Cats At the Studios, Inc.

It is important to get my new family member from a reputable rescue. Cats takes the time to know the personalities, to make sure that they are healthy, vaccinated and spayed / neutered before adoption. They are professional and care that the cats / kittens they have rescued get a good home. A pleasure to work with them.

I volunteered with Cats at the Studios for more than 15 years, trapping cats and kittens, getting them neutered, and then releasing most cats, but getting the kittens and adoptable cats new forever homes. I stopped only when my age demanded it.

Through the years I have received emails and phone calls from people who adopted from me, telling me how happy they have been and how glad they are that they found Cats at the Studios. They have even sent pictures to me.

Cats at the Studios is the one place where people who want new "family members" should go.

CATS INC. is the oldest cat rescue group in the San Fernando Valley area of Southern California. Last year, sadly we lost one of the founders, Elyse Mayberry. This wonderful woman worked tirelessly to help save homeless cats.

However, this group is still going STRONG! We have wonderful volunteers always pitching in helping to spay/neuter/tnr to farel cat colonies.

They hold countless adoption events on the weekends.

This wonderful group does way beyond the call of duty to help those in need.

I visited Cheri Friedman's home because my friend wanted to see the latest kittens Cheri was fostering. I had no intention of bringing a kitten home, as I was still grieving for my Muggsy, who had passed away a few years earlier. We walked into Cheri's home and there behind two glass doors stood the most precious kittens I'd ever seen! A brother and sister. We adopted them on the spot. That was four years ago, and Cody and Bellinger (we're Dodger fans) have been the greatest of blessings. Because of Cheri's incredible fostering, they're loving with us, with anyone who stops by, and especially with each other. They're the happiest, most joyous of cats, and I'm grateful every day for all the love and care Cheri gave them for the first 6 weeks of their lives. She set the tone. I've had other rescue kittens, but nothing like these two. Thank you, Cheri, for bringing such pet joy back into my life!

Cats at the Studios Inc. has served the San Fernando Valley Community for over 40 years. This dedicated team of fosters works tirelessly to rescue and bottle feed kittens around the clock. Many kittens and cats are pulled from the overcrowded local shelters just minutes before euthanasia, cared for, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and adopted to wonderful families. There are no paid employees only volunteers. Donations are welcome and needed. Paypal to: CatsAtTheStudios@yahoo.com. Thank you for helping us continue to rescue more homeless kittens and cats.

Dear Cat Community, I am looking for help with three Beautiful cats that need our help. They are stuck in an apartment that has Mold, I need help to trap them, and get them rehab to be ready for adoption. They are all under three years old, right now they are afraid, because they don't know what is going on.The white tiger cat with blue eyes is Samatha, she was six months old when taken off the street, her left ear is cut. Sunny boy blue is the Siamese cat, He was my first trap, I got him at 3 months old, and socialized him. He is really a sweet cat. Sage is the baby, she is a love bug, she was trapped at 1.5 months old, she needs to be fixed. Before this happened, they were all very sweet, and like to play.Please contact me if you can help or know someone or a group that can help. They are in the Woodland Hills, Winnetka area of the Valley. Thank you, and have a nice day,Lisa

Wonderful people make an organization wonderful. Caring for the unwanted cats that have been dumped is a labor of love and compassion. Feral cats need fresh food and water daily. Volunteers at CATS at the Studios care for the feral cats, and know what they are doing. But, not only that they adopt out kittens and cats and care for them until they are ready to adopt. My cat is now a senior cat, came from CATS at the Studios, and is just so very special.

Cats Inc is a wonderful organization. Comprised 100% of volunteers, truly caring for all the kitties. From reaching out with TNR, to help bottle feeding, fostering and finding great homes. I would recommend Cats At The Studios to all!!

Cats at the Studios was instrumental in helping me catch a litter of kittens found in my yard. The group humanely trapped the kittens, spayed and neutered the mom cat, and cared for the kittens until they were old enough to be spayed or neutered and adopted. Thank you.

