Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue

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Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue

Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue San Francisco based cat rescue founded in 2003. https://linktr.ee/givemesheltersf
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01/24/2025

Hi! I’m Churu! 😋🤤

I was struggling to survive on the streets in Daly City but lucky for me, a Good Samaritan found me and took me in after noticing I had a wound. After receiving the medical care I needed, I made it clear I didn’t want to go back outside after being in a safe and comfortable home.

I’m a shy, playful, and affectionate 3-year-old boy. I’m still building my confidence in my new indoor environment and learning the ins and outs of the indoor life. For example, when my foster mom is on the bed and I want attention, I’m not sure what I should do. Do I jump up onto the bed and go to her? Do I wait down below and wait for her to come to me? I just need a little guidance when it comes to situations like this until I learn the answers.

Although I’m still shy, I’m not too shy to show my playful and affectionate sides. I love playing with wand toys and really anything with feathers. Playing with me is a great way to help me build my confidence and it will also make you smile. It’s a win-win! And when I’m ready to relax with you, I’ll rev up my purr motor, ask for pets, and even roll over for some belly rubs.

I’m looking for a quieter home with a patient and loving family who will continue to show me all of amazing things that come along with my new indoor life. I feel so lucky to be off the streets and given the chance at a safe and carefree life!

Adopt me: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12182

01/23/2025

Hi! I’m Onyx! I was rescued at Peninsula Humane Society. I lost my previous family soon after I was forced to live with another cat. I was not happy sharing my space with another cat and started showing signs of stress. Sadly, my previous family decided the solution was to surrender me.

I’m a mellow and sweet 5-year-old boy. I’m initially shy but I’ve been through some major changes lately. I spent most of the first few days in my kitty cave while my foster pawrents came to me to offer comforting pets and treats. A few days later I walked out of my cave and asked for pets!

Two of my most favorite things are head scratches and laps. I’ll jump up on your lap and rub up against you while purring away. Sometimes I prefer to just lay next to you, all while emitting affection by looking up at you with my sweet eyes. I’ll even greet you when you come home and roll over to show off my belly.

I’m a very mellow cat and often spend the day snoozing in my bed. I’ll be present and say hello in the morning and then after a nice long afternoon relaxing and napping, I’ll come out again to explore and hang out with you. I’m not very interested in toys but will occasionally play when the laser toy or a stringy or feathery toy comes out. I might pounce or bat at it a few times before losing interest and going back to chilling with you.

I love mealtime and will do my cute little flops to get breakfast and dinner. I’m currently eating yummy wet food diet and it makes me so happy. I really need my new family to continue feeding me wet food.

I do still have some shy/nervous behaviors I’m working on that I need my new family to understand. I become nervous when I feel cornered or when someone is intruding into my safe area. And I sometimes become excitable prior to receiving my meal. I might give a hiss or pounce at your feet but please know, it’s just my way of letting you know I’m feeling a little anxious.

I’m looking for a calm and quiet adult only home where I can relax and share lots of love ❤️

Se more of me in foster .

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12137

01/23/2025

Hi! I’m Scarlett, a 5-year-old girl! I was rescued from the Hesperia shelter in Southern California.

I have a big personality and I love being with my person. Whether I’m hanging out on the couch with them or sleeping next to them, I’m always happy to spend time with them. I’m super confident and friendly. If you have friends over, I’ll be out and about to greet them. I love to play and can self entertain with a tunnel, mouse toy or a spring toy, but I really enjoy it when my person grabs a feather or wand toy and plays with me.

What I’m not a fan of is other cats. I’m currently in a foster home with other cats but I would be happiest if I got to be on my own and be the queen bee of my castle.

I know I can look a little quirky but I really do have a winning purrsonality. I absolutely love my humans, receiving attention, and playing. I do want to let you know that I also love to give love bites but I’m never aggressive. I’m a real sweetheart and I would love to finally find my forever home! Could it be with you?

