FAQ’s
Sanctuary vs. Shelter: Know the Difference
A sanctuary is a permanent, lifelong home equipped to care for animals. The focus is long-term care, not rehoming. A shelter, on the other hand, is a temporary place for lost, surrendered, or abandoned animals with the goal of having them adopted or rehomed. Their goal is adoption, ours is belonging. Both are good because they are safe.
What makes a sanctuary cat?
A sanctuary cat is done with cages, adoption events, and uncertainty. These cats are often older, medically complex, or misunderstood. At LCR, we make them a promise: this is your home for life. No matter what comes next, they’ll have safety, stability, and love.
Why don’t you adopt out?
Cats deserve more than a second chance - they deserve lifelong stability. We don’t believe in temporary homes for animals who’ve already faced instability, neglect, or trauma. The Lucky Ones are here for good. Whether they’re seniors or they have special needs, we’re committed to caring for them for the rest of their lives.
What is your approach to cat wellbeing?
We integrate enrichment into every part of the kitties’ lives. We’re building a massive catio to safely provide an outdoor space, and the sanctuary will feature platforms and wall mounts that would put Labrinth to shame.
Once we’re moved in, the cats will have all the time they need to adjust, build routines, and feel safe. We don’t force affection or interactions - consent is key.
All of the cats have access to regular veterinary care, emergency medical trips, and special diets specific to their needs. Their care is funded by community support and donations from merch sales: cat toys, clothing, crafts, and more.
What is the difference between a sanctuary and a shelter
A sanctuary is a permanent, lifelong home equipped to care for animals. The focus is long-term care, not rehoming. A shelter, on the other hand, is a temporary place for lost, surrendered, or abandoned animals with the goal of having them adopted or rehomed. Their goal is adoption, ours is belonging.
Why Cats?
They’re independent, intuitive co-regulators! They sense our moods, anxieties, and energy shifts to meet us where we are. Despite their own traumas or special needs, The Lucky Ones are especially in-tune, outgoing, snugly, and deeply loving. Their healing presence isn’t the result of obedience training. It’s a reflection of their personalities, natural instincts, and safe environment.
The Problem with the Old Model
For too long, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has leaned on a limited, dog-centric approach. This often depends on highly trained breeder animals to perform therapeutic roles. Rescue cats are often overlooked despite showing high emotional attunement.
A New Way Forward
For our cat therapy-assisted program, clients visit the sanctuary with the support of their therapist, case manager, or group home supervisor for a supportive therapeutic experience, but this isn’t a sterile clinic. This is a space for healing that is warm, lived-in, and full of life. It’s a space where people can just be, and find home again - just like the Lucky Ones.
Designed for Neurodivergent Minds
The space is designed to be neuroinclusive. There will be private sensory rooms and quiet areas to decompress. There’s no forced socializing, no fluorescent lights, and no judgment.
Built-In Boundaries
This isn’t a petting zoo. Visitors are guests, and the interactions happen on the cat’s terms. This is part of what makes the space healing, by teaching consent and respect in real-time.
We know there will be a lot of questions from our community, and we will be coming out with more info and details in time. We didn’t want to overwhelm everyone with all this awesome all at once!!
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