St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines

I’ve adopted 2 cats from St. Sophia’s and both are wonderful. I did adopt a full-​grown cat named Newman several months ago but one of my cats hated him so I had to return Newman. I’m back in the market for a kitten because Livvy, who is 4– or 5-​years old will probably accept a kitten. Vanessa works out of Pet Supplies and she is wonderful.
One of there reasons I like St. Sophia’s is that all of their cats and kittens are neutered and are up to date with their shots. It saves me a lot of money and I get to adopt a great cat or kitten.

My husband and I just adopted two young, male, black cats from St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. Their email response time was very fast.
Lauren (the Director) spent almost two hours with us at Petco when we first met her and one of the cats we were interested in (Puddin’ Time).
We met Vanessa (Adoption Coordinator) two days later at Petco to pick up Puddin’ Time and meet Ghirardelli (the other boy we wanted) and it turned out they were both ready to go home! We weren’t expecting to be able to bring Ghirardelli (Gary) home, yet, so they graciously let us borrow one of their carriers. That wasn’t quite 48 hours ago, but we’re crazy about our boys.
The records on both boys are very thorough, especially considering the fact that they were both found as strays in different areas of the state and both required medical care.
St. Sophia’s has also followed up with us, and I expect to maintain a relationship with them for the lifetime of our boys, so they know what a great job they did in saving both of them from almost certain euthanasia, and in approving us for adoption!
If you’re looking to add a cat to your family, I strongly recommend St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines. If you’re looking to add another kind of animal, please don’t shop — ADOPT!

Adopted two lovely kitties from this awesome rescue group in December 2014. The volunteers and staff are SO dedicated to helping these animals in need, and they all are knowledgeable about the cats as individuals, which makes them AWESOME at finding the perfect fit for both adopter and adoptee. Plus, they offer free nail trims for ‘alumni’ cats, which is great for those felines for whom it is a two person job! We are super happy with our additions to the family and with the St. Sophia’s experience!

A year and a half ago, I happened to be at the Petco in Elmhurst and played with a little tabby kitten named Cannoli. I remembered her name and even posted her picture on facebook in the hopes that it would help her get adopted. Last February, I was online and noticed that Cannoli, who had been adopted, had been returned to St. Sophia’s for some reason. Well, I got mad and upset because to think about a cat, in and out of cages, getting adopted and then having to go back to being in and out of cages just drove me nuts. I filled out an adoption form and, in a few days, I found out my application was accepted. When I asked where I was to pick her up — I found out that she was at the Petco 100 yards from my home… It was fate. I went to Petco, met with the adoption coordinator and helped her watch another younger cat while she filled the water bowl. Well, that little white and black cat threw her arms around my neck and purred like crazy. She had been an owner surrender to Chicago Animal Control on Christmas Eve. CHRISTMAS EVE! I adopted Lizzie right then and there, too. I renamed her Izzy and she, Cannoli and my soon-​to-​be 15 year old Jake are healthy and happy. The girls are in their forever home.
There are some folks on this site that are taking the rescue to task for some reason or another… some are valid, but I wish everyone would take a minute and realize that Lauren, the staff and the fosters are working so very hard to place the kittens, cats and special needs cats. For every cat placed into a home, that means another can be saved from shelters. If the staff are stressed, I don’t blame them. They work full time jobs and volunteer with the rescue. This is a very honorable thing that they are doing in trying to find homes for these animals and I’m sure it’s extremely stressful.
As for the health of some animals, I know that my two girls were taken care of very well prior to their adoption. Izzy had a cold and she was brought to the vet and treated.
This is a good organization with people who genuinely care about the animals they rescue.

St. Sophia’s was having a showing for some of their cats at a Petco in Elmhurst and I was able to adopt Mia as a kitten from them that day. The adoption process was very easy, and I felt comfortable taking her home after the conversation and great advice I had received from one of their volunteers. Mia’s foster mom still stays in contact with me and is available if I have any questions (this is my first cat). She is a healthy, happy kitten. I would for sure adopt from them again. Highly recommended!

