These 600 Hawaiian cats are living a life many could only dream of

Constant access to fresh water, tasty meals, and endless affection.

Welcome to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, a forever home for nearly 600 cats of all types, nestled in the paradise of Hawaii.

‘Every cat has a plan, and every cat matters,’ says Executive Director Keoni Vaughn of the sanctuary.

Founded in 2006 by Kathy Carroll, a longtime resident of Lanai, this nonprofit was created to care for the island's growing feral cat population while also protecting the native endangered birds.

A ‘purrfect’ destination on Hawaii’s tiniest inhabited island

The island of Lanai is home to over 3,000 residents, spread across its 140-square-mile expanse, located just nine miles off the coast of Maui, Hawaii’s second-largest island.

Billionaire Larry Ellison owns 88,000 acres, or nearly 98 percent, of Lanai, the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii with public access.

The sanctuary occupies three acres of land, situated less than two miles from the island’s airport.

Much like the island of Lanai, the cat sanctuary exudes a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere.

A mobile vet clinic is available for medical care, with a vet and two technicians flying in biweekly to monitor the cats' health. A manager oversees daily operations, making sure the cats' needs are met.

Running the Lanai Cat Sanctuary is a demanding and costly endeavor. Due to its remote location, many supplies and resources must be shipped in.

The primary source of funding comes from donations by visitors and cat enthusiasts worldwide. The sanctuary has attracted guests from as far as Japan, Australia, and India.

In the past year, nearly 10,000 visitors have come to the sanctuary, says Vaughn. But it’s not just about relaxing with the cats: In 2016, the sanctuary even hosted a wedding for cat lovers, where feline friends were the honored guests.

How it works

When a new cat arrives, it is named, microchipped, vaccinated, and either neutered or spayed. The staff ensures each cat is in good health before releasing them into the main enclosure to join the others.

Around 200 new cats arrive at the sanctuary each year, and a remarkable transformation begins once they settle in.

‘We witness the incredible change in feral or unsocialized cats who initially had no trust in humans, as they slowly begin to warm up,’ said Vaughn.

For many visitors, it’s a chance to spend uninterrupted time cuddling with the cats. Many bring treats and enjoy hours of petting and playing.

For most of the cats, the sanctuary offers a life filled with food and plenty of naps, and the opportunity to form a bond that may lead to adoption into a loving home.

So far, 54 cats have been adopted by visitors, but many who can’t adopt still show their support through monthly donations. In fact, nearly 95 percent of the sanctuary’s funding comes from supporters outside of Lanai.

The sanctuary’s long-term goal is to accommodate up to 1,500 cats, which would be more than double the current number of residents.

The next big project is to establish a senior center for the sanctuary’s older cats, creating a quieter, separate space away from the main enclosure. This facility is nearly finished and will cater to the sanctuary’s more mature residents who prefer a peaceful environment.

Vaughn’s ultimate vision is to ‘remove all free-roaming cats from the island and bring them here to the sanctuary,’ with the goal of eventually ‘working ourselves out of a job.’

The Lana'i Cat Sanctuary is open year-round, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is located at 1 Kaupili Road, Lana'i City, Lana'i, Hawaii.