Had a great time shopping here with my daughter. We found some treasures and met a lot of cats! I love being able to visit the cats while supporting a great cause. I found a great Tahari top in the .50 bin! I also picked up a Nespresso Vertuo chrome to bring to the office. My daughter found some great purses. If you're allergic to cats, you're not going to be able to shop here but if you're looking to visit some cats, and possibly adopt one, you can do that here as well as find some bargains. Everyone was very helpful and amazingly friendly. I'm happy I made the trip, it was worth it. read more

See all

PROS: The ladies that run this are very nice and they have a lot of cats for adoptions. Good amount of parking for this size shop as well. A good variety of items for good prices and everything is organized CONS: The odor is horrendous here. I know its a adoption place but they need to spray pet friendly air freshener more often OVERALL: As long as you don't mind the smell I think this is a quaint place to do thrift shopping or to adopt a kitty read more

See all

Wow! I can't even put into words how awful this place is for these poor cats! I was there today for the first time. Immediately I noticed the stench of cat urine and feces! Disgusting! I saw probably about 15 cats in this teeny tiny over crowded shop. The floors were ripped to shreds, and it doesn't look like it has been updated in the 30 years they claim to be around. Honestly, if I didnt know better, I would think this is a hoarders home. It was a mess. Cat litter everywhere, cats hissing and fighting. I can't believe Westwood township is even allowing this to happen in their town. How is this place not shut down?? Board of health DO BETTER! I'm heartbroken that these cats have to live like this. I will be calling the board of health first thing in the morning. Please people, do not support this joke of a "rescue" You are only enabling them. What an awful place! read more

This a very well run shelter and thrift shop. I volunteer and can't say enough about it I love all the cats they are very socialized.and well taken care off.its a good place to stop in and have fun at the same time. read more

I want to express my great respect and thankfulness for the people who volunteer in this rescue organization and its thrift store. If not for them, many animals would die outside. They take cats left behind by their owners and end up without food or shelter on the streets. I am happy that every "penny" I spend in their Thrift Store goes directly to the homeless cats' rescue mission. Since my first visit, this thrift store has become my favorite. It is a perfect place for a treasure hunt, and the variety of vintage and antique items is fantastic. The prices are unbelievably affordable. read more

This shop is a gem! They provide home for those who can't speak, and sell great merchandise! The stuff is always nice and eager to help! The dedication of these people is beyond wonderful! Stop by (there is no hair on merchandise, like mentioned in another review), pet the kitties, adopt a friend and get something for the house while you are there! read more

I go there at lease once a month,Always find something nice, dishes, art etc. Volunteeres are very dedicated and helpful

A resale shop that boasts a beautiful array of clothing and accessories - and cats. For any woman who loves cats and clothes, look no further. You would be surprised how many designer items you'll come across as the shop really does enjoy a devoted community of donors. I'm always happy to pass my barely-used tops and dresses (and shoes) on to this wonderful place, knowing the funds go to rescue cats in crisis situations. And the cats themselves are such a delightful addition to the atmosphere - they're gorgeous and mostly delighted to see you. And if they aren't thrilled with you, give them time. Cats just need to be seduced, and they're yours for life. read more

