San Jose's Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue is scrambling after a brazen break-in at its kitten cafe and playroom over the post-Thanksgiving weekend left a shattered front door, debris scattered across the floor and fresh bills the nonprofit can barely afford. The good news is no animals were inside at the time, since all of the rescue's kittens are currently staying with foster families. Still, staff describe walking into the wrecked space as heartbreaking as they tally up what needs fixing and what needs replacing. Volunteers are now sweeping up glass, sorting through damage and figuring out what was stolen.
What happened
The San Jose Police Department is investigating a burglary that took place sometime between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 on the 14000 block of Union Avenue, where a suspect broke into the kitten cafe and playroom and took miscellaneous property, according to KRON4. Police have not released any description of a suspect, and the case remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities. Photos shared with reporters show a front-door window smashed out and debris strewn inside the storefront.
Rescue reeling
Connie Young of the rescue told KRON4, "we are all heartbroken," and said the clean-up and rebuilding costs will cut into Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue's already limited funds. The volunteer-run organization only opened its cafe last year and leans on admission fees, donation drives and weekend adoption playrooms to cover medical care for kittens in foster homes. Several scheduled playroom sessions have now been disrupted while the team focuses on repair work instead of cuddles and adoptions.
How to help
Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue lists its kitten cafe and upcoming adoption playrooms at 14420 Union Avenue and is asking for donations and volunteer help through its website, according to Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue. The group is accepting monetary donations and provides contact details and event information online for anyone who wants to pitch in with cleanup or foster support. Neighbors who may have seen or heard anything connected to the break-in are asked to reach out to San Jose Police so investigators can follow up.
