Birds, Cats, and Balance: A Hawaiian Sanctuary’s Model for Coexistence

Feral cats put Hawaii’s native and endangered birds at risk. On Lāna‘i, the Lanai Cat Sanctuary answers that without harming a single cat: it rescues feral cats from sensitive nesting areas and gives them a safe home for life. No cat-related bird deaths have been reported on Lāna‘i since 2021.

Can You Love Both Cats and Birds?

Is it really possible to love both cats and birds? At the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, we prove the answer is a resounding “yes.”

How the Sanctuary Protects Lāna‘i’s Native Birds

For over a decade, we’ve worked to protect four native and endangered bird species on Lānaʻi by rescuing the very animals most people think are the problem: feral cats. By rehoming them in a sanctuary far from sensitive nesting zones, we remove the threat without harming a single cat.

Results on Lāna‘i, and a Model Others Want to Copy

In fact, no cat-related bird deaths have been reported on Lāna‘i since 2021. Our humane, creative solution has drawn attention from PBS, wildlife conservationists, and communities across Hawaii seeking to replicate our model.

More Than a Safe Haven: Stories From the Field

The sanctuary is more than a safe haven for cats — it’s an active part of Lānaʻi’s balanced ecosystem in action. Stories like Biggie the cat, who was rescued from a bird nesting area and later adopted into a loving home in Tennessee, and a fledgling shearwater disoriented by artificial light who was carefully re-released from the cliffs near Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock), highlight the real-world impact of our coexistence efforts. These stories demonstrate how our sanctuary plays a crucial role in giving cats safe homes while creating space for conservationists to protect vulnerable native wildlife.

Support Coexistence on Lāna‘i

Support our work to build harmony between paws and feathers. Watch our PBS documentary and make a donation to sustain this model of compassion.