Cats at the Studios continues to adopt kittens and cats during the pandemic with social distancing, careful screening, masks required, and the fosters each make meeting the cat or kitten a delightful experience. This group really cares about the welfare of each and every cat they place. Wonderful experience and very happy with my new cat.

Can't say enough about the compassionate, knowledgeable people at Cats at the Studio. Between my daughter and me we've adopted four precious kitties from them! The two little angels I adopted were lovingly bottle fed by Cheri until they were old enough to find their fur-ever homes with us. Cheri is exceptional. She was so kind and helpful every step of the way...even after the adoption! Scarlett and Stella are by far the most well adjusted kitties we've ever had....they fill our home with such joy! Bless you Cheri and Cats at the Studio for all you do for our wonderful feline friends!

I have adopted four cats from cats at the studios. I love this organization and all that they do. I especially love Cheri who has fostered several of my babies before I adopted them. I lost one of my cats this past February 28, and cats at the studios did a beautiful tribute to my sweet Galinda. It meant the world to me and took some of the pain away. I will continue to adopt and donate to cats at the studios.

We adopted two precious babies from Cats At the Studios Inc. and had an incredible experience! Cheri was so very kind and knowledgeable, helping us every step of the way. Thank you so much for finding us our love bugs!!

We have adopted 3 kittens at different times from cats at the studio. Everything about the experience and the years of help and follow up when needed were wonderful. I have recommended this organization to many others who have adopted amazing cats and still have them as do I. This organization is incredible and deserves all the help and funding and badges of approval they can get. The people who run it, and volunteer, are kind, compassionate and generous in their time and their care. The cats are the star of the show and they are loved and treated impeccably! I still call to get advice if a cat is sick, or has an issue, and I want to treat them naturally. I always get the help and support I need. Veronica

It is an act of great love in the first place to choose to adopt a furry family member. It is a bonus to adopt this family member from an organization where the adoptees are incredibly cared and loved for from the beginning. My family has had the fortunate experience of adopting through Cheri from Cats at the Studios Inc. She had taken in our boys as bottle babies and the care they received makes a marked difference in their bonding with our family. Our boys are crazy, playful, and adorably loving. They are trained to wake our girls up for school when their alarm goes off. At night they nestle with the girls or with mommy and daddy on our beds. And they love to play with ice cubes! I highly recommend adoption first! Next, I recommend adopting through Cats at the Studios Inc.

I have been with Cats at the Studios for at least eight years. I can't even count how many cats and kittens we have saved from impossible situations. Some of the best teamwork I have ever seen happens at Catsinc. Anywhere from trapping so we can spay and neuter the feral population to picking up unweaned kittens late at night so they will not be euthanized. We all have stayed up all night bottle feeding tiny little babies or nursing sick kittens or cats. Our free time is spent taking our fosters to be fixed, vaccinated or back and fourth to vets for medical care. The rest of our time is spent at adoptions finding them the perfect forever home. We are family here and are always available to each other and any feline in need! There isn't anything I would rather be doing!

I cannot say enough wonderful things to say about Cats At the Studio. I have adopted two of my fur-babies through this rescue. Fantastic organization doing a fantastic job for all Cats.

When I adopted my cat, Lizzy, I had nothing but a wonderful experience. I was treated with kindness and respect, and I was given all the information I needed about taking care of my new pet, from dietary needs to spaying and neutering. Now, my lovable cat sleeps next to me every night, waits at the door for me to come home, and is a great companion. I was told that she would be a great cat because she was bottle fed by humans, and would therefor be very comfortable with them. I loved my adoption experience with Cats at the Studios Inc.

I have worked with Jodi Slater of Cats at the Studio for about three years now. Jodi has taught me how to trap, feed, foster, "Who NOT to adopt to", about meds, bottle feeding , the works! She has been a great mentor and has assisted in feeding and trapping several cats in our neighborhood! THank you JODI SLATER! Toni

Wonderful experience adopting our flame point kitty from them!

The most caring people around. We welcomed our two rescue sisters, Annabelle and Marilyn, into our home about 7 years ago. They are healthy, loving, curious, litter box trained from the start and even were water acclimated. We didn't realize that and didn't keep it up.