See more of Scarlett

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=11800

01/22/2025

Hello! We’re Holly and Freda, bonded 2-year-old sisters looking for a home together! We were rescued from a backyard in San Francisco and we’ve been waiting for 223 days as of today 😿😿

I’m Holly, a very sweet and a little chatty Tortoiseshell without the spicy “tortie” purrsonality. I’ll greet you at the door when you come into a room and be sure to stay close with a few rubs on your legs, ready for lots of head scratches and belly rubs!

I love to play with you, and my favorite toys are the laser and the feather cat dancer. I can chase the laser around the room forever, and will show off my acrobatics for the feather cat dancer when it flies by. Laser chasing and DaBird play sessions will bring out my trust and confidence.

I love spending time in the window watching the neighborhood go by and can’t wait to see yours! I have a streak of independence, but also get along well with my sisters and at times you’ll find me snuggled up with Freda at bedtime. I LOVE treats, especially churus, and will be the first in line when it’s treat time.

I’m Freda, a sporty, dynamic Tortoiseshell with a bit of spicy “tortie” personality to match. I can be a bit feisty at first, says the Tortie… hehe, but all I need is some time to relax and for us to get to know one another and then my playful personality will emerge.

I love to play with the cat dancer toy and am quite the flying acrobat! Another way to my heart is offering me some treats and I’ll even lick Churus right off your finger. After some time and some play, I’ll happily welcome some head scratches and pets and will give you a little tap if I want more!

I love spending time by the windows so I can surveil the neighborhood and like to meow at the people passing by.

I will likely start off shy, but running laps around a cat tunnel and being provided with a rousing DaBird play session will soon bring out my exuberant purrsonality!

Adopt us: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12068

01/22/2025

Hi! I’m Cadbury, a 2-year-old Siamese boy! 🍫

I was rescued in Doha, Qatar 🇶🇦 from a colony where a caring human was feeding us and other kitties. I’ve been waiting for a forever home for 314 days since arriving in San Francisco! 😭

I'm a friendly, trusting, and loving kitty with the softest fur and sweetest smiles! I immediately greeted my foster humans, settled in, and began sharing lots of love with them. I was flopping and rolling around for belly pets in no time.

I love to sit and watch TV with my humans, action movies are the best! And when you have a blanket, I’ll be on your lap asking for pets. I'm a great snuggler and will give you loving head butts for attention. I'll even make some air biscuits when I'm in full snuggle-mode. Whether it’s morning coffee time, TV time, or afternoon worktime, I’ll usually be with you.

When I’m not sitting on your lap, you’ll probably find me at a window looking for birds and squirrels. Enjoying the fresh air through a screen by an open window is another one of my favorite pastimes. I just love the smell of the outdoors, so much that I’ll climb and squeeze into a small space next to a window just to catch the breeze.

Lap sitting, window watching, and playing are all so important that when going between activities, I’m always in a hurry. I trot everywhere. Trot, trot, trot… no walking for me.

I traveled across the world to find my forever home and am so excited to finally have a family to share my love. Whether you’re a family of adults or a family of adults and children, I'll make a great addition!

You see more of me in my foster home .foster.

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12025

01/21/2025

Hi! I'm Lilac🪻, a 6-month-old girl! I was rescued in Stockton, CA.

I’m a sweet, confident, fearless, cuddly and endlessly curious little girl who will steal your heart! I greet everyone at the door—strangers included—with enthusiasm and charm.

I am a true purr machine and my motor starts the moment you pet me. I’m always up for a game, especially anything involving chasing, and my playful antics include batting at tails—whether it’s my own or my foster brothers’. I fit right in with my foster family, getting along wonderfully with my two furry housemates: a 10-year-old Labrador and a 5-year-old tabby.

When the day winds down, I transform into the ultimate cuddle buddy, curling up right next to you for a cozy night’s sleep.

I’m the purrfect mix of playful and affectionate—ready to bring joy and love to my forever home!

You can see more of me in my foster home here .

