In a world where cat videos reign supreme on the internet, there’s a place in Lincoln, California, that’s taking cat love to a whole new level. FieldHaven Feline Center isn’t just another animal shelter; it’s a feline paradise where cats rule, and humans are mere servants to their whiskered overlords.
From Humble Beginnings to Feline Empire
Back in 2003, sisters Jann Flanagan and Joy Smith started their cat-saving mission in a tiny tack room with just a handful of feral cats. Little did they know that their small act of kindness would snowball into a full-blown cat rescue operation. Word spread faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer, and FieldHaven Feline Rescue was born soon.
Fast forward to 2011, and FieldHaven had outgrown its modest beginnings. With the help of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, they built a state-of-the-art cat center that would make even the most pampered feline jealous. This isn’t your average cat shelter – it’s more like a five-star resort for cats, complete with indoor/outdoor community rooms and individual suites.
More Than Just Adoptions
At FieldHaven, it’s not just about finding homes for cats (although they’re pretty good at that, too). They’ve got a whole menu of services that would make any cat purr with delight:
- Champy’s Champions: For just $15 a month, you can join this exclusive club and receive updates from Champy, the blind spokescat. It’s like having a pen pal, but furrier.
- Community Cat Assistance Team: Got a cat problem? These folks are like Lincoln’s cat whisperers, ready to tackle any feline-related issue.
- Foster Program: Sometimes cats need a vacation home before finding their forever home.
- SNAP & TNR: No, it’s not a new dance move. It’s their Spay/Neuter Assistance Program and Trap, Neuter, Return initiative. Because the only thing better than one cat is… well, just one cat.
- Kitten Sitters: This option is for mama cats who need help raising their little ones. It’s like daycare but with more meowing.
FieldHaven Marketplace: Shop ‘Til You Adopt
If you thought FieldHaven was just about cats, think again. They’ve got a thrift shop right in downtown Lincoln that’s so popular it was voted the #1 Thrift Store in town. But wait, there’s more! Inside the Marketplace, you’ll find Champy’s Catfé, where you can sip coffee surrounded by adoptable cats. It’s like speed dating but with more fur and less awkward small talk.
The Numbers Game
Let’s talk numbers because who doesn’t love a good statistic? In 2023, a whopping 3.3 million cats entered shelters across the U.S. That’s a lot of whiskers! But here’s the good news: 54% of all shelter animals adopted that year were cats. It seems our feline friends are finally getting the recognition they deserve.
FieldHaven is doing its part to boost those numbers. They’re one of the 14,429 animal-sheltering organizations in the country working tirelessly to find homes for every cat in need. And with their innovative programs and cat-centric approach, they’re making a real difference in the lives of cats and humans.
A Solution for Every Cat
FieldHaven’s motto is “For every cat in need, a solution.” And they mean it. Whether it’s a stray cat looking for a warm bed, a senior kitty needing some extra TLC, or a feral cat colony needing management, FieldHaven has a program for that.
They’ve even got a place called Camp Joe Willie (generously gifted by Mark M. Glickman) that serves as a temporary home for feral cats who can’t return to their colonies. It’s like a cat witness protection program with more naps and fewer disguises.
Join the Feline Revolution
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re in the Lincoln area and have a cat-shaped hole in your life, swing by FieldHaven. You might just find your new best friend. And if you’re not ready to adopt, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Volunteer, donate, or stop by Champy’s Catfé for a cup of joe and some quality cat time.
Remember, at FieldHaven, it is Caturday every day. In the words of the great philosopher Garfield, “In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods. They have not forgotten this.” At FieldHaven Feline Center, they’re just helping cats reclaim their rightful place on the throne—one adoption at a time.
Sources: fieldhaven.com, FieldHaven Feline Center Facebook Page, FieldHaven Feline Center Instagram Page
Header Image Source: fieldhaven.com