I can't say enough about the network of foster families who work with Cats At the Studios, Inc. They all go above and beyond to try to not only find forever homes for these fur babies but also to provide the best in health care for them while in their care. You can't go wrong getting a pet from them.

They work tirelessly to rescue cats off the streets, spay/neuter, provide medical care, and LOVE. I have only praise for this group!

I cannot say enough about how wonderful Cheri & Cats At The Studios are! When my second beloved cat passed I was very stressed about adopting new babies. I was so lucky to have been put in touch with Cheri - she is a Godsend. I knew I wanted a tabby, but there was a Siamese mix buddied with the tabby who "chose" me. Cheri said they shouldn't be separated, and what a little odd couple they were! I wanted two kittens, but I never had a Siamese. Nine years later I can say he is the love & light of my life! Cheri knew - when I first called her, with all the kittens that were there, she told me about the Siamese, as if she knew he was for me. I admit I'm obsessed with him! My beautiful Tabby is now a HUGE cat, so they are still an odd pair! And they love each other so much and are the sweetest, most affectionate cats I've ever known. It is so, so important that potential pet parents are screened, and that is what CATS does well. Cheri is a VERY special person, and the cats she takes care of and adopts out are very happy cats! I only wish I could adopt dozens of these wonderful beings! The work that CATS is doing is of great importance. God Bless Cheri and CATS. I love you Cheri!

I not only adopted my my cat from Cats at the Studio 8 years ago I loved their organization so much that I started to volunteer. I volunteered for about two years and adopted my second & third cat from them as well. Even though work got in my way and I didn't have time to volunteer anymore after all these years I've stayed in touch and watched all the amazing things they do. All the fosters care so much about each and every cat and kitten and that touched my heart. They make sure all cats and kittens are healthy and have all their shots before going up for adoption.

I've worked as a foster with this organization and they've done so many wonderful things and it has been such a joy to work with them!

I lost my little guy of 16 years this year. I was devastated (I still have a constant ache in my heart). At first, I wasn't sure that I could go through all of that pain again, but came to realize that a home without a pet (in my case cat) just wasn't a home). I met cats at the studio (a few special volunteers) after work on my way through the valley. Of course with Los Angeles traffic, I was running late. My friend who lives in woodland hills got there before they left and told them of my interest in opening up my home again to a kitty in need. Not only did they wait for me, but I also met an amazing foster (that day and the following week) who talked me through what they do, the kitties available for adoption, and the many kittens who will be available soon. These volunteers sacrifice their time (and sleep), money, and resources to make sure that every cat they rescue (not just the cute little babies) have their best chance. They raise the babies or temporarily house the others in loving homes so that no cat has to sit in a scary shelter environment to wait to be adopted. They are loved from day one. They patiently answer questions about pet ownership (even to those of us who thought we knew a lot already). I am nearly ready to give a loving home to a pair of bonded kitties. I will be adopting from Cats at the Studio and recommending them to my friends and family.

Cats At The Studios is a wonderful cat rescue as they screen potential adopters well. We adopted our dear Winston there 7 months ago. They were extremely helpful and are always available to assist you in any way they can. They go above and beyond! Most of all they LOVE these kittens and cats that have been abandoned and rejected. They truly make a difference in the world of homeless kitties in finding them their forever homes. Thank you for the great work you do for these precious animals.

I have been a donor to many rescued and Cats at the Studios step up when other rescues are too full or just unable to do do at the time. A very worthwhile rescue!

So great!! Laura goes aboce and beyond in rescue. She never turns anyone away, especially the bottle feeders

I have been a volunteer with Cats at the Studios, Inc. for 5 years, and have worked/volunteered with several other animal rescues during that time. Cats at the Studios is the real deal, and I consider myself very blessed to have discovered them. CATS Inc. is run by a small, but highly dedicated and selfless group of volunteers who devote countless hours, resources, and personal finances to save as many abandoned cat and kittens as possible. Each person involved with the rescue plays a unique and significant role in the mission of CATS Inc - to nurture, spay & neuter, and find loving homes for the most helpless of animals. I consider it an honor to call myself a member of this team.

