WHO WE ARE

Paws and Claws Cat Rescue is a 501(c)3 foster centric rescue with an Adoption Center in Evanston, IL. Founded in May of 2020, we focus on cats who are at risk of euthanasia in local municipal shelters as well as those in areas with fewer resources and higher euthanasia rates. Our goal is to provide every animal in our care with behavioral, emotional and medical care and to eventually match them with a family. We are a small, close-knit organization that believes in community, support and inclusion, responsibility, and kindness.

OUR MISSION

The mission of Paws and Claws Cat Rescue is to prevent and alleviate the suffering caused by abuse, neglect, and overpopulation.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Paws and Claws helps cats mentally and physically heal, and give them a chance to find love, a full life, and a forever home.

"We came for the cats, but we stayed for the people."

IMPACT

3080

CATS SAVED SINCE 2020

2070

PEOPLE IMPACTED

10630

VOLUNTEER HOURS IN 2024

OUR FOCUS

Our focus is on those often overlooked—FIV+ cats, black cats, and those who are shy or undersocialized. Every cat who comes to us holds a special place in our rescue.

More than 95% of the cats we save come from municipal shelters, where limited space, time, and resources often lead to difficult euthanasia decisions. By working alongside these shelters, we strive to ease their burden, giving more cats a second chance at life.

LEARN MORE

THROUGH THE YEARS

Our organization has experienced remarkable growth over the past five years. Transitioning from a foster-based model to a brick-and-mortar rescue has enabled us to take in more vulnerable cats, provide a higher standard of care, and foster lasting connections within our community.

READ OUR STORY

WHAT WE STAND FOR

COMMUNITY

We prioritize building meaningful connections between animals and their devoted caretakers. Fostering strong community bonds among our volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, supporters, and partners is a core value, creating a nurturing environment where everyone is united by their love for cats and a shared commitment to our cause.

SUPPORT &

INCLUSION

Our cat rescue embodies a culture of support and inclusion. We work to create a welcoming community where people of all backgrounds come together to preserve the well-being of our feline friends. Together, we form a united family, bound by a shared love for cats and a commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment.

RESPONSIBILITY

We proactively address the root causes of the pet overpopulation crisis by promoting responsible pet ownership. This includes advocating for affordable vet care, supporting TNVR programs, and seeking rehoming solutions outside of shelters. We believe that responsibility begins with understanding and addressing the cause of this crisis.

KINDNESS

Our approach comes from a place of compassion and understanding. We work to listen to everyone involved with or interacting with our organization in any way. By making kindness a focal point in our approach, we work to create a positive environment for everyone who comes through the Paws and Claws Cat Adoption Center doors.