The Cage Free New York Cat Rescue That Has Saved More Than 4,000 Cats Since 2010

Since opening, the place has matched about 9,000 cats with forever homes. Even the tiniest kittens skip the metal bars and stay safe in cozy zippered playpens.

The cats at this rescue don’t live in cages, not even for a quick minute. They stroll, nap, and claim the comfiest spots like they already pay the rent.

I like how the whole setup feels more like a busy family living room than a typical shelter. In the end, that makes a huge difference for shy cats who need extra time to trust a brand new face.

This New York rescue also runs its own clinic, a supply store, and education programs for the community. It’s time to talk about how one Long Island spot juggles all of that, plus thousands of surgeries a year, and still keeps the cats this relaxed.

No Cages Here, Just Cats Acting Like They Own The Place

Most shelters keep cats in cages, but All About Cats Rescue tossed that idea out the window. Here, the cats roam freely, much like they would in a real home.

The rescue calls itself a free-roaming cat shelter, and it means it. Cats get space to wander, stretch, explore, and pick their own favorite napping corners.

Why does that matter so much? A cat who feels relaxed shows its true personality, which helps you find a better match.

A nervous cat in a cage might hide in the back and seem grumpy. That same cat, free to move around, might turn out to be a total cuddle bug.

So when you visit, give the cats a little time to come to you. Sit down, stay calm, and let curiosity do the work.

Some cats will march right up and inspect your shoelaces. Others will watch from a high perch until they decide you pass the test.

Either way, you get a real preview of life at home together. That’s a pretty smart way to start a lifelong friendship, and a lot more fun than peeking through wire.

The Tiniest Residents Get Their Own Cozy Playpens

Kittens are adorable little chaos machines. Letting them loose with a crowd of grown cats could get wild fast.

All About Cats Rescue solves that with secure zippered playpens for the smallest kittens. They stay safe and contained without being shut inside a cold metal cage.

Honestly, it’s a clever middle ground. The kittens can still see the world around them while they grow bigger and braver.

For you, that means an easy chance to meet a whole litter at once. You can watch who pounces first, who naps through everything, and who climbs the walls.

Those little quirks tell you a lot about future personalities. The bold climber might need extra toys, while the sleepy one might love a quiet household.

A smart tip is to think about your daily routine before falling for the fluffiest face. Busy homes sometimes do great with two kittens who can entertain each other.

Ask the team about each kitten’s age and energy level. They spend every day with these babies, so they know who’s a snuggler and who’s a tiny tornado in training.

From A December 2010 Start To Thousands Of Happy Homes

December 2010 brought a new kind of holiday gift to Long Island. That month, Cindy Roth founded All About Cats Rescue, and she still leads it as founder and president.

The goal was clear from day one. Help stray and abandoned cats and kittens across Long Island, New York, find safety and families.

Fast forward to today, and the numbers are pretty jaw-dropping. The rescue has placed about 9,000 cats into forever homes since it opened.

Yes, the headline says more than 4,000. The real total has blown right past that, which is the best kind of math problem.

Many of these cats come from other animal shelters. Others were found as strays or were abandoned, neglected, or mistreated before landing here.

The team rescues them, helps them heal, and then searches for the right match. Every adoption frees up space for another cat who needs a soft landing.

Think about that next time you see a cat snoozing in a sunny window. It might be one of thousands of success stories that started with one determined person and a big idea.

Bring Your Patience Because Adoption Here Is Thorough

Falling in love with a cat takes about four seconds. Taking one home from this rescue takes a bit more thought, and that’s on purpose.

The adoption process starts with a visit so you can meet the cats in person. After that, you fill out an application and sit down for an interview.

Here’s a detail worth knowing before you go. Adopters must be at least 25 years old and established in a career.

That rule might surprise some people. Still, it reflects a goal of placing cats in steady homes where they can stay for the long haul.

Next comes a chat about the supplies your new pet will need. Think food, litter, and the basics that make the first week smoother for everyone.

Finally, there’s an adoption fee, which helps support the rescue’s ongoing work. That money keeps the lights on and the food bowls full for the next wave of cats.

A little homework helps a lot here. Know your schedule, your space, and your landlord’s pet rules before you visit, and the whole process will feel much easier.

Nearly 6,000 Surgeries In One Year Is Not A Typo

In 2024 alone, the clinic at All About Cats Rescue performed 5,985 spay and neuter surgeries. That’s a whole lot of cats who won’t be adding surprise litters to the streets.