Many people say they love animals and yes those of us that have «pets» spoil them. But what I’ve seen the few volunteers do with the limited time they have to spend with each animal they care for trying to keep up the habitats and give affection to each and every cat that spends 2 to 3 weeks in those’s habitats to try to get as much exposure to the public so that they can be adopted to a loving home. I believe it really takes a special kind of person to do that. I’m so thankful to all their efforts as we are so happy with our new addition to our family, Machiatto! She is a delight to have with her corky antics and although she’s a little glutant, she’ll get over it, as soon as she realizes the food will not go away! (My bigger cat Ruppee which is the dominant cat is helping her and gives her space at mealtime so she’s not in fear when she eats.)
The next time you’re in a Petco, or any of the places St Sofia’s cats are, check them out as you may just bring home your best friend! We did!!!

Lisa, one of the foster parents at St. Sophia’s, has been nothing but genuinely kind to me and my new kitty as we get through the first few weeks. It’s been a little challenging on my end as I have never cared for a cat with an URI, but Lisa reassured me many times and provided a plethora of useful tips. The director of St. Sophia’s can be brash, although, I have come to understand it’s out of love for the cats. I am sure she has come in contact with many people with malicious intent and may mistaken many for the same intent to protect the innocent kitty’s. To recap, if you end up having some dealings with Lisa, know that she is the gem at St. Sophia’s.

If I could this place negative star I would. I adopted a cat from here a few months ago who I love very much but this place DOES NOT take care of its felines. I asked them when I was adopting her whether she had any preexisting issues, which the foster mother said she had none. My cat had not been to a vet in OVER A YEAR, so how could she have said that to me with so much certainty??? Long story short, my cat had severe bad breath and red gums. I brought her to the vet and she was diagnosed with an extremely painful condition called Stomatosis. My cat had to undergo surgery to remove all of her teeth except her 4 canines. All of this costing me more than a grand in veterinary bills and I only had, had the cat for less than a month. My cat had an unknown mass on the side of her mouth and cat acne probably from dirty water bowls. I’ve never felt so deceived by a place who claims to help animals. I would only urge people to adopt from this place to SAVE THEM FROM THESE PEOPLE. My cat was living with severe mouth pain for months before I was able to adopt her. I tried getting in contact with someone or anyone who ran this program but all of my attempts were in vain. I love my cat and in the end I’m very glad to have saved her from these people. I do not recommend them since you may too get a very ill animal.

Based on my recent adoption from St Sophia’s, I can confidently say they are a very caring and dedicated cat adoption agency! I adopted a kitten from St Sophia’s on Valentine’s Day. My fiancé and I had lost my 13 year old cat a month and a half before and were looking to bring home a snuggly kitten to play with. My previous cat had beautiful long fur, and that is what I was looking for again. I found our kitty on Petfinder and called up St Sophia’s to ask about her. They gave me a lot of details about where she was found and about her very shy personality. Even though she had made some progress in her socialization process, they were concerned about how uncertain and scared she still was of people. I sent them the adoption application and did a phone interview with her foster mommy (Christina — she is awesome!). They were very picky about who could adopt her and wanted to make sure she went to a home that would help her come out of her shell.
My application was approved before I went to the adoption event, and they put her on hold for me. When I got there to meet her, she snuggled her face under my chin to hide. I feel instantly in love with her beautiful fur and sweet face. When I finalized the adoption papers, Christina explained what food my new kitty (Mia) was eating and what toys and treats were her favorites.
Mia adjusted really well to our apartment. I had been worried that it would take weeks for her to warm up to us, but I saw huge progress within the first couple days. It’s been over two weeks now and she runs all around our apartment, confidently playing with her toys. And she comes over to snuggle with us when she’s feeling in a cuddly mood. I’m so thankful for all the work Christina put in socializing Mia. It’s very apparent that the foster moms at St Sophia’s truly care about the future of their kitties. I have been able to contact Christina with questions, and she has checked up to see how Mia is doing. :) Thank you St. Sophia’s (and especially Christina) for committing so much to your beautiful foster babies!

The volunteers at this organization give their all in saving as many cats as they can from Chicagoland shelters. They take on many cats that otherwise would be put down due to being too shy, sick, or special needs.
I adopted my first cat from them (a sweet senior girl with hypothyroid disease) and while I only had her for 5 months before I had to put her down, St. Sophia’s helped answer my medical questions and provide me with care options before it came time to say goodbye.
They are candid about each cat’s behavior & medical needs — anything that arises after adopting is not reflective of St. Sophia’s but just a fact of being a pet owner.
Also, in response to the previous review: they do specifically write on the application that they have the right to inspect your home to insure it is best for the cat.