Cats at the Studios is the best cat and kitten rescue there is. I adopted two kittens (two years apart) from Cats at the Studios; they were fostered as tiny kittens, bottle babies. They were rescued and expertly cared for. Today Riley is four years old and Rowan is two years old; I am grateful for Cats at the Studios for rescuing them. I would not hesitate to recommend Cats at the Studios to anyone looking to adopt a kitten or cat.

I adopted two kittens from Cats At The Studios Inc over a year ago. I originally went for one, and fell in love with two kittens from two separate foster mothers. Going to Woodland Hills was the best decision I made in my adoption process... Cheri was hands on and very informative during the whole process. My two cats couldn't be more bonded. Cheri went above and beyond in helping me after adopting my boys and making sure that everything was going well. I highly recommend CATS as they are helpful for the whole process and beyond. They help you pick out everything you need to start out (litter, food, litter box, etc.) and give you an adorable bag of starter toys. I still talk to them and send picture updates at milestones.

I have been a volunteer with Cats At The Studios for 30 years. I can't say enough about Elyse and all of the volunteers. Everyone is there when needed. I thank Elyse and the volunteers for 30 years of wonderful memories. Thousands of cats and kittens have found homes because of this organization. Thank you.

Cats at the Studios is absolutely wonderful! Our family has had the pleasure of adopting two of the most loving, playful and beautiful kittens from their organization. We first met Dee about 2 years ago, and were so impressed with her kindness and dedication to finding just the perfect home for her foster cats and kittens. This organization is professional, compassionate and committed to their animals and the families involved. We adopted "Samson" two years ago, and he is an amazing joy! Just last month, we adopted our second kitten from Dee, and his name is "Peanut." He is the most loving and happy kitten we have ever met! (We have kept their original names because they fit them perfectly!) We are so incredibly thankful to Dee and Cats At The Studios for providing and opportunity to meet and adopt two precious additions to our family. We also appreciate all that they do for the animal community. The amount of lives that they have saved and the quality of life that they have helped provide, for both the animals and families, are immeasurable. We will continue to support Cats At The Studio because they are fantastic!

Many Thanks,
The Russell Family

This organization means a lot to me. I adopted my first cat from C.A.T.S INC. Cheri was his foster - she was so kind and caring towards her animals it melted my heart. After having my cat for about a week and calling her for advice here and there I felt I wanted to do the same. So I applied to become a volunteer - which I was only for a couple of years. It was inspiring being around people who pour their hearts into helping cats and making sure each one of them was adopting into their loving forever homes.

Cats at the Studios is a wonderful rescue organization. I adopted my first cat (then a kitten) in June of 2012. What a lovely experience; you can tell the foster parents and volunteers know a lot about cats. I adopted a second kitten (almost a cat now!) in June of 2014. Both of the cats from Cats at the Studios were bottle babies with their very best foster parent. Both so very healthy and full of personality! They are careful about adoptive parents and do a great job of rescuing kittens from shelters. You can't go wrong adopting a fur baby from Cats at the Studios!

All four of my cats are CATS at the Studios cats! Over the years, I have seen all of the time, money, and love that the volunteers and fosters put into each and everyone of their cats. They do so much for these precious beings. Although every one of their volunteers and fosters are amazing, I have a special place in my heart for Cheri. I have a few of her 'bottle babies" and they are sooooo sweet. Cheri has such a kind heart and her clients become members of her family. I send her updated pictures all of the time. I would encourage everyone to adopt from CATS. They are best of the best!

I adopted my first fur kid, Samten, 8 years ago after losing my 12 year old cat to cancer. Samten is a bottle fed baby that was fostered by Cheri at CATS. From day one he has been healthy, happy and well cared for, and it quite the social little fella! When I lost another cat to kidney failure, I knew I wanted to adopt again from Cheri at CATS, so about 3 years ago she blessed me with Boss, another bottle fed baby that's even more social and precocious than his brother. I recommend CATS to everyone I know who is looking for a cat. It's a fantastic organization full of people who truly care and want to make a difference. They screen the candidates before allowing adoption, ensure the cats are healthy, and provide a loving environment that allows the cats to thrive until they find their forever home.