Terrible experience. We were driving by last weekend and saw they had a sandwich board outside saying they were doing cat adoptions. I've been wanting to get a kitten, so we stopped in. We walked in and headed to the 2 adult cats in cages in the store. I pet one of them and then we stood there awkwardly waiting for someone to greet us or even just acknowledge our existence. Finally, we saw a woman walk behind the counter, so we knew she worked there, and got her attention. We told her we were looking to adopt a kitten. She asked us a few questions, and we indicated that we were just looking for one kitten. She said that typically they only adopt out kittens in pairs, but that there was an odd litter that was about 6 weeks, so we could possibly take the odd one. She showed us a picture of the cute little grey and white kitten on her phone. She said the litter would be at the event the following weekend. She advised us to fill out an application online ahead of time and come back. I filled out the application Thursday and didn't receive any reply, so I figured all was well. On their Facebook page, it says the adopt event was from 12-4. We got to the store around 2pm. Again, walked in, not greeted, stood awkwardly by the same two cats that were there the previous weekend. Finally we were asked if we needed help. Explained about last weekend, and we were told the lady who handles the adoptions wasn't there yet, but should be soon. We left to get lunch and returned around 3. We saw the lady from the previous weekend, but she was stepping outside with another couple. When she came back, she just kept complaining about how hot it was and how she needed water. She told us to hold on and went to get a drink. Then she started talking to other people who walked in shortly behind her. I gave an annoyed glance at me boyfriend and I guess she saw, because finally she came over to talk to us. We reminded her that we were there the previous weekend, and we were looking for the kitten she mentioned last time. She said again how they typically adopt kittens in pairs, but they "had a very friendly cat who would do well alone. She just had a litter recently. She's six". Confused, I could only say back "so not a kitten?" To which she arrogantly replied "well no, she's 6" and pointed to a white cat in a cage behind us - a cat who was also there the previous weekend when she promised us a kitten. Then she asked if I got the email she sent me. I said I didn't receive an email. She claimed she probably forgot to click send. My boyfriend made a comment about how maybe she's mistaken us for a different couple, and I chimed in saying the picture you showed us last weekend was of a grey and white kitten. She sort of stumbled over her words, then reiterated that they typically only adopt kittens in pairs. We realized we weren't leaving with a kitten, said ok thanks and left. I was disappointed to not get the kitten she had told us about, and irritated that the treated us like we were stupid and tried gaslighting us. Terrible experience from start to finish. The store itself seemed dumb. There was overpriced jewelry in a case near the cats, along with single random pieces of cosmetics, one of which looked used. The whole place smelled not great, with two cats in cages, and a third to roam freely. Do yourself a favor, go to the Bergen County Animal Shelter and avoid this place at all costs. read more

Several family members, acquaintances, and I have encountered a disconcerting and troubling situation involving Lynn, the owner of this rescue organization.  I believe it is important that animal lovers in this community are aware of the following events. Approximately a month or so ago, my mother encountered a neighbor housing a family of four stray cats - a mother cat and her recent litter - on her property. Given the risks posed by predators such as foxes and coyotes as well as the possibility that the mother could give birth to more cats, my mother decided to undertake the arduous task of rescuing them. After discussions with the neighbor, who agreed to my mother's involvement but declined to assist, my mother initiated the rescue by capturing the cats with the help of a friend. Prior to commencing the rescue, my mother contacted CATS seeking guidance. They conveyed their inability to aid in the rescue phase but affirmed their willingness to accept the cats for adoption after my mother had successfully trapped and vetted them at her own expense. My mother also contacted several other local organizations including CLAWS, which fortunately said that they could provide the appropriate testing and exams at no cost though they not have the capacity to take in the cats at that moment.  Despite her lack of prior experience in trapping cats, my mother persevered and accomplished the stressful and demanding task of trapping all four cats, bringing them to CLAWS for an examination, and ultimately taking them to CATS. A few days after bringing the cats to CATS, my mother visited them and observed that the mother cat exhibited lethargy and rapid breathing. She promptly notified on-site volunteers, learning later that the cat had been spayed while nursing due to an apparent "misdiagnosis." Eager to offer her assistance, my mother immediately applied to foster the cats, recognizing that she could provide an environment more conducive to play and socialization than their current confined space. Upon submitting her fostering application and hearing little from the owner, my mother was subjected to an abrupt home inspection by Lynn. Regrettably, Lynn declared my mother's residence unsuitable, alleging a "musty" atmosphere and insinuating that there was mold. This assertion was perplexing and unfounded, given my mother's meticulous upkeep of her home and the fact that she has three healthy, thriving pets of her own. The baseless implication that her home wasn't an appropriate environment for rescued animals raised a significant red flag. After that, my mother revisited the store, hoping that another individual had stepped forward to foster the cats. Unfortunately, the cats remained confined in a cage that was strewn with feces, vomit, food and litter. Disheartened and dismayed by what she was seeing, my mother renewed her foster request. She proactively addressed the alleged issue by purchasing an additional dehumidifier. Lynn agreed to revisit and evaluate the situation.  However, during Lynn's subsequent visit, she exhibited discourtesy and dismissiveness. Her brief inspection was followed by the comment, "it still smells," before she promptly exited, failing to provide constructive feedback or engage in a meaningful dialogue with my mother.  While rescue organizations possess discretion in selecting caregivers, I find it deeply unsettling that Lynn casually dismissed my mother's foster application and preferred to keep the cats rather than placing them with a capable and willing caregiver. It is disheartening to contemplate that animals are unnecessarily retained by an organization that could be placing them with dedicated fosterers and adopters. Recently, a family friend visiting the store discovered that one of the kittens my mother rescued had contracted giardia while under CATS' care. My mother has since received a vitriolic and unprofessional email from Lynn, confirming our suspicion that a personal bias may be influencing her decisions.  Needless to say, my mom deeply regrets ever having brought the cats she rescued to this organization.  I implore others to scrutinize this nonprofit and hold Lynn accountable. While this organization undoubtedly offers a valuable service to the community, it is distressing to consider that Lynn appears to be the sole decision-maker here and appears to be wielding that decision-making authority arbitrarily and capriciously.  If you ever observe unsafe or unsanitary conditions here or suspect the animals' welfare isn't being prioritized, please report this organization to the proper authorities.  Also, please do your (thorough) research before surrendering a cat to a rescue organization--we learned that the hard way. read more

