Our Story: The Heart Behind Cats For Life

Cats For Life, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving and saving the lives of stray and abandoned cats across the Greater Houston area. For years we have rescued cats in need, given them the veterinary care they deserve, and matched them with families who love them.

What we do

Every cat who comes to us receives full veterinary care: spaying or neutering, testing for feline diseases, vaccinations, and deworming. From there, they live in volunteer foster homes, safe, comfortable, and cared for, until the right adopter comes along.

We take matching seriously. Because our cats live in foster homes, we get to know each one's personality, and we work to make sure every cat goes to a household where they will truly thrive, including alongside any pets already there.

Why spay and neuter matters

Rescue is only part of the picture. A core part of our mission is education, helping our community understand responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering. The need is urgent. Roughly 100,000 animals are euthanized every year in the Houston area, and spay and neuter is the most effective way to change that.

A lifelong love of animals

Our founder, Mary Kay, traces her devotion to animals back to her childhood in 1950s and 60s Texas, where she learned compassion from her mother's example. She still remembers protecting her own kitten from a loose dog, an early sign of a commitment to cats that has lasted a lifetime and grown into the rescue we are today.

How you can help

Cats For Life runs entirely on the generosity of our community. Every tax-deductible donation goes directly to the next rescue, the next vet visit, the next happy ending. You can adopt a cat, donate or sponsor, or foster and volunteer. Together, we can keep saving Houston's cats, one at a time.