About
RESQCATS is a non-profit cat
sanctuary located in Santa Barbara,
California, dedicated to the rescue,
care and adoption of abandoned
cats and kittens.
Our Founder
Jeffyne Telson is the founder and president of RESQCATS. In 1997, following a graphic design career, she wanted to make a difference in the world. Her love of felines led her to establishing RESQCATS, a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of stray and abandoned cats and kittens.
Jeffyne's philosophy is that every life is precious and worth saving. She provides any and all medical care to sick and injured cats in order to give them the quality of life they so deserve, and then finds qualified homes for those that are adoptable.
RESQCATS has helped thousands of cats and kittens over the years through hard work, dedication and meeting the many challenges of rescue. Several cats have been considered un-adoptable so Jeffyne has created a sanctuary where they can live out their lives as resident cats. She has given a lifetime home to many that would otherwise be euthanized: those that have leukemia or are FIV positive, semi-feral, have chronic illness, conditions such as hydrocephalus, missing limbs or older cats that would not be adopted. Jeffyne says, "If they are too sick, too feral, too shy, too old...or just too anything, they stay!"
RESQCATS is an all-volunteer organization so 100% of your donations go towards cats and kittens in her care.
To learn more about the history of RESQCATS and Jeffyne’s legacy, please check out and read Jeffyne’s books.
Founded in 1997
RESQCATS is a non-profit cat sanctuary located in Santa Barbara, California, dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of abandoned cats and kittens.
We operate with a group of dedicated volunteers who work hard at assessing each cat or kitten and then finding just the right home for it.
We follow a medical protocol established and monitored by local veterinarians that includes: vet exam, Leukemia/FIV virus test, first upper respiratory vaccination, fecal exam, worming medication, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip. We also provide any and all medical care that may be required due to illness, injury or any other issues.
RESQCATS works hard to make sure that we place the right cats or kittens with the right people! I want to make sure that each adopter is aware of the cats' disposition and history and knows what to expect when you take your feline home.
Many of our cats and kittens arrive frightened and in need of socialization and love. That's one of the many areas that volunteers play a significant role. It is important to personally know each cat in order to find the "purrfect" home. Some kitties will do fine in homes with young children while others may not. Sometimes it is better for a shy or traumatized cat to be adopted out with a more outgoing sibling or playmate. And occasionally, a cat prefers to be the only cat in the house!
Our Facility
The sanctuary is a haven for stray and abandoned cats and kittens that come here to follow a medical protocol and find a forever home. The sanctuary has been expanded over the years as more cats and kittens find a temporary home at RESQCATS.
Photography by Daryl Metzger and Sarita Relis.