SAFE Haven for Cats is a fixture in the Triangle and surrounding counties. What you might not know is that we get requests to take cats from around the country. On June 14, 2019, the Humane Society of the United States rescued 200 cats from a home in Killeen, Texas. The home was being used as a shelter for a kitten foster and rescue group that never intended to put the animals in harm’s way but could not provide adequate care. The state director of the Humane Society said the situation was unacceptable despite the director’s goodwill. “Even when there’s good intent, the conditions that the animals were living in were poor and not acceptable.”

Many of these cats and kittens needed urgent care. They were taken to a temporary shelter to be treated and to recover. Twenty cats were in critical condition as the home was unsuitable for animal life. With so many cats (and dogs) in an 1800 square foot home, the air was highly concentrated with ammonia. When it was time for the cats to settle into new shelters, the HSUS looked to out-of-state partners to help as Texas has a significant overpopulation problem and they did not want to displace animals in need in Texas. They called up Nashville Humane Society and Brandywine Valley SPCA. And they called us.

Of course, our president and founder, Pam Miller, said “YES!” to taking in 30 of the rescued kitties. We immediately started working to adopt as many of our current cats to make room for the newbies. Thanks to our wonderful community of supporters, we were able to adopt out 28 cats in one weekend! Aided by their long-time partner, GreaterGood.org, and the support of donors and a match by the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust, the staff of the Humane Society drove all night to get those 30 worthy souls to Raleigh, North Carolina. Saving 30 cats on our 25th anniversary could not have been more serendipitous. SAFE Haven for Cats was founded with a simple mission to save lives. The Worthy 30 have all been adopted of course, but their stories will live on in the memories of all the people who helped to give them the wonderful life they deserve.

Meet the cats just like the Worthy 30 looking for a fur-ever home!

Donate now so we can continue helping cats like the Worthy 30.

Lisa Loiselle’s relationship with SAFE Haven for Cats started more than 20 years ago as a volunteer. After reducing her work hours to part-time, she was looking for a volunteer opportunity. When she saw a tv spot on WRAL, she knew she had found the perfect place, immediately applying to volunteer.

The behind-the-scenes look at the organization over her two decades of involvement, both as a volunteer and adopter of 5 cats, is what led her to add SAFE Haven to her estate plans. “I’ve seen how many resources are needed to run the organization. I’ve also seen how carefully funds are handled.” She wants her legacy as a cat lover, something she’s been all her life, to continue long after she’s gone so that there are no longer homeless cats in our area. “My cats bring me tremendous joy daily. The thought of [cats like them] living outside, scrounging for food, unnamed, unloved by people, absolutely breaks my heart.”

When you include SAFE Haven in your will or other estate plans, you’re guaranteeing that stray and abandoned cats and kittens can be helped, whenever they are in need.

What does she have to say to anyone thinking of including SAFE Haven in their planning? “Your money will be treasured, stretched and well spent.”

To learn more about how you can join Lisa in leaving a legacy at SAFE Haven, click here.

SAFE Haven has begun our cutest season of all: Kitten Season! It’s that special time of year when our shelter is full of sweet little baby kittens. And these tiny cuties need your help!

Join us for a Drive-Thru Kitten Shower! All you have to do is shop our registry and then drop off your gifts at SAFE Haven, Tuesday, May 11 through Sunday, May 23 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Just look for the pink tent!

Save gas and shop our Amazon wishlist to send donations directly to the shelter. Even better: when you choose SAFE Haven for Cats as your charity on smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate money to us when you shop!

Your gift makes the difference in these sweet babies’ lives!

OUR REGISTRY

LITTER

• Natural Litter – Wheat or Corn
• World’s Best Natural Litter
• Clay Clumping Litter

SUPPLIES

• Small Fleece Blankets
• Miracle Nipples
• Digital Kitchen Scales
• Toys (Soft Mice or Ball Toys)
• Gift Cards (Walmart, Target, PetSmart, Petco)

Please note that due to your recent generosity, we have plenty of Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) to get us through this kitten season!