I've found some treasures here, and the staff is great! I'm happy to support the cause. As a bonus, you usually get to see lots of beautiful kitties when you go there! read more

We adopted our kitty siblings here and could not be happier. I've seen some folks complain that it takes too long go to adopt, but that's just because they care. When we submitted to adopt Kermit, our kitty, he needed to have some teeth removed. Instead of just handing him over and letting us deal with what would be a costly vet bill, Lynn and her team had the procedure done first. They then checked in regularly. Wonderful people. read more

I contacted them on facebook about adopting a cat and they responded after 15 days. It's almost like they did not want me to adopt the cat. Very unprofessional. You guys lost a customer. read more

Caring About The Strays - This was my facebook interaction for an inquiry for a cat. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Westwood, New Jersey

If I could give this organization zero stars I absolutely would. Reading some of these five star reviews it seems like the people in the store or their friends wrote them. There was one previous review about trying to adopt a kitten that is 100% accurate, go read that review it is lengthy but pretty much what you will experience. AVOID this place by all means possible. I hate to say that because these poor babies need to be adopted but it seems like the person running the adoptions makes almost near impossible to adopt. The whole process is ridiculous and she's extremely rude and disrespectful. WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! read more

Smells like cat piss and cat food in the store. Cats everywhere. Cat hair on every item. Disgusting.

I bought a beautiful orange dress here with a lovely turquoise necklace. They have great selection of various things for sale. Plus, there were adorable cats!!! This in one of my new favorite thift stores! read more

This place smells like a Un-neutered cat I guess I would say. I brought over two bags of clothes giant garbage bags filled to the top of nice current designer clothes that someone gave me who is cleaning out. I said I would drop them off over there and let me tell you, I drive the bags and I brought him to the counter. I can even get greeted or even a thank you.. really the ladies just looked at me right in the face with a blank stare. I don't know I drop stuff off there before and I've always been greeted I don't know if you just have a puss face working there or what I know it's volunteer so you really can't fire I someone but why such an awful personality you would think of you volunteer and doing good for the community would be pleasant. I even said you're welcome as I was walking out. And then the woman picked up her head and said oh thank you like I was doing her a favor... I don't know what Covid did to people put this is crazy. I won't bring any more donations back there. I'll bring my handbags and my nice designer clothes to a real consignment shop where I can make tons of money. There is a thrift shop down the road in Oradell across from the Walgreens. She gives you 50% of everything she's sold. I bought a bunch of things into her and I made almost $300 so I guess the cats are on their own at this point. It's a shame. read more

Adopting a cat was too difficult here so I went to CLAWS (Closter Animal Welfare Society) and have had that cat for 7 yrs now. Items are overpriced. That said-- I do purchase quite a bit here Bc they get unique items PLUS I KNOW IT IS HELPING THE KITTENS/CATS who need it. But come on with the prices-make it cheap and move the stuff instead of having it sit there for months. And stop with making adoptions impossible, you are loosing a lot of customers and people who mean well. read more

Great finds! Please include CURRENT pics and descriptions of cats up for adoption on your site! Seems like this is a HUGE missing link in your attempt to find loving homes. read more

It's a great concept and a great cause. It does smell like cats in there, but cats live there waiting to be adopted.

