Cats at Purrfect Fit Cat Rescue’s cattery. (Photo courtesy of Beth Kohler)
A nonprofit cat rescue that has cared for dozens of cats on a Lake Elsinore property received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission on July 21 for a conditional use permit.
The permit allows Purrfect Fit Cat Rescue to continue operating from a detached accessory structure on a 2.5-acre property. The rescue currently cares for 38 resident cats and provides veterinary care for 13 visiting cats. It is closed to the public and is not accepting additional resident cats.
The nonprofit will gradually wind down as the remaining cats reach the end of their lives, according to Purrfect Fit owner Beth Kohler.
Kohler said she began the permit process about five years ago after Animal Control visited the property and informed her she needed city approval to keep more than three cats there.
“This is finally the end result and I am immensely relieved,” Kohler said.
Kohler, 84, said she has no plans to expand the rescue. Instead, she wants to care for the cats already living there.
“I had 80 when I started, but I only have 38 now,” she said. “That’s because of attrition. They grow old. Most of them are over 10.”
(Photo courtesy of Beth Kohler)
Kohler said every cat that has come through the rescue has been vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Since the nonprofit was established in 2011, it has helped more than 600 cats get adopted or find homes, according to Kohler.
She keeps handwritten records for every cat, including each animal’s name, adoption date and microchip number.
The rescue previously held adoption events through local pet stores before the COVID-19 pandemic. After those events ended, Kohler moved to Lake Elsinore with cats that still needed care and eventually opened the cattery on her property.
During the public hearing, commissioners heard from city staff, who said the rescue has scaled back its operations and is no longer accepting additional resident cats.
Associate Planner Carlos Serna said the rescue is intended to provide lifelong care for the cats that remain.
“The majority of the cats are old, sick or both,” Serna said. “It is the intent of the operator to continue to care for the cats through the end of the cats’ lives.”
Serna said the cattery is tucked between two hills, is not visible from the street and sits well away from neighboring homes. During a site inspection, city staff found no noticeable odors or excessive noise and said the facility was clean and well maintained.
(Photo courtesy of Beth Kohler)
Vice Chair Jason Devor said he originally questioned whether the property could accommodate the number of cats but said the city’s review changed his perspective.
“Originally, I did have some concerns,” Devor said. “But city staff did show us a lot of pictures and evidence and they have it better than I do I think.”
Devor thanked Kohler for the care she has provided to the cats.
“You’re doing a wonderful thing,” he said “I appreciate it. I’m sure the cats appreciate it as well.”
Kohler said she has grown attached to many of the cats after caring for them for years.
“They’ve become close to me,” she said. “I know all their names and their brothers and sisters. I feel very close to them, and I love the animals.”
