How would you describe the help you got from this organization? Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend? Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization? Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit? 2012
-Client WILLIAM17 Crescent City, CA, Donor
I have known Fat Cat Haven or should I say Heaven for a number of years. I first saw their donation jars in our small town and would drop my dollars in each time hoping to help the kitties. Then I read information posted regarding the FOREVER Home for all cats whatever their need. THis impressed me as it was a true home for the aged, the ill, the handicap, cats whose owner had passed and now were without not only their owner but also now their home. Finally one day I drove out to see this no kill shelter, to meet the people involved and feel in love with both Chris and Hal. I saw through their eyes their mission, the dedication and the complete love for each and every cat. At that time there were over 90 cats of all ages and stages of life but I was most impressed as Chris talked to each cat and called them by name as she shared each of their stories. The afternoon passed quickly and I knew this would be my FOREVER project and now many years later it is still with great respect and love for these 2 people I completely support this wonderful For Ever Home for cats.--
Plumfun Crescent City, CA , Donor ,volunteer
I became acquainted with FAT Cat Haven through "Hugs for Homeless Animals", and became a follower on Facebook. I am so impressed with their dedicated and responsible approach. They are working hard to provide the best homes possible for each of the cats in their care. If you live in their area, I encourage you to contact them to arrange a visit, and ask how you can help. What they do is so important, and it is vital to "get the word out" to everyone in the local community. If you don't live nearby, please consider sending a donation to help them out. If you crochet or knit, how about making some blankets and toys? I know any and all donations would be very appreciated. On behalf of the kitties of FAT Cat Haven - Thank You! --
Cynthia W. - General member of the public
The cats we care for at F.A.T. Cat Haven come from many backgrounds, some abused, many abandoned, or owner relinquished. Heidi, as a kitten, was thrown out of a 2nd story apartment by her front leg. After weeks of attempt to save her leg, it finally had to be amputatated. Cotton was left to us with 7 others in 2005, when here owner died. She now has diabeties, requiring insulin shots twice a day and bloodwork every 3 months. Highway, about 6 weeks old, was thrown from a car and found on the highway with a badly broken leg. He was brought here and immediately went to the vet for emergency surgery and his leg and hip pinned in place. Try keeping a kitten calm and unactive for a couple of months to heal. He was adopted and went to a great home and we continue to see him. Ocho, lost one of his lives to a warm radiator and fan. Came to us with broken leg and many wounds. requiring stitches. You could n't tell now that he had been hurt and he is still with us Oct. 2012. We have a lot of stories like these of cats and kittens that would have died if we had not done something. Many other beautiful cats are ready for adoption but so may people want only a kitten and they go fast. How about the older lap cats? They are already trained, nnd personalities developed . They have so much love to give if someone would just open their home and heart to them. Just need that special person to love them back and provide a forever loving home. This is definitely a labor of love but we couldn't do this without your financial support . THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
--CHRIS M. , Crescent City,CA - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DONOR, VOLUNTEER
This place was all and more than we hoped it would be for my husbands cat Bootsie. When his mother passed and no one in the family was able to take in another animal, we found F.A.T. Cat Haven and was very satisfied and happy that Bootsie would have a home like this for the rest of her time. Thank you for taking care of her for us. -
Sally S. -General member of the public
November 12, 2012-CHRIS: UNSELFISHLY GIVES HER ALL TO OUR FELINE FRIENDS~! DR. N
Dr. N., Crescent City, CA - Dentistry Expert-Donor
November 8, 2012
I visited the Haven several years ago. The haven has a large fenced in area with numerous cat homes, trees, places to hide, a special litter area and indoor sanctuaries. When I visited, Chris and I walked through the sanctuary and numerous cat followed us and ran ahead of us. Their tails were high and they were happy. I have never forgotten the scene of those cats and their tails running before and after us, and those tails high up in the air.
-MIRIANLEAR, Crescent City, CA - General Member of the public
November 8, 2012
My wife Chris and I have been saving cats since we were married in 1993. She came with 15 cats who gave their aproval of me. We started F.A.T. Cat Haven to rescue healthy cats from being euthanized because they were abanded and left to fend for themselves. Many people asked if we were nonprofit as they could donate and write it off. In 2001, we were up to 35 cats and filed for California nonprofit Corp. and abtained 501(c)(3) status. We have had 130 cats at one time, but the economy was hurt us greatly. We rely soley on public donations to care for the cats in our santuary. We need all the help we can get to keep F.A.T. Cat Haven running for the health and well being of these cats and to rescue more.
