We had an outstanding experience adopting a pair of kittens from Des, the director of Uptown Cats. He can be found outside the Barnes & Nobles on 82nd and Broadway on (most) Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check his website for details; he's pretty good at responding to e-mails and very good at answering phone calls. Des has been great since day 1 when we adopted the kittens. He keeps in frequent touch with us and helps ensure that our kittens stay healthy, up-to-date with their vaccinations and de-worming medicine. We could not have asked for a more supportive rescue director, and most importantly, it is apparent that Des truly loves cats, especially those in his care. I feel that commenting on V C.'s review is necessary because our experience stands in sharp contrast to her's. My partner and I also work long hours, and we disclosed this during the adoption process. Needless to say, Des treated us courteously and respectfully. He was happy to discuss with us the best methods for caring for kittens despite working outside the home for the majority of the day. So, had V C. perhaps explained her profession and its time commitment to Des, I am confident that her experience would have been vastly different. read more

Uptown Cats - Kittens! Thanks Des! - Animal Shelters Near Me - New York, New York

Des is THE BEST Although we didn't get to adopt, we fell in love with a bonded pair of brothers, and we only could take care of one. He was incredible to work with in the process. You can definitely feel his passion, care and expertise with his kitties. It was a pleasure from the moment we contacted him. He was super responsive and caring. If you can't adopt, please donate to his cause. He truly cares for his cats and his work is a blessing. read more

I reached out to Uptown Cats last March after I found an injured stray screaming outside my apartment. They went above and beyond to guide me through rescuing and taking care of the little guy. They even found us a sponsor who paid for his initial vet bills. A year later, the stray I found is my best friend and partner in crime. He has completely changed my life. I am so grateful for all the help Uptown Cats provided. They truly care about cats. They never once saw mine in person, but they treated our case as though it was one of their own. read more

We adopted the most adorable pair of kittens that Des rescued from a junk yard on 177th. He was incredibly supportive and helped our boys get settled. Truly he went above and beyond and is a true angle to felines. read more

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Des is a true, true cat lover and sweet human being. I adopted my beautiful and amazing kitty from Uptown Cats and it was a super smooth and professional process. Des truly cares for every single cat in his care and makes sure they don't leave his care until they have found the BEST home for their particular personality/needs. As an animal LOVER even I was impressed by his going-the-extra-mile for these kitties. Uptown Cats made sure I had all the answers I needed as a new pet owner. They truly went above and beyond to ensure the best scenario for both the kitty and myself --- I would highly recommend them to anybody looking to adopt. You will not regret it. read more

THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON MY INTERACTIONS WITH THE DIRECTOR--NOT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CATS OR THE MISSION. Great mission, horrible director. I decided to go with another adoption place, and Des sent me the most inflammatory, unprofessional email. He took it really personally and attacked my character and the character of the woman I adopted from. I love the mission, but Des makes it really hard for me to ever recommend this place to anybody. Be warned: Des doesn't handle rejection well, but I'm sure he's great if you choose to go with them. read more

Originally Des was a godsend. Things I would like to suggest as this is not a bashfest: 1) Throughly screen your adoptees, which INCLUDES making sure they're not allergic to this cat! Allergies vary, so maybe have them spend some time with the cat. 2) Ensure you get the paperwork before you give the cat away/get the cat, if you want to avoid a repeat. We were lenient but I can see what happens when you don't get your way. 3) No matter what the outcome treat the humans with RESPECT just as you would the cats!! Now how would I even want to adopt a cat type I might not be allergic to, considering how you acted towards me? Story below. I had severe allergic reactions to two babies I picked up off Craigslist as their original owners had no other place to go. (Note: I didn't know this when I got them; I wasn't carelessly adopting.) Des approached me after I had posted one of the two cats in hopes of finding her a new home. We talked more about the organization and, as I felt comfortable in having him assist me with finding homes for the cat(s), I surrendered one of the two - as there wasn't space for both - and I was told my girl would be going to a home. Weeks past and, though I never got to see the fate of my cat Pancha, Des gave me occasional reports that she was fine and would be staying with him and his current group of cats since the hopeful adoption for her had fallen through. I had another cat that I had also wanted Des' help of placing, and though he was reluctant at first, offered to help me out. After searching we found a great home. Unfortunately, these owners were also unknowingly allergic to him, so I was asked to take him back immediately. Keep in mind, I still hadn't officially surrendered my boy cat (i.e. paperwork), so this was fine. When I arranged to meet and get the cat at my home, he asked what I was doing working at night. I drive taxis part-time to pay student loans, which made him remark: "That's dangerous. I don't think you should have the cat/drive." I hear that I shouldn't drive, NOT be banned from a cat.... but he then added: "What would happen to the cat if something happened to you? You shouldn't drive then." Strange....He eventually admired how hard I worked. MONTHS went by at this point, with one or two updates on what would be happening with the cats - which is understandable as winter is a dead season for adoptions and I think he would be more focused on saving strays, which I admire. Now as it is mid-February, I get a voicemail/email from Des about proceeding to prepare CJ for adoption again. I got not even 2 days to contact him back when he starts to CALL ME REPEATEDLY at midnight. On a WEEKNIGHT. Since there was so much time passed between finding him a home I also took it upon myself to try and find members in my close group of friends and family to take care of my boy cat, since I was still having allergic reactions Claritin couldn't handle. I luckily had *just* found one a few days prior, and was planning on mailing Des to update him so that he wouldn't plan in error to still adopt him out. The kicker? When I told him, he goes "And you weren't planning on telling me? I still have legal rights to him you know." Do remember that I had never legally signed away this second cat, so I actually had free will. He then proceeds to end the call with a classic: "You know what? F**K you, Jennifer! F**K YOU!" and hung up. Des is great at what he does, really. I'm sad (and now scared) that I haven't been provided with more details for my baby Pancha, and hope whoever might get her - if anyone - takes good care of her. I am also now Extremely Relieved that I did not surrender my second cat fully, seeing the immature and extremely unprofessional reaction Des had to not laying his claws into getting my cat. Des had done me a great favor in helping my cats, as his mission is intended to help STRAYS, so I am grateful at that much. However, how can you say you love cats and then react as you do when you can't grab them for yourself? read more

