Aloha, we’re glad you’re here! Let us explain why there might never be a better time to adopt a Maui cat:
Who is Good Cat Network?
Good Cat Network is a Maui-based 501(c)(3) established in 2021. Our primary program is Operation Aloha Cat, where adoptable Maui cats are flown to transfer partners in the continental United States.
Why are these cats being flown all the way to Washington State?
Good Cat Network‘s Operation Aloha Cat program, with foster partner Honi Honi Cats Maui and airline partner Aloha Air Cargo, flies an average of 30 Maui cats per month to our transfer partners.
However, in times of disaster, an extra effort is made to clear shelter and foster space so that these resources are available to the people and animals affected by the disaster. Some foster families were evacuated due to the fires and their cats in foster needed placement.
What disaster did Maui experience?
On August 8, 2023, Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 hurricane, passed about 700 miles south of Hawai’i’s Big Island. At the same time, a strong area of high pressure was located north of the state. The opposing systems created a strong pressure gradient that enhanced high winds as air funneled between them. As a result of those 70-80 mile an hour gusts, power lines fell, sparks flew, and the resulting fires were spread rapidly by the high winds.
There were three fires burning simultaneously, and many evacuations took place. Lāhainā town, the historic Kingdom of Hawai’i capital, including its 2200 structures, was burned down. Unfortunately, many people died trying to evacuate. As of Sunday, September 3rd, 2023, there are 115 people reported deceased. 100% of the area has been searched, but 388 are still missing.
Maui Humane Society, the designated rescue organization for the Lāhainā burn-zone, was given access on On August 26, 2023. Rescue efforts are now underway for the animals affected.
In Kula, where the fire is still burning, 50+ homes have been lost. Residents still cannot drink the water due to chemical contamination.
What began as scattered brush fires on the state’s biggest islands, Hawai’i and Maui, has turned into one of the worst natural disasters in Hawai’i’s history. Currently, it stands as the fifth deadliest fire in U.S. history, but considered deadliest in modern U.S. history.
Is Good Cat Network part of the rescue effort in the disaster zone?
No. The area is dangerous and unless you are a designated official, trespassing is illegal. Good Cat Network and our foster partner, Honi Honi Cats Maui, assist the effort by flying cats currently in foster to our transfer partners and in doing so, we will be prepared for the influx of animals displaced by the fire.
Are the cats flown through Good Cat Network displaced pets?
No. Every cat on our flights were already in foster care prior to the wildfires. Our cats are rescued from colonies or the streets, scanned for microchip information to ensure he or she is not an owned pet, assessed and brought into our non-profit foster partner, Honi Honi Cats Maui, before being considered for local adoption or flown through our transfer program, Operation Aloha Cat.
Does Maui have a cat problem?
Due to it’s tropical climate and lack of predators, Maui and the almost every island in the Hawai’ian chain has a cat overpopulation problem. It is estimated that Maui alone has 40,000 free-roaming cats. Many of these community cats are part of “cat colonies.” At these colonies, we and our partners work closely with the caretakers to rescue friendly cats and kittens, bring them into our foster programs, ensure that they are socialized and healthy, and then fly them to our West Coast partners through our Operation Aloha Cat program.
Why is this cat’s ear cut?
This is called “ear tipping” and is a common method used by Trap Neuter Release (TNR) workers which indicates the cat has already been altered. Don’t fret! It’s only done when the cat is under anesthesia, usually at the time the cat is receiving their spay/neuter surgery. Small rescue organizations like ours are routinely trapping cats and kittens at the colonies to get spayed/neutered. Sometimes at the time of trapping it’s realized that they have a chance at socialization and adoption. So, the cat or kitten is brought into a foster program instead of being released back to the colony.
Hawai’i has nice weather, why can’t the cats just live outside?
Cats can definitely survive outside, but we believe that they don’t thrive unless they’re in a loving home. Colony caretakers often struggle to afford the food and veterinary costs of their colonies and logistics of ensuring that their colonies are properly managed through TNR. Another very important thing to remember is that Hawai’i has a VERY fragile ecosystem with many endangered bird species, and some colonies are within a short distance from nesting areas. Adopting a Hawai’i cat not only helps the cat, it helps protect Hawai’i’s ecosystem.
In other words, adopting a GOOD CAT from Maui is helping save the world.*
Please consider helping Maui today by adopting one of our good cats in this desperate time of need. If you choose to adopt, we would love to be in touch and share your adoption story on our website and on social media. Please reach out to us at aloha@goodcatnetwork.org or on Instagram or Facebook at @goodcatnetwork
