The Illini Kitten Club was founded to give orphaned and abandoned kittens the best possible start in life while educating and empowering future veterinarians and the broader community in the specialized care of neonates and pediatric felines. We aim to provide loving, temporary foster homes, comprehensive veterinary care, and a clear path to adoption.

The Illini Kitten Club was founded in Fall 2025 by Rachel Dorney, CVT, and Becca Chenoweth, veterinary student (Class of 2028), two passionate cat lovers who saw a need for hands-on kitten care education within the Illinois vet community. What began as a simple idea--to help future veterinarians feel confident caring for neonatal kittens--quickly grew into a thriving club full of heart, curiosity, and community.

From bottle-feeding workshops to lecture series led by feline-focused veterinarians, the Illini Kitten Club has blossomed into a space where students can learn, grow, and make a difference. Our mission is simple: to give every kitten the best possible start in life while empowering students with knowledge, compassion, and real-world experience.

Today, we’re proud to be a community of future vets, technicians, and animal advocates working together to improve the lives of kittens...one tiny heartbeat at a time.