About the Team
Cat-Tastrophe Charities, Inc. is a Chicago based nonprofit cat rescue founded in 2022. We are a group of passionate animal lovers dedicated to rescuing cats in need and helping them find safe, loving forever homes.
Shelon Jackson — Executive Director
Shelon, our founder and director, grew up surrounded by animals and has always had a deep empathy for their welfare. Her firsthand experience with the stray cat population in the Lawndale area is what inspired her to take action and create Cat-Tastrophe. She stepped in to help her neighborhood and is now a leader in Chicago's rescue community. She works tirelessly to ensure our cats are safe, healthy, and matched with their ideal home.
Emma Reynolds — Assistant Director
Emma is a passionate cat lover who believes adopting a pet is healing for both humans and animals. By helping cats find homes, we are building a safer community with resilience and joy. She supports Cat-Tastrophe's mission by handling our digital operations, including photography, social media strategy, marketing, and fundraising.
The Big Picture
Chicago is a challenging environment for homeless cats. Many are abandoned, sick, or injured with no protection from weather, traffic, and cruelty. Cat-Tastrophe focuses on practical, humane solutions that save lives while addressing overpopulation.
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Our work provides rescue, medical care, and adoption for cats that are friendly or capable of rehabilitation. These cats are placed in foster homes to receive veterinary care and recovery time before being matched with permanent families.
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We are also committed to the Trap-Neuter-Return method. TNR is a proven, humane method of reducing the feral cat population. Cats that cannot be rehabilitated are returned to their familiar outdoor environment after being spayed or neutered, where they can live healthier lives and help stabilize local colonies.​​
Our Promise
Cat-Tastrophe is built on a foundation of honesty, accountability, and hard work. When someone mentions our name, we want people to know that we keep our word and that we are committed to doing what is right for every cat, no matter the situation.
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We work closely with shelters, veterinary partners, and other organizations throughout Chicago to make the greatest possible impact. Cat-Tastrophe is more than a rescue; it is a community effort to create a kinder, safer city for cats and the people who care about them.
Thank you for supporting our mission!
Support Our Work
Medical care is the most significant cost in rescue work. Veterinary visits, spay/neuter procedures, medication, vaccinations, microchipping, and emergency treatment are essential to our rescue efforts.
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As a foster-based nonprofit, we rely on donations to cover these costs and continue taking in cats who need our help the most. If you would like to support our work, please visit our Donations page.