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12196

01/21/2025

As of today, sweet senior kitty Palmer has been waiting for 435 days in foster care for his forever home 🏡💔.

At 11 years old, Palmer has so much love left to give, but he keeps getting overlooked by adopters. He may not be a kitten anymore, but he’s still full of playful energy and affectionate cuddles that will warm your heart every day.

Palmer deserves a cozy spot to call his own and a family who will cherish him in his golden years. Palmer is looking for an adult-only home where he can be the only kitty. Will you be the one to give him the love he’s been waiting for?

Adopt Palmer: www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=11912

Here’s a bit of what he wants you to know: Hi! I’m Palmer! I’m a handsome, social and confident cat. I was immediately comfortable when I first arrived in my foster home and even let my foster human pick me up and hold me. Resting my front paws on my human’s shoulder and nuzzling my head into their chin and neck while being held makes me feel so loved.

I’m a social cat and enjoy meeting new humans. I’ll run to the door to say hello when I hear someone and sometimes the neighbors stop and chat with me. Being the social cat I am, I have lots of fun playing with my foster human. The fleece wand toys are my favorites but I also fun playing by myself with some of my other toys.

And although I’m a mature cat, I sometimes still get random bursts of energy and will run around and up and down my kitty tower which makes my foster human laugh. I’m also quite curious but don’t worry, I don’t wake up my foster human at night or jump onto counters or other places I shouldn’t be just because I’m a curious cat.

See more of me in foster .palmer

01/20/2025

Hi! We are Sesame & Chia, 9-month-old sisters! We were rescued in the Central Valley.

As of today, we’ve been waiting for a forever home for 213 days! 😭 Will you be the one to take us home?

I’m Sesame, a friendly, social, curious and playful gray Tuxedo girl. 🩶 I was out and about the moment I arrived in our foster home and touching noses with the other foster kitties I had never met before. It was like we all had known each other for all of our lives!

The next thing on my agenda was introducing myself to our new human. I love receiving chin scritches and being scooped up for snuggles. Our foster mama picks me up and lavishes me with attention and it’s pawesome!

I’m Chia, a sweet, affectionate and playful Tabby girl with a cute white chest because Tuxedos run in the family. 🤎 I’m initially shy in new environments. Although I may give a little hiss when we first meet, I’m very relaxed when you pick me up and am quick to love.

Once we’ve spent a little time together and I decide we’re friends, I’ll show you my sweet and affectionate side… this goes for both humans and kitties. I made furiends with one of the other foster kittens here and started following him around and even napping with him. I’m making progress every day. My foster mama tells me it’s so fun to watch me slowly open up and reveal a little more of my adorable purrsonality each and every day.

We are bonded and we’re looking for a home together. Adopt us: www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12065

See more of us in foster

01/19/2025

Meet Our Longest-Standing Residents!

These 6 cats have been waiting patiently for their forever homes, and they can’t wait to graduate from GMS and find their loving forever guardians soon! 🏡

🧡Palmer: 11-year-old orange tabby and white boy, waiting for 433 days. Confident, social and playful. Needs to be an only cat in a home with no kids. See more .palmer

🩵Cadbury: 2-year-old Siamese boy, waiting for 311 days. Confident, trusting and loving. Needs to be an only cat. See more .foster

🤎Freda & Holly: bonded 2-year-old tortie sisters, waiting for 220 days. Sweet, chatty and sporty.

🩶Chia & Sesame: bonded 9-month-old brown tabby and gray sisters, waiting for 212 days. Snuggly, playful and food-loving. See more

Let’s help these sweet souls find their purrfect homes soon! Share this post, or better yet, apply on our website to adopt them today! 🐱💕

www.givemesheltersf.org/adoption/

01/18/2025

👋Say hello to our newest rescues!

