The Goathouse Refuge

The Goathouse Refuge Potter and sculptor Siglinda Scarpa, a native of Italy, makes her life here with the land and many, many animals.

The Goathouse Refuge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary located in Pittsboro, NC, dedicated to providing cage-free care for cats regardless of age, medical issues or disposition until a permanent, loving home can be found. The cats are housed in a studio building and are free to roam among the artists, staff, volunteers and visitors in a 1 acre, cat-safe enclosure. The refuge is a

safe haven for cats who would have been euthanized in over-crowded shelters, for cats that have been considered "un-adoptable," and for cats that were unwanted or abandoned. Please check out our website, featuring our adoptable cats! We are always looking for volunteers to lend a hand. If you have photos of a cat or cats you adopted from the refuge, please feel free to add them. We love seeing the kitties happy in their new forever homes.

Lovely Camille would like to thank everyone who donated to us yesterday for Giving Tuesday! Your support warms our littl...
12/03/2025

Lovely Camille would like to thank everyone who donated to us yesterday for Giving Tuesday! Your support warms our little kitty hearts.

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 45%!Our Final Giving Tuesday Adoption S...
12/03/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 45%!
Our Final Giving Tuesday Adoption Success Story is Kaiju!
Kaiju came to the Goathouse right after Christmas in 2021. He was a shy boy, so he was often overlooked. We are so grateful to his new family for seeing the sweetness in him and being willing to give him the loving, forever family he deserves.
"Happy tails for Kaiju!! His foster (and eventual adopter) writes:
“We are amazed by how quickly Kaiju came out of his shell and started to thrive in our home. As you can see in the attached photo, he has become very comfortable around us and loves attention! Kaiju is thriving and very much a part of the family."
This is the last story of the evening but there are so many more cats with stories who need your help. Can you help us reach the matching goal? Donate by using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above . Your donation will be doubled

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 33%!Our 5th GIVING TUESDAY special kitt...
12/03/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 33%!
Our 5th GIVING TUESDAY special kitty is Alica!😻
Alicia is a beautiful “dilute calico” with a lot of white, just 6 and a half years old. She was transferred to the Goathouse from Gaston County Animal Care in June 2021 with kittens, but we didn't think she was the mother of any of them. Alicia is a little shy but she likes a head rub and loves to play. Lately she has become less shy and will walk right up to a visitor wanting to be petted. And should they happen to have a few treats for her that is welcomed too!
Alicia knows our mission is to "provide cage-free care for cats regardless of age, medical issues, or disposition until a permanent loving adoptive home can be found.” Your loving support has helped us take care of Alicia for the past 4 years, as well as all the other cats at the Goathouse Refuge.
With 67% of the matching goal remaining, you can help us reach the goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above. Your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 25%!Our 1st Giving Tuesday Adoption Suc...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 25%!
Our 1st Giving Tuesday Adoption Success Story is Marbles!
His new family writes:
"Marbles is a very shy man, so things are going slowly but he is eating and drinking very well and has been a perfect gentleman about the litterbox! He is free range in the apartment now and is exploring and starting to play with his toys and will come sit out in the open with me on occasion. I also read aloud to him every night before bed- he is now named Mikhail/ Mishka for the author of the novel. He is doing as well as can be expected with his temperament and I went into his adoption knowing that he would need extra time and patience. It was quite a journey to get him home since he evaded capture for a while and I'm so glad that he's here!"
We are so grateful to adopters who give our cats that are shy, scared, older, or have special needs a chance to have their own family, home, and lots of love. They are all so deserving.
With 75% of the matching goal remaining, you can help us reach the goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above. Your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 20%!Wonton and Dumpling are our Second ...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 20%!
Wonton and Dumpling are our Second Giving Tuesday Adoption Success Story!
Their new family writes:
“When we first visited the Goathouse Refuge, we knew we wanted cats, and that was about it. A volunteer was showing us around when we approached the small house Dumpling and Wonton were staying in. We were told that they had something called FeLV (feline leukemia virus). Their condition meant that they had weaker immune systems, and were more susceptible to infections. So, we put on hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, wiped our shoes off, and entered. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with the curious looks of two kittens that did not look sickly at all. They were your typical kittens; playful, spunky, affectionate, and very interested in shoestrings. We meant to explore and visit some other cats, but we ended up playing with Dumpling and Wonton until the Refuge closed.
On our drive home, my husband and I discussed our experience. Sure, we had lots of fun, but cats with progressive FeLV would likely need more medical attention and might not live as long as other cats. It would be a potentially pricey endeavor, and we wanted to be completely sure we could give the cats happy and healthy lives. The more we talked, Dumpling and Wonton seemed like the perfect cats for us. I work from home, so I could easily tend to the cats, and my husband makes a good income so we could cover any extra expenses. And, of course, I needed their kitten personalities to spice up my mundane day-to-day work week.
It was settled. We went through the necessary hurdles, signed the adoption papers, and brought them home one fateful day in June. They were timid at first, but their personalities have definitely bloomed.
Wonton is a little firecracker. He is a connoisseur of anything “off limits.” Cabinets, closets, the refrigerator. You tell him no, and he sees an opportunity. When he’s not causing chaos, he’s usually cuddling with me while I work. Dumpling on the other hand is the curious observer (and occasional participant) of Wonton’s shenanigans. She loves to watch the birds at our feeders, a bug flying about, or the tv. Toilet is flushing? Dumpling is there. Lizard outside? Her eyes are laser focused. Wonton getting into the cabinet for the 30th time? Dumpling is always there to give a disappointed (and slightly envious) stare.
Honestly, FeLV is the last thing we think about with these cats. They are so full of energy and personality that people are surprised when we tell them about their diagnosis. Our advice to anyone else thinking about adopting cats is to be open minded. Having an idea about what kind of cat you want is great, just don’t let it stop you from considering one with special needs. Your lifestyle might be just right for a particular cat that needs adoption.”
We are so grateful to adopters who give our cats that are shy, scared, older, or have special needs a chance to have their own family, home, and lots of love. They are all so deserving.
Help us reach the $20,000 matching goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above. Your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 18%!Our 4th GIVING TUESDAY special kitt...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 18%!
Our 4th GIVING TUESDAY special kitty is Donnie!😻
Donnie has such unusual markings you will be drawn to him right away! Look deep into his beautiful pale blue eyes and you will sense he has a gentle soul. He was one of mamma Diamond Lucy's litter of kittens born in 2017. Donnie's mom and siblings all have found homes of their own, while Donnie patiently waits to find his person, too! He loves to explore and play, and he's completely content just doing his own thing most of the time. He enjoys receiving attention from people, too, and loves to flirt with visitors. Due to some food allergies, Donnie requires a raw food diet, which we make especially for him here at the Goathouse.
Donnie knows our mission is to "provide cage-free care for cats regardless of age, medical issues, or disposition until a permanent loving adoptive home can be found.” Your loving support has helped us take care of Donnie with his special diet, as well as all the other cats like him at the Goathouse Refuge.
A wonderful supporter of the Goathouse has offered to match donations up to $20,000! You can help us reach our goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above and your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 15%!Our 3rd GIVING TUESDAY special kitt...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 15%!
Our 3rd GIVING TUESDAY special kitty is Dixie!😻
Dixie is a gentle, shy kitty who came to the refuge in 2020. At first, we thought Dixie might be semi-feral, but with time she has become more comfortable around people. She is very friendly with a couple who live nearby the Goathouse who visit with her often, allowing gentle pets as they have built trust with her. Dixie would love nothing more than a safe, stable home to call her own, preferably without dogs or small children (she seems fine around other low-key, easy going cats).
Help us reach the $20,000 matching goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above. Your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 12%!Darrow was found as a stray semi-fe...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 12%!
Darrow was found as a stray semi-feral kitty and brought to the Goathouse 5 years ago so that he would have a safe, supportive place to call home. It has taken him some time, but recently Darrow has decided that people aren’t so bad after all, and he loves getting treats from our volunteers and often allows some pets from the staff and visitors that he’s gotten to know and trust. He has a funny way of lifting his paw if you stop giving him treats before he is finished! With his bright eyes he doesn’t seem to be 10 years old, and he would love to live out his senior years in a quiet home.

