King Street Cats

I’ve been a volunteer for over 6 years and am constantly amazed at how professional and organized this 100% VOLUNTEER RUN organization has been this entire time. On top of full time jobs, families, other lives outside this shelter, the volunteers and Board still make it a priority to come to the shelter and do what needs to be done to make it a safe haven for the cats in their care. The stories of how these animals come to be at KSC is heart wrenching at times and humorous upon occasion. Through it all, the Board of Directors have been OUTSTANDING in every situation I have ever seen them get into… their poise and cool demeanor under pressure is inspiring. Not once was a rude comment made to those surrendering their pets for a WIDE myriad of reasons (some crazy outrageous reasons and others very legitimate). (Been there for over 6 yrs and seen A LOT.) I am honored to be a part of this organization. Keep up the great work!

I have been volunteering here for over 10 years. So when it was time for me to get new cats of course came here. I love that we don’t give cats to just anyone. They do a great job of trying to vet adopters. Otherwise people do stupid things. Like return a cat after 10 years. Or they let the cats outside. We don’t want those people to adopt our cats. The volunteers all are here for the cats. They clean cages, they med them. They really do all they can to make the cats happy and safe. And because it’s what I call «free-​range» shelter, the cats are well socialized. All of their cats have been vaccinated and fixed. I now have 3 cats from that shelter. I couldn’t imagine getting them from a better place.

I am very disappointed in this place. It seems that it has a history of incompetence that has some validity to it. Like the other posts, I went to King Street to look for a new cat to bring home. I was greeted by many cats and a volunteer. After I filled out the form on what type of cat I was looking for, she pointed out several of them; well really, she went and pointed out all of them. And she completely disregarded my requests on particular characteristics. On a few occasions, she recommended a cat stating they were everything I was looking for. Then come to find out by another volunteer, she lied. Certain qualities were unfavorable to me, such as urinating on carpets by habit when i have wall to wall carpet.
Anyways, I ended up wanting the cat with dwarfism, more so because she was older, very sweet but yet still playful and needed veterinary care. AND I AM A VETERINARIAN. So I had to place an application online, I waited 3 weeks without any response. After 2, I called several times to check the status and they told me a week later that they would reach out to the one person who looks at applications. So the adoptable cat sat there for those 3 weeks and an additional 3 weeks when I received a Declined response. So now how does a veterinarian who answers very vague questions about how she feels about declawing and multiple cats get declined?
The email failed to state my name and the reason for the rejection. I called for another month or more to speak to the ONE person who does applications and I have heard nothing in response.
Something isn’t right and the worse thing to do is have a rescue/​company collecting cats for profit/​donations and not adequately finding homes for them based on unknown judgements.

I have visited King Street Cats several times over the past year and my experiences have always been fantastic. I am a life-​long cat lover, so it has always been hugely enjoyable each time I’ve stopped by for one of the weekend adoption events. I love the fact that the cats have the freedom to roam around the shelter and interact naturally with people instead of being cooped up in cages all day long. I also get the feeling that the staff truly care about the potential adopters as well as the little adoptees — I have never been ignored or given the brush off, even when the room is packed. I have yet to actually go through the adoption process at this location due to an elongated moving process, but when I do finally take home a cat of my own, it will certainly be from KSC.

Look no further, this is the absolute best shelter to adopt a cat in the DC area. The shelter is free-​roam so you can really get to know a cat’s personality rather than just seeing the cat in a cage. The shelter is 100% volunteer and no one gets paid. It’s a no-​kill shelter and King Street often gets cats that are on death row. Adoption counselors are very helpful and caring also. Finally, the fact that King Street is cat only means they are cat specialists.

Horrible horrible horrible. A cat by the name of skyler will continue to sit in that center waiting for a chance. A chance I thought I could give her at a better life. She sits in that room scared and uncomfortable being looked over by everyone due to the amounts of cats. I first saw skyler at a pet store in old town seconds before even having the idea of getting a cat. Helping me as much as I could help her. It just seemed like it was the cat for me. I personally have been going through a tough time full of distrust. When I heard skyler’s background I knew I wanted to at least give it a chance to help better that cats life. I also as many have received a 2 sentence email not even explaining why I was denied. A young professional making a good living looking to make a difference in an animals life. I grew up with 5 different dogs and 2 cats in a great family home. I love animals and was looking forward to a cat. What I got from this email and what I put on my application (nothing but the truth and that she’d be well taken care of) Vivian the «managment» is just a feminist looking in denying homes to cats that just needs a chance. Sad anyone seeking to adapt an animal for 125 dollars vs 50 bucks or free for that matter at city shelter would be denied. Why would you even deny that animals shot at a better life? Volunteers sit there lying to your face and wasting your time to even fill out an application. Good luck I’d never go back even if they ask me to.

