When we say “crazy cat lady,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

It is often a humorous term for an older woman who lives with a large number of cats. They say that the tipping point is three cats, but some absolutely go beyond that number.

Meet sixty-seven-year-old Lynea Lattanzio who has taken the phrase “cat lover” to new heights.

She has given up her 4,200 square foot home to more than a thousand rescue cats.

It is now the largest no-cage, no-kill sanctuary for feral and abandoned cats and in California. Lynea has a team of loving volunteers who help in caring for an estimated 800 adult cats and 300 kittens — and even a handful of peacocks.

“You can’t really call me a crazy cat lady — I’m obsessive! I’d rather have 800 cats than another man. I don’t need a man in my life.”

Back in the ’90s, Lynea was out of retirement when she decided to become a surgical veterinary technician for a local veterinarian. This helped in paying out some expenses for her growing feline pet population after adopting 15 abandoned kittens early on.

Her passion for animals grew even further and The Cat House was born.

Since the sanctuary was founded, Lynea and her team estimate that they have saved over 24,000 cats and 7,000 dogs and are also responsible for 40,000 animals being spayed and neutered over the years.

She loves these cats so much that she prefers to stay in a compact trailer in her yard just to give her the cats more space.

“The Cat House on the Kings is California’s largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center,” the organization’s website states. “Our mission is to place rescued cats and kittens into loving, permanent homes; to provide a safe, happy and healthy home for unwanted cats and kittens in a unique, no-cage facility; to prevent pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering; and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.”

“Since its founding 29 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 30,000 cats and 7,100 dogs (not counting the 56,000 animals we have spayed and neutered!) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens, a dozen or so dogs and dozens of peacocks.”

Taking care of hundreds of cats is no easy feat, but thankfully there are volunteers who help out every day. All of these animals need to be fed and there are also some that require medical attention. Lynea estimates that she spends about 1.6 million dollars on a yearly basis.

While many people are quick to label her a crazy cat lady, Lynea wears it with pride saying:

“I’m at the top of the list of eccentric cat ladies — I don’t think there has been anyone who has lived with 28,000 cats in 24 years.”

She also added:

“I love cats because they’re independent, they’re beautiful and graceful.”

An interview of Lynea and tour of her house has amassed almost ten million views on YouTube.

“She treats them well,” one commenter said. “It’s much better than the hoarders that have cats running around with issues. She needs an award. They all adore her and aren’t scared, true blessing.”

Another wrote,

Check out Lynea and her wonderful story in the video below.

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Source: YouTube – @truly , The Animal Rescue Site, Cat House on The Kings