Woman Raising Money to House Nearly 70 Stray Cats After She ‘Fell In Love with All of Them’ (Exclusive)

Heather Perez is on a mission to raise £100,000 to establish a permanent sanctuary for a group of stray cats in Charleston, South Carolina. Over the past two years, Perez has dedicated herself to the care of nearly 70 strays, undertaking various responsibilities, including feeding, spaying, neutering, and providing shelter for the felines. The project, affectionately referred to as “Whiskerwood Village,” has garnered attention from locals, as well as support through social media platforms.

Initially, Perez began her journey by regularly feeding the cats she discovered in a parking lot. Her commitment quickly evolved into a broader initiative as she set out to ensure the well-being of the cats. “Along the way, they became Whiskerwood Village, and I fell in love with all of them,” she shared about her newfound community. This dedication has led her not only to provide consistent meals but also to create makeshift shelters and arrange for medical care when necessary.

Currently, Whiskerwood Village exists in a temporary location, prompting Perez to seek a more permanent solution that would allow her to care for the cats without the worry of displacement. “I’d love for them to finally have a permanent place where I don’t have to worry about them losing their home again,” she lamented. With plans to relocate the cats to a secure environment, Perez is targeting the acquisition of one acre of land, complete with fencing and tiny houses designed to serve as year-round shelters.

Since starting a GoFundMe campaign at the end of August, Perez has already raised over £26,100 in her quest for a permanent home for the cats and hopes to relocate them before winter arrives. She envisions her husband constructing the tiny homes, ensuring that the cats have a comfortable living space that protects them from the elements.

The need for such a sanctuary is underscored by a pressing pet overpopulation crisis in Charleston County. Recent reports indicate that over 8,000 homeless cats were recorded in 2025, yet local shelters only have the capacity to accommodate around 300 felines. This stark disparity highlights the ongoing challenges faced by both stray animals and the community’s efforts to assist them.

Considering the future of Whiskerwood Village, Perez is exploring potential sites in North Charleston, as well as nearby areas such as Hollywood and Ravenel, South Carolina. To make the transition successful, Joe Elmore, the CEO of Charleston Animal Society, emphasised the importance of having a dedicated caretaker on-site, along with a reliable supply of food, water, veterinary services, and suitable shelter. He cautioned that any move must be managed carefully to ensure the cats do not become lost in unfamiliar surroundings.

Despite the challenges, Elmore expressed his support for Whiskerwood Village’s future, noting, “This is a perfect example of people and South Carolina communities working together to improve the lives of animals.” His encouragement reflects the growing awareness of the plight of stray cats and the community spirit that inspires individuals like Perez to take action.

In her ongoing efforts, Perez is not just focused on the cats’ immediate needs. She is actively working to engage the local community, sharing updates on the plight and progress of Whiskerwood Village through various channels, including social media. This approach has significantly helped raise awareness and foster collaboration among residents who recognize the necessity of providing for these vulnerable animals.

As Whiskerwood Village continues to gain momentum, Perez remains hopeful for the future and determined to secure a safe haven for her feline friends. With the community’s support and increased awareness of the pressing need for action against stray overpopulation, Perez’s vision for a permanent sanctuary might soon become a reality. The commitment to improving the lives of these cats proves that positive change is possible through compassion and collective efforts.