I’m a life long animal lover and have lived with cats and/​or dogs all my life.
I appreciate and admire my co-​worker, who is a volunteer at King Street Cats. Her compassionate effort to save abandoned and stray cats is incredible. She fosters cats at her home and frequently has cats at our office in Bethesda, since our location works as a drop off point for volunteers bringing cats from Baltimore.
Last week, three kittens were dropped off at our office. She pulled out the kitty beds, kitty litter and made sure they were fed and comfortable. Since one needed extra care, she was on the phone with a vet asking questions and getting advice on caring for this little animal.
I’m optimistic and hopeful for all animals when I witness this loving dedication to cats and kittens. Volunteers are a special breed and I’m grateful for your work!

This review is about visiting the facility to meet cats, not about the adoption process.
King Street Cats hosts an adoption event each Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 pm — 4:30 pm. It’s pretty much a free for all since the majority of cats are roaming around untethered and cage-​less. The great thing is you know the majority of these cats can get along with almost any other cat. The only animals that appear to be caged are those that may be more difficult to handle. There are cats snoozing all over the place; on mini couches, climbing trees, chairs, boxes, etc. Today, there had to be about 10 black cats piled one on top of another in bunk beds just sunbathing away. It can be a bit overwhelming and difficult to differentiate between all of the cats just because there are so many of them. The volunteers try really had to assist and have spreadsheets on hand, but it can be difficult to know all of the cats’ personalities when they are sleeping so often or when they are so transient. The room is rather small and it can get a little crowded. It can also get smelly.
A cat named Patches has been at the facility for 4 years. Someone came in to sponsor him while I was there. I have no idea why he has not been adopted. He seemed very agreeable and docile to me. Check him out if you visit!
The facility is located in Old Town Alexandria away from the busy section. Parking is plentiful and free. If you are coming from downtown Old Town, you need to take a right onto Dove Street, instead of a left. The street will loop you around to the left since there is no left turning lane.

I’ve gone to King Street Cats (KSC) several times over the past couple of weeks. I lost my own cat from natural causes last year and had to move to a place that does not accept cats. I come to KSC because I miss having a cat. I enjoy playing with the cats. After reading the other Unilocal reviews I am shocked. I have had nothing but pleasant experiences at KSC. I thought. Based on what I have learned and/​or gathered from the volunteers I can clear up a few things. First of all KSC is 100% volunteer ran. It is entirely possible that well one less experienced volunteer may have more knowledge than a more experienced volunteered (when it comes to how long an application may take to process). The shelter does not adopt its cats on first come, first serve basis. I have heard more than one volunteer explain that they match the cat to the person (family) not the other way around. In other words people complaining that they did not receive a cat might merely be based on the fact that the cat they’ve selected is not a right match. I’ve seen the same volunteers multiple times (and they really seem to get to know the cats personalities) so for example a person with a dog might not be a good match with the cat they’ve selected (even if you think so). They’re goal is not to have cats returned (and I’ve been back enough times to see that this does happen). The main women Vivan yes is extremely busy (working at KSC is not her full time job). I think. She’s come in a few times when I have been there. She does take some time to review the applications because again cats are not adopted on first come, first serve basis. Overall this organization really cares about its animals and to complain that you’re not given a cat quick enough is not a fault of the organization from what I’ve seen but rather a very selective process so you and the cat can live happily ever after.

Terrible terrible standards and morals. As the previous reviews state, we were denied our application for no apparent or provided reason. We were denied giving a beautiful kitten a home because the Board chooses to think they know what is best for all cats. It is NOT first come, first serve.
Vivian (the Board) was mean and nasty. The volunteers clueless and full of unrealistic promises. They want your donations but don’t provide homes to cats with loving families!?!
My children were devastated that we did not bring home the kitten we wanted, and still do not understand how we (great income, lovely home, very nice people) could be denied taking a cat home to love for the remainder of its life.
We had just watched our cat die of cancer and wanted a playmate for his surviving sister. But we were denied. Not just denied that particular pet but DENIED from getting a cat from that shelter.
Do not attempt to find the love you want at this place. Avoid it.

You won’t have to look far to see a consistent theme with this place. My wife and I loved the cats and the volunteers, but the management is horrendous. We submitted an application for two pairs of kittens, which we thought would give them some flexibility, meaning if we couldn’t have our first choice, we would gladly accept our second choice. We went days and then weeks without hearing back from them. Every time we called them, we were told that the person reviewing the applications would get in touch with us, but alas they never did. I would have even appreciated them letting us know if we weren’t qualified although we certainly are (married, stable home, jobs, etc.)
I recommend hitting a shelter before paying the extra fees this company charges since they’re not likely to call you back anyway.

