By Kelly White
Finding cats and kittens a safe home is the sole mission behind Kitties for Keeps Rescue.
A non-profit, no kill, volunteer run and foster based, Kitties for Keeps Rescue is dedicated to rescuing friendly, adoptable cats, both old and young, that are left homeless, in danger of euthanasia, or in danger, or victims, of abuse and/or neglect.
“Kitties for Keeps Rescue is not just a rescue organization; it’s a community of dedicated volunteers united by their love for cats and their commitment to making a positive impact,” Debbie Kozik, Founder and President of Kitties for Keeps Rescue, said.
The entire organization is run by dedicated volunteers, like Koziak, who generously donate their time to make a difference in the lives of these animals. Along with Kozik, the rescue’s other board members are Jackie Lorenz, vice president, and Jennifer Distel, treasurer.
These compassionate group of individuals came together in 2018 to form the feline only organization, Kitties for Keeps Rescue that operates solely on donations from the public and without government funding.
Since its inception, Kitties for Keeps Rescue has successfully helped more than 600 cats and kittens find their perfect families. The rescue takes in cats from various situations, including those born outside and abandoned by their mothers, relinquished pets, and those discovered by kind-hearted individuals who reach out for assistance. Regardless of their origin, all cats receive essential medical care and love from foster families until they are adopted into their forever homes.
“Kitties for Keeps Rescue is not just a rescue organization; it’s a community of dedicated volunteers united by their love for cats and their commitment to making a positive impact,” Koziak said.
From rescuing to fostering, fundraising, and organizing adoption events, the volunteers at Kitties for Keeps Rescue are the heart of making it all happen.
“One of the unique aspects of Kitties for Keeps Rescue is its foster-based approach,” Kozik said. “Instead of a traditional shelter setting, cats and kittens are placed in loving foster homes, where they receive individualized care and attention. This not only ensures that each feline is well-socialized but also allows the rescue to learn about the unique personality of each cat, enabling them to match them with the perfect forever family.”
All cats in the care of Kitties for Keeps Rescue are spayed/neutered, receive appropriate vet care and treatment, and shown love in their foster homes and transformed the lives of hundreds of cats and kittens, offering them the chance for a happy and fulfilling future.
After a strict adoption process, they are adopted to well-selected forever homes for an adoption fee of $150 for kittens under 1 year old, and $120 for adult cats, includes: first distemper booster, de-wormer, FELV/FIV Testing, spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination and microchip.
Kitties for Keeps Rescue also actively engages with the community through various adoption events held at Petco on 95th Street in Oak Lawn, Pet Supplies Plus in Oak Lawn, Pet Supplies Plus in Merrionette Park, and Pet Supplies Plus in Wicker Park/Chicago.
“These events provide potential adopters with the opportunity to meet the cats and kittens in person, see if they have a connection that often leads to a lifelong bond,” Koziak said.
For the latest updates on adoption events, kitty adoptions, and the daily lives of the rescue’s feline residents, Kitties for Keeps Rescue maintains an active Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KittiesForKeepsRescue. This platform allows the community to stay connected, share their experiences, and celebrate the joy of welcoming a new furry family member, Kitties for Keeps volunteers said.
Donations to the organization can be made through Venmo: @kittiesforkeepsrescue, Paypal at paypal.me/kittiesforkeeps or mail at Kitties for Keeps Rescue, PO Box 285, Chicago Ridge IL 60415.
All cats and kittens available for adoption can be found online at KittiesForKeepsRescue.com.
Debbie helped me find the perfect match for me . I adopted my cat in December 2019 . I mentioned to Debbie the type of personality I was looking for in a cat and she connected me with my Goose ????. Debbie is dedicated to finding these kitties the best adopters possible . These ladies at Kitties for keeps are so dedicated in what they do . So if you are looking for a cat or kitten adopt don’t shop !
We first met Debbie when my son was looking to adopt a cat in 2019. We found his perfact little house Panther, Selina. That meeting developed over the last couple of years as I reached out to Debbie for advice when I started feeding a ferel mamma cat. That TNR resulted in me raising 4 georgious kittens, which Debbie helped place into loving homes, and carring for two brothers outside, one which chose to adopt us.
Long story short, I am now an active foster mom to beautiful kittens that have come to be in my care until they are adopted to wonderful furever homes.
I can’t tell you how fulfilling it has been to be able to raise healthy, people loving kittens for some lucky family.
We need MORE foster moms and dads. There are so many kittens and cats that deserve a second chance. So many still waiting. You will not regret getting involved. I have met so many wonderful people through Kitties for Keeps. ????
Thank you for featuring this well deserving local rescue. Good news and good Samaritans deserve to be recognized!