MEOW Cat Rescue & Adoption

«Meow, meow! Did you hear that? That was a cat. Cats are the best pet to have. I am an expert on cats, because I have a cat. First, cats are slick. For example, cats can fit into small places. Also, they can climb up trees. Second, cats are really cute. For an example, they are fluffy. Also, they have a little cute nose. That’s why cats are the best pet to have! If you don’t have a cat, you should get one!» — Sarah, 8 Years Old

Excellence. They do everything they possibly can for kitties. Marnie is a great lady– I really grew fond of Tempest– 12 yo tortishelle. Such a sweet and loving kitty… I would literally spend hours in her «resident room” — she’s been there for aloooong time.
Hours and hours petting tempest she’d curl in my lap it was great. Marnie responded to my request to watch tempest eye drops put in-​and actually showed me how to apply them. I did one eye. She responded fine. I hope that kitty has a good home.
I ultimately didn’t adopt tempest because due to the nature of my work and medical life, I probably wouldn’t be able to be there for tempest day and night for her eye drops and that wouldn’t be fair to kitty.
I did adopt a three legged kitty– Smokey– best, most gentle kitty ever. She was ideal because she is adorable, soft and SUPER gentle, and didn’t require extensive medicine.
I love that cat more than anything and can’t wait for the next 10+ years with her.
I did volunteer training. but didn’t end up volunteering. I accepted a full time job instead– purely financial– as well as it was HEARTBREAKING to see some of the kitties rescued come in.): people are terrible!
MEOW is so wonderful and cares for each kitty and actually cares who adopts– no giving out cats to random people who may abandon kitty.
Thank you meow.
Thank you marnie.
Ps I have transformed my room into a «tripod accessible room» as she cannot jump more than a foot up.

I’m sure Meow does a lot of good work with rehabilitating sick kitties in need, but their customer service (aka Marnie) is BY FAR the worst I have EVER experienced.
I have been around to a few shelters looking for a cat for my grandma who has Alzheimer’s. Of course there are a lot of concerns about the situation, but we have plenty of people in place to take care of the cat and my grandmother has had cats all throughout her life and you can tell she misses her most recent cat who passed away a couple of years ago. I had emailed Meow ahead of time to get everything arranged and the conversation with Marnie via email ended with «If you think you have all of this under control, you are welcome to submit an adoption application, either by email from our website (
) or in person. Once your application is approved, you can meet cats and see if you can find someone who meets your requirements.»
Two weeks later: I go in and stand around for two hours while a volunteer discusses our situation in the back room with fellow volunteers and the assistant manager. The volunteer would occasionally come ask me a few follow up questions while I looked at the adorable kittens wondering why they weren’t just including me in the conversation. At the end of the day the assistant manager approved my application and I picked out two cats that seemed to be a great fit. They just asked if my grandma could come down to pick between the two.
Three days later: My mom drives my grandma down and I meet them at the shelter. I arrive after them and find them meeting with the cats. After my grandma decided on one she would like, Marnie comes over and decides that my grandma is not fit to have a cat in her home. She talks to my mother about my grandmother is standing right next to her and asks her a memory question (she has Alzheimer’s, of course she’s not going to know the answer) and then completely disregards her. Wow. We all leave, my mom and grandma drive away, and I decide that something needs to be said. Now, I am not the type of person to yell or generally give negative feedback. I believe that positive feedback is generally more helpful and can resolve problems quicker without any hurt feelings. But I could not let this go. I went back and demanded to speak to the manager (Marnie). The volunteer who greeted me again and went to get Marnie was great. She was calm, cool, and collected — a great person to deescalate a situation. Marnie, not so much. I told her (rather loudly — I was MAD) that just because my grandmother has no short-​term memory is no reason to treat her like dirt. She is still a person who would like to adopt a cat. Marnie apologized and said she just wants the best for the cats. (At this point she did not take us into another area of the shop and we had this loud discussion at the front desk in front of the other customers in the store — great idea.) I tried to explain to her that I had already emailed and that everything was sorted out to which she curtly responded «Clearly you didn’t.» Excuse me? You were the one who told me to come by and the application was already approved by the assistant manager! She blamed the email exchange on a volunteer who answers emails — I later looked and the volunteer did forward the email onto Marnie herself who responded to me. She said that the issue was concern that my grandmother — or the caretaker — would let the cat out and it would die outside. So if the caretaker could let the cat out, how does this make it any different from a family with small children who let pets out all the time? I told her bias was holding her back and she said «in my experience this holds out to be true.» Yes, thank you, that is the definition of bias. Lots of arguing happened, but she just kept stay «yes, but,» I never got a clear apology for how poorly she treated us. In the end I told her that the communication at their business is terrible and that I hoped the learned something from this situation.
Long story short, customer service is terrible and I wasted 4 hours of my life and my sanity trying to work with them to get a cat for my grandma. I will never recommend anyone waste their time by coming here.

