovers support The Happy Kitty Rescue?

    Grace: Thanks to social media, we are fortunate enough to have incredible supporters from all over the world. The generosity and love from our online community has been such a gift… words can’t fully capture how grateful I am. Feeling the outpouring of kindness from every corner of the globe is such an overwhelming experience and simply incredible.

For those who wish to support us further, donations are always deeply appreciated. As a 100% volunteer-based 501c3, every single dollar goes towards our cats.

  • Smalls: What advice would you give to someone looking to adopt a rescue cat for the first time?

    Grace: If you’re considering adopting a young kitten, my advice is to bring home two! Despite the common belief that cats are solitary, they’re actually very social creatures and thrive with a companion. Having a second kitten can help prevent common behavioral issues like scratching, urine-marking, and keeping you up at night. Many of these issues arise from boredom or stress. A playmate not only helps provide mental and physical stimulation but also ensures that the cat has a lifelong friend and companion! Plus, watching kittens play together is one of the best things in this world.

The image shows a group of six adorable kittens nestled together in a cozy, beige-colored pet bed or cat cave. The bed appears to be made of soft, plush material, providing a warm and comfortable environment for the kittens. The kittens are of various colors and patterns: 1. A gray tabby kitten 2. A black and white tuxedo kitten 3. A brown tabby kitten 4. A solid black kitten 5. A white kitten with some markings 6. Another tabby kitten (partially visible) The kittens are huddled close together, with some of their bodies overlapping. They all appear to be young, probably only a few weeks old, with big, bright blue eyes that are characteristic of young kittens. One of the kittens, the brown tabby, has its mouth open slightly as if meowing or yawning. The others are looking towards the camera with alert, curious expressions. At the bottom of the image, there's a white blanket or fabric with colorful polka dots in various pastel shades like yellow, green, and red. This adds a cheerful touch to the already heartwarming scene. The overall image conveys a sense of warmth, comfort, and the adorable nature of a litter of kittens in their safe, cozy space.
  • Smalls: What are common misconceptions about rescue cats, and how can we dispel these myths?

    Grace: One misconception is that rescue cats are less healthy or more problematic than those from breeders. In reality, the majority of rescue cats have gone through a proper quarantine period, are thoroughly vetted, and have their health issues addressed before adoption. Plus, when you adopt from a private rescue like ours, we get to know their personalities well. So you’re more likely to find a cat that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Another myth is that rescue cats are "mean" and unpredictable. Many rescue cats are simply stressed or scared from their time in a shelter environment. Their behavior in a cage is not a true reflection of their temperament… imagine how you would feel if you were confined in a small space for weeks or months—most of us would be pretty anxious and upset, too!

  • Smalls: How important is diet and nutrition in the rehabilitation of rescued cats?

    Grace: Diet is so important! Just like us humans, cats need good nutrition to heal and thrive. Many commercial cat foods are the equivalent of fast food for cats—affordable and tasty but lacking in nutrition for a healthy and well-rounded life. I’m passionate about feeding all my cats high-quality, nutritious, and protein-packed food, like Smalls, to support their recovery and overall health. I want to give them the best foundation possible to heal and thrive!

The image shows a white cat with patches of light orange or tan fur on its head, standing next to various cat food products on what appears to be a kitchen counter or table. The scene is set in a home interior, with a couch and some house plants visible in the background. The cat is leaning down towards a coral-colored ceramic bowl containing what looks like dry cat food. The cat's pink tongue is slightly extended, suggesting it's about to eat or has just finished eating. In front of the cat are several cat food products from a brand called "Smalls": Two pouches of cat food broth: one blue labeled "Fish Broth" and one yellow labeled "Bird Broth". Two plastic containers of what appears to be wet cat food. The containers are labeled "Food for Cats" and "Smooth Bird & Fish Dish". The food items are arranged on a light-colored surface, likely a countertop or table. The background shows a partial view of a beige couch and some out-of-focus house plants on a shelf. The overall image conveys a domestic scene of a cat being presented with various food options in a home setting.
  • Smalls: What are some common dietary issues you see in the cats that come into your care, and how do you address them?

    Grace: Common issues include malnutrition and digestive problems. We tackle these by providing a balanced, high-quality diet tailored to each cat’s needs. I also love to throw in a good probiotic. For more difficult cases, we work closely with veterinarians to ensure they’re getting the right nutrition and make adjustments as needed.

  • Smalls: What keeps you motivated and passionate about your work every day?

    Grace: Super simple: I honestly just love what I do! I feel so lucky to have stumbled across something I’m so passionate about. It all began 6 years ago when a friend asked me to foster a pair of kittens while she was out of town. From that moment on, I’ve been hooked and dedicated to this work. My passion has only grown, especially when taking on the more challenging cases.

Being part of a cat’s journey and witnessing their incredible transformation is one of my life’s greatest joys. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this, and my love for it is what keeps me going.

This image shows a woman, Grace Choi, with long dark hair embracing a white cat with grey markings. The woman is wearing a white top and is seated in what appears to be a light brown chair or couch. She is hugging the cat close to her face, with her eyes closed and kissing the cat's head. The cat is looking directly at the camera with bright green eyes. The background is a neutral light color, creating a soft, intimate atmosphere. The image captures a moment of affection between a person and their rescue pet.

“Being part of a cat’s journey and witnessing their incredible transformation is one of my life’s greatest joys. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this, and my love for it is what keeps me going.”

Grace
  • Smalls: Do you name the cats at The Happy Kitty Rescue?

    Grace: Yes, I often name the cats! Sometimes, a name just pops into my head, while other times, I let my creative audience pitch in with suggestions!

  • Smalls: How do you handle the emotional challenges of saying goodbye to cats when they’re adopted?

    Grace: When I first started fostering, I’d find myself bawling when saying goodbye, even at the adopters' home—it was so embarrassing! But over time, I’ve learned to set emotional boundaries with my fosters. What also helps is the fact that I personally interview all potential adopters, so I know exactly where they’re going! So, while saying goodbye is always bittersweet, knowing they’re going to a loving family makes it so much easier. Plus, receiving updates of them thriving throughout the months and years is one of the most heartwarming feelings!

My house is just a stepping stone- a temporary safe haven to give them a chance at life. Without it, many of these cats would have continued suffering in a cage and faced euthanasia. Knowing that I’ve played a part in saving their lives and giving them a chance at a better future makes the goodbyes more fulfilling than sad. My goal is to get them into their forever homes so I can make room for more cats who need help. Saying goodbye is a sign that I’ve accomplished my goal, and it’s a pretty awesome feeling.

This image shows a light orange and white long-haired cat sitting comfortably inside a large cardboard Smalls box. The cat's fur is fluffy, with a creamy white chest and face, and light orange patches on its head and body. The cat is looking directly at the camera with a calm and curious expression, its pink nose and slightly parted mouth adding to its gentle demeanor. The box is placed on a light wooden floor, and in the background, there is a soft, brown, and white patterned blanket draped over a chair, along with a green cushion and a gray pillow with a simple white design. The overall scene is cozy and homely, with the cat appearing content in its box.
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