ABOUT THE BLUE BELL

The Blue Bell Foundation (previously known as the Blue Bell Country Club for Cats) is a retirement haven for felines, currently home to approximately 50 cats. Set on 2 acres, we are a fully-licensed NON-PROFIT facility, which is a cozy cottage complete with an outdoor-enclosed patio. There is a separate building for special-needs kitties.

Some kitties are placed here because their human companions have died, or for various reasons, can no longer keep them. Other kitties have been rescued as strays and sponsored. Many live the remainder of their lives here, but some are available for adoption.

Blue Bell provides an alternative solution to a traditional shelter, where they may not be able to be readopted out. This is a home-like atmosphere where we provide a cage-free environment with cozy baskets for sleeping and high shelves for climbing, a high-quality diet, loving volunteers who visit, and veterinary care for prevention and treatment of medical needs. An added advantage is that former guardians can visit their kitties at their new sanctuary.

In 1998, tragedy struck when a mudslide went through the canyon and nearly destroyed Blue Bell. Miraculously, no cats died, however, they were muddied and had to be evacuated immediately. We were displaced from the cottage for four years, being temporarily housed in a property owned and generously provided for by the City of Laguna Beach. We returned to the newly constructed Blue Bell in 2002! This photo (and the one on the home page) is the rebuilt facility.

FAQS

Who founded the Blue Bell Foundation? Bertha Gray Yergat opened her home as a temporary boarding facility in the 1960's and began taking in cats of friends who could no longer care for them. Bertha loved animals, especially cats, and would rather have taken in a stray than see it carted away to an animal shelter. She used to say cats were a lot better than people because they don't argue with you. They just ask for things like blankets, food, water and clean litter boxes. Bertha was extremely devoted to her cats and was very particular as to how they were cared for.

To ensure their continued care upon her death, Bertha established a Board of Directors and in 1989, the Blue Bell Foundation was established. "Blue Bell" is named after one of Bertha's beloved cats who wore a blue bell around her neck.

How is the organization funded? Blue Bell survives on the generosity of concerned caring citizens. After the mudslide essentially demolished what was once her home and necessitated rebuilding the property, the small fund that Bertha set up was almost drained. New residents must have a sponsor who donates money to support the continued care of their cat.