Racing to Save Senior and Special Needs Cats
January 9, 2025
Senior and special-needs cats are often an underserved and neglected group within the pet rescue world, but Dr. Peter Soboroff, a veterinarian at New York Cat Hospital, is literally racing to change that.
On November 20, his 62nd birthday, Dr. Soboroff completed his 11th annual "New York Cat Rescue Marathon." While his previous marathon routes have crisscrossed Manhattan’s bridges, covered three states, and even traversed all five boroughs of New York City, this year he created his second cat-shaped route. As the sole participant, Dr. Soboroff proudly states, “I won... again!”
Over the past decade, Dr. Soboroff has raised more than $300,000 through his GoFundMe page to give cats like 18-year-old MJ a second chance at life. Like many senior cats, MJ was surrendered because of his age, illness, or simply because he was no longer wanted. Torn from the only home he had ever known, MJ faced the sad and heart-wrenching reality of being confined to a cage, with the looming threat of euthanasia hanging over him.
The generous donations raised by the marathon are distributed to registered nonprofit rescue organizations, specifically earmarked for senior and special-needs cats. These organizations include Frankie's Feline Fund, CatFixerNY, and Paws Crossed Animal Rescue.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of rescue advocates, MJ was saved. With proper care and treatment, he fully recovered and is now living out his golden years in a loving home. MJ’s story is just one of thousands—cats pulled from euthanasia lists, given essential medical care, and placed in nurturing foster and forever homes.
As the rescue organizations continue their work, supported by over 500 generous donors, Dr. Soboroff is already preparing for next year's marathon, saying, "Time to start planning next year’s route!"
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