As we reflect on this past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support of our community, donors, and supporters. Your generosity has empowered us to continue our mission, even in the face of extraordinary challenges. This has truly been “A Year of Resilience and Growth,” as we’ve adapted and thrived despite the adversity we faced. Your steadfast support was critical as we responded to the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires last August. In this devastating time for our sister island, we were able to help by rescuing 220 unsocialized cats from the burn zone and providing them a safe haven at our sanctuary.
Just as we were beginning to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 — with record visitor numbers — the wildfires resulted in a 30% drop in those numbers. Yet, thanks to your contributions, we’ve been able to continue caring for more than 800 cats, expand our facilities, and welcome new rescues while finding homes for those who have become socialized. Our commitment doesn’t stop at providing sanctuary; we are dedicated to creating a harmonious solution for Lāna‘i’s ecosystem, challenging the traditional cats versus birds mindset.
We are excited to present our first-ever impact report, which highlights the incredible difference you have made for the sanctuary and our beloved Lāna‘i Lions. Together, we are proving that peaceful coexistence is possible, and your support is crucial to making this vision a reality. Thank you for believing in us and for standing with us. We look forward to a future filled with hope and new beginnings for every creature on our island.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Keoni Vaughn Executive Director
Our Path to Harmony: Mission,
Vision, and Values
This year, we embarked on a thoughtful journey to refine our mission and vision, crafting core values that guide our daily work and future goals. These elements are more than words — they are the heart of our efforts to create a balanced ecosystem where both cats and birds can thrive. Join us as we embrace this harmonious vision for Lāna‘i and beyond.
Our Mission:
To protect Lāna‘i’s fragile ecosystem by saving cats and protecting native birds through innovation, collaboration, and education.
Our Vision:
We aim to redefine the narrative of cats versus birds, fostering a world where both species coexist in balance. Our vision is a community where cats find loving homes and birds thrive safely. We inspire other communities to adopt humane solutions, proving that cat overpopulation and bird conservation can harmoniously coexist.
Our Core Values
Sustainability:
Maximizing resources and minimizing waste to create lasting value.
Holistic Well-being:
Prioritizing the health and happiness of both cats and team members.
Your Role:
Creativity:
Your support is vital in this journey. By joining us, you contribute to a movement that redefines cat and bird coexistence, creating a balanced environment for all species.
Fostering innovation to find impactful solutions for cats, birds, and our community.
Leadership:
Empowering others through bold action and visionary guidance that drives change.
Milestones and Miracles: The Impact of Your Support
Over the Past 12 Months (September 2023 – August 2024)
449
11,436
174*
Conservationists can identify which animals preyed on birds, and their research shows that only two native bird deaths were caused by cats in 2019 and 2020. Since 2021, there have been no catrelated bird deaths on Lāna‘i!
Number of homeless cats rescued (includes 220 from Lahaina, Maui)
of cat food fed 118*
Number of cats trapped by conservation partners *Of the 449 total rescued
Number of visitors
Number of spays/neuters *Lahaina cats already sterilized
of veterinary exams
211 last year
60 last year
16,367 last year
171 Number of adoptions and transfers to partner organizations 65 Number of clinic days from visiting veterinarians 123 Number of dental surgeries 18,000 Number of cans of wet cat food fed
99 last year
81 last year
Maya’s Journey: From Emergency Care to a Forever Home
In our mission to nurture every life and foster a harmonious coexistence on Lāna‘i, Maya’s transformation from frailty to vitality is a testament to the sanctuary’s unwavering commitment to rescuing and caring for our most vulnerable residents.
At just 8 weeks old, Maya was brought to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary after being caught by a resident in Lāna‘i City. Initially placed in foster care, her health suddenly declined — she became lethargic and lost her appetite. Tests confirmed that Maya had Panleukopenia, a serious virus for kittens.
In a life-saving effort, Maya was flown to an ICU on O‘ahu, where she received 24-hour care for three nights, including fluids and medications. The total cost for her treatment and transport was approximately $3,000. Thanks to the dedication of her medical team and foster caregivers, Maya pulled through. Now healthy, playful, and thriving,
Maya was adopted by a loving family on the Big Island on October 9th. Her story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving work the sanctuary provides for even the most fragile animals.
A Second Chance: 35 Adoptable Cats Find New Homes
Reflecting our commitment to a sustainable and compassionate future, the rehoming of 35 of our adoptable cats symbolizes our collaborative efforts to provide safe havens and new beginnings, while protecting both our feline friends and the island’s fragile ecosystem.
After the Lahaina wildfires, we partnered with the Maui Humane Society to take in 220 unsocialized cats. In exchange, we are transferring 220 of our adoptable cats off-island over the next two years, ensuring we have the capacity to continue caring for homeless and feral cats from Lāna‘i.