Found an abandoned cat in our building and Des was the first person to get back to us after calling a number of shelters. Even though he didn't have room for the cat into their shelter, Des provided so much support in trying to find a cat a home, making a craigslist post and video, connecting me with potential adopters, and coaching me on how to handle the various challenges that came up. A completely invaluable local organization with pure compassion for animals at the heart of their mission. They are truly angels and the world needs more organizations and people like them. read more

I adopted 3 cats from Uptown Cats over the years and Des is the definitely the cat whisperer. He genuinely cares and understands the cats he cares for. I adopted a beautiful tuxedo cat for my parents and then my husband and I adopted 2 tortoise shell Calico sisters! I highly recommend Uptown Cats because Des takes the time to learn the personalities of each cat so he can match them to the right homes. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about Uptown Cats. The owner / director Des is a terrific person who genuinely cares about the animals above everything else. We adopted our cats from him 5 years ago, and we still keep in touch. He has dedicated his life to the welfare of the animals in his care, and he takes his responsibility to heart. If you're looking to adopt, or to support a shelter organization, you cannot do any better than Uptown Cats. Five stars (or more). read more

We adopted a kitten from Des at Uptown Cats and are so glad we did! A beautiful little orange tiger boy who we named Ajax and has grown up to be a constant source of amusement and joy. He is healthy, happy, full of the devil, and after a few initial squabbles, best friends to our other rescue cat. Des takes great care to pair you with the cat that is suitable to you and your lifestyle. He knows his furry wards like they were his children, and will make sure you have all the information you need to help your new best friend adjust to it's new life with you. I often stop by to say hello and he always asks for pictures and updates. We call Des "uncle of Ajax" at our house. You will find him outside the Barnes and Noble on 82nd and Broadway on most weekends. Stop by and say hi, maybe make a donation as he cares for all these rescues out of his own pocket, and maybe even meet your new best cat friend. You can't do wrong by adopting from Des. read more

We adopted a beautiful Burmese cat, Honey, that had been abandoned on the UWS from Uptown Cats a few weeks ago. She was extremely well taken care of and we could tell that Des, the director, loved her very much. He had to work with her for a long time after he rescued her because she was so stressed out that her coloring had changed and she was terrified of people and other animals. When we adopted her, however, she was back to her original chocolate point coat and, while still skittish, is now a very social, sweet, cuddly cat. They were very thorough with their adoption process; they checked references, spoke with our existing vet, visited our apartment to make sure that Honey would be safe (no loose screens, no danger, no way to get outside), and had us fill out background information about us and our other pets. Within a few days of the adoption, Des reached out to us to see how Honey was doing in her new forever home. We can't say enough wonderful things about Uptown Cats. They do such amazing work and you can tell how just how much rescuing cats means to them. They choose new pet parents very carefully and thoughtfully. They will always take pets back if a home isn't the right fit. Des is always reachable via phone and email. We know that if there are any issues or if we have any questions along the way we can contact him and count on him. If you're looking to give a cat a forever home, look no further than Uptown Cats! read more

I had a wonderful experience adopting my sweet Calico from Uptown Cats. I took her home seven years ago, and after some initial squabbles between her and my other cat, she settled in quite happily. I walked by the owner sitting by the crates of cats last week and told him I had adopted a cat from him seven years before. He took one look at me and said, "It was a calico. You named her Cali." I could not believe he remembered me, the cat, or the name I'd picked out! This man cares so much about all of the cats he has, and their adoptive parents! read more