I love the C.A.T.S. Thrift Shop!!! Lots of everything, and every dollar you spend is going to a great cause - helping cats and dogs find new forever homes, and supporting them (Food, Vet Bills, Etc.) in a no - kill setting while they wait. Thrift store, with some very nice consignment items mixed in. You literally never know what you'll find here, everything from soup to nuts, and the volunteers are aces. If you're looking to adopt or might consider fostering a four - legged friend, stop in immediately. On the other hand, if you're just out thrifting, the shop is home to a number of kitties waiting for a new home, so if allergic, this may not be the place for you. read more

The entire store wreaks of cat piss. So disgusting. The employee will make believe she can't smell it. But, cats live in the store among the merchandise. So disgusting. You will open the door and turn right around and leave vowing to never go back there. Do they do good work? Can't tell you, I wouldn't purchase anything from a place that foul. Could be a real good place, but not stinking like that. Surprised it's still open after all these years. Must be a rent-free location. read more

Yes it smells like it's name Caring About The Strays but the caring volunteers are welcoming and helpful and more importantly dedicated to a wonderful cause. I stop in regularly and if I can't find something to buy, I usually leave a small donation. Wonderful place. read more

This is a fabulous thrift shop. The items for sale are clean, displayed beautifully, and of good quality. In addition, the volunteers who work there, are friendly and helpful. Besides clothes and jewelry, they have glassware, paintings, small furniture, as well as assorted shoes, books, and CDs. I love the fact that all proceeds go to help the strays. There are cats fostered in the store, so if you are allergic to cats, take your medicine before walking in the door. read more

Yes, it smells. BUT they are doing AMAZING to help our community. Their cats were so sweet. I bought a TH purse and I use it all the time. Very inexpensive and very fun! read more

I have never ever in my life seen kinder angels in this world than the people that work for this organization! The people that I have met so far that work tirelessly to help these animals find homes, and foster, feed and care for these cats at their own homes are simply the best of the best with hearts of gold! I had the pleasure of meeting Lynn and Sophia so far, and have been blessed with their caring hearts and help! They all care so deeply for each and every animal, and they have been God sent to me. This organization has to be the most deserving and best Organization you could ever make a donation to. IT helps to pay for all the sick animals vet bills, their food, litter etc and care they need. The thrift store on 80 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood, is the best place in the world to donate any items they could sell to help the animals, and the donations to this Organization. I feel the people here that I have met are truly the nicest and best people I have ever met in my entire life! Thank you Lynn and Sophia for all the help you have given me, and thank you to all the others that foster and rescue these poor animals,They decicate their lives to taking care of them, and work tirelessly to find them a loving home. YOu are all such angels on this earth. You literally saved the poor cat I outside that that had never had a break in life, from freezing to death. He was so very sick, and Sophia came immediately and rescued him, and took him to the Vet .She then took him into her own home since New Year's Eve, and has been taking care of him in a room in her own home. CARING FOR THE STRAYS C A T S took on huge vet bills for Viking,to try and make this poor, sick cat better, and she has been loving, and working with him every day, because she knows that Viking has never been loved and taken care of in all the years if his life.He is such a sweet, poor cat, and I truly will always love and be grateful to her for saving Viking, and to Lynn, who cared so deeply about getting poor Viking out of the below freezing temperatures. LYnn you also helped me years ago rescue a cat years ago whom I love deeply, and have in my home for many years now, as I am extremely grateful for your help then also. I will always be forever grateful to both of you! Sophia you made my only Christmas wish come true for taking Viking into your home, and continuing to care for him, and help,and love him every day. Any donation made to this Organization, CARING FOR THE STRAYS, Is truly appreciated by them, and so very desperately needed to help them continuing paying all of their huge Vet bills, food, and care to keep this wonderful Organization going, and saving, rescuing, and taking care of these strays that don't deserve to be unloved outside,freezing, and fighting to survive every day. May God bless Sophia, Lynn, and all the other wonderful, lovely people that work so tirelessly along with them to save these animals lives, and find them a loving home every day! If you can donate anything at all to CARING FOR THE STRAYS C A T S it is truly one of the best Organizations run by angels that truly care about rescuing each and every one of these animals, and finding them a loving home! I am truly in awe of these awesome people and my heart and soul will always be so very very grateful to them! Thank you again Sophia for taking Poor Viking into your own home, and taking care of, and working with him, and giving him the love that this poor animal never had. May God bless you always Sophia, Lynn, and all the other very lovely, beautiful souls that work side by side with them, to make this Organization truly the best one in the world! read more

