Kitty City shouldn’t have to exist. If people would simply spay and neuter their cats, shelters wouldn’t be overrun with felines in need.

Of course, cat lovers are lucky it’s around, otherwise who knows what would have happened to the hundreds of cats that have come through it since it opened in August of 2016.

Alison Smith of North Dakota is the animal lover behind the venture. She is also the co-owner of Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue, so her good deeds aren’t limited to just one species.

According to the Kitty City Facebook page:

“Kitty City is a cat sanctuary that provides shelter for predominantly special needs, hard to place, and disabled cats. Kitty City steps in as needed to take cats off death row when they run out of time at various pounds and takes in strays when time and donations afford.”

Smith opened the facility four years ago after getting upset that local shelters were starting to fill up with unwanted cats.

At the time, she decided to take in 13 animals that had nowhere else to go and were unlikely to be adopted.

She said even though Kitty City seems like a big gesture, it was worth the effort:

“Well, first it’s heartbreaking, especially if they come in and they have issues. But I’m telling you, it doesn’t take very long and what’s really wonderful is watching them all get along. I mean, they are all living here as a community,” Smith told the local FOX News affiliate KFYR TV back in 2016.

And it’s quite a community – with various places to play, climb, and hide.

These days, Kitty City can accommodate 50+ cats at a time, but ideally, someday, cats won’t need it because people will be more responsible.

“They’re just going to keep coming and coming unless we get some education out there and allow people to come out and learn about cats. And learn how to take care of them. And learn the devastating effects of what happens when we don’t spay and neuter,” Smith lamented.

And some of the cats are fostered in the hopes of adoption as well (though many sanctuary residents are permanent guests).

The volunteers they employ now help take care of the behaviorally-challenged as well as FIV+ and other sick, injured, or disabled cats.

“Kitty City started out with space for 50+cats and recently expanded to provide a separate area in the city for FIV+ positive cats. Rescue volunteers help keep the cats socialized, healthy, clean and fed,” the Facebook page explains.

Of course, they can’t say yes to everyone who wants to surrender a cat to them. They’re more focused on cats no one else will help.

And they have the rest of their farm to take care of as well which, according to a recent Facebook post, consists of “MANY special needs horses, special needs chickens and special needs goats and a blind pig.” Oh, and there are dogs too – “a blind pit bull and 3 paralyzed dogs.”

It’s safe to say that Smith and Kitty City are doing more than their fair share.

And since North Dakota gets pretty cold, there’s a stimulating inside area for the cats too.

As you can imagine, vet bills for Smith are enormous and they are always in need of monetary donations. You can make a tax-deductible donation by going to their Facebook page and clicking Donate.

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Source: Kitty City via Facebook, KFYR TV News, Triple H Miniature Horse Rescue Fan Club
H/t: I Heart Cats