I LOVE cats, and was so excited when my husband said I could adopt kittens. We went to King Street Cats on a Sat and spent a couple hours playing with the cats before deciding which pair we wanted to adopt. We put in an application for two different pairs to ensure we got kittens. The application was long and detailed, we spent a while filling out all of the details. I have had many cats before, so I am not unfamiliar with what a good home needs to provide. We left that day excited, and they said they would call us in the next few days to let us know about picking up the cats…3 days came and went, so I gave them a call and left a message. The next day they called back and said they hadn’t had a chance to look at our application yet and they would call back soon. 3 more days went by… so I called again and had to leave another message. A day or two later they called back and said they still hadn’t gotten to our application and that the main person who looks at applications is busy moving houses. I waited another few days and called back. Same answer. This went on for nearly a month. I left one final message asking if this adoption would ever happen and they just never called me back.
My main thought is THOSE POOR KITTIES! I would have provided an amazing home to a pair of kitties from there. I swear these people are not interested in finding good homes for their cats. Oh well… I am going to look for another shelter that actually has responsive people working there! What a waste of time and energy spent on King Street Cats!

Wow what a horrible system. I’ve been a cat owner my entire life. After going to the shelter on a Sunday I found a cat I fell in love with and immediately filled out the application. I was informed I would hear back within 3 – 4 days. A week passes by with no response. I emailed and I called and finally I get a response from «Viven» that she is still reviewing applications. 2 days later I get an email saying my application was denied??? No explanation just says denied. What a horrible place. An innocent cat doesn’t get to come home to a place where we would have spoiled him and treated him amazingly.

Friendly volunteer staff and well-​cared cats. We stopped by to donate cat food and supplies.

I went to KSC with one of my dear friends who had a cat her entire life and was looking to give a kitty a loving home after hers had passed away. She is one of the most responsible people I know, and happens to also be my roommate.
We both immediately fell in love with an adorable orange kitty, and were assured by the volunteers that her application would be approved in about 2 days. We were a bit sad that we weren’t able to take the kitty home that day as she had been researching getting a cat and was 100% ready to take him home, but we eagerly awaited the email that we could come pick him up.
I have a small, 1 year old Pug mix, and he has spent his entire life around cats as my parents and our neighbors own cats that he is always around. He is half Pug, half Norwegian Elkhound and he is only 25 pounds. He is sweet and gentle with cats, and he has been that way his entire life.
When we visited KSC, they assured us that this was a «great» thing and that this would make kitty less lonely when we weren’t at home. They remarked that pugs were known for being great with cats, and I mentioned that so were Norwegian elkhounds, and that both breeds are known to sometimes have cat-​like qualities themselves. I told them how I often tease my dog for behaving like a cat sometimes.
An entire week went by with no response whatsoever. My friend was very anxious and wondered if something was wrong. Her application detailed her experience with cats, her love of cats, and her desire to give a cat a wonderful home. I myself have spent much time volunteering at animal shelters, and I even volunteered at an all-​cat rescue in college where I would give cats their medicine, bottle-​feed the orphaned babies, etc.
Finally, my friend got an email with 1 – 2 sentences basically saying that because we had a «hound» in our house, the application was not approved.
The application she sent in talked all about how much my dog loves cats, and how he has spent almost his entire life around them. Not to mention, my dog is definitely not a «hound» and he has a proven track record of being around cats and small kittens while being the sweetest, most patient dog in the world.
My friend sent a response back politely explaining this, and has never received a reply. Not only that, but the cat that we wanted and they promised us would be «reserved» for us was posted on their Facebook page before they even told her she couldn’t take him home. What a terribly run place.
In happier news, a different animal rescue gladly gave us a kitten and my dog is absolutely in love with him. He lies on the carpet and waits for kitty to come to him, and is just the sweetest most gentle boy in the world.
Clearly, KSC does not like dogs and doesn’t adopt cats into homes with dogs. They should make this known before potential adopters get their hearts broken by their poor management.