Incredibly disappointed with Meow and the curt and uncaring attitude that I received. There was also a lack of helpfulness when trying to find a resolution for my current situation with my cat. I’m shocked that they can even call themselves a rescue company.

While I’m sure what this establishment has done some great things, this is truely poor customer service and a lot of misleading information. They let my roommate and I adopt kittens, after we were both approved by Marnie, only to turn around and force us to bring back in the kittens. Not only was I accused of not being on our apartments lease and had to prove it, mind you this was Marnie «attempting» to decide whether or not let us keep the kittens after we were cleared and paid for them and signed paperwork stating we were providing a safe and loving home for these two kittens, but that there was no proof that I take my friends ESA cat to the vet. The reason I would do that, it because I assist my friend with caring for her cat when she’s unable to. I wouldn’t be the owner of the cat, so of course my name would not be linked to any sort of vet paperwork.
I don’t understand why anyone would decide to play private detective after adopting two kittens into anyone’s care. If that’s your goal, do it when you’re «approving» our adoption paperwork, not once we’ve gotten them home and they’ve adjusted. They also do not give back the adoption fees that they charge.
I hope no one else goes through this experience.
TL:DR: Basically, if Marnie for any reason decides she doesn’t want you to have the cats you’ve bonded to, she will harass you until you bring back the cats you’ve adopted.

My mom’s cat recently passed away and she deemed it time to find a new companion.
After checking out several different shelters/​rescues we decided to stop in at Meow Cat Rescue before we called it for the day.
Yes they like for you to fill out an application and they check to make sure you’re in a location where you can in fact have a cat.
The volunteers were friendly and helpful. We had the idea that a dog friendly cat would be best but even if they attacked dogs we could handle that too (Since I don’t live there with my dog we just visit). We thought a cat that wasn’t likely to run would be easiest to work with. We checked out all the cats that were «dog friendly» and then in a top kennel was a Himalayan Siamese thoroughly ignoring everyone. At this point it’s close to closing on Easter Sunday but an interview room opened up and they asked if there was a cat we’d like to visit with. My mom loves Siamese, So I point to that one and ask if we can see him. He was a little skittish but within a few moments my mom had him scooped up in her arms like a baby I knew she was a goner when he started purring.
The staff stayed past closing to ensure we had everything needed to adopt him that day.
Today our kitty is settling in well. He’s still a little skittish on loud noises but he’s doing great and though he still hides when we first show up a little coaxing and he comes out to hiss at the dog that mostly ignores him.
We had a great experience with this rescue who genuinely care about the cats and want to make sure they go to a forever home.

I had a completely mystifying experience here. I went in with the intention of getting a cat for my kids with the full permission of the woman I rent a house from. They asked for my landlords number on the application then called her without my permission before we had even made a decision to buy one, which was not ok. Then they would not let us even meet a cat until my landlord had called back. I can’t speak for the rest of the people that work there but the woman we dealt with was distrustful, sneaky and treated me like a small child trying to steal a cookie.
I do understand wanting to make sure cats go to the right home but this was way overkill.

I just adopted the most fabulous dog through Kelly Starbuck at Meow Rescue and couldn’t be more thrilled. The process was thorough, always centered on what was best for the animal and my new dog is completely awesome. Thank you Kelly and foster Dad, Rob

This is real animal lovers home. All the people are concernrd about the animals and love them.

