Caring About the Strays Cats

D C

2023-10

I recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with this rescue organization, and I must say, it was one of the most obnoxious and rude encounters I've ever had. Right from the moment I walked through their doors, it was evident that the people in charge, Lynn specifically, had zero regard for basic human decency.To start, the staff members were incredibly dismissive and condescending. Instead of a warm welcome, they stared at me as if I were an inconvenience. It felt like they were doing me a favor by allowing me to adopt one of their animals. It left me with the impression that my presence was putting them out.Adding to my disappointment, their lack of professionalism was staggering. Not only were they rude, but they also showed no interest in providing any helpful information. My questions about the adoption process and requirements were met with eye rolls and annoyed sighs. It's as if I should've known everything without their guidance, the only information they were able to give was “go to the website and fill out the application”.And that's not all. The state of the cages was truly distressing. Overcrowded and filthy, some of the cats appeared visibly distressed. To make matters worse, the wet food left out looked far from fresh. It's common knowledge that it shouldn't be left outside for more than four hours.What shocked me even more was the cages' location within a thrift store. Such an environment is unsuitable and unhygienic for animals. The combination of animal cages and secondhand items is a recipe for potential health issues. It left me questioning their commitment to creating a safe space for these cats.In my view, a rescue organization should possess good knowledge of feline care. It should be staffed by professionals, not well-meaning amateurs who might believe they're doing a great job when, in reality, they're falling short. It's time to wake up to the reality! Passion and dedication don't always equate to proficiency in your field. Lynn should step aside and allow experienced, knowledgeable, trained, and competent experts to take charge, as she's clearly not a good fit for the role.Moving these cats to a more professional setup is crucial for their well-being. A reputable organization would prioritize their welfare, providing them with a clean, safe environment and expert care. Such an organization would have the resources and expertise to meet the cats' medical needs.This isn't an easy decision, but it's imperative to prioritize the cats' long-term well-being. Placing them in the hands of a professional organization increases their chances of finding loving forever homes. These cats deserve the best care possible, and it's time to ensure they receive it.

Stacy Collins

2024-02

I was just there yesterday and found all of the volunteers to be friendly and helpful so not sure what other people are talking about.Good selection of clothes, shoes, housewares and decorative items.Yes, there are cat cages in the store, but they were clean and the animals were being well looked after.

Danielle S

2023-12

I spoke with the rudest woman. I was inquiring about a kitten that my daughter wanted for Christmas... But it was a problem bc my daughter is 5 and they don't adopt out to children under 6? Obviously this is a family kitten and not just for her!!! And then I live too far?! We love animals and would give a great home!!! And she just didn't care to give me the time of day. Very disappointing knowing how many cats need homes and we could give a great home!

Jacqueline

2023-05

Absolutely loved this shop and the organization! They have unique pieces and recommend to anyone passing by. Not to mention all of the beautiful kitties 💌💌

Gayle Easton

2023-11

Great selection of gently used and repurposed items. As the saying goes, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. There are also friendly cats and kittens in this business who are available for adoption. The staff encourage filling out an online application through their website to visit the strays who are in need of homes. I think this is a wonderful idea because it lessens the chances of the cats and their kittens contracting infections from everyone touching and letting them. I will be going back to bring more items to contribute to a great cause and hopefully, at some point in the near future, come home with a new pair of cuddle buddies providing a home for them.

Alison Papadopoulos

2023-10

Caring about the Strays is a fabulous organization! We first discovered them after out 1st cat passed away. We decided to adopt 2 kittens that we saw pictures of on the CATS site and happily brought Sammy and Misty into our home, Lynn fully vetted us, checked out our home to make sure we were fit kitty parents and that our home was kitten ready! My brother also adopted 2 cats from CATS being put through the same vetting processes. Lynn and her staff obviously care a great deal about who their kitties go to. Recently we brought in another CATS kitty. Our Sammy at age 14 passed away from multiple myeloma. We wanted to get another cat but didn't think our 14 year old Misty could handle 2 kittens so after long conversations with Lynn, we are fostering to adopt a 2 year old boy making sure that our Misty gets along with him. Lynn has been wonderful throughout the process offering advice when needed and checking in. CATS is a fabulous organization and I would recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a kitty.

Marie Golden

2023-08

My daughter and I just love CATS for so many reasons. I appreciate how when you want to adopt a cat or kitten they are very diligent about ensuring the family is ready as a the kitty is longtime family member. They are just so passionate and dedicated to ensuring all cats have loving homes. The amount of hours of volunteer work Lynn and her volunteers put into the store and the cats is really amazing. I saw some negative reviews, but I just haven't seen anything but dedication and love from everyone there. We currently adopted a kitten from there as we already had another kitten and wanted to give him a friend. I highly rec shopping at the store as you never know what you will find and the money goes straight to the cats/kittens. When getting ready to adopt just know it takes a few days because of the process. Thank you Lynn!

