Ashley Morrison, also known as the Youngest Old Cat Lady, was a well-known kitten rescuer and foster advocate from Seattle, Washington. She dedicated her life to saving and caring for kittens, and inspired many people to join her cause. She had a huge following on social media, where she shared her cat rescuing journey and the stories of the kittens she helped. However, behind her cheerful and compassionate persona, she was struggling with mental illness, which ultimately led to her tragic death by suicide on April 6, 2023. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Ashley Morrison, and the factors that contributed to her cause of death.
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Who was Ashley Morrison?
Ashley Morrison was born in 1992 in Washington state. She grew up with a love for animals, especially dogs. She started fostering dogs in Los Angeles in 2011, where she lived for a few years. She had never owned a cat before, and was actually afraid of them. However, when she moved back to her hometown in 2014, she discovered her passion for cats. She began volunteering at PAWS, the local animal shelter, where she learned how to care for kittens. She also enrolled in college and majored in Media and Communications. She wanted to use her media skills to spread awareness and education about animal welfare, especially the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
Ashley soon became known as the Youngest Old Cat Lady, a nickname that she embraced with pride. She created an Instagram account with the same name, where she posted photos and videos of the kittens she fostered. She also launched a website called Ashley’s Kitten Academy, where she offered online courses and resources for aspiring foster parents. She collaborated with other cat rescuers and organizations, such as Kitten Lady and TinyKittens, to promote the cause of kitten rescue. She also participated in various events and campaigns to raise funds and supplies for shelters and rescues.
Ashley was not only a cat lover, but also a human lover. She was described by her friends and family as a kind, generous, funny, and caring person. She had a bright smile and a bubbly personality that made everyone around her happy. She was always willing to help others in need, whether they were humans or animals. She had a close relationship with her mother, who was also involved in cat rescue. They lived together in a house full of cats and kittens, which they called their “cat palace”.
What was Ashley Morrison’s cause of death?
Despite her seemingly happy and fulfilling life, Ashley Morrison was suffering from mental illness. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder, which affected her mood, energy, and behavior. She also had a history of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. According to her mother , Ashley inherited her mental illness from her father, who also committed suicide in 2015. Ashley was devastated by his death, which triggered her depression and grief.
Ashley tried to cope with her mental illness by taking medication and therapy, but they were not enough to ease her pain. She also faced some challenges in her personal life, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, and online harassment. Some people criticized her for being too young or too inexperienced to be a cat rescuer. Some even accused her of abusing or neglecting the kittens she fostered. These negative comments hurt Ashley deeply, as she loved the kittens more than anything.
On April 6, 2023, Ashley Morrison took her own life at the age of 31. She left behind a note that explained her decision and apologized to her loved ones. She also asked them to take care of her cats and kittens, which were her pride and joy. Her death was confirmed by her cousin and friends on social media posts. Her mother also shared a statement on Instagram , where she expressed her sorrow and shock over losing her daughter.
How did Ashley Morrison’s death impact the cat rescue community?
The news of Ashley Morrison’s death shocked and saddened the cat rescue community, both locally and globally. Many people expressed their condolences and tributes to Ashley on social media platforms . They remembered her as a hero and an angel who saved countless lives of kittens. They also praised her for being a role model and a leader who inspired others to follow her footsteps. They thanked her for sharing her knowledge and passion with them through her online courses and posts.
Some people also shared their own stories of how Ashley helped them personally or professionally. Some said that Ashley taught them how to foster kittens or adopt cats from shelters. Some said that Ashley helped them overcome their fear or dislike of cats. Some said that Ashley supported them through their own struggles with mental illness or grief.
Many people also expressed their anger and frustration over the lack of awareness and support for mental health issues, especially in the animal rescue field. They pointed out that animal rescuers often face a lot of stress, trauma, and burnout from their work, which can affect their mental and emotional well-being. They called for more resources and services to help animal rescuers cope with their challenges and prevent suicide.
How can we honor Ashley Morrison’s memory and legacy?
Ashley Morrison may be gone, but her memory and legacy live on in the hearts and minds of many people. Her family and friends have set up a memorial fund in her name, which will be used to support cat rescue organizations and initiatives that Ashley was passionate about. They have also asked people to donate to their local shelters or rescues in Ashley’s honor, or to adopt or foster a cat or kitten in need.
We can also honor Ashley Morrison by continuing her mission of saving and caring for kittens. We can learn from her online courses and resources, which are still available on her website . We can follow her advice and tips on how to be a responsible and compassionate foster parent. We can also spread the word and educate others about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, and the benefits of adopting from shelters or rescues.
Most importantly, we can honor Ashley Morrison by taking care of ourselves and each other. We can seek help if we are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, or if we know someone who is. We can reach out to our friends and family, or to professional counselors or hotlines , for support and guidance. We can also be kind and respectful to each other, especially online, where words can have a powerful impact. We can remember that behind every screen, there is a human being with feelings and emotions.
Ashley Morrison was a remarkable person who made a difference in the world. She touched the lives of many people and animals with her love and generosity. She left us too soon, but we will never forget her. Rest in peace, Ashley Morrison. You are loved and missed.