We were searching for a new "family member" when we stumbled onto CATS. Their offerings were obviously loved and well cared for, and we left with our delightful Konaleo. We agreed (in writing) to a certain level of care, which shows how much They care, and were steered to a vet they recommend for shots, neutering, etc. We continue to follow them via emails and videos and are aware of their success in locating, saving and placing cats/kittens in good homes. We recommend CATS highly to anyone we know looking to adopt a cat; we couldn't be happier with the high level of caring and professionalism of this organization.

What a wonderful, wonderful group of people Cats At The Studios people are. We adopted two rescue sisters when our daughter was six. They were healthy and wonderfully socialized, not to mention litter box trained. There was a follow up visit to make sure our kittens had a good environment to grow up in. Various members of the group check in through social media to see how we are all doing and we happily post photos of our "fur family members". Our sisters are now grown up cats about six years old, still healthy and happy. It's hard to believe how time flies.

The dedication, love and personal sacrifice that the members of Cats At The Studios put into making sure all these kittens and cats have forever homes is inspiring and humbling.

Our daughter was so moved by what they do that she asked for donations to the group for her birthday one year, in lieu of presents.

I can assure anyone looking to adopt a rescue pet that you won't have to worry about anything. Cats At The Studios is transparent about the health and needs of all of the pets they rescue. You'll find a good match.

The Daniel Family

I feel so lucky to have adopted two brother kitties from Cats at the Studios Inc.
because they were acclimated to interacting with humans from birth.
Being bottle fed, held and played with allowed them to bond with their foster care
parent until they were old enough to adopt. They immediately bonded with me!
I have had other cats who were not this lucky, and altho they became personalized
they didn't start out that way.
The people who run this nonprofit have the welfare of the animals, both physically
and emotionally, in mind. Thanks for all your caring. I hope you can continue to
save abandoned kittens.

I have adopted 2 wonderful rescue cats from Cats At The Studios and I couldn't be happier. We went to several other rescue adoption events but it wasn't until we found CATS Inc that we felt we were in the right place to adopt. The first kitty, Colby, had some unexpected health issues and CATS Inc helped me through them. My second rescue kitty, Teddy, is a large dose of orange love. Teddy is FIV+ and CATS Inc educated me on the disease so I know it's not a death sentence for Teddy. He's as healthy and happy as he can be. Cats At The Studios are the most loving and giving people and without them I wouldn't have my beautiful, healthy fur-kids.

Cats At The Studios remains the most respected feline rescue organization. I volunteered for Elise Mayberry when we worked at The Burbank Studios (the lot was shared by Warner Bros/Columbia Pictures back then). I heard about the woman who fed and cared for the feral cats on the lot and wanted to lend a hand. That was more than 3 decades ago, and I remain in awe of her devotion and excellent work, and how she inspires others to get involved.

-Emma's mom

Cats at the studios is a wonderful organization! We tried other rescues but they turned us away because at the time we had small children. When we met with Cheri from CATS, she was so wonderful and welcoming, our kids fell in love with two of the sweetest kittens. We are incredibly thrilled that we were able to add to our family and constantly recommend CATS to our friends and family

Saving the lives of homeless kitties has always been very important to me. Working as a volunteer with Cats At The Studios to save the lives of these animals has been so rewarding. Together we have rescued many homeless adult cats and countless litters of kittens, that have now all found their "forever" homes after fostering and placement through Cats At The Studios. Working with this group of truly dedicated volunteers has been both a pleasure and an honor. It is truly satisfying to know that our efforts do make a difference and we are saving so many precious lives every day.

I have had the pleasure of fostering kitties for Cats at the Studios and must say that it has been a pleasure! I for one, am very glad that they have a very thorough screening process for finding forever loving homes for these sweet souls that have had the fortune of getting their second chance because of this rescue! The ones that I have fostered were pulled from the shelter on the day they were to be euthanized. I got the necessary medical for them through the group, cared for them, loved them and prepared them for their forever homes. So very rewarding! Proper screening and a contract in place helps insure that they don't ever end up on the street or in a shelter again. Those who have a problem with it? What are you afraid of?
Oh yeah, I also adopted my 2 angels from Cats at the Studios - Love them to pieces! :-)

Cat's at the Studio is a true blessing to the community and the homeless cats and kittens they rescue help, and find loving homes for. I feed several feral cats and they helped me in hard times by donating food and even occasional shots. I know the kitties are very thankful that there are people out there that truly care.