The rescue has offered these services for more than ten years now. It’s one of the most important tools for cutting down on the number of homeless cats.

Here’s the simple math behind it. One unspayed cat can have several litters, and those kittens grow up and have kittens of their own.

Spaying and neutering breaks that cycle before it spirals. Fewer homeless cats means fewer hungry strays and less pressure on crowded shelters across New York.

Pet owners can bring their own cats here too. It’s a practical option for anyone who wants their pet fixed without a lot of fuss.

One handy tip involves finding the right door. The clinic sits in a trailer behind the main building, so don’t panic if the front entrance seems confusing.

Plan to arrive on time for your appointment. A clinic handling thousands of cats a year runs on a tight schedule.

Free Vaccines Make Keeping Kitty Healthy A Lot Easier

Good news for budget-minded cat owners. All About Cats Rescue offers free FVRCP vaccines through its partnership with Petco Love on select dates, with a limit of one free vaccine per family.

That alphabet soup stands for a combo vaccine that protects cats from several common viruses. Vets usually treat it as one of the core vaccines every cat should get.

The illnesses it guards against can spread quickly between cats. Some cause nasty respiratory symptoms, while others can be very serious for young kittens.

Getting your cat protected matters even if it lives indoors. Viruses can hitch a ride on shoes, clothes, or a new pet joining the family.

Having a free option removes a big barrier for a lot of families. Money can be tight, and vet bills add up faster than a kitten can knock over a cup.

It’s also a smart move for the whole community. When more cats are vaccinated, illnesses have a harder time spreading from home to home.

If you’ve been putting off that vaccine appointment, this is your sign. Your cat may grumble about it, but your cat also grumbles about Mondays.

Stock Up On Supplies Before You Even Leave

New cat parents often realize they forgot something on the drive home. Litter, food, a scratcher, the list grows fast.

All About Cats Rescue makes that moment way less stressful with a well-stocked store right on site. You can grab food and supplies before your new buddy even reaches the car.

That’s especially helpful for first-time owners. Not everyone knows exactly which basics a cat needs during the first few days.

Remember, the adoption process already includes a talk about supplies. So you can chat with the team and shop in the same visit.

Sticking with familiar food can also help your cat settle in. Sudden diet changes sometimes upset tummies, and nobody wants that on day one.

Here’s a quick starter list to keep in mind. Plan for food, a litter box, litter, water and food bowls, a carrier, and a few toys.

Shopping here also feels good for another reason. Every purchase helps support the rescue’s work, so your cat’s dinner helps the next cat waiting for a family too.

Teaching Kindness Might Be The Smartest Rescue Of All

Rescuing cats is amazing work. Teaching people how to prevent homeless cats in the first place might be even more powerful.

That’s why All About Cats Rescue runs humane education programs. These lessons focus on kindness toward animals and responsible pet ownership.

It all ties back to the rescue’s mission across Long Island, New York. Beyond helping cats directly, the team works to educate the public and promote spay and neuter.

Responsible ownership covers more than food and water. It means vet care, safe homes, fixing pets, and planning for a pet’s whole lifetime.

Kids especially soak up these ideas. A child who learns gentle habits early often grows into an adult who treats animals with real care.

Parents can keep that lesson rolling at home. Let kids help measure food, refill water, or scoop litter with supervision, and they’ll learn responsibility fast.

Over time, education can shrink the number of cats needing rescue at all. That’s a quiet kind of win, but a huge one. Fewer cats on the streets means more resources for the ones who still need help.

Plan Your Visit And Maybe Leave With A New Roommate

Ready to meet some cats in person? Head to 111 East Sunrise Highway, Freeport, NY 11520, where All About Cats Rescue welcomes visitors every day.

The doors open at 11 a.m. daily. Closing times can vary a bit, so check the latest hours before you go.

Finding the spot is pretty easy along Sunrise Highway. The building sits next to Cabinets To Go and shares a parking lot with a neighboring business.

Keep an eye on the signs once you park. Remember that the clinic is in the trailer behind the main building, separate from the adoption area.

Not ready to adopt yet? You can still help in plenty of ways.

The rescue relies on volunteers and sponsors to keep things running. Donations also make a real difference for a place caring for so many cats in New York.

Even one visit can open your eyes to how much work goes into every adoption. Just be warned that a cat might pick you before you pick a cat. Resistance, as many happy owners know, is usually futile.