- HalM,Crescent City, CA - Executive Director, Board of Director, Donor & Volunteer
November 4, 2012
I met Chris and Hal McChesney years ago through Fat Cat Haven. When I visited the sanctuary the first thing I noticed the reason for their success...LOVE. They love the cats that come to them. They know each and every one by name. They know the cats history, and they care for these sweet cats as if it were the only cat in the world. This sanctuary, FAT CAT HAVEN deserves your attention!!
MegF, Arizona -Volunteer, general member of public
November 26, 2012
My experience with Chis and Fat Cat Haven is from a slightly different perspective. After 15 years we were in a situation where we had to give up our beloved cat Brooke. There are not a lot of acceptable alternatives, but Fat Cat Haven was there for us and Brooke. While still extremely painful, we take great solace in knowing that Brooke will live out her days in a kind, caring and happy environment, and may even end up in another loving home. We really can't thank them enough.
R Burton, Pacific Palisades, CA - Client & Donor
November 20, 2012
I adopted a wonderful cat named Hope from this shelter about 2 years. She had been with them since she was a kitten. I got her when she turned nine. Her and I have since then bonded, Hope and I are almost inseparable, she even enjoys following me into the bathroom. She's a wonderful, friendly companion, who even though she's 11 years old, enjoys tossing around a catnip mouse. I couldn't thank Fat Cat haven for taking care of her until I could giver her a forever home. This shelter needs the help and donations in order to care for these wonderful companions until their forever homes can be found, or renewed.
dawn.angel.aurora, Arcata, CA-client served
November 20, 2012
I recently took 2 pets that I could no longer care for to Chris at FAT Cat Haven. She was understanding, gracious and kind. She and her husband welcomed them like they had known them forever. They truly loves cats and it is reflected in the way they cares for the many animals they have taken in. They never turn an animal away. The homeless, sick, injured, abandoned, and the dying. They love and care for them all. I do not know what I would have done without them. What really astounds me is that they are 100% non-profit. She and her husband always put the needs of the animals first. Many times before their own needs. I donate every chance I get because I know how every dollar is used. I am grateful everyday that there are people like Chris and her husband in the world. I am honored to know them and their great work on behalf of cats.
irishpeech-Client Served
November 20, 2012
The donations of the wonderful people who really care about what F.A.T. Cat Haven does, has really made a difference. The economy has really hurt us. Dentals on 2 cats in 4 days was over $1200. Example of recent Christmas fundraiser: The efforts of making items to sell and basket items to raffle, pack them up, take them to another area fundraiser, unpack, set up, spend the day selling items and raffle tickets, pack up again, return and unpack. We made $216 of which $40 comes out for our table space. Did you know we are also taxed on these sales! How do we make this kind of money without your help. It would be imposible. The needs of the cats in our care come before everything else. The everyday calls of cats and kittens needing a home that we have to reject because we don't have the funds to care for them is breaking my heart. We have in the last 6 months rescued a total of 10 kittens which we bottle-fed, got shots, spay/neutered and adopted. Took in 3 cats from L.A., 1 cat from Pacific Palisades, CA, 1 cat flown up here from Oakland, CA, 1 cat from Pales Verdes, CA, 1 cat from Vallejo, CA, several cats from Crescent City, CA, 1 of which needed immediate medical care or he would have died. They are all elderly so most likely will not find another home. F.A.T. Cat Haven is publicly funded and the generousity of those who donate enable us to rescue these and other cats and kittens. They help us to provide lifesaving medical care, provide a safe, secure, loving home until these precious lives are adopted or we provide for the rest of their lives. The more people who are able to give, the more lives we are able to save. Saving and providing for the cats that are discarded or otherwise in need of a home is so essential! Humane Societies and most rescue groups are not set up to provide long term care-F.A.T. Cat Haven is and we will continue to do our best in caring for these lives to the best if our ability!
C.McChesney-Executive Director, volunteer, donor