Adoption season is in full swing, and thanks to all the loving adopters and fosters opening their homes, we’ve been able to rescue even more cats in need! Just this past week, we welcomed 10 new cats into our care! 🐾

Rescued through ACT Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stockton:
💙Abigail: 1-year-old Lynx Point Siamese girl
🏈Brock: 7-month-old brown tabby boy
🏉Purrdy: 7-month-old Tortie girl
Follow Brock & Purrdy in foster

Owner getting evicted and giving his cats away at Walmart in Vallejo:
😸Miley: 2-year-old caliby girl
🏆Oscar: 2-year-old brown tabby and white boy
🍪Keebler: 2-year-old caliby girl

Abandoned at a Shell gas station in Lathrop:
🍞Toast: 7-month-old Lynx Point Siamese boy
🌾Rye: 7-month-old brown tabby boy

Rescued from a hoarder situation in Richmond:
✨Sparkle: 10-year-old brown tabby girl
🌊Malibu: 12-year-old white and black girl

➡️We are always looking for SF-based foster homes! Sign up to foster: www.givemesheltersf.org/howtohelp.php

01/17/2025

Hi! We’re Rambo and Julius, 7-month-old best furiends! 👯 We were rescued in the Central Valley.

I’m Rambo, the tabby boy. I’m a true foodie - I love to eat and I love to watch my humans eat too. You could say I have an avid mukbang hobby when it’s dinner time for the humans, getting up close and personal with curiosity. I’m also a brave kitty, leading the way to adventure and dragging Julius along with me. Once we’re in full swing, Julius takes over and we become unstoppable.

I’m Julius, the white and orange boy. I’m not as forward and boastful as Rambo right off the bat. I’m very aware of my world and will explore all the nooks and crannies while Rambo karate’s off every surface around me. I’m a little cautious around new people but once I’m in your arms, my purr motor takes off!

We like to zoom around the house and superman off sofas. It’s all day wrestle-mania starring Rambo and Julius for your entertainment. Sometimes we need our human to pick us up to remind to take breaks and that human snuggles are just as fun, and we’ve already learned that they really are! We’ll even insta-purr when someone picks us up. Our favorite spot is right on your chest where we can boop our noses with yours… but be ready for the love bites… hehe.

Together, we’re the purrfect dynamic of bashful and boastful, with a passion for cuddles and play!

Adopt us today: www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12095

See more of us in foster

01/17/2025

Hi! I’m Amelia, a 3-year-old girl! I was rescued at ACT Spay/Neuter Clinic in Stockton, CA.

I’m a social, curious, playful and gentle Tortie. I guess you can say I’m a little bit of everything good!

I’m very easygoing and quite polite if I don’t say so myself. I never demand anything, although I might suggest things with my tiny and sweet meow. Humans peek my curiousity and I’ll always graciously acknowledge you. I’ll even follow you around to keep you company or if you’re up for it, to get some nice belly rubs and cuddles from you.

I’m also playful and love a good play session. Whether I’m chasing a wand toy or bunny kicking a catnip toy, a daily dose of a active fun always makes me happy. It also helps my overall health. As you can see, I’m a tad bit chonky and am working on getting to a better weight. My foster humans recently transitioned me to wet food and are feeding me at designated times which will also help a lot. No more free fed kibble for me!

I do prefer to be your one and only fur baby. I’m so well-rounded,... purrsonality-wise, not just physically... all you’ll need is me! Are you looking for a pawsome Tortie like me to join your family?

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12140

01/16/2025

Hi! I’m Louie, a 1-year-old boy. I was rescued at Peninsula Humane Society.

I am sweet, playful, and energetic. When you come home, I’ll run to greet you at the door with cuddles and kisses. I adore playing with moving objects, especially wand toys. I thrive in a setting where humans can commit their energy to playing with and stimulating me. I also enjoy relaxing and watching humans do chores around me. I’m not particularly vocal but make it clear when I want to play.

I love being around humans; I’m comfortable and outgoing when meeting new humans. When sleepy, I always find myself purring in someone’s lap and enjoying pets and head-rubs. I’ll frequently place a gentle paw on my companion’s arms and cheeks to let them know I want more chin rubs. I also appreciate being groomed with a brush while I relax. I can sometimes become a little overstimulated so I need a family who respects this.

