It’s not uncommon for cats to live into their late teens and sometimes beyond, and many of us love to treat our felines on their birthdays.
One cat, Holly Marie Gonzalez, followed her family’s Latin American traditions by having a quinceañera when she hit her 15th birthday. It might be slightly unconventional to throw a cat the coming-of-age party usually reserved for teenage girls, but the festivities went viral and helped raise money for an animal shelter, too.
Holly’s quinceañera featured an impressive-looking cake with staircase decorations and a mariachi band. It was a long time in the making, too, with Holly’s mom, Miranda Gonzalez, knowing she wanted to throw the cat a quinceañera as soon as she got her.
“Since she was a baby. I always knew. I told my husband, I was like, 'You know she's going to get a quinceañera, right?'" Miranda told People about her “soul cat”. “I always say, she doesn't have a choice. She has to live that long for my mental well-being."
Indeed, Holly has seen Miranda through her marriage, the birth of her two children, and the arrival of two more cats and a dog.
“I don't know how I would've gotten through life without her,” Miranda said. “She's been there since I was 18 years old. She's seen me through before kids, during kids. I'm autoimmune, so she's seen me through sickness. I'm her person, so she's my person. She's attached to my hip.”
She began planning Holly’s quinceañera as soon as her 14th birthday came up on the horizon. She said that Holly loves being the center of attention and enjoys family parties at home, so Miranda posted on Facebook to tell people about the upcoming celebrations before sending out save-the-date cards.
Holly had two custom gowns to wear, and she entered her party in a remote-controlled toy version of a luxury car. About 40 guests traveled to Miranda’s home in Houston from as far as Phoenix, Chicago, and New York.
Miranda shared videos from the party on TikTok, where they have amassed millions of views. Most of the feedback has been positive, though some people suggested that it was too much money to spend on a pet. However, Miranda asked guests to donate to their local cat rescue, Almost Home Cat Haven, rather than send gifts, and they raised around $600 in total.
After the quinceñera went viral, however, more donations began to come in, and the rescue now has enough funds to cover rent, utilities, cat food, and supplies for a few months. Any extra donations will go towards renovations.
Miranda has set up a GoFundMe for the rescue. You can also find out more about its work on its website and see their Amazon wishlist here.
Want more inspiration? Here are 20 pets birthday ideas and eight cat birthday cake recipes
