About Cat Depot
Our Story
On September 8, 2003, 262 cats were seized from a local rescue overwhelmed by its mission. With no established shelters able to help, a group of determined friends stepped forward. They transformed a humble downtown Sarasota storefront into a makeshift rescue center—and without experience or a formal plan, but with boundless heart—they saved every cat they could.
That pivotal moment changed everything.
What began as a crisis response soon evolved into a calling. The founders realized Sarasota lacked a true safe haven for cats—no place built just for them. So they created one.
"It's about opening your heart."
Milestones of Impact
- 2003 – Rescued 262 cats in our founding mission
- 2009 – Opened our adoption center on 17th Street
- 2014 – Launched the Cat Care Clinic for affordable veterinary services
- 2015 – Acquired land for future expansion
- 2018 – Opened our Community Center for education and outreach
- 2023 – Celebrated 20 years of lifesaving impact
A Mission Takes Shape
In 2009, Cat Depot opened the doors to a state-of-the-art, free-roaming adoption center—a space designed not just to shelter cats, but to honor their well-being and individuality. No cages. No cold kennels. Just love, freedom, and care.
Since then, Cat Depot has become a nationally recognized leader in feline rescue, adoption, and education. We’ve saved more than 21,000 lives—each one a testament to the power of compassion turned into action.
What Sets Us Apart
At Cat Depot, we’re more than a shelter—we’re a lifeline. Our 11,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is a free-roaming, managed admissions cat adoption and resource center in Sarasota, Florida. We rescue and rehome more than 1,200 cats and kittens each year, many from urgent and dire circumstances. Our approach blends compassion with innovation:
- Adoption and Rescue
We work daily to rescue abandoned, abused, injured, relinquished, and free roaming cats and kittens. Our goal is to find a good match and loving home for every cat who enters Cat Depot.
- Fear-Free Environment
Spacious, cage-free pods designed to support each cat’s emotional and physical well-being. - Cat Care Clinic
Affordable, high-quality veterinary care for both rescue and community cats. - Community Cat Programs
We can assist with providing education, food, resources for medical care, and low to no-cost spay/neuter surgeries for outdoor cats. - Safety Net Services
Pet food bank and emergency assistance for local families in need. - Education & Outreach
Creating a more compassionate future through community programs and youth engagement.