Kevin Long

2023-10

This place is a nightmare and should be considered animal neglect or abuse! These poor animals are in small cramped cages and it does have a strong feline urine smell. I think the staff has gotten a bit nose deaf when it comes to that. Some of these cats really need medical help and look sickly. I would not adopt from here. I went to the shelter to get my furever friend instead'Lynn' seems a little off in the head. Really did not acknowledge us in the store and really did not care when we wanted prices for some items. Retrospectively, I should not have considered buying since there was hair everywhere and probably cat urine on everything.This makes me think of a backyard breeders are a better place after looking at some of these reviews!I would NOT RECOMMEND this place.

Luis Daniel

2023-10

Place is straight-up DISGRACE and DISSERVICE to the poor cats that have to be subjected to small cages, little food, and complete lack of sensibility and care from a disgusting person that calls herself "the manager" Lynn but behaves like someone who might have escaped a mental facility or even prison....If you want to see the Cats that you rescued suffering, depressed, and with someone who puts PROFIT over humanity and compassion, than I would highly recommend this place since its an in accordance with the mission of denying good ethical cat owners with beautiful homes in one of the most expensive towns in Bergen County the right to adopt a cat so that "the manager" can find a buddy that she can shake down and make a couple pennies to pay her debt and legal bills.This place is a joke and will be continued to be reported to the state of New Jersey, PETA and all other animal organizations that actually care about the cat's well-being and of course health.To make matters worse, you are dealing with an openly mentally inept and trashy person who rather keep cats caged up in tiny crates and spaces rather than giving than to hard-working American families who have raised 10+ healthy cats, have an amazing loving home, and plenty of backyard space.STAY AWAY unless your mission is to find a Mental patient who claims that she is a good person... Yet she will leave the Cats a locked up with feces around, depressed, and miserable all so that "the manager" can squeeze a couple of pennies out for her own personal benefit.

Barbara

2023-08

I’ve been volunteering with Caring About the Strays (C.A.T.S) for several years in various capacities. C.A.T.S. is unique in that it is a Resale shop AND an animal rescue. So you can shop and visit with the cats and kittens while you’re there. They will also gladly accept your donations of gently used clothing, jewelry, bric-a-brac and lots more. Please see their website for more details and pictures.Above all, I can’t say enough about Lynn, who has been at the helm for 35 years. She truly loves and cares about every animal that crosses her path. She goes above and beyond if an animal is in distress or ill, to get them the help and care they need. When the cats/kittens are ready to be adopted, she personally makes sure the fit is right for the adopter and the pet.I truly don’t believe C.A.T.S. would still be operational if it weren’t for Lynn and her dedicated volunteers, and I’m so proud to be part of this organization.

Marlene Krumm-Sanders

2023-05

My main problem with working with this organization is with Lynn, who is responsible for approving the adoption. I have been a cat owner for over 40 years providing for happy and healthy cats that lived full lives of 19-20 years.In my opinion, the adoption process was needlessly complicated. I was interrogated and continually questioned about our history with our cats and the suitability of our home. Oddly, my references were not even contacted - one of them being our vet of over 25 yrs.I am a caring and loving pet owner, having cats my entire life, treating them like cherished members of my family. We were looking forward to having these kittens in our lives - this should have been an exciting and enjoyable process. Instead it was overly stressful and insulting - I was even 'informed' that I could be taken to court if my indoor cats were even brought onto our porch.I have supported C.A.T.S. over the past 25 years through donation and frequenting the second hand shop in Westwood and Emerson.No more...

Dee Marie

2023-05

Cute selection of items. But I don’t understand on their website why they only accept Royal Cannin or Wellness cat food. I volunteered at a shelter for many years & that makes me cringe. They should just be grateful for any brand of cat food that people are kind enough to give. I mentioned this to my vet & she thought it was ridiculous as well. Cat food is cat food. Get off your high horses ladies. A cat doesn’t care what brand he eats, as long as he eats.I have just read some other negative reviews & I can see why they are so overwhelmed with cats. People with good intentions are being turned down. They should be ashamed of themselves!

Raychel Amicucci

2023-09

Love visiting this place. Stop in and buy something or donate to help the kitties. My kids love petting all the cats.

t d

2023-05

had an absolutely horrific experience here this afternoon. Went in to make a donation and was met with an incredibly dismissive unfriendly and rude woman who didn’t even look up at me when I told her I was dropping off a donation. They will never receive a donation from me again I am vexed with the behavior of this organization and truly disappointed of an organization doing something so good for animals yet simultaneously being so disgusting to those supporting

Laurel Clare

2023-05

Affordable thrift shop with friendly kitties roaming around.

Patrice Roberts

2019-05

I spent five hours of my time on a Sunday rescuing a kitten with this organization. I let it be known that if he was cleared I wanted him. I filled out the foster forms and was led to believe he would be mine. They kept him for two weeks and then the owner did not have the nerve to call me herself, she made one of the volunteers call me to say I would not be getting him. She blamed me having an older cat and having to work during the day. She said she wanted him to go to someone who was home all day with another kitten. That is utterly absurd, many people have to work when getting a new pet. Shame on you Lynne for pre-determining what type of owner I would be to this kitten. I would give my right arm for any animal, as I have with my other cats. I have voiced my displeasure to many people now regarding this organization, and the amount of supporters they once had, they have now lost.

