A devastating fire erupted on March 31, 2025, at the Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, Long Island, leaving the community heartbroken. The fire claimed the life of Christopher Arsenault, the sanctuary’s founder, and tragically killed more than 100 rescued cats. The loss of both the animals and Arsenault has shattered the animal welfare community in Long Island.
Chris Arsenault, 65, founded the Happy Cat Sanctuary in 2006, driven by the pain of losing his 24-year-old son, Eric, in a motorcycle accident. In the wake of his son’s death, Arsenault sought healing by rescuing abandoned and abused cats, transforming his home into a beloved sanctuary. Over time, his sanctuary flourished, offering a safe haven to numerous rescued cats. At the time of the fire, about 300 cats called the sanctuary their home.
The fire broke out around 7:15 a.m. on Monday, and despite the heroic efforts of firefighters, the sanctuary was completely destroyed. Arsenault sadly perished while trying to save many of the animals he cared so deeply for. Miraculously, as many as 200 cats survived, though many suffered burns and smoke inhalation. These survivors are now receiving medical attention at local animal hospitals, where their condition is being closely monitored.
The Suffolk County SPCA has stepped in to offer vital assistance, deploying a mobile animal surgical hospital to provide medical care for the surviving cats. Neighbors and volunteers have rallied together, many expressing both grief and admiration for Arsenault’s unwavering dedication to the animals. While the sanctuary had occasionally faced complaints from some community members, inspections confirmed that it met all necessary animal welfare standards.
In addition, Paws of War is playing a key role in the recovery process. Over the next two weeks, a team of volunteers will carefully relocate the cats from Arsenault’s property to a temporary shelter, where they will receive the medical attention they need to recover and become healthy enough for adoption. In the meantime, the cats are either being transferred to another sanctuary or treated on-site, through the support of Paws of War, a nonprofit organization devoted to animal rescue.
Chris Arsenault’s life was a testament to his love and compassion for animals. His sanctuary was more than just a place for rescued cats – it was a place of healing for both the animals and Arsenault himself. The loss of Arsenault is deeply felt by his community, but his legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the cats that he has saved. As the community continues to mourn his tragic passing, efforts to care for the surviving cats and honor Arsenault’s memory remain at the forefront.
“We have over 200 cats that are still being secured and will need vetting, vaccinating, and rescues to step up and help us secure them. Please donate anything you can. We are absolutely devastated and distraught over the loss of Chris and the sanctuary,” shared the Happy Cat Sanctuary on their Facebook page.
Authorities are actively investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
If you would like to help the cats who survived this devastating fire, please consider donating to the Happy Cat Sanctuary HERE!