My wife and I just adopted our second kitten from KSC and could not have a better experience from the staff.
They are honest and take excellent care of the cats in the shelter.
Highly recommend them to anyone!
Michael

The King Street Cats Adoption policy on their website reads:
«Our adoption process is simple. When you come to the adoption center, you will fill out an application and a volunteer will interview you and ask about your cat knowledge and experience as well as your other pets. If your application is approved, they will help match you to the cat is perfect for your home and lifestyle.»
Sounds simple enough and also like they do a good job getting the cats good homes. However, my experience with KSC was both very strange and in the end quite sad.
I had seen a number of very lovely looking cats on their website. I filled out an application and posted it to KSC. Then I had a long conversation with the director, Vivian. After those two steps were complete, I visited the shelter to meet the cats. One of the very competent volunteers told me that the cat I was interested in originally based on the website description was a little «bitey» and since we have two young children that ruled her out. The volunteer suggested a number of other cats that would be suitable and I fell in love with one of them. I decided not to adopt him on that day because we were going away the following weekend and I didn’t want to leave him at home after he’d just moved in.
I visited the shelter again two weeks later. It was my second visit with this very sweet cat and I was so happy to have found him! I told the volunteers that my application was already at the center and that I would like to adopt the cat. They checked my application and said that it hadn’t been approved. I was quite surprised at this as Vivian had not said anything about this at the end of our long and detailed discussion.
I asked if there was anyway to get in touch with her. I turns out there was no way to get in touch with her and that she was the only person in the organisation that could make any decisions about adoption applications. I thought it was rather strange that the center was open for adoption and yet no one who came in that day would be able to adopt a cat because none of the volunteers could decide that.
When I finally got in touch with Vivian, she told me that my application had not been approved. She couldn’t tell me why and said that the Board of Directors of KSC would have to decide on it. I’d never heard of anything like this before.
I eagerly awaited the Board of Directors’ decision. In the end it came in the form of an email that simply stated that my application for adoption had been denied. There was no explanation. I was surprised and saddened by this. I asked to please be shown the courtesy of an explanation and am still waiting for one. (The only thing I can think of is that I had put in my application that I once lived on a farm, growing up. I wondered if that led KSC to believe that I would not comply with the no outdoors policy even though I had assured them in writing that I would.)
Apart from the whole experience being utterly strange, I found the whole thing very mean spirited. More importantly, a very sweet cat has been denied a lovely home for no apparent reason. That really isn’t in the interest of animal welfare, now is it?

This is a great shelter. It is no-​kill and all the staff are volunteers who truly care about the cats. They have two groups who come in twice a day to help clean, feed and give the cats TLC. Due to the high amount of cats that are neglected this is a huge job and I applaud them for this effort.
I have donated to and adopted from this place and have recommended them to family, friends and co-​workers.
I highly recommend this place if you are looking for a kitten or adult cat. The staff are great at helping you become familiar with the cats so you can pick the right one for you. They also have the option for a private visit during the week so you can really get a sense for the right cat for you.

We got our cat Chloe from them more than two years ago (in 2009). The nice part about KSC is that they get cats from the kill shelters, then hold onto them until they can find them a home (not ‘at risk’ if you don’t take one home); when one of their cats finds a home, that frees up room to go rescue another.
Kind of hard for them to know what lingering health issues they may have, with limited (if any) prior history and limited observation time. Out cat had to have 9 teeth pulled (suspected something was wrong when she was emaciated but wouldn’t eat), and has bouts of URI now and again, but is the sweetest and most loving cat ever, as they described.
They follow up religiously, don’t hound you for donations or volunteerism (but happily accept it when offered), an is one of the best places to find that furry lump of happiness you’ve been looking for. They had a record-​setting 250 cats adopted out this year so far!

My «pet soul mate,» Zsa Zsa, recently died, and the loss was really difficult for me. I’ve started looking for another cat/​kitten, because my remaining cat (Leroy) misses his old companion and I can tell he is bored during the day when I’m at work. (Sidenote: Yes, I am aware of the fact that I am a crazy cat lady. No need to point this out.)
My search for a new feline friend has been difficult, because apparently it is not «kitten season» until March. My boyfriend and I scoured the D/​M/​V area looking for the perfect cat, and during our search we stumbled upon King Street Cats.
In my opinion, the best way to really see a cat’s personality is to observe it in a free roaming room, like the ones they have at King Street Cats. This place is heaven for cat lovers, because there are cats everywhere! I was really happy to have found them after visiting a number of shelters where either the cats were all in cages, or there were only a few in the free roaming rooms.
The volunteers at King Street Cats are also amazing, because they were able to tell us a good deal of information about each of the cats here. When I showed interest in a particular cat, they could tell me his/​her back story, what their personality was like, whether they got along well with other cats, etc. You can tell the volunteers really dedicate themselves to knowing the cats and finding them a good home.
So, if you are searching for a cat, you might want to check this place out. I didn’t find my new furry friend during my recent visit, but I will definitely be going back here until I do find her.