This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. I hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care. I wrote this poem for the Climate Change blogathon and I think it applies here.
I am here
I am alive
I am all around you
I have no voice
I am in your trees
I am in your air
I am in your fields
I am in your oceans
I am in your world
I have no voice
I am a mother
I am a father
I am a protector
I am a soul
I have no voice
I can walk
I can crawl
I can sing
I can fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
The Cat House on the Kings
"The Cat House on the Kings is California's largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center. Our mission is to place rescued cats and kittens into loving, permanent homes; to provide a safe, happy and healthy home for unwanted cats and kittens in a unique, no-cage facility; to prevent pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering; and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
In a Nutshell
Lynea Lattanzio, who founded and runs The Cat House on the Kings, talks about how it came about and gives you a peek into our unique environment in this video created by Jack Perez.
The Cat House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, receives no government or public funding, and relies entirely on donations from the public to carry out its mission.
Since its founding 22 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 24,000 cats and 7,000 dogs (not counting the 40,000 animals we have spayed and neutered!) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens, a dozen or so dogs and a handful of goats, who earn their keep as lawnmowers!"
The website is here
You can contribute here
Adoption info is here
Our History
After a difficult divorce in 1981, Lynea Lattanzio, our founder, wanted to move to the quiet afforded by a place on a river. She settled on this 6 acre parcel in 1983. She often mused, "What was I thinking, single woman with no children living in a big house on 6 acres?" Nine years later, Lynea's father asked for her help to replace his 2 Manx cats who had died of old age. In her quest to locate Manx kittens, Lynea visited a local animal shelter, and carried home a box of 15 abandoned kittens (none of them Manx!). By the end of the year, she had rescued and placed 96 homeless cats. Lynea had found her calling, and the rest, as they say, is history.
In 1993, Lynea came out of retirement to become a surgical veterinary technician with a local veterinarian. This experience helped increase her medical knowledge, and helped pay for the veterinary expenses of her growing feline population, which now numbered 150. Lynea sold her 1973 Mercedes 450 SL, her pride and joy, and her two-karat diamond wedding ring. There would no longer be a need for these with the life she had chosen.
In 1997, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors approved a zoning variance for Lynea's property. This variance pushed The Cat House into the public spotlight, and brought much-needed volunteers and financial support; in 2002 The Cat House on the Kings achieved non-profit status. In 2003, Lynea, with more volunteers and money, continued to expand The Cat House, and added an area for long-term boarding, and an area dedicated to the care of FIV positive cats.
By 2004, The Cat House population had grown to over 500 cats and kittens. The Cat House was well known, but donations had not kept pace with expenses. A very generous donor, Doreen Wallet, left much of her estate to The Cat House on the Kings. This money was used to purchase the neighboring six acres and install cat-proof fencing around the entire 12 acre perimeter.
Today, more than 700 cats and kittens and several dogs enjoy life at The Cat House on the Kings, a no-cage, no-kill shelter. Take a tour of our facility!
A Special Plea for Help
From Our Founder
To Our Valued Friends and Supporters:
When the economy is questionable and foreclosures are becoming more and more prevalent, it's not uncommon for two things to occur: beloved pets are often left behind, and individuals who would normally reach deep into their pockets may have to think twice about where their money is going.
Unfortunately, abandoned animals are helpless to fend for themselves, and all too often become a casualty of an economic downturn. What this means is that your support is more crucial than ever.
For more than 22 years we have been optimistic, believing that someway, somehow, no matter how great the need, our devotion and hard work would have a positive outcome. We desperately need your help to continue our mission.
Whether you can send us $25, $250, or $2,500, your generous contribution will enable us to continue caring for these needy animals.
Please give generously to help us help the animals.
Foster a Kitten
We still have kittens we've rescued from local shelters. Many are very young — too young to be adopted — and need lots of TLC and handling to bond with humans.
Never done this before? Don't worry! We'll provide all the stuff you need to get started, and we'll be in contact so that you'll know what to do, and you'll have a good experience. And who knows, maybe you'll bond with your kitten, and end up adopting him!
Sponsor a Cat
We know that some of our cats, for whatever reasons — old age, trauma, or medical problems — will never be adopted and will spend their lives here. We cherish these kitties and always want to be able to provide the best for them. We promised them that they would never again have to worry about having enough food to eat, a warm bed in which to snuggle, or a caring human to give them lots of love and to take care of their health.
We also realize that some of you may not be able to adopt one of our cats but would like to be able to help them out. That's why we have the SPONSOR-A-CAT program. You can become a sponsor for just $15 a month.
Your donation helps pay for the basic needs of each cat during its stay with us. When you sign-up to sponsor a cat you will be able to view their story and latest pictures. You are also welcome (and encouraged!) to visit us and "your" cat as often as you can. The cats do remember frequent visitors, and enjoy the individual love and attention their sponsors provide.
We've Got Dogs and Puppies Too
The Cat House on the Kings Shop
Welcome to The Cat House on the Kings online shop where you will find a variety of clothing and other items, the sale of which helps to support our rescue work.
The shop is here
For other gifts for your favorite cat lover that aren't Cat House branded, check out GoodKitty.