Hosting / Life in the U.S.

How Hosting an Exchange Student Helped a Cat Find His Happy Ending

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Every rescued life tells a story of hope and new beginnings. Today we hear from John, the founder of Emery Cat Rescue, about Ferb, a cat who found a second chance at life. Stacey and her family were fostering Ferb and hosting Liséa from France during the 2024–25 school year, and Liséa quickly bonded with him. Thanks to Emery Cat Rescue and the love shared through hosting, Liséa adopted Ferb and brought him home to France, giving them both a happy new chapter.

I’m the founder of Emery Cat Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Emery County, Utah. We were contacted about a large hoarding case involving more than 40 cats in urgent need of help. Over several visits, we rescued the cats in groups, making sure they received the care they needed. Two of the cats were an orange-and-white pair of brothers we named Willie and Ferb.

Willie had been through a lot and needed medical care. But after reconstructive surgery, he is now our little buddy and he is doing well.

Happy and healthy, Willie (left) and Ferb (right) enjoying their forever homes in Utah

A veterinary technician asked her mother-in-law, Stacey, if her family could foster Ferb because she knew Stacey loved ginger cats. And that is how Ferb met Liséa. Liséa was the foreign exchange student from France Stacey and her family hosted at the time! Liséa gave Ferb the love and attention he needed, and – as is common with cats – they bonded really well. Cats are such excellent companions! It’s one of the things we focus on when we educate the public, showing that cats make wonderful companions and emotional support animals.

Liséa (center right) smiles with her host mom Stacey (center left) and her host sisters before departing for France with Ferb

When Liséa’s exchange year ended, she didn’t want to leave without Ferb. We helped her get the documents she needed, both from the rescue and the vet, and now she’s back in France with Ferb. All of the cats from that hoarding case had a rough start and needed extra care, but they are now thriving and healthy, including Ferb and Willie!

Best friends forever! Liséa and Ferb at SLC Airport before their flight to France

Want to learn more about Emery Cat Rescue and the amazing work they do? Visit EmeryCatRescue.org to explore ways to foster, adopt, or support their mission to provide a safe haven for felines in need.

Are you interested in making a student like Liséa a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2025-26 school year! Check out the profiles of our wonderful students!