In April 2024, we reached a major milestone when 35 of our adoptable cats journeyed to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where they’ll have the opportunity to find loving homes. This transfer, made possible with the support of Kamaka Air, Maui Humane Society, Humane Society Silicon Valley, and Greater Good Charities, ensures we can continue providing lifelong care to the 800+ cats now in our sanctuary.
Global Overview and Challenges
With a population of just over 3,000 residents, Lāna‘i’s charm lies in its simplicity — no traffic lights, one gas station, and a small, close-knit community. However, this remoteness means we depend on supporters from around the world, with 97% of our donations coming from off-island.
By transforming our sanctuary into a welcoming visitor attraction filled with cats, we’ve built strong connections globally, offering visitors an unforgettable Hawaiian experience with a purpose. But being on such a secluded island comes with challenges — for instance, shipping costs to Lāna‘i are 30% higher than to nearby O‘ahu, as everything must first travel to Honolulu Harbor before reaching us.
Future Goals for FY25
As we enter FY25, our primary focus is securing the financial stability necessary to safeguard Lāna‘i’s cats and the sanctuary. Your continued support is vital in maintaining the sanctuary as both a refuge for our feline friends and a protector of the island’s native bird species.
The challenges we’ve faced since 2020 — from the pandemic to the recent wildfires — have underscored the importance of financial resilience. While past aid such as PPP loans helped us through the pandemic, there has been no financial relief since our island was not directly impacted by the Lahaina fires on our sister island, Maui. This makes securing funding, including our current efforts to receive permanent funding from the county, even more critical.
While this report highlights what we’ve achieved together, there’s still much work to be done. As inflation has driven costs up by 30%, our end-ofyear giving goal is the largest it has ever been — $450,000. This will allow us to continue providing vital care, especially for cats suffering from stomatitis, a painful condition affecting many of our residents. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about how this disease impacts their lives and what is needed to treat it.
Despite these hurdles, it’s our global community of cat lovers that makes everything possible. Your support allows us to overcome the unique challenges of our environment and continue providing essential care for Lāna‘i’s cats.
What Your Donation Does:
Every donation, big or small, directly impacts the lives of our cats
$25 feeds 125 cats for a day
$50 covers a cat’s veterinary exam
$100 spays or neuters a cat
$200 vaccinates 25 cats
$300 provides a dental cleaning
This and Cover Photo by Dave Greer
Financial Overview and Challenges
Operating the Lanai Cat Sanctuary and caring for 800+ cats comes with high costs and unique challenges, particularly as a small island in the middle of the Pacific. Here’s a closer look at where your support makes the most difference:
Veterinary Care Costs
Supply Logistics
$2,500 Average Cost Per Veterinary Visit (flights, labor, etc.)
$44,847
Total Cost of Medical Supplies
$2,500–$5,000 per cat
Emergency Off-island Medical Transports
Cat Food Costs
$63,462
Total Annual Cost to Feed All Cats
in Cat Population
Being a tiny island means everything must be barged in weekly (provided the weather is good) — from 51,187 lbs of cat food to our medical supplies. Forget two-day shipping! It can take 2–4 weeks for Amazon orders to arrive, adding to the logistical complexity and cost.
Peak Cat Population: After taking in the 220 unsocialized cats from Lahaina, our cat population reached a peak of 881. This unprecedented number stretched our resources for several months. Fortunately, through transfers and adoptions, this number is now down to 807!
Estimated Annual Cost to Care for One Cat: $2,375
According to the ASPCA, the national average of owning a cat is $1,149 a year, but our number is double because our island is one of the least developed in Hawai‘i and the cats we rescued or are brought to us need more medical attention and rehabilitation.
Lanai Cat Sanctuary
PO Box 631577
Lanai City, Hawai‘i 96763
Adopter Spotlight: Kent’s Journey with L¯ana‘i’s Lions
Kent first discovered Lanai Cat Sanctuary on a trip to Maui and has since adopted four of our cats: Sharky, Chunky, RJ, and most recently, Naga. Each cat has brought unique joy, with Kent’s backyard catio offering them a safe paradise to explore. This month, Kent welcomed Naga, a confident black beauty who reminded him of his beloved cat, Ace.
Kent shares, “As much as I touch their lives, they touch mine more,” and encourages anyone to adopt, knowing the bond and fulfillment that come with giving a cat a loving home.
Be Part of Our Mission
As we reflect on the impact you’ve made this year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your support has transformed the lives of hundreds of cats who now call our sanctuary home. With your continued generosity, we can accomplish even more for these deserving animals.
“Having spent a number of years on Lāna‘i in my youth with my cat, Fuzzy, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of feline overpopulation. I am deeply invested in supporting the humane solutions provided by the Lanai Cat Sanctuary; their dedication to protecting both the island’s cats and native birds inspires me to contribute to their vital mission.”
— Don B.
of California
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support continues to make an incredible difference, and together, we can tackle the challenges ahead with confidence.