After my husband and I moved to the PNW from Texas with one cat, we decided we should get a kitten to keep her company. We went to a few places around the area, Seattle Humane being one, and just didn’t find the right fit (of cat/​kitten nor welcome from the workers).
We decided to try Meow, which is tucked away in a shopping center across from Met Market in Kirkland. It was a little hard to spot, but I’m glad we didn’t give up! As soon as we walked in, we were greeted and asked about what kind of cat we were looking to adopt. They talked with us about our current environment and existing cat and let us know about all the rules for adopting pets from their organization (can’t get rid of it, can’t declaw, etc.) — this is in line with the other places we checked out, too, so it didn’t surprise us. We had our existing cat declawed (a poor choice on our part, I’ll admit) and we talked through that with Meow and assured them we would not be doing that again, ever.
Then we began looking at the available cats and kittens. We selected a long-​hair kitten and went to one of the interview rooms with him to hang out, but didn’t feel a connection. We kept browsing and spotted a little gray and white guy named Cloudy who we scooped up and visited with in the interview room. He was so interested in us and playful, and he purred and nuzzled us. At that moment, we knew he was right for our family.
We took care of the paperwork and paid the fee and were on our way, along with some guidance about integrating him into our home with our existing cat.
Not only was the adoption experience a positive one, but afterward I received a few communications (via email) where the team checked in on how things were going to ensure the adoption and integration were successful (they were). I loved the touchpoints from the organization, as it showed they truly cared about the cat’s wellbeing and not just about adopting out pets for the sake of getting rid of them. It didn’t feel intrusive nor spammy.
If we decide to adopt another kitten, we’ll definitely go back to Meow. I’ve also recommended it to friends who were looking for a cat/​kitten to adopt.
I follow Meow on Facebook and love how they post success stories and updates from adopters. Meow also has a Wish List on Amazon which I will purchase from a few times a year to support this amazing organization making a difference for our furry friends.
If you’re looking to adopt, you should definitely add Meow to your list of places to visit and explore.

The first time I walked into MEOW I knew it was a special place! I had visited a few other shelters prior to finding MEOW and when I walked into MEOW, the first thing I noticed was there was no smell. How can they have so many cats and it smell so good? Well, it turns out the care and attention they give to the facility is a reflection of the care and attention they give to the cats. The entire experience was wonderful! I like that they took the time to understand our «household lifestyle» so they could better match us to the right cat. They pointed me in the direction of the cats that were a good match and instead of adopting one cat I adopted two! Rudy and Cleo were buddies and MEOW was adamant on keeping them together. So we have two great cats and we couldn’t be happier! I would recommend MEOW to anyone looking to adopt.

MEOW is my favorite cat rescue in the NW area! They love cats and do everything possible to make sure that the cats that come through their doors are treated excellently and that they receive loving homes. Both of my cats were adopted through MEOW and they will forever be my furry babies!
One of my two cats from MEOW started out as a foster kitten. He had been dropped out of a moving car window! His pelvis was broken and he was only six weeks old. MEOW had him to a vet for consultation and had me to physical therapy while he recuperated from his injuries. The care and belief in what they do for cats is unbeatable.
Major PURRS for MEOW!

They truly love and care about each kitty that walks through their doors and wants to give them the best available home.
I love the workers here, they’re all very knowledgeable and extremely nice and caring. My boyfriend and I just adopted Uno, a 13 year old kitty who was born without a left eye and given to the shelter because his other kitty companions bullied him.
They are awesome and I hope to adopt senior kitties from them in the future!
The one tip I would give is that if you’re sure you want a kitten and do not already own a cat under the age of 5 years, their policy is that you must adopt 2 kittens.

What a great experience! The best cat shelter I’ve ever been to. I spent several weeks looking for a cat that would be a good match for my 10 month old kitty who needed a special friend to help him learn to play nicer. The staff was very knowledgable and caring. They helped me find a perfect match for my single-​kitty syndrome kitten. I was also very impressed by how nice and fresh their facility was. If you are looking to adopt and live in the area, I highly recommend going to the MEOW cat rescue first. I am one very happy cat mommy!

We recently adopted our first MEOW kitty; although we’ve been supporters of the organization for years, we’d never had a reason to visit their shelter before. Having seen it first-​hand, I’m more impressed than ever with the level of care, and the affection each staff member and volunteer shows to the cats in their charge. With so many shelters, there’s a sense — even a smell — of hopelessness or desperation. The atmosphere at MEOW was more like a day-​care center: lots of little personalities napping, eating, playing, some complaining or demanding, some trying to get more than their fair share of attention… and all anticipating the moment when somebody arrives to pick them up.
With any luck, we won’t need to adopt another cat for a very long time. But when we do, we will definitely return to MEOW.

