Lynea Lattanzio: The woman who shares her home with 1,100 cats
California, USA — When it comes to people and their love for cats, there’s a vast range of devotion. Some cat owners shower their pets with gifts, others share their homes with a few furry companions.
Then there’s Lynea Lattanzio, a woman who has taken her love for cats to a level that most would consider extraordinary, even by “crazy cat lady” standards.
But for Lattanzio, this is a life well lived—a life that has changed the fate of thousands of abandoned felines across California.
Lattanzio, 67, is the founder of The Cat House On The Kings, a sprawling 12-acre sanctuary in California that houses over 1,100 cats.
Yes, you read that right—1,100. The sanctuary is home to a community of feral, abandoned, and unwanted cats that would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.
But this is no ordinary cat haven; it’s a meticulously run operation that has helped save and find homes for over 20,000 cats since its inception.
A Fateful Beginning
The seeds for what would become The Cat House On The Kings were sown in 1992, when Lynea Lattanzio was asked by her father to find a new cat.
She returned with not one, not two, but 15 kittens.
For Lattanzio, it was the beginning of a long, winding road that would lead her to devote nearly three decades to rescuing cats in need.
“I’m gonna say that I’m at the top of the list of the eccentric, crazy cat ladies,” Lattanzio admitted in an interview with Barcroft TV. And she’s right.
In a world where cat memes and YouTube videos dominate, Lynea Lattanzio’s story is no joke—it’s a testament to unwavering dedication and an unyielding love for animals.
Her home, once a five-bedroom house, soon became a sanctuary overrun by cats.
“I ended up with 60 some cats in my bedroom with dogs, and I just said that’s it and I moved out,” she recalls, laughing.
And so, she traded in her spacious home for a mobile home, choosing to sacrifice her living space so that her feline companions could roam free. Talk about a “cat lady” dedication.
Building a Dream, One Cat at a Time
Over the years, Lattanzio’s sanctuary expanded as more and more abandoned cats were dropped off at her doorstep.
Today, The Cat House On The Kings serves as both a home for hundreds of adult cats and a shelter for countless kittens.
Despite being a full-time job, running the sanctuary is no small feat.
Lattanzio’s dedication to the cause means juggling everything from feeding and caring for the cats to answering calls from the community and coordinating with volunteers and veterinarians.
“I’m still doing it,” she says. “It’s not like you retire and leave the cats behind. I’m a part of every cat’s life here.”
In fact, her daily routine starts at 5:30 AM, with her first task being feeding the cats and making sure everyone’s safe and sound.
Her evenings don’t end until 7:00 PM, when she checks on the property one final time before calling it a day.
But it’s not just about the cats in her care. Lattanzio has also inspired countless others to get involved in the mission.
Every year, she’s able to recruit between 100 and 200 volunteers who are eager to help care for the cats and assist with adoptions.
She’s even galvanized veterinarians to provide low-cost spaying and neutering services, and together they’ve spayed and neutered over 40,000 cats—an impressive number, especially given that Lattanzio runs the sanctuary on a shoestring budget.
The Cost of Compassion
Running a sanctuary that cares for 1,100 cats and all their needs comes with a hefty price tag.
It’s estimated that the annual budget for The Cat House On The Kings is around $1.6 million.
But Lynea Lattanzio has never let money stand in the way of her mission.
“When I first started this endeavor, I was out my own pocket for seven years,” she admits.
“I spent my retirement, I sold my car, I sold my wedding ring.” Lattanzio’s selfless commitment to the cause has made her a role model, not just for animal lovers, but for anyone who’s willing to make sacrifices in order to help others.
She’s chosen to live a life where the well-being of the animals comes before anything else, and that includes her own financial security.
And while donations from the community help cover the costs of food, litter, and maintenance, it’s Lattanzio’s sheer grit and determination that keeps the sanctuary running.
“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” she says, her voice unwavering.
A Hero in Disguise
Despite her immense impact, Lynea Lattanzio remains humble. She doesn’t view herself as a hero, but rather as someone who’s simply doing what’s necessary.
But let’s be honest—helping to save over 20,000 cats and ensuring their well-being is no small feat.
It’s the kind of work that truly makes a difference in the world. And as much as Lattanzio tries to downplay her role, it’s clear that her work is nothing short of heroic.
Her story also sheds light on a much bigger issue—stray animals.
In the United States alone, there are an estimated 70 million stray cats, and Lattanzio’s work has directly impacted many of them.
From finding homes for cats to rescuing kittens from harsh conditions, Lattanzio has been at the forefront of the battle to reduce the number of homeless cats in her community.
And let’s not forget, the sanctuary isn’t just a place for the cats to live out their lives.
It’s also a place where cats can find their forever homes.
Lattanzio currently has around 500 cats up for adoption, and she actively encourages potential pet owners to consider adopting rather than buying.
“It’s all about giving them a chance,” she says, emphasizing that even the smallest action—like adopting a cat—can have a profound impact on an animal’s life.
A Life of Giving
Lynea Lattanzio’s life has been marked by sacrifice, hard work, and a deep love for cats.
She’s given up her personal space, her possessions, and even her time to care for these animals, and in return, she’s found a purpose that most people would envy.
But what’s most remarkable is that she never asks for anything in return.
Her satisfaction comes not from accolades or recognition, but from knowing that she’s made a difference in the lives of thousands of cats.
She’s often referred to as a “crazy cat lady,” but those who know her see her as much more than that.
They see her as a changemaker, someone who’s not only transformed the lives of countless cats but has also inspired a community of people to join her cause.
As Lattanzio continues to run The Cat House On The Kings—with 20 kittens and four puppies living in her mobile home, no less—her story serves as a reminder that there’s more to life than material wealth.
For Lynea, the true riches lie in the love and companionship of the thousands of cats she’s rescued, and in knowing that her work has touched the hearts of many.
