Special Little Whiskers FAQ

Welcome to the heart of our operation! We are Special Little Whiskers Kitten Sanctuary, a no-kill, cage-free cat sanctuary based in Decatur, IL. We serve as a permanent safe haven for rescued cats, a resource for central Illinois cat lovers, and a supporter of our mission through our unique, one-of-a-kind toys. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about our work, how you can help, and how to enrich the lives of all cats everywhere.

I. About Our Decatur IL Cat Sanctuary & Mission

Q: What is a cat sanctuary, and how is it different from an animal shelter?

While shelters focus on rehoming animals quickly, our Decatur IL cat sanctuary provides a permanent, loving home for cats who are often deemed unadoptable. We are a no-kill, cage-free haven for those with special needs (both behavioral and physical), focusing on lifelong quality of life rather than adoption turnover.

Q: What is your mission as a Decatur kitten and cat sanctuary?

Our mission is twofold: to provide a safe, loving, and permanent environment for rescued cats with special needs right here in Decatur, IL, and to educate our community about feline welfare, responsible ownership, and the importance of enrichment.

Q: What types of cats do you care for at your sanctuary?

We are a safe haven for senior cats, those with chronic illnesses, cats with behavioral issues, feral cats who can't be socialized, and those who have been overlooked or returned to shelters multiple times.

Q: Do you accept cats from the public in Decatur?

Due to limited space and resources, we are not an open-intake facility. Intake is done on a case-by-case basis based on current capacity and is primarily for stray, abandoned, or special-needs cats from the Decatur, IL area. We are happy to refer you to our network of trusted local rescue partners and help you find the right home for your fur baby if needed.

II. Visiting, Adopting & Fostering from Our IL Sanctuary

Q: Can I visit the sanctuary in Decatur?

No, we don't currently offer public visits or tours. Our sanctuary operates within our home as a private rescue facility focused on providing a quiet, stress-free environment for our cat residents. We've found that limiting human traffic helps maintain the calm atmosphere our cats need for their wellbeing and rehabilitation. However, you can support our mission by purchasing cat toys and other items at our storefront located at Finders Keepers in Decatur, or through donations and following our social media for updates on our cats.

Q: Do you allow adoptions?

No, we are a sanctuary rather than a rescue, so most of our cats are permanent residents who live here for life. However, we occasionally do have cats that need to be rehomed due to special circumstances. When this happens, we have a thorough process that involves an application, meet-and-greet, and home check to ensure we find the perfect, lifelong match for these special cats.

Q: Do you need foster families in Macon County?

Not at the moment, but we definitely will in the future! Fostering will be an incredible way to help when we expand our programs. We anticipate that Decatur and Macon County foster families will provide temporary homes for cats recovering from surgery, kittens too young for permanent placement, or cats who need a break from the sanctuary environment.

III. Education & Cat Care Resources

Q: Why is play and enrichment so critical for cats?

Enrichment is a biological necessity. It prevents boredom, reduces stress, and satisfies a cat's natural instincts to hunt, explore, and problem-solve, which is crucial for their mental and physical health.

Q: What makes a good cat toy?

The best toys safely engage a cat's natural hunting instincts. We recommend a mix:

• Interactive Wand Toys are perfect for bonding.

• Independent Toys: Our unique toys satisfy your cat's instinct to wrestle with larger prey and keep them entertained on their own for hours.

• Puzzle Feeders (Coming soon!): Turn mealtime into a mentally stimulating game.

Q: My cat ignores toys. Any advice?

As cats grow older they tend to play less, but they still will play with you if you get the right toy to capture their attention. So many toys today are boring, which is why we're creating a different line of engaging toys. Try varying the types of play - some cats prefer hunting ground-level prey while others like aerial toys. Interactive wand toys, puzzle feeders, or toys that mimic natural prey movements often work better than static toys. The key is finding what sparks your individual cat's hunting instincts.

Q: Do you offer educational resources or programs in Decatur?

We're working on creating educational opportunities because we're passionate about community education. Our goal is to offer workshops and webinars on cat behavior and care, along with community outreach programs for local schools, scout groups, and community centers. In the meantime, we do provide online resources through our blog and social media with helpful information about cat care, behavior tips, and updates from our sanctuary. If you're interested in setting up something for your group, please contact us to discuss possibilities!

IV. Supporting Our Decatur IL Sanctuary: Toys, Donations & Volunteering

Q: How does buying toys from you help?

100% of the net proceeds from our shop go directly toward veterinary care, food, utilities, and enrichment for our sanctuary residents in Decatur, IL. When you buy a toy, you're spoiling your cat and saving the lives of ours.

Q: Are the toys safe?

Yes. Every toy is carefully handmade using non-toxic, pet-safe materials and are tested by our own sanctuary cats.

Q: Can I buy toys if I don’t have a cat?

Of course! Many supporters buy toys to donate back to our cats or to give as gifts. It’s a wonderful way to contribute to our Decatur cat sanctuary.

Q: How else can I support your Decatur IL sanctuary if I can’t adopt?

Your support is vital! You can:

• Donate: Monetary donations are crucial for medical bills. You can also check out our current wish list to see what the cats need (e.g., food, litter, blankets).

• Sponsor a Cat: Provide monthly support for a specific resident.

• Share: Follow us on social media and share our stories!

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.

V. Health & Wellness at Our Sanctuary

Q: How do you care for cats with special medical or behavioral needs?

We're actively seeking local veterinary partners to collaborate on individualized care plans for our cats, including daily medications, special diets, and modified living spaces. Right now, we're covering all veterinary costs through generous donations like yours! For behavioral support, we focus on creating quiet spaces, maintaining predictable routines, and using gentle play to help build trust with our residents.

Q: Are all cats vaccinated and spayed/neutered?

Yes. Every cat receives a full medical screening, vaccinations, and is spayed or neutered. We're also working to establish a stronger TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) network for feral cat populations in Macon County, as there isn't really an effective one in place here yet. We fully support and practice TNR as an essential part of managing community cat populations.