It all started with pineapples. In the day, Lanai in Hawaii eland was known for its pineapple production. But as the rat population grew, what loved to eat pineapples, so did the need for cats to keep them in check.
When pineapple production on Lanai halted, the cats no longer needed to control the rat population. But they remained. And without a natural food source, they started preying on the local Ua’u birds.
It was when Kathy Carroll stepped in. A resident and self-proclaimed cat lady. She founded the Lanai Cat Sanctuary to provide a haven for the island’s cats.
Over the past ten years, Kathy has created a sustainable cat shelter that provides lifetime homes, veterinary care, and lots of love. Thanks to her efforts, hundreds of cats have been saved from a life on the streets. And the Ua’u bird population has finally begun to rebound.
The cat sanctuary has plenty of room for the fuzzy family to explore, with kitty houses, condos, trees providing shade, and toys galore. And visitors are more than welcome to join in on the fun!
People come here from all over the world! Some people choose this place for their wedding.
The workers at the sanctuary are incredibly passionate about the cats and have managed to know most of the kitties by name. They can understand each cat’s different personality, which is a considerable accomplishment for 600 cats!
At scheduled intervals throughout the day, visitors can shake and distribute boxes of treats to all of the kitties! You don’t want to miss seeing (and feeling) a stampede of moggies running toward you – it’s worth the donation fee on its own!
Moreover, it’s worth noting that these cats are feral yet incredibly friendly – a testament to the power of socialization. Sanctuary visitors play a significant role in this!
In 2009, Lanai Cat Sanctuary Hawaii became a non-profit charity and relocated to a new facility with updated veterinary resources, running water, and more space. The Lanai Cat Sanctuary is on the island’s central plateau, near Lanai City, where most 3,500 residents live.
If you love cats, then a must-see destination for you is the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. This animal haven is only a short shuttle ride away from town at around $10 each way.
You’ll have many furry friends to play with and might even take one home with you! Kathy’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the power of one person to make a difference. Thanks to her dedication, hundreds of cats now have a second chance at life.
