Caring for Cats in the Upper Keys, Inc. was created by Margie Schwartz in May 2003 as a cat/kitten-rescue organization to address the ever-increasing need for low-cost feline spay/neuter services in the Florida Keys. Caring for Cats' mission is to stabilize and reduce the number of stray, feral, abandoned and homeless cat populations. The implementation of the Trap/Neuter/Release (TNR) program is the most humane, cost-efficient and effective method to accomplish this goal. By providing low-cost spay/neuter clinics, more people who want to help in this cause have access to first-rate veterinary services of Caring for Cats.
Here is some food for thought: On average, a fertile cat can produce three litters in one year. On average, a feline litter consists of four to six kittens. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats!!
Another major function of Caring for Cats is the adoption into forever homes of kittens and cats surrendered to the clinic. Kittens born to a feral/homeless cat usually respond to the attention, love and care of "foster parents", transforming a once-terrified, hissy little creature into a loving ball of fur! We also strive to find loving homes for the more mature cats who have been abandoned or surrendered to the clinic.
As a 501 (c) non-profit organization, Caring for Cats relies solely on donations and fundraisers such as our annual the Fur Ball and semi-annual the Rummage Sale. Our veterinarian and veterinary technician are our only paid staff members. Just as valuable as our fantastic volunteers dedicated to the mission of Caring for Cats in the Upper Keys, Inc. The cost of medical supplies required for every clinic held is our greatest expense. The feline world is not exempt from the ever-increasing cost of medical supplies and related necessities! Along with cash donations, just as valuable are donations of clay litter, cat kibble, canned food, kennel crates/carriers, trash bags, bleach, paper towels and newspapers.
The cats and kittens awaiting adoption must be fed, and some may require supplementary medical treatment, if injured or ill. During specific breeding seasons (usually twice yearly), that adds up to a lot of kittens and cats! And a lot of litter boxes require lots of litter.
If you have any questions about Caring for Cats, our adoptable cats or our low cost spay/neuter program, please call 305-664-5575 or email
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6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year and 3-4 million of these cats and dogs get euthanized by shelters each year. Please adopt from a shelter or rescue group and save lives by spaying/neutering your pet.
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