What We Do

In a Nutshell

The Cat House on the Kings is California's largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center located on 12 acres along the Kings River in Parlier, California, which is in the central San Joaquin Valley, southeast of Fresno.

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 16 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 16,000 cats and 4,000 dogs (not counting the 40,000 animals we have spayed and neutered!) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens in a unique, cage-free environment!

Our Mission

At The Cat House, our mission is to:

  • provide a no-cage, no-kill sanctuary for feral and abandoned cats and kittens for the State of California, primarily serving the Central Valley;
  • facilitate the adoption of cats (primarily), dogs and other rescued animals into safe, loving, healthy and permanent homes;
  • educate the public on how to become directly involved in improving the quality of animal welfare;
  • offer low cost spay and neuter referrals.

Our History

After a difficult divorce in 1983, Lynea Lattanzio, our founder, moved to the peace and quiet of the Kings River to retire and renew her spirit. 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 that had died of old age. In her quest to locate Manx kittens, Linnea 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 veterinarian 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 off her Mercedes Benz and her two-karat diamond ring to help finance improvements to the property.

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 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!

Our Services

Every year, The Cat House adopts out approximately 500 cats (and some dogs) and assists several thousand people who call our sanctuary for assistance. We also advise thousands of people from around the world who contact us through our web site (we have sponsors as far away as Canada) and at our local, public events. We make referrals for low cost spay/neuter services, offer assistance and education in behavioral problems with cats, and assist people find homes for their cats.

We are best known for our sanctuary, where we care for over 700 unwanted cats and kittens. Individuals surrender their cats to us, and for a monthly fee (up to a maximum of $2000), we provide lifetime support and care. Upon arrival at The Cat House, every cat is given any necessary medical care, and is spayed/neutered and vaccinated. They are then placed in cottages where they can become familiar with their surroundings. Once they're comfortable with their new digs, they are released onto the sanctuary grounds, and can roam about at will. The grounds are fully fenced and secure.

All of our cats are available for adoption. We do our utmost to find the best possible homes for our cats; none are euthanized. The cats live out their lives until they are either adopted or die of old age — however long that may be.