The Woman Who Shares Her Home with 1,100 Cats and a Heart Full of Love
California, USA – If you think your love for cats is extraordinary, wait until you hear about Lynea Lattanzio. At 67, this California native has taken the concept of feline friendship to a whole new level, living with a staggering 1,100 cats in her sanctuary, The Cat House On The Kings.
It all started in 1992 when Lattanzio’s father asked for help finding a new cat. She returned home with not one, not two, but 15 kittens. From that moment on, her life took a delightful turn down a cat-filled path.
“I’m gonna say that I’m at the top of the list of the eccentric, crazy cat ladies,” Lattanzio confessed in an interview with Barcroft TV. And honestly, who could argue? With a track record of taking in 28,000 cats over the years, she might just be the reigning queen of cat lovers.
Nestled on a sprawling 12-acre property in California, The Cat House On The Kings currently serves as a refuge for 800 adult cats and 300 kittens, most of whom are either feral or abandoned.
The sanctuary is designed to allow its furry residents to roam freely, turning the grounds into a veritable feline paradise. But it hasn’t come without sacrifices.
“I had to leave my five-bedroom house to the cats and set myself up in a mobile home,” she recalls with a mix of nostalgia and humor.
“There wasn’t room for me anymore. I ended up with 60 some cats in my bedroom with dogs, and I just said that’s it and I moved out.” It seems the cats had officially taken over, and Lattanzio graciously accepted her new role as a humble houseguest.
Running a sanctuary for such a massive number of cats is no small feat, both logistically and financially.
Lattanzio has trained as a vet herself, which certainly helps keep costs down, but the annual budget is still staggering, estimated at around $1.6 million.
This figure includes staffing, food, litter, maintenance, and medical fees.
“When I first started this endeavor, I was out my own pocket for seven years. I spent my retirement, I sold my car, I sold my wedding ring,” she explains with an unwavering commitment that showcases her prioritization of her feline companions over material possessions.
But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about the impact. The Cat House On The Kings is not only a sanctuary but also a facility equipped with a hospital, an intensive care unit, and quarantines for both senior and young cats.
It’s a one-stop-shop for all things cat-related, where every whisker counts.
Despite her deep affection for her four-legged friends, Lattanzio has a more noble aim: finding forever homes for as many cats as possible.
Currently, 500 of the cats are up for adoption, and she actively encourages potential pet owners to consider the joy of adopting a cat in need.
“It’s all about giving them a chance,” she asserts, reminding us that even the smallest action can make a big difference in a cat’s life.
Lattanzio’s story is more than just an anecdote about a woman with a penchant for cats; it’s a testament to compassion and dedication.
In a world where pets are often treated as mere accessories, she stands out as a beacon of love and responsibility.
While some might view her lifestyle as eccentric, others see it as an inspiring example of what it truly means to care for those who cannot care for themselves.
So, the next time you find yourself chuckling at a cat video or admiring your own furry friend, remember Lynea Lattanzio—the woman who swapped her spacious home for a cozy mobile abode, all in the name of love for her 1,100 feline companions.
After all, if anyone knows how to embrace life’s quirks, it’s the woman who wholeheartedly owns her title as the “crazy cat lady.”