Being apart of this group of volunteers has been an unbelievable honor. My wife grandfathered me into the volunteer circle after having been apart of it on her own for some time. Not only did the other volunteers graciously accept both of us, but they became a small community. When everyone comes together and gives of themselves for the benefit of the common good, which in our case is saving these animals lives, it is a beautiful thing.

This group is run very efficiently, professionally and personally. Once you adopt a cat from them you become part of their family. There is a true care for these animals, not just to get them out the door, but to provide a healthy/safe/happy life for them. You can tell by the joy this group derives from helping each feline find their "forever home."

Cats at the Studios is one of the most reputable rescues in Los Angeles. The cats are taken care of as if they were the personal pets of the fosters. All the cats and kittens that are taken in are given the best veterinary care without regard to cost. If the kitty needs something, the kitty gets it. Their adoption rates are phenomenal, which indicates how well the cats are treated.

CATS AT THE STUDIO INC has always been so wonderful with a fabulous reputation for empathy and caring for cats. They are very thorough in the adoption process which ensures that the cats are going to wonderful forever homes

I had the incredible good fortune to find CATS Inc. when I needed them most. My dear cat was dying and it was breaking my heart. I knew at some point I would need to get another cat and CATS Inc. came into my life in the perfect time. I adopted two wonderful kittens, feral rescue sisters. With CATS Inc. helping me we brought them back to optimum health and now they rule my house with personality and cuddles. Thank you CATS Inc. Binah

Where do I begin? I have had the incredible pleasure to adopt from Cats At The Studios and it was such a positive experience I have told everyone I know how important adopting really is. These ladies REALLY care about the animals and are invested in finding them the best possible homes. They are always available if you have questions- I am a bit of a worrier and they have never lost patience with my questions, they have always been beyond helpful and I am fortunate to say that I have several incredible fur babies because of them!

My pets are part of my family, they are part of my home and Cats At The Studios has also become part of our extended family. They are amazing people and do spectacular work, we are so lucky to have found them. I cannot say enough nor can I thank them enough for helping us expand our family by adding life long companions to our lives.

For over 30 years, Cats at the Studios, Inc. has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue group dedicated to caring for homeless pets in our communities by fostering them in their own homes until loving homes can be found and they are adopted. The volunteers work diligently to educate the public, especially children, on the vital importance of pet sterilization, responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals.

Volunteers actively participate in the TNRF (Trap-Neuter-Return-Feed) of numerous feral cat colonies in the San Fernando Valley, thereby reducing the rodent population. The dream is to transform all pet orphans into pampered pets, in responsible homes of their homes. Abandoned pets deserve a second chance and everyone can help make a difference. Join us!
WEBSITE: www.CatsAtTheStudios.com

What you need to know before adopting from Cats at the Studios:

1. VERY IMPORTANT: Although you have paid to adopt your little one-- you DO NOT OWN YOUR CAT! YOUR CAT IS MORE "BORROWED" - the Adoption in NEVER FINALIZED!

Cats at the Studios by their contract, co-owns your cat. The organization, with seemingly good intentions, says it will take your cat back, if necessary, and will keep following up with you, as well as continues for the lifetime of your cat to be allowed to make home visits. (Think about : do you want to be a "co-owner" - where you are listed as the 3RD PARTY in line as the contact on the microchip? Cats at the Studios is first, the foster parent is second and you, the Adopting Parent are THIRD. $125 - 200 later you are THIRD on the list as an owner. - I.e. vet bills - you have to pay for the services - but Cats at the Studios and the Foster Parent, by contract, are the primary decision - makers. So, they could cost you a lot in expensive surgeries, or medications, if needed, to keep your cat alive - money you don't have.