Darrow knows the Goathouse mission to "provide cage-free care for cats regardless of age, medical issues, or disposition until a permanent loving adoptive home can be found” is always combined with our best effort to help a cat become adoptable. Your gift provides loving support for other cats like Darrow, patiently waiting for an adoptive home. Your donation allows us to continue caring for cats like him.

A wonderful supporter of the Goathouse has offered to match donations up to $20,000! You can help us reach our goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above and your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/The matching campaign has already reached 2%!Our 1st Giving Tuesday Adoption Succ...
12/02/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
The matching campaign has already reached 2%!
Our 1st Giving Tuesday Adoption Success Story is Jorge and Peppa!
His new family writes:
“We went to Goathouse in search of adopting 2 senior cats at least 10-12 yrs old because we are both in our 70's. We lost our two 19.5 yr and 17 yr old cats a few months before going there. Jorge (now named Ziggy) immediately jumped on Gary who was sitting and looked up at him with adoring eyes. I knew that he was our cat by choosing us not us choosing him. Siglinda did tell us that he had been adopted twice and returned both times. I decided he needed a loving home at age 14 to live out his remaining years. He does have some issues including kidney problems, underweight at only 7 lbs, totally deaf and he talks a lot. He's put on one pound so far and eats prescription food for his kidneys. I've taught him some sign language and he's not talking as much. We also chose Peppa because she reminded me so much of our old tabby Sadie that lived to 19+ years. The two get along great but Peppa gets a little irritated when he cries. She walks up to him nose to nose and then he stops yapping. Ziggy follows Gary like a puppy and jumps in his lap at every opportunity. He loves to take naps with Gary. He's found his forever happy home.”
We are so grateful to adopters who give our cats that are shy, scared, older, or have special needs a chance to have their own family, home, and lots of love. They are all so deserving.
You can help us reach the matching goal by donating using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, or Venmo by clicking on the link above. Your donation will be doubled!

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! This year a wonderful supporter of the Goathouse has ...
12/01/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
Giving Tuesday is tomorrow! This year a wonderful supporter of the Goathouse has offered to match donations up to $20,000! Out of town tomorrow? Donate today using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle using the link above and your donation will still be doubled!

Mochi 2 is the cutest calico girl! She loves to follow you around and have ALL of your attention! Mochi 2 seems to be a ...
12/01/2025

Mochi 2 is the cutest calico girl! She loves to follow you around and have ALL of your attention! Mochi 2 seems to be a bit overwhelmed by all of the other kitties at the refuge but loves human attention, come visit Mochi 2 and maybe she will be your PURRfect match!

Approx. DOB: 09/01/2021

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/Just two days until Giving Tuesday! This year a wonderful supporter of the Goatho...
11/30/2025

https://www.goathouserefuge.org/donate/
Just two days until Giving Tuesday! This year a wonderful supporter of the Goathouse has offered to match donations up to $20,000! Out of town on Giving Tuesday? Donate today using PayPal, a Debit or Credit Card, Venmo, or Zelle using the link above and your donation will still be doubled!

Address

405 Goathouse Road(updated)/mailing Address 680 Alton Alston Road
Pittsboro, NC
27312

Opening Hours

Saturday 11am - 3pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+19195426815

Website

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