If you’re a cat lover planning a trip to Hawaii, you absolutely can’t miss the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. This place is like a feline paradise right in the middle of the Pacific, and it’s drawing folks from all over the globe who just can’t resist the charm of hundreds of kitties.
Nestled on the serene island of Lanai, this sanctuary covers a whopping 25,000 square feet and is home to nearly 500 cats. And get this – there are no cages here! These lucky furballs get to roam freely, soaking up the Hawaiian sun and all the love and attention from visitors like you.
The sanctuary, lovingly nicknamed the “Furr” Seasons by its executive director, provides these cats with everything they need – from cozy huts and climbing trees to lush grass to lounge on. It’s basically a kitty dreamland!
Now, how did this purrfect paradise come to be? Well, it all started with a local cat lover named Kathy Carroll. Back in the day, Lanai relied on cats to keep the rat population in check during its pineapple-producing days. But when the pineapple business fizzled out, the cats stuck around, leading to a feline population boom.
That’s where Kathy stepped in. With no vet or animal shelter in sight, she took matters into her own hands, implementing a sterilization, vaccination, and housing program. Fast forward ten years, and she’s created a safe haven for these cats, complete with lifelong care and plenty of cuddles.
And guess what? The sanctuary has become quite the tourist hotspot! Visitors flock here to spend quality time with the kitties, and their donations help support the sanctuary’s mission of controlling the cat population on the island.
Now, let’s talk about the sanctuary itself. It’s like a kitty wonderland, equipped with everything from cozy houses and condos to fun toys and obstacle courses. And the best part? You get to interact with these adorable furballs, shaking boxes of treats and watching them come running in excitement.
And here’s a fun fact: despite being feral cats, these little guys are surprisingly friendly, thanks in no small part to their interactions with visitors like you. It’s socialization at its finest!
In 2009, the sanctuary became a non-profit charity and moved to a new and improved facility with better amenities for the cats. So, if you’re ever in Lanai, be sure to swing by the sanctuary for a day filled with furry fun. Who knows? You might just leave with a new feline friend or two!