BEWARE! I recently tried to adopt a pair of kittens from CATS in Westwood. I filled out the application, including three references and a vet reference. I spoke with a lovely person in the office and my application and references were approved with flying colors the next day. I then scheduled a meeting with the kittens in the foster home with my two children. It was love at first sight. The kittens were adorable and friendly and exactly what we wanted. When we arrived, we were told that there was actually a third kitten in the litter, and we met that kitten too. The third kitten was also cute and sweet, but we didn't want to adopt three kittens; we were specifically looking for two, and these two were advertised as a pair and very bonded. The next morning I received a call from the person in the office saying that the cats were ours-- we just had to schedule the foster mom's drop off. The office person sent me several texts telling me what cat food ("fussie cat" wet and Earthborn dry) and litter (Dr. Elsey's) I was to get. I immediately went out and purchased those. She said the foster mother would contact me to arrange delivery, but when I hadn't heard from her by that night, I called her. She texted back that she could not drop the kittens off until the following Wednesday (6 days away) at 7 pm. I responded that we would rather have the kittens before the weekend, but if that was the best she could do, we would make it work. I received no response. The following Monday, the foster mother called to say she changed her mind. We couldn't have the pair of kittens because she had tried over the weekend to separate the third kitten and it was visibly upset and as soon as she brought it back to its siblings after the weekend, the third kitten was all purrs. We needed to take all three if we wanted them. I was angry and felt like I was being forced into a new arrangement. My kids were counting on the kittens now-- we'd spent half the weekend buying a cat tower and toys! At my request, the foster mom had the person in charge of the organization (Lynn) call me. Lynn kept telling me how it was wonderful that the foster mom was so sensitive that she cared only about the best interests of the cats but that I shouldn't worry, because she would make this work. Lynn was going to pair another kitten at another foster home with the third kitten from this litter and I could have my two kittens in a couple of days, as soon as she could convince my cats' foster mother that the third kitten was bonding. I told Lynn that I thought my kittens would be better off bonding with us while waiting for the third kitten to bond but she seemed afraid to go against the foster mother's wishes. I get that Lynn relies on the foster families to actually care for the cats-- this particular foster mother had 9 dogs she said, in addition to many cats (I only saw 6 but I gathered that there were more upstairs)? In any event, there was nothing for me to do but wait. I texted Lynn on Tuesday to ask if the kittens had gotten together yet and how the bonding was going. Lynn replied that we would have our kittens "soon." On Wednesday, I texted again, asking for an update and saying that we were hoping to get the kittens before this weekend (the second weekend since we'd found them). Lynn texted that she was on vacation and said "we're not ready yet." Then today (Thursday, September 1, 2016) Lynn texted me that "one of my friends... would like to open her home and heart to all three" kittens. She went on to say that "This is perfect for them but a disappointment to you and your family." So even though the cats were advertised as a pair, and I was promised the kittens verbally and in two texts, and my kids and I fell in love with them at first sight, and I purchased all of the requested items (and more) and did everything they asked of me, Lynn's judgment was that it was fine to string us along for a full 8 days and then give the kittens to "her friend." Is this really an organization you want to deal with? read more

I spent five hours of my time on a Sunday rescuing a kitten with this organization. I let it be known that if he was cleared I wanted him. I filled out the foster forms and was led to believe he would be mine. They kept him for two weeks and then the owner did not have the nerve to call me herself, she made one of the volunteers call me to say I would not be getting him. She blamed me having an older cat and having to work during the day. She said she wanted him to go to someone who was home all day with another kitten. That is utterly absurd, many people have to work when getting a new pet. Shame on you Lynn for pre-determining what type of owner I would be to this kitten. I would give my right arm for any animal, as I have with my other cats. I have voiced my displeasure to many people now regarding this organization, and the amount of supporters they once had, they have now lost. read more