T Dwyer (WHI)

2019-05

Be careful about the posts, as they may not be accurate. Was all set to adopt one of their cats, and eventually was told that they refused placement with us because we did not have another cat. Obviously I would have liked to have known that hard requirement before spending probably 30 minutes on the phone with them. And after all that.... the add has been renewed on CL saying nothing about the other cat requirement!!!! What was troubling is that we are experienced with fosters/rescues... with over 10 rescues/fosters so we speak this language... aWe were also told that where this particular cat was confined to a cage (for health reasons) until about a month ago, and since was limited in the foster home to a ROOM ONLY with two 'aggressive' cats. How can that be good for an animal?!Probably this is an organization with a good intention, but possibly marginal fosters - at least as a case of 1. Tread carefully.

AM H

2019-05

My husband and I just moved here from Illinois, we needed dishes, cups, glasses Etc. I also had some stuff I wanted to donate so we stopped in and we just happened to be there for a 50% off sale. I got the most beautiful vintage mirror, and tons of dishes and glasses and cups and everything that we needed for insanely cheap. I'm talking a beautiful set of Cups and dishes that looks extremely expensive, they were sold them to us for like $3. I almost feel guilty!The reason we're buying from a resale shop is because we ourselves have pets and we're breaking things on a daily basis. LOL are cats like to knock things off counters and they bumped us with their heads while they're doing things and so we end up dropping things a lot and breaking things, now if I break a dish I'm not going to be worried about it because it was literally like $0.10 if that.Not only did we get all of the dishes in the mirrors Etc, the best part was these awesome beautiful cats roaming around the store while you shop. I loved it! They have a beautiful polydactyl! I ended up falling in love with two of the cats there. I'm actually going to fill out a foster application. :-) the reason being that we have pets of our own and I want to make sure they fit in before adopting them you know what I mean?Seriously this is actually a genius idea on their part, I wish more people did things like this, most people love animals but they don't go so far as to create a store dedicated to them so they can get people to meet the cats so they will adopt out. Unfortunately it worked on us. LOL

Daves Uncle

2022-05

These are the kindest people I have ever had dealings with. They donate so much of their personal time to help animals, while most of us are only concerned about making as much money as we can. It is nice to see that there are actually wonderful people in the world. You are beautiful people !!

Robyn Mery

2019-05

What a wonderful group of people! We adopted our two babies from CATS and we couldn't be happier with the way everything was handled. You can tell how much they truly love and care for their rescues - even after adoption they keep in touch to check in on them! :)

Ellen Z

2018-05

Lynn, owner operator, truly loves cats. She is a compassionate and dedicated woman who has been running the resale shop for almost 20 years. I shop there and donate. Do stop in when you are in the area.

Jerryl Pulis

2017-05

We've found some great deals on household items at this wonderful little Thrift Shop. It's great to know that the money is going to a good cause too. The staff is very nice and Lynn, who is in charge, is especially sweet.

Melanie Zelikovsky

2020-05

I had a truly terrible experience speaking with Lynn (the owner) and C.A.T.S. in Westwood. I called asking for help in rehoming my two cats. She was dismissive, nasty, and incredibly disrespectful to me over the phone. When I came in the next day to ask again for her help -- either to point me in the right direction or help me directly -- she recognized me from our phone conversation. Instead of apologizing and moving forward, she was patronizing and unwilling to give me more information about other organizations that help rehome/foster cats.I think that what C.A.T.S. is doing is a great thing. They're helping animals who need help, and that is an important thing to do. That being said, the way they treat people who are not looking to adopt but to rehome is unacceptable. I already felt awful about having to rehome my cats (they're like my children), but she went out of her way to make me feel worse. If you want to be treated with respect, don't go there.

drferraro

2022-05

We make an effort to support the small rescue shelters like this because unfortunately people treat pets as disposable items. Just today CATS had a beautiful feline dumped at their front door knowing they would take him .

Christina Master

2018-05

As a former volunteer, foster home, store volunteer, some of the policies are frustrating (not adopting out off the area and having it not communicated well to potential adopters and adopting kittens out together or with another young cat in the home.) These policies (and a few others) along with a lack of support for people and volunteers caused me to volunteer for another local organization. It’s totally their prerogative to run the way they would like; however, it’s a little unfairly weighted causing adopters to look elsewhere.

Shanna Martinez

2022-05

I just started volunteering here and I love it! Staff are wonderful to work with and cats are so loving! I feel privileged to be a part of their family.

Alexa

2019-05

The thrift store has a decent selection of clothes, glassware, purses, etc. The staff is extremely helpful and nice! And the best part is that I got to pet the cats in the store.

Christopher Henrie

2023-09

Such a lovely place with the friendliest volunteers. Definitely recommend stopping in :)

S L

2018-05

Love this shop, the owner and voluteers really care about the cats. Also feels good to shop for a cause!Shout out to Edward, the handsomest gray cat who loves to be loved ❤

Frances Amato

2019-05

Wonderful place! I absolutely loved going in there greeted by the friendly felines. Everyone who worked there was very nice and found some great deals! Overall a wonderful visit!