Most people have heard of animal rescues, but the Caboodle Ranch in Madison County, Florida really takes the concept to the next level; and it only exists because one man, Craig Grant, gave up everything he had to take care of these homeless, lost, abused or otherwise needy cats. What started with one cat eventually turned into caring for 500 on a 30 acre plot of land purchased for them with his own money, at his own expense; the man sleeps in a shed and doesn't even own a house phone (ergo, no internet!) in an effort to minimize his own expenses. His ranch is RSPCA endorsed, and any donation you could offer would be put to good use -- be sure to watch the news clip!

How it all started

Oddly enough, Grant was a man who didn't particularly fancy cats at all until his son requested help caring for a cat he could no longer keep. Craig accepted the role, and quickly discovered that Pepper the cat was about to bring 5 more cats into the world. Grant's son talked him into keeping the kittens just long enough to see them properly weaned -- but by the time those 8 weeks were over, Craig was smitten with all six of them!

6 cats and growing: time to move

A few of the cats started having problems with other pets and people in the neighborhood, so Grant decided he needed to move to keep them safe. He constructed a shed (no understatement there) on his son's property and set up house for himself and the cats. Soon after, he discovered land that had been put up for sale 100 miles away from where he lived, and he decided to relocate his new family there. Eventually, he would come to own 25 acres of that land, on which he set up a trailer specially designed to accommodate the cats. By the time they moved out there in late 2003, he had 11 cats.

22 Cats and growing

By the following spring, Grant had collected 22 cats, relocated his old shed to the property and built a small addition onto it. He'd planned to sleep in the shed himself and let the cats use the trailer, but many of his babies wanted to hang out in the shed, so he gave up on that idea and went back to the larger building for the sake of having more room.

500 and growing!

Today, this RSPCA endorsed cat sanctuary is open to all cats, none of which are ever turned away. And they get to stay forever -- there is no adoption policy, because Grant feels that they've been traumatized enough and shouldn't have to relocate yet again.

He gave up everything he had

Just to be clear, Craig Grant spent $100,000 of his own money creating the Caboodle Ranch. It's a non-profit organization and the man doesn't even take a salary -- he can't, and still care for his cats. He works 14 hours a day, 7 days a week and practically spends every moment with his cats. He's given up the luxuries he used to care about, saying that he's totally happy with what he's got now and that he doesn't need anything else.

He pays for everything out of his own pocket

Grant pays for every cat's upkeep out of his own pocket. 500 CATS!! That means all the vaccinations, cat food and shelter and other needs, which amount to $6000 a month. How many people do you know who would be willing to give their entire lives up for 500 stray cats?? This guy is a saint. Caboodle Ranch is now a non-profit organization which needs your donations. Please help this cause; you can find more info by following the link in the gray box at the top right of this page.