I have been volunteering here for about 2 years. The cats and kittens are sooo cute! I am truly a cat person. We take our time when we adopt our felines, at least 2 visits before the process can be done. Hopefully we will move to a new building soon. read more

We just came from Pet Supplies Plus with a backseat full of donations. We could not have given them to a kinder or more appreciative recipient. When I pass, I would like to leave a large enough part of my inheritance for them to acquire new facilities. read more

Meow meow meow meow... *sing with me* Meow meow meow meow... Do you like cats? Do you like lots of cats? Then you must visit Cat Guardians. The only animal shelter I have ever visited was in Chicago and the cats were housed inside cold metal cages. They looked frightened and isolated. Here at Cat Guardians, inside the basement of a two-story white house, cats roam free...about 50 of them to be precise. Cat trees full of cats! A cat bed on every surface. As soon as I sat down, there was a cat in my lap! Metal cages are reserved for those that wish to be isolated because they are scared or those that need a trip to the vet. There's even a "Quite Room" where a few cats elected to stay because they prefer to be away from the crowd. Does it smell like a litter box? Absolutely! There are 50 cats in there, of course it's going to smell like a litter box. If I go to a horse stable, it's going to smell like poop, that's just the nature of things. Volunteers were there (as they are twice a day) cleaning the shelter and socializing with the cats. They did a great job keeping the place clean because there was no fur flying everywhere nor litter on the floor. The cats themselves seem happy, healthy and well fed. I wanted to take some home with me. There were many sweet cats with beautiful coat that loved to be brushed and petted. There were also a few long-term resident cats that will probably spend the rest of their life in this shelter since they are not social. You have to check out Frankie while you are here. He's an orange and white cat...THE biggest orange and white cat I've ever met! I don't mean fat, either, he's just a big boy. You can't miss him. Adoption fee is $120, which may seem steep but is a bargain since all of the cats are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on all shots, microchipped, and tested for FIV and Feline Leukemia. The website has information about cats that are available for adoption and you can come see them first hand at the shelter. The shelter is opened to the public on Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. read more

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love this place please, please support them, any amount will help for food and meds for the cats/kitens..God will love you for helping this little "children" of his. read more

Cat Guardians is a wonderland for cat lovers. This small shelter tucked in a small, unassuming home on St. Charles Road in Lombard is filled with purring, chirping, furry love. The cats are extremely well-cared for and knowledgeable and valued volunteers staff this cattery on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. My mother and I were amazed by the through history of cats in the center as told to us by Amita or Amitra (a volunteer and board member). She truly loves these purr-fect creatures with all her heart and it shows! Today, they were having their annual bake sale and we bought some delicious sugar cookies that I will take to work on Monday for my co-workers that will support the shelter and the care of each of these beautiful and wondrous felines whose amber, golden, and green eyes gaze into your soul and pull at your heart strings. We also bought a cookbook with some very tasty and appetizing recipes that are sure to please the palate as well. We are so glad that we found this cat paradise that every cat lover in the area should visit! read more

I'm sure they really care about these cats, and I understand the rigorous screening process. I have volunteered at cat shelters before, myself. I've seen the cats who get adopted and then dumped back on the shelter for the stupidest of reasons. So I understand why the people who run the shelter want to make really certain that the cat is going to a good, *permanent* home. But Cat Guardians is, frankly, filthy. After my cat passed away, I stopped in to check the place out. I wasn't quite ready to adopt, but I knew I would be eventually. I almost walked right back out. It is literally a basement filled with about 50 felines. There is no accomodation for cats who might be having trouble adapting to such a chaotic environment and anyone who has seen two cats meet for the first time can easily understand why that's a problem. Some of the cats there looked scared out of their minds, and I was constantly hearing hissing. There's litter on the floor. Every horizontal surface is covered with dust and dirt. The whole place is just plain filthy. It looks it hasn't seen a vacuum cleaner in months, and the air is stagnant and filled with dust. I really hate saying anything bad about a place that exists to rescue animals. Look, I'm sure it's really hard to keep a place with so many cats clean, but that cannot be healthy, for the cats or the people who work and visit there. I have literally seen shelters that were shut down that were cleaner than this place. read more

The "shelter" is a basement of a house that isn't very clean. I do not believe the cats live there - I think they are in foster care when the "shelter" isn't open - but the conditions are still unacceptable if you ask me. Cat hair everywhere and very little fresh air. I had a weird breathing reaction after being inside for 10-15 minutes that I've never ever had before to ANYTHING, including other shelters. I had to literally run out of there to catch my breath. My husband and I saw a very friendly cat who practically jumped in our arms when we walked through the door. She had been in foster care since being born and was around eight months old. The foster lady was there and when my husband asked how come a sweet cat hadn't been adopted yet, her answer was "oh there's been plenty of people interested but I'm very picky about who takes my cats". *Rolls eyes* Trust me, I understand they want the cats to go to good homes, but there's a difference between requiring an adoption application and severe scrutiny. I would not visit that place again due to my breathing reaction alone, plus the staff seemed just a wee bit on the crazy cat lady side of things, if you get my drift. read more

