Frequently Asked Questions
What is Happy Cat Sanctuary?
Happy Cat is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based on Long Island, New York. The mission of Happy Cat Sanctuary is to save the lives of cats and ensure they are provided with the quality of life every creature deserves, including access to medical care, proper nutrition, adequate shelter, and the freedom and safety to live without fear of sickness, neglect, or abuse. We are one part adoption agency, one part Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) facilitator, and one part sanctuary for cats that have been severely traumatized (i.e. by a hoarder), abused, or have medical complications / disabilities that make it harder for them to find homes.
Are you taking any cats into your sanctuary?
At this time, Happy Cat is at capacity and not taking in any more cats. In extenuating circumstances, Happy Cat will consider taking in a cat for the non-refundable surrender fee of $3,000 (per cat). Why the high fee? After food, water, medical expenses, vet visits, inoculations, and shelter maintenane costs, just one cat costs us approximately $8,000 over the time it stays at our sanctuary. Even with the donations and grants we get, we still carry a heavy burden of making up the difference in expenses. Do all sanctuaries charge this kind of fee? Yes. It is standard practice for animal sanctuaries to charge this kind of surrender fee. In fact, Cat House on the Kings, one of the largest cat sanctuaries in the country, has a $5,000 surrender fee. But what if I don't have that kind of money to put my cat in your sanctuary? First, ask yourself if you've done everything in your power to re-home the cat in another house first. Social media is perfect for this. Reach out to your friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and post a cute picture of the cat with a description and ask them to share. Try everything in your power to find an adopter first!! If you have no other option than to contact the sanctuary, there are creative ways to come up with the $3,000 to place a cat at Happy Cat - hold a fundraiser at your school, work, or church; hold a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo or other fundraising website; ask friends and family to help share the cost of relocating your cat.
Please note: anonymous dropping off, or "dumping", of a cat at our sanctuary is illegal and considered animal abuse and endangerment. Dumping a cat anonymously puts the other cats in our sanctuary at risk of unknown diseases. Our sanctuary is under constant audio and video surveillance. Individuals who trespass upon Happy Cat property and dump cats will be pursued and prosecuted at the fullest extent of the law.
Do you adopt out cats or kittens from your sanctuary?
Yes! Please visit our Adoption page for a list of cats available for adoption, and to review the application process.
I found a cat / colony of cats. What do I do?
Many cats can live ferally (wildly) with help from you and other caring humans. However, over-population can lead to disease and starvation. If you would like to help a cat or colony, follow these steps:
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Trap the cat. Do not drug or sedate the cat. Use safety precautions like gloves, long sleeves, and a blanket to protect yourself from scratches and bites. Only attempt to trap friendly cats that let you pet them. If you do not have a suitable trapping device, or if the cat seems too dangerous / wild to trap, do not attempt to trap it. Instead, contact your local shelter to inquire about coming to trap the cat for you. Many local shelters have TNR (Trap Neuter Release) programs for a reasonable price.
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Take the cat to your local vet, animal hospital, or shelter to be de-sexed / sterilized.
If you see the cat has an ear tip (pictured at right), then it has already been neutered / spayed.
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Release the cat where you originally found it. Do NOT release it somewhere else, even if you think
the new location is safer. Cats are territorial and, if they are someone's property, they will know
how to get back home.
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Place shelters in the cat's territory. Large plastic bins (the kind with lids) work well.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to make a cheap feral cat shelter.
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Leave bowls of clean water and dry food for the cat. Be careful: cat food can attract
raccoons, slugs, and other pests, so be sure not to leave out food for long periods of time,
and only feed the cat when you see it around. *** IMPORTANT - Feeding a feral cat or colony of cats without FIRST getting it spayed / neutered can make the problem of strays in your area much worse! Feeding a cat that has not been sterilized will prolong its life, leading to MORE UNWANTED BIRTHS. Please, before you feed the cat, get it neutered / spayed FIRST!
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If you see someone abusing the cat(s), call the police. Shooting at a cat with pellet guns, attempting to poison them, and hoarding are all considered animal abuse, which is illegal. If law enforcement cannot intervene quickly, try to help in any way you can without putting yourself at risk.
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Educate others. Feral cats are often mislabeled as pests, but in reality, cats hinder pests (mice, rats, deer). At the most basic level, Happy Cat believes that all living beings deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and love. You can help educate others by preaching this basic philosophy of humane treatment of all beings.
I love cats! How can I help Happy Cat?
Happy Cat Sanctuary relies heavily on donations from generous individuals. Please make a donation today to help feed, shelter, and medically treat the cats. We are always looking for volunteers! Please check out our volunteer page for ways you can help.