VISTA, Calif. — According to the San Diego Union Tribune Readers Poll, there's one cat rescue that stands above the rest.
In this Zevely Zone, I went to Vista to profile the cat shelter voted 'Best Charity' four years in a row.
Love Your Feral Felines (LYFF) is a non-profit rescue organization devoted to giving cats and kittens a second chance at life. When I hear the words cage-free, I think chicken not cats, but LYFF is changing the game. Oh, give me a home where the kitty cats roam!
"Free range," said Tammy Kaehler from LYFF. She is proud of a shelter that feels more like a home instead of a jail. "Come on in," said Tammy. "I like to think of myself as an appropriately enthusiastic cat lady."
LYFF is pronounced like the word 'life', and in the past 13 years, they've given life to nearly 10-thousand cats.
"These are all socialized to be indoor cats," said Tammy. LYFF does help feral cats. "The feral cats are something different," said Tammy. "These are not feral these are socialized, hence them crawling all over you, right? So, these are all adoptable cats that can go into homes and live a happy life."
Every weekend visitors are welcome to come to LYFF. For a $10 donation, they can enjoy what's called 'Cat Cuddle Hour'. LYFF is hoping you'll come in and adopt a cat in need. Tammy grew up a dog person; something she's never said out loud around here. "No, no, they don't need to know," said Tammy.
She's a volunteer, as is Melissa McDowell, "Who wouldn't want to come and play with cats all day?"
Alyssa Azevedo does, she's a volunteer too. "Nebi is our favorite shoulder rider, she just likes to get up there and hang out with us," said Alyssa with Nebi surfing on her shoulder.
I found some of the most social cats I have ever seen in my life. Several of the curious cats jumped into my camera bag. In 2011, LYFF was born out of one woman's desire to give back to her community by volunteering at a local animal shelter. During her time there, Christine Hubbard decided to commit her life to saving cats.
"They are fun, they have an independent streak they don't need you, but they do. They are fuzzy little instigators and troublemakers, but they are also super cuddly, and they want to be with you and as you can see these kitties are pretty curious," said Tammy.
During daily play time, the cats enjoy the wands but also laser pointers. Believe me, these cats are laser-focused on making you happy. "Studies show that spending time with cats, petting cats, listening to their purrs, can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, and even help with depression, so that's science man that's science," said Tammy.
LYFF is also committed to the full-circle solution—to treating the whole problem of cat overpopulation, not just its results.
Across San Diego County, they support TNR efforts, offer low-cost/free spay/neuter opportunities for feral and domestic cats, and provide free educational material on animal welfare topics. LYFF has been recognized four years in a row (2020-2023) with the Best Charity award in the San Diego Union-Tribune San Diego's Best Readers Poll.
I figure if they can make a home out my camera bag, just think what they'll do at your place. "So, as I like to say, come on in because our fuzzy therapists are waiting for you," said Tammy. For more information about Cat Cuddle Hour and adopting a pet, click here.