This Saturday, November 1st, AnimalZone returns with Season 14, Episode 12, spotlighting one of the most heartwarming destinations in the Pacific — the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary.
Tucked away on the peaceful island of Lāna’i, this feline paradise is home to more than 800 cats who roam freely under Hawaii’s blue skies. Founded in 2004 by Kathy “Cat” Carroll and her husband Mike, the sanctuary began with a single act of compassion: rescuing an injured kitten named Toulouse, affectionately named after the French artist Toulouse-Lautrec. Inspired by his resilience and the plight of the island’s feral cat population, Kathy and a small team of animal lovers built a refuge to protect both Lāna’i’s cats and its native birds.
At that time, there were no veterinarians or facilities to care for stray animals. Kathy’s vision changed that forever. Today, visitors to the sanctuary are greeted by hundreds of contented cats—lounging, playing, and socializing in a serene landscape dotted with cat houses and shaded by palms. Meals are served daily at the sanctuary’s “Catfurteria,” where feline friends gather like family.
Executive Director Keoni Vaughn and Director of Operations Joe Adarna guide AnimalZone through the sanctuary’s grounds, sharing stories of hope and transformation. At the heart of it all stands a majestic mango tree — not known for its fruit, but for the dozens of cats that nap in its branches. Images of these treetop loungers have gone viral, making the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary the island’s top tourist attraction, welcoming up to 20,000 visitors a year.
Adoptions are free, the love is endless, and the mission remains simple yet powerful: to give every cat a chance at a better life — whether on Lāna’i or beyond. From the shores of Hawaii to homes across the U.S., the sanctuary continues to prove that compassion has no bounds.
Learn more at https://lanaicatsanctuary.org/
