Georgia – Malissa Birchall, the founder, and owner of Kitty Up Cat Rescue unexpectedly passed away on February 16, 2023. The social media memorials posted by friends and family members provided us with information regarding this. Malissa always went above and beyond, dedicating her entire life to rescuing animals and providing aid to countless others. She has worked tirelessly over the past three years to alter the lives of thousands of cats and save them.
Malissa was such a uniquely beautiful person, her heart was always for others. She made such an impact on so many lives and changed the cat community in out area completely. Malissa was also an exceptional mother and wife, to know her was to love her.
Who was Malissa Birchall?
Malissa Birchall’s love for animals began when she was just a little girl, her father would often bring in stray cats. She inherited her father’s compassion for animals, learning early on that a little kindness goes a long way. This passion led her to volunteer at several rescues around Atlanta. After many years, Malissa saw a clear need for more rescues and shelters in the area along with more education on TNR (trap-neuter-return).
Kitty Up Cat Rescue’s official Facebook page released a statement following the passing of its founder;
It is with a very heavy heart that we have some difficult news to share. Unfortunately, our founder and the owner of Kitty Up, Malissa, passed away unexpectedly. As you can imagine we are all devastated and in complete shock. Malissa was truly one of a kind.
She always went above and beyond pouring her life into saving cats and helping so many people in need. Over the last 3 years, with her efforts, this small little rescue saved thousands of cats and changed their lives forever. No kitty to small, old, sick or hurt, she said yes every single time she could and still said yes when she knew it was going to be a hard road.
She was loved by so many in the community and had a ripple effect in the lives of people all over. She was our founder, a mother, a wife, an advocate and above all a friend. We will deeply miss her and all the ways she impacted each of us.
Over the next few weeks we will be making all the arrangements to close the shelter and honor her memory, passion and life’s work. We ask for privacy and time to grieve as we transition forward through this heartbreaking tragedy.
If you would like to donate towards operating cost while we navigate this please use the PayPal below to donate. Thank you to everyone who has supported the rescue and Malissa in all her efforts to change a big piece of Georgias kitty community.
If you would like donate towards the family for expenses or sign up for meals please use the links below. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Hug Bob and Alleah for each of us Malissa, we love you and miss you desperately. 
PayPal shelter – kittyupcatrescue@gmail.com
Family Expenses – http://gofund.me/80ca72a5
Meals for the family – http://mealtrain.com/qn6z31
Brittany Satterfield, a Facebook user wrote; “Can’t believe this absolutely heartbreaking news today Malissa Birchall you are going to be greatly missed by all and I am praying heavily for your children and your family! I can’t even imagine what they are going through my heart breaks for them!! Thank you for everything you did for the kitties in rescue with your huge heart you helped so many and the rescue world will be heavily impacted by your loss.
She continued’ “Thank you for teaching me all that I know about taking care of kitties medically and giving me the knowledge that will help so many in the future. Your legacy will live on but we will all miss you so much. Rest in peace beautiful girl. Still feels so surreal…”
A GoFundMe page was set up to help with expenses for the Birchall Family during this tragic time. Help the family cope with such a devastating and unfortunate loss by making a donation. We all sincerely appreciate your thoughtfulness, so please know that we all thank you, according to Jordan Rainey organizing the fundraiser.
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