2. CATS IN THE STUDIOS CAN TAKE YOUR LITTLE ONE AWAY FROM YOU IF THEY FEEL LIKE IT: Cats in the Studios has the right to take your little one away from you - after you have bonded - for any reason it considers a "breach of contract" - or if your cat happens to go outside, or if you declaw your cat. ("Declawing" is a bad idea in general - claw caps are available, and grooming claws is fairly easy to keep these short.) Keep in mind if your little one gets sick, and the vet is suggesting either very expensive medical procedures or medicines, or to euthanize your cats - Cats at the Studios could over-rule you and you could lose your cat - so you are not with your little family member during their end times. For some, this may seem like a good thing, but if you really really love you cat and this medical crisis is tearing you up inside, the last thing you need is for some organization to come in and re-claim "their cat" since they are still the primary owner of 'your' cat for the life of your cat.

3. You have to surrender your rights to sue Cats at the Studios for any reason.

4. You are agreeing to never declaw your new family member.

5. Your little one will be an indoor cat, and have ID on a break-away or elastic collar.

6. Take your little one to the vet immediately it he or she stops eating or has behavior problems indicating a health problem.

7. Willingness to raise your little one, not transfer your little one or responsibility for a period which may be as long as 20 years. You can't "transfer ownership" anyway - as you don't own your cat!

8. That you are committing to agree to euthanizing your little one humanly if he/ she becomes incurably ill. (No matter what your religious beliefs are on this point - and you and your vet say your cat can be kept "comfortable" to the end.)

9. An "unsuitable cat" or "ill cat" can be exchanged within 30 days.

10. In spite of the fact you are told it is a "donation" - Cats at the Studios prices the adoption fees - not based on what their expenses are for a cat - but by the breed, or age, and how much they think they can 'get' for the cat. In my opinion, this makes it a "Sale" not a "donation". The IRS has a policy about "quid pro quo" - so I strongly suspect the "donation" is NOT tax deductible as represented.

11. If you are a 20-something, the foster parents state Cats at the Studios will not let you adopt no matter what. They don't think you are stable enough to commit.

Bottom line, Cats at the Studios is the oldest and does have a good reputation in the area. Just be clear that you a) may or may not be able to keep your cat after you have adopted if Cats at the Studios wants your cat back, and b) this may or may not be a "donation".

Lastly, if you do want to adopt from this charity, have a lot of patience and tolerance for the Founder who is on site on adoption days. She seems to love her cats very much and this charity is her "life". But does she have people skills...not so much. On a bad day in a matter of hours, I've watched her be so abrasive she seems to have cost the organization several adoptions and got in a near verbal fight with one man who seemed well-qualified to adopt. She's best left in the office, in my opinion.

The foster parents on site are very nice. The question is - in the long run - "who" will you have to deal with? If it's the Founder -- well - call or see her on a day when you aren't feeling emotionally sensitive. Or - maybe she is better in the office with less chaos going on around her. She can be really rude in public. Seems to mean well - but her primary relationship is with cats, and she admitted it.

There are many cat rescue groups in the Greater LA area- you may want to check with others. See who you have the best relationship with, with the staff as you may need their advice later, and starting out, as it may be an ongoing relationship. To me, the ongoing relationship should be "offered" not demanded /required.

You may find other groups 'let your adoption be finalized'.

RATING: Overall rating - varies from day to day. Cats in the Studios is committed to their cause. It does save lives of many cats.

MET MY EXPECTATIONS: No. I want to adopt and love my cat - not feel like a long term foster mom - stuck with the vet bills, but next to no vote on vet care - and be concerned that some day they'll be a knock on my door and I'll lose my little family member. For me, that is a nightmare scenario!

I don't like how they discriminate against some breeds and have lower adoption fees for them. Vets don't charge more for cats that look closer to purebreds. For me, all cats are equal as Soul.

My initial impressions? Founder needs to be in the background. She's too close to it, it seems, to realize she is hurting the cause, or at least is hurting it as its public face.

MEETS MANY PEOPLE'S EXPECTATIONS: Maybe. Read the fine print in their contract.