Pawareness Podcast # 33 | Providing a Safe Environment for Special Needs Cats | Safe Haven Pet Sanctary

On this episode of the Pawareness Podcast, we welcome Elizabeth Feldhausen, Social Media Strategist and Co-Owner of Pawffee Shop Cat Café, as well as CEO and Owner of Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary, a no-kill rescue in Wisconsin for cats that have special needs and physical and psychological disabilities.
Elizabeth shares insight into the biggest challenges Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary as a new, highly specialized animal rescue organization, what it’s like to take care of cats with special needs and disabilities, and what the adoption process is like.
“At first you’re always going to be nervous, but none of it is actually that hard… We do foster-to-adopt so we have [potential adopters] try it out for a while before they make a commitment to the animal.”      - Elizabeth Feldhausen
Tune in to learn Elizabeth’s plans for growing and expanding Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary and Pawffee Shop Cat Café, along with great advice for people who are interested in adopting a cat with disabilities.
Visit Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary’s website: www.safehavenpet.org
Connect with them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/safehavengb
Follow them on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cat_cafe_wisconsin
Follow them on Twitter: www.twitter.com/safehavengb
Donate: www.safehavenpet.org/donate
Resources mentioned:
Find a cat café near you: www.meowaround.com/continents/north-america
Visit our website: www.pawareness.org
Where to find the Pawareness Podcast: www.linktr.ee/pawareness
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawareness_official
Submit for Pet of the Week: www.pawareness.org/pet-of-the-week
Episode Timeline
[00:30] Introducing Elizabeth Feldhausen and Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary
[01:39] Where are these cats coming from?
[02:41] What is your capacity and how many cats do you help each year?
[03:39] Caring for cats with disabilities and special needs + The adoption process at Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary
[06:33] The biggest issues Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary faces as a new, specialized organization
[08:55] What kind of people adopt cats with disabilities and special needs?
[10:28] Do you provide resources and support for fosters and adopters?
[10:58] Future goals and plans for Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary and Pawffee Shop Cat Café
[13:17] The cost of caring for disabilities and special needs + How many cats they service each month
[14:35] Are the special needs cat in Pawffee Shop Cat Café?
[16:10] Advice for adopting a cat with a disability
[16:55] How to connect with and support Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary