Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption Center — Local services in St. Louis

Several months after the unexpected and tragic loss of our first family cat, we visited many rescues in St. Louis and the surrounding suburbs, searching for the right cat for our family. We went into the process with very tender hearts, and wanted to take our time finding the right organization and cat. As soon as I walked into Animal House Cat Rescue, I knew this was the place where we would find our new family member—if not that day, then eventually.

The adoption coordinator greeted me at the door, explained the visit guidelines, and walked with me through the different areas. She knew the cats so well that she was able to direct me toward ones that might be a good fit. After I shared just a little context about our needs, she immediately took me to a little female cat named Amber Glen, whom she thought would be a great match. As soon as I opened the enclosure and made contact, I knew she was our cat. I continued meeting other cats just to be sure, but Kate had directed us perfectly. I even came back the next day, just to be sure I hadn't jumped to conclusions too quickly.

Thanks to Kate’s help, we had most definitely found our next family member. When I brought my kids to meet her, the volunteers were very accommodating and didn't seem frustrated by the sounds of children. Since we were in the middle of moving, we couldn't take her home that day, but we returned the following week to pick her up. They provided us with vet records, food, and her little stuffed toy (at the insistence of my children, who were certain she needed her favorite stuffed animal to sleep with at night).

Now that she's home, she is adjusting well, and we are filled with deep gratitude. She was cared for so well, had appropriate space while at the rescue, and was clearly well known and loved by the employees and volunteers. I encourage anyone looking to adopt a cat to seriously consider Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption Center!

2 month update: Amber Glen (now Willow) has adjusted beautifully, and we think of the rescue often. We are so thankful to them for connecting us with our sweet baby girl! She's the best cat ever, and that is in part to the love she received while at...

Before today I would have given this shelter a 5 star rating. My daughter and I drove 40 miles from Illinois for an appointment to visit a beautiful 11 month kitten that I had my heart set on. We got there a little early so I strolled around and, with tears in my eyes, I 'talked' to several of the cats in their cages. Their were 100 plus cats there that day. When they were ready for me I was told I had to fill out a form to start the adoption process before I even got to visit with my hoped to be future feline buddy. One of the 'trick' questions was did I have any intention of declawing the adopted cat and I was honest and I answered 'possibly'. I had already been preparing to order scratching post(s) and was going to try to avoid declawing even though my last 3 cats were declawed. 1 was declawed when I adopted him and the other 2 I had declawed with no problems whatsoever. They showed no signs of discomfort whatsoever. So when I thought we were about ready to go see my hopefully future cat that I was about 99% sure he was going to be mine one of the staff came out and informed me that since I had indicated that I might declaw she said I couldn't adopt him. My daughter and I looked at her like we couldn't possibly be hearing this correctly. Like there must be some mistake but she assured me that I most certainly was not able to adopt. Why, why, why did they not tell me this when they knew I was so serious about adopting this cat! I was and am still devastated. They chose to let this cat sit in a probably 4 x 4 foot cage instead of letting me take it home and give it love and care! I could go on and on but I can't change the awful experience I had today with the Animal House Rescue and...

I was looking to adopt a cat, so naturally I went here, since cats are their passion.

What I realized upon leaving is that passion and zealotry are two sides of the same coin.

One of the application questions concerns whether or not the cat will be let outside. Having had one cat before that enjoyed this, I answered possibly, if the cat wanted to.

The volunteer let me know that they have a policy that adoptive cat parents cannot let their cat outside at all. The main reason given was that they can easily climb fences and get lost (although the adoption fee includes microchipping) but also for safety.

I said that I didn't realize that, and that the rule was ok with me. I was then told that they have found out before that people said they would not let their cat out, but then did.

This is where things went sideways. First, what kind of weird gestapo organization have I walked into? Second, why is this person insinuating that I am lying, and how can I prove that I'm not lying about something that would or would not happen in the future?

I told her in calm, measured tones, that she was under no obligation to adopt to me if she didn't want to, but that I didn't really know what to say. She then told me that they would not be able to work with me, and walked me out.

The story has a happy ending, because I am now the proud and delighted parent of a cat from somewhere else. Too bad for the cats at...