Lanai Cat Sanctuary: A Haven for Cats and Visitors

Lanai Cat Sanctuary: A Haven for Cats and Visitors

“We’ve all taken a cat nap, but how about a nap among more than 650 cats?” is a question posed by Michelle Regan in her December 27,2021 article entitled “Lanai’s Feline Paradise.”  The article, as summarized below, goes on to share many interesting facts about the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. Including information about its history, operations and mission.

A Home for Over 650 Cats

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary (LCS) provides a safe and spacious home for over 650 free-roaming cats on a 3.5-acre property. Unlike traditional shelters, the sanctuary offers an open-space environment where cats can run, play, and relax in shaded areas. The sanctuary ensures that all cats receive proper care, including food, medical attention, and a loving environment where they can thrive.

A Calming and Unique Visitor Experience

The sanctuary is not only a haven for cats but also a peaceful retreat for visitors. Some guests spend the entire day at the sanctuary, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, and some even find themselves falling asleep among the cats. Executive Director Keoni Vaughn refers to LCS as the “Furrr Seasons,” emphasizing its relaxing and therapeutic environment. The presence of cats is known to have stress-relieving benefits, making LCS a unique place for visitors to unwind and enjoy the company of friendly felines.

Pic Credit: Lanai Cat Sanctuary

A Popular Tourist Attraction

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, LCS welcomed 15,000 visitors annually, making it one of Lanai’s most popular attractions. Tourists and residents alike visit the sanctuary to interact with the cats, pet them, and even adopt their perfect match. The sanctuary facilitates around 50 adoptions per year, helping cats find loving homes while allowing new rescues to enter the sanctuary.

Conservation Efforts: Protecting Lanai’s Ecosystem

• Rehoming Cats to Save Native Wildlife

The sanctuary plays a critical role in protecting Lanai’s ecosystem, particularly its endangered birds and marine life. Free-roaming cats can prey on native wildlife or spread diseases that impact conservation efforts. By providing a safe, contained home for these cats, LCS prevents them from threatening local ecosystems while still giving them a high quality of life.

• An Innovative Approach to Animal and Environmental Protection

Traditionally, conservationists and animal welfare advocates have conflicting approaches when managing free-roaming cats. Many animal rescues follow the trap-neuter-return (TNR) method, while conservationists often opt for trapping and euthanizing to protect native species. LCS has bridged this gap by pioneering a humane and sustainable approach—trapping, spaying/neutering, and rehoming cats in a controlled sanctuary environment. Vaughn is proud of this innovative model, proving that cooperation between conservationists and animal rescuers is possible.

Community Support: Veterinary Care and Public Services

• Providing Veterinary Care on Lanai

With no animal shelter, rescue group, or veterinarian on Lanai, pet owners often struggle to access basic veterinary care. To address this, LCS arranges for a veterinarian to fly to the island several times a month. The vet provides medical care for the sanctuary’s cats and then takes a mobile veterinary van into town to treat local pets. This essential service helps ensure that Lanai’s animals receive proper medical attention without requiring their owners to leave the island.

• Saving Residents from Costly and Inconvenient Travel

Without LCS’s veterinary program, Lanai pet owners would need to take a ferry to Lahaina, rent a car, drive to a veterinarian, and possibly stay overnight for even a routine checkup or vaccinations. This process can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. The sanctuary’s commitment to making veterinary care accessible has significantly improved the quality of life for both pets and their owners on the island.

Pic Credit: Lanai Cat Sanctuary

Employee Well-being: A Workplace That Cares

• Prioritizing Staff Health and Happiness

LCS employs 12 staff members and ensures that their physical and mental well-being is a top priority. Executive Director Keoni Vaughn believes that caring for animals should go hand-in-hand with caring for people. He has created a work environment that supports employees’ health, reduces stress, and fosters job satisfaction.

• A Supportive Work Environment

Employees receive generous benefits, flexible schedules, and a positive work-life balance. Joe Adarna, the sanctuary’s manager, appreciates the opportunity to take time off when needed, allowing him to spend time with his dog and travel to Oahu to visit friends and family. He describes working at LCS as a dream job for any animal lover, highlighting the strong sense of teamwork and support among the staff.

By prioritizing animal welfare, conservation efforts, community services, and employee well-being, Lanai Cat Sanctuary has become an exceptional model for humane cat care and ecosystem protection, making a positive impact on both animals and people.

Source: Read the full article here – Picture Credits: Lanai Cat Sanctuary

From Lost on Lanai

Want to visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary? Lost on Lanai is a great resource to book your day trip itinerary that includes your Maui to Lanai Ferry Tickets and Shuttle Transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the convenience of not having to book the Ferry and call the Shuttle yourself.  We also give back to the community and support the Cat Sanctuary with donations. Please read more about the available ½ day itineraries and full day itineraries.