This weekend, Cat Guardians, a local cage less shelter held their 18th Annual Chocolate Sunday Plus event. Though I have not been at the last couple of Chocolate Sunday's, it was interesting to see how they have evolved since then. When I arrived, even though I knew where I was going, this spot is on a very main drag. I think if they had upped their game in terms of outside "signage" they would have garnered a few drive by folks, as well as those that routinely attend. The VFW hall where the event was held had been redone and the main room was comfortable. This year there were a number of other improvements to this great cause that I believe deserve a Yelp. First and foremost, the silent auction gift baskets were plentiful and, even better, they were the type of baskets you actually would want to bid on. Loaded with gift cards, movie tickets, hockey tickets, it was very nice to see. They almost needed more room to allow for the viewing. The event had nice decorations and they also had a video going throughout of some of the creatures who have either been adopted or are seeking adoption. Another plus: the coffee was great! And that was necessary because there were a ton of sweets on their sweet table. I don't think they had as many "professional" pastries as in the past, which either for consumption or sale would have been a great thing. I hope they will also consider making an adjustment, for the future. On entering, there was a table for sign in and purchasing your ticket with a ton of volunteers congregated there. I found out, after the fact, that they were selling raffle tickets for additional gift certificates, but that was not mentioned at the door. They might have nabbed a few extra bucks for the tabbies had they been a little more aggressive on that. There were volunteers placed at various spots for quick clean ups or to explain certain auction items, but when the announcements of "winners" came, did they use the fancy well lit stage to announce? Nope, this was done, again, by the group of volunteers congregating at the door. From what the ladies next to me were saying, this is one of their biggest fund raisers of the year. Hopefully, when the powers that be review their event they will consider an adjust to their logistics, plus a few little additional touches, to up the anty to help their feline friends. Still, an A-Ok event that was nice to attend. read more

To the people that gave the bad report on the conditions, I'd like to ask you a question. Where do you think these cats would be if it weren't for Cat Guardians?! They would be on the street with no food, love, or shelter. They would be hit by cars because "some" people don't value their lives and they would get killed by other predatory animals that are around this area. Regarding their adoption process, I wish you could have been there when I picked up my Petey. There was a couple there that I wouldn't trust a ROCK with no matter a pet that I've nursed back to health because someone tortured it. AND this does happen. This organization pays all their medical bills, ensures shots are received, helps with trimming claws, loves them unconditionally, and the MOST important thing...it's a no-kill shelter. No matter if they are feral, blind in one eye, or near death, they hold on to the cats and give them as much as they can. They even told me that if Petey needed a surgery or something I couldn't afford to take care of myself, they'd help! They said, they're a phone call away. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is why you are allowed to give yours. Here is mine....you should be ashamed of yourself of being judgemental about something you don't understand. Instead of complaining about it online, why don't you fork out some cash and donate to them or maybe give up some of your time to help. Cat Guardians...you are doing an excellent job with the resources you have. Don't let the nay-sayers get you down! Like I told you before, adopting Petey from you was a joy. Keep up the good work and know you are a Gift from God with the way you take care of these animals. Lisa T read more

Not much to say other than they care about their animals and do go through a thorough review of applicants. They are a no-kill shelter, which is amazing. They also keep the shelter clean and everything has a place and purpose. read more

A very nice little cat shelter. After speaking to the folks who run Cat Guardians, it is clear that each cat receives much love and care regardless of age, from kitten-hood to old age. The goal is to provide a permanent home for every cat, but when this isn't possible they are guaranteed a place to live and be cared for. I have visited on numerous occasions and always wish I had room for another cat in my home. They have many lovely cats and kittens available to adopt. read more

Love this rescue. Hard working volunteers saving lives. My daughter adopted her cat here on my recommendation. Easy process. Sweet girl. The shelter is in the basement though the cars are in foster homes. Freshly painted with a drop ceiling. The cats were lounging on cat trees and pet beds. There's a fenced pen outside for supervised playtime. read more

Cat Guardians was the first animal shelter I went to when I was looking for my first kitten. The place was really easy to miss as it looks like a normal home on a busy street. I kind of had a hard time finding the entrance since there were no clear signs of direction to the basement. And the smell, it really took me by surprise... I tried so hard to stay but the smell was suffocating me. I managed to hold my breath long enough to take a look around. They did have many adoptable cats, but not many kittens. And a lot of them were very aloof, so I didn't feel any kind of attachment toward any specific cat. The one good thing I do remember is the people. Everyone was nice and knowledgeable, and you can tell they really had a deep passion for cats. Also, it was nice of them to pass out a list of shelters around my area, which made my search a lot easier. I would call them for any cat related questions, but most likely not stepping into their basement again if I can avoid it. read more