I am extremely smart and am easy to train with clicker training. I know how to sit, high five, jump on command, and spin; currently, I’m learning to wait and stay before getting a treat placed on the floor in front of me. I’m highly inquisitive and love investigating all the nooks and crannies inside and observing all the activity outside through the window.

Despite my inquisitiveness, I’m respectful of furniture and avoid scratching or chewing on objects around the home. I love sitting atop my perch on a couch or table where I can see the activities going on around me. I would also appreciate a larger living space, no studio apartments for me.

I can be a bit naughty at times. I was raised as an only cat, so I didn’t really learn some manners. Like when you move me it’s not ok, I can give a bit of attitude and at times be a little bitey. If there’s another kitty in my life they need to be confident. What I really need is an adult-only family that is appreciative of my naughty ways and can help me learn my manners.

See more of me in foster

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12138

01/16/2025

Hi! We’re Mimi and Izzy, bonded 8-month-old sisters! We were rescued from a cat colony in Tracy, CA. We’re tuxedo twinsies with complementary purrsonalities.

I’m Izzy, a confident, friendly and energetic kitten. I’m the confident sister and am quick to warm up to new humans, new environments, and even new furiends. When I see the resident cat I purr up a storm and run over to him to rub up against his super floofy fur. I like to think of myself as the big sister and am always looking out for Mimi to make sure she feels comfortable.

I love to play and have lots of energy to keep play sessions going strong whether they’re with our foster human or my sister Izzy, or both! Wand toys, tunnels, plush mice… you name it, I’ll play with it. I especially love to show off my hunting skills when the wand toy comes out! And when I’ve exhausted my energy, I’m all about snuggling with my sister for a power nap.

I’m Mimi, a sweet, shy and playful kitten. I’m the shy sister and it takes me some time to open up in new environments and around new humans. I tend to err on the side of caution but steadily gain confidence each and every day. When it’s time to play, count me in! I love to play and I’m not picky when it comes to toys.

Are you looking for two adorable Tuxedo sisters to add to your family? Adopt us: www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12119

See more of us in foster

01/15/2025

Hi! We’re Peanut Butter and Jelly, 3-year-old bonded pair! 🥜🍓🥪

We were adopted out from GMS as kittens, but recently returned, because our family decided that they’re too busy to keep us 😿😿 we were heart-broken, because we thought family meant forever…💔

We’re an inseparable brother and sister pair with our own unique purrsonalities that make us a purrfect match, or as we like to say, a dynamic duo!

I’m Peanut Butter, the “big brother” and the shy and affectionate one. I’ve been told I’m a lap dog stuck in a cat’s body. I form strong bonds with the humans I sway and I shower them with endless cuddles and warmth. I might be a bit reserved around new faces but once I feel comfortable, my loving nature shines through brightly. I also take on the caring older sibling role, ensuring my sister has a playmate and partner in all of our antics.

I’m Jelly, the bold and adventurous “little sister.” I always take the lead and am the first to greet guests and explore new surroundings. I’m especially charming with kids and unafraid to dive into the action. My curious and social demeanor purrfectly complements Peanut Butter’s quieter nature.

Together, we are a playful and heartwarming pair. Whether we’re chasing laser pointers, darting after feather toys, or engaging in our favorite sibling games, we fill the home with laughter and joy. Our close bond is evident—for example, if one of us gets stuck in a closet or cabinet, the other will sound the alarm and meow in concern.

Cuddly, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining, we bring love, fun, and companionship to everyone lucky enough to meet us!

Adopt us: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=11667

01/15/2025

🚗🐾 Join Our Mission to Save Lives! 🐾🚗

We’re looking for cat lovers in San Francisco to become Transportation Heroes for rescue cats! 🐱✨

Our amazing current volunteer is leaving SF, so we urgently need YOUR help to keep these kitties get around SF!