Two paws up!
These people really care about animals and never turn an animal away, even if it is special needs or elderly.
We got our second cat here and the adoption procedure was quick and efficient. Shelter was very clean and volunteers were friendly.
Go here if you’re in the market for a new furry friend!

This is an adoption center that truly cares about its animals. They are committed to making their lives better, matching them to good homes, and following up with new adoptees to ensure everyone has their needs met.
I have adopted three cats from MEOW, and all of them are wonderful. They all fit in well in our home, get along with our seniors, and have brought a lot of joy to us all. In return, I would like to think we have done all we can to make their lives happier and more fulfilled.
MEOW was there for me when we had issues with one kitten wetting in inappropriate places – with a few tips and a follow-​up call, we got him back to good bathroom behavior. When one of my cats went missing, MEOW did everything in their power to help me find him, and checked up with me frequently to see if he had been found.
When you’re looking for a good companion and want to share your home (in the Eastside area), check out MEOW first. Their animals are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered by the time you adopt, and come with a few helpful tools to help you both transition smoothly.

I adopted a 2-​year-​old rescue cat, Stella, from MEOW last summer, and have nothing but great things to say about the facility and the staff. Yes, the rules are strict, but they are in place for the comfort and protection of the cats (most of whom have had a pretty rough life before landing at MEOW and deserve a little special treatment).
You can tell that the staff members have a great deal of passion for the work they are doing — they went above and beyond to answer my questions and ease my concerns as a first-​time cat adopter. Once you are «approved,» you are free to spend time walking around the facility and getting to know the cats. I think I probably spent a good 3 hours or so making sure this was the right decision for me, and the staff was very accomodating. They even made arrangements for me to pick up my new furry friend the next day — a day they were actually closed — since my schedule wouldn’t allow me to take her home that night. They showed me how to clip claws (we now affectionately call it «getting a mani/​pedi») and provided suggestions on ways to cat-​proof my home and make it safe and comfortable for Stella.
The facility is clean, welcoming, and doesn’t smell like 3-​day-​old cat pee (hooray!). The adoption fee was extremely reasonable, and I was provided with the cat’s immunization records, a bag of high quality cat food, and coupons for Mud Bay, among other things. She had been spayed, brought up to date on shots, and was in excellent physical condition when she came home with me – it was a relief to know I didn’t have to spend the next few weeks running around to get her into a vet for an exam or immunizations right away.
Overall, adopting from MEOW was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend them — whether you are adopting, rescueing, or considering making a donation to improve the health and happiness of some very deserving cats. Thanks MEOW! :)

Love this place! The shelter itself is amazingly clean and is a pleasant happy place. Cats are well cared for and the staff and volunteers are familiar with all of the cats. They are well prepared to help advise adopters of specific cats using Meet Your Match, a nice program to help potential adopters find the right cat for their lifestyle and household.
If you are looking for a kitten or cat you really can’t go wrong checking out MEOW.
They do have some requirements that other shelters may not, but they are upfront and non-​judgemental about this — they are simply their policies and the reasons for these policies were explained very well.

This past Sunday night my stealth cat Harry made a break for it — bolted out the door as my friend was leaving SO FAST neither of us saw him go. I didn’t notice he was gone til morning (note to self: do a «cat count» before retiring for bed)…by then, no sign of him.
I did what the recommend, hit shelters, make flyers etc… filed an online report. Day two, I was feeling like I’d never see him again.
Bonne called me to recommend I get one of their traps and bait him. I figured what the heck… couldn’t hurt right? You sign up there, give them a deposit — they give you every thing you need to lure in your escape artist.
Bonne and staff were great, encouraging me to talk to him as if he was there («like a crazy lady») so… I did. They told me even weeks after a cats been gone, there’s a good chance they’re still around… be patient and not to give up hope. Sure enough, within two hours of setting up the trap, I came around the corner to my apartment door and there he was.
This organization is wonderful… the cats there in the shelter are loved and cared for. It’s clean & it’s staff friendly, compassionate and uplifting.