Well we went there because we were doing research about where there where kittens to adopt. When we got there they were all really nice but once we decided that we were going to adopt a kitten the lady started getting somewhat mean with us. I had only gotten to play with the kitten for maybe about ten minutes and then she took it from me. Then we were talking about declawing it and one lady said well we only allow you to declaw two paws not all. So we said ok thats fine it makes sense and then all of a sudden the lady who rudely took the kitten from me said NO you are not declawing that kitten and you can not adopt one of my kittens! After that we got up and left. Just the fact that she denyed me the ablitly to adopt a kitten right afer I had told her I just put my down really annoyed me. I really would not suggest this place! Go somewhere else read more

So my cat passed away. I grew up with catsThe cats were always the kings of the castle..I took it hard and than after 6 months decided to adopt again. I took a visit to The cat guardian shelter and found it to be clean. In the past it was I think unkept and smelled very bad. Looks like they did some rehab new floors ect. The place is 100 times better and will say is kept very clean now. Im happy to see that for the cats . Anyway I was greeted by a very unwelcoming lady. I told her that my cat had passed away due to liver and kidney issue's and she began to grill me like I had murdered my cat, HER RESPONSE WAS THATS WIERD. I told her i grew up with cats and again she grilled me like I wanted to adopt a cat to sacrifice it or do something to it. I know this sounds ridiculous but she was completely rude. I told her I was specifically looking for a male and my family prefers males. She instantly had an attitude because I had a preference. Just about every cat I picked she said it came with a female companion and needed to be adopted together. This was so weird to me that the volunteer would treat an eligible applicant in the manner she did. Lets see, I own a 4 bedroom clean brick home with my spouse and son. The house has endless windows and 3 sets of sliding glass doors that any cat would love.Our previous cats were brothers and lived with us for 19 and 20 years. Our pets are well taken care. I think its safe to say, I know and love cats. Bottom line is most of the cats at that shelter arent adoptable and have been there for many years because of the voluteers. They clearly cant and wont let them go. And again if she treats people the way I was treated THAN I COMPLETELY feel so sorry for those cats that are missing out on good loving homes. Volunteer lady ,when you treat people this way its rude and completely uncalled for. If your going to investigate and give the spanish inqusition, do it nicely. If your goal is to find these cats good homes treat people with respect and build the repore so they can be open with you. As for us we will find a nice pair of male cats elswhere. God bless you the Queen lady since your all those cats have!!!! Keep them all. read more

These ladies are the sweetest and absolutely love the cats there. We brought out cat home about a month ago and love him to pieces. They have to ask questions because they are supporting these cats. All of the volunteers dedicate their lives to helping the cats and want to see that they'll go to a home free of abuse and neglect. Sadly, this does happen in the world and they do get cats that have been in such circumstances. The cats do not live in the shelter, they live with their "foster" parents in their homes. We brought home our cat and they gave us food, vitamins, toys...you name it! They are incredibly dedicated and I couldn't recommend them enough! read more

Wonderful no-kill cat shelter. Cats of all ages receive life-long care from kittenhood forward to adoption. A great place to adopt a cat of any age. read more

What a super organization! These people give it everything they've got! The animals are treated like they are family and potential adopters are well screened. I give them two thumbs up!! read more

I can't say enough about how wonderful this shelter is. The cats were so clean, healthy & happy. They are free to roam and play. The volunteers are so loving and caring. These cats are treated like family. It was so clean my husband with asthma had no problems. That's amazing!!! Everyone was so nice at helping us find the perfect cat for our family. Thank You Cat Guardians for bringing Rio into our lives. My son is no longer scared to go to bed, now that he has his guardian angel kitty cat Rio to snuggle with. read more

I agree that I feel guilty being less than generous about an organization that exists to help animals. All the same, this shelter sort of crossed into hoarding territory with far too many cats for the space. Cats, unlike dogs, are not pack animals, and many of the cats clearly found it stressful to share a semi-finished basement with 49 other kitties. My recently deceased cat routinely slept on my chest and face, but after five minutes in Cat Guardians, I could hardly draw breath. This may be done out of the kindest motives, but the lack of sanitation and cramped, over-crowded environment are also cruel. read more

The cat guardians were at the pet expo but their volunteers were not friendly. My daughter donated a dollar for a cat lid and they did not see her do it and then they ran after her to tell her so. Another volunteers said they saw her contribute, but the woman who accused her did not even apologize. The people who represent your organization should be people friendly and remember they may be the only chance to make a good impression read more

I adopted a 5 month kitten from this shelter and have had no problems with Cheeko. He fit right in with my two other older neutered cats. Tthe volunteers here were wonderful. They are caring, very knowledge group of dedicated volunteers who try to VERY HARD to keep the shelter clean and welcoming and the cats healthy with the limited funds that they have. read more