As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in our mission:
🚕 Driving cats from foster homes to our shelter coordinator’s home for upcoming vet visits
🏡 Helping cats move between foster homes
🐾 Transporting cats to and from Petco for monthly adoption events

It’s simple! On average, you’ll drive 1-3 times per week, making a direct impact on these furry friends’ lives—all within SF.

Ready to roll?
📧 New to us? Email Maria at [email protected]
📱 Know Maria? Just text her!

Let’s hit the road for the cats! Together, we can make a difference! 💕

01/14/2025

Hi! I'm Honey🍯, a 9-month-old girl. I was found abandoned in a feral colony in Lathrop, California.

I’m super adorable, with fluffy fur, gray-colored mane, and honey boba eyes. I’m a long but petite little girl. Purrrsonality-wise, I’m confident, sweet, cuddly, curious and playful.

I am not shy and I was ready to check out my foster home and meet my foster family after decompressing for only half a day. I will readily come out to be a part action as soon as I hear that you’ve come home, and I like to give a few sweet meows to let you know I’ve missed you.

I am human-oriented and I love receiving attention. I like to be close to my humans and when you pet me, I’ll purr softly. I also love to cuddle in bed. I’ll climb onto your chest and keep a paw on your face while we fall asleep together. I am full of love for my humans and I crave their companionship!

I have a fun and playful side too. While I no longer have crazy kitten energy, I do appreciate an interactive play session daily. And I’ve been having lots of fun checking out all the toys at my foster home.

I'm an all-around purrfect cat if I may say so myself. Are you ready to add lots of cuteness and love to your home? I can be your only cat or be a furiend to your cat.

You can see more of me in my foster home here .

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12195

01/14/2025

Hi! I'm Millie, a 4-month-old girl! I was found at a ranch in Galt, CA.

I’m an adorable, playful and affectionate kitten with the cutest Calico markings on my head, legs, and tail.

I warm up fairly quickly in new environments and around new humans, especially when I receive lots of physical affection. Nothing makes me feel more treasured than receiving pets, scritches under my chin, soothing rubs on my cheeks. When I first arrived in my foster home, I kept going to my foster mom for reassuring pets and scritches and she spoiled me silly with lots of them. It was great! And now that I’m feeling comfy here, I’m still enjoying lots of loving attention from her and with my charm, I know it will never end, yay!

It only took me a day to join in on the fun and start playing. I especially love to jump and pounce like I’m a lion hunting out in the wild. Wiggle a wand toy or slide a string toy across the floor and my mighty little body will spring into action.

I’m looking for a home with a playful furiend and family who will shower me with love. Do I sound like the purrfect kitty for you? Apply for me and let’s find out if I am!

You can see more of me in my foster home here .

Adopt: https://www.givemesheltersf.org/mobile/animal.php?id=12194

Address

P. O. Box 411013
San Francisco, CA
94141

Website

http://www.givemesheltersf.org/, https://linktr.ee/givemesheltersf

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Saving Cats from Abuse, Abandonment, and Neglect

Founded in 2003 by Lana Bajsel, Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue (a registered 501(C)3 non-profit organization), has worked tirelessly within the San Francisco community to help stop the overpopulation of abandoned and unwanted adult and senior cats.

As a small group of dedicated volunteers, we try to save as many feline lives as we can. We provide behavioral and medical intervention, unconditional love and a safe haven while we seek new forever homes for our feline friends.

As many of you know, the odds are stacked against older cats that are placed in local shelters. Here in San Francisco, most adult cats are at a 70% risk of being euthanized, whether it is due to their age, easily treatable medical conditions, or due to the stress of being placed in a shelter. We believe that adult and senior cats, with their typically calm personalities, can make the best of family pets. Our mission is to rescue these cats and find them loving, permanent homes through fostering and active adoption strategies.

Every time you adopt a cat from us, you allow us to save another cat that would have otherwise died. We receive new cats into our system almost every week. Our website is constantly being updated, so please check back often!