The Lanai Cat Sanctuary, situated on the small island of Lanai in Hawaii, serves as a safe haven for over 600 cats. Often referred to as the "Fur Seasons" by feline enthusiasts, this nonprofit organization provides shelter, food, and medical care to the island’s stray cats.
The sanctuary was established in 2006 by retired nutritionist Kathy Carroll, who aimed to tackle the issue of feral cats on the island, which were threatening local bird species that are endangered. Initially, she focused on capturing, spaying or neutering, and releasing these cats. Eventually, her vision expanded to include a sanctuary where the cats could live peacefully without posing a risk to the native birds, including the endemic ‘Ua’u.
According to Keoni Vaughn, the sanctuary’s executive director, it is the only animal rescue center on the island. “We accept any homeless cat from Lanai,” Vaughn shared. Every cat that arrives is spayed or neutered and given a name. Currently, the sanctuary houses 667 cats and welcomes approximately 200 newly abandoned felines each year.
Despite being prepared to take in more cats, the sanctuary ensures that they do not exceed their capacity for proper care. Since 2019, they have expanded their facilities to accommodate up to 1,200 cats, which allows them to provide adequate care for all their residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the sanctuary, forcing it to close to the public for four months starting in March 2020, well before government mandates were issued. Vaughn noted, “Our sanctuary is the main attraction on the island. We decided to close to protect our small community of just over 3,000 people, even though we knew this would affect our donations."
Even with fewer visitors, Vaughn remains positive about the revival of tourism in 2023. Before the pandemic, the sanctuary welcomed over 15,000 visitors annually, and with tourism rebounding, they hope to regain that volume of visitors and the crucial donations that accompany them.
In addition to caring for cats, the sanctuary also focuses on protecting native and endangered birds. Vaughn explained, “We aim to welcome feral cats from sensitive areas for birds, instead of having them euthanized.” Each year, the sanctuary facilitates around 100 cat adoptions, mostly to out-of-state visitors. Their “Sponsor a Cat” program allows cat lovers worldwide to support the felines through monthly donations.
Upon arrival at the sanctuary, cats receive a microchip, vaccinations, and are sterilized before being released into their safe environment. Visitors from around the globe enjoy spending time with the cats, bringing treats and dedicating hours to petting and playing with them.
The sanctuary spans approximately two acres and features various structures where the cats can climb and rest. Their team includes a mobile clinic and a veterinarian who flies in from Oahu twice a month to provide health checks and medical care.
Running the sanctuary, however, is a challenging and costly endeavor. Shipping food and supplies costs around $35,000 annually, mostly covered by donations. Currently, the sanctuary cares for about 600 cats, but its future plans include the capacity to board up to 1,500 cats, with projects such as creating a dedicated space for senior cats.
Thus, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary stands out as a unique attraction on Lanai, offering a secure home for abandoned felines and delivering a memorable experience for all its visitors. For those interested in supporting the sanctuary, further information can be found on their official website, Lanai Cat Sanctuary.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/perros-y-gatos/2024/07/24/la-inspiradora-labor-del-lanai-cat-sanctuary-en-la-pequena-isla-de-hawai-que-alverga-mas-de-600-gatos/
