T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — Wolfe Ranch Executive Director Beth Andrew plays with the cats inside Whiskers & Mane at the ranch. Since opening, Whiskers & Mane has found furr-ever homes for more than 50 cats.

Since opening its door more than two years ago in June 2023, Whiskers & Mane has found more than 50 felines ‘fur’ever homes.

Located on the Wolfe Ranch and run by Executive Director Beth Andrew, she said they have accomplished the high number because of the hard work to create a warm, welcoming space where people can connect naturally with the cats.

“Thet environment helps more people find their perfect match,” she said. “We also recently opened consistent public hours, which has made it easier for visitors to stop in without scheduling an appointment. All of these efforts have led to more adoptions and more happy endings.”

The new Whiskers & Mane hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Saturday. They plan to offer hours on Sundays soon.

Walking through the doors of Whiskers, people will see an average of seven to 10 kitties lounging in a clean room with plenty of climbing options and toys to play with. Visitors can interact with the cats or watch them through windows. Andrew said the number of felines, based on standards set through their U.S. Department of Agriculture license, keeps the space comfortable for them and allows visitors to get to know each one.

Originally partnering with the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Marshalltown, Whiskers & Mane partnered with the ARL of Iowa in 2024.

“This has greatly increased our visibility and helped us reach beyond the Marshalltown area,” Andrew said. “The ARL of Iowa’s resources and wide network allow us to showcase our cats to a much larger audience, which has led to more adoptions and stronger community connections. Both partnerships have been important stepping stones in our growth.”

Through the ARL of Iowa collaboration, Whiskers & Mane has become one of nine partner locations throughout the state. And a system is in place to give cats a better chance to gain more exposure and meet their ‘purr’fect match.

“The ARL has found that cats are adopted more quickly when they’re featured in different locations,” she said. “So, after a cat has been at one site for about 30 to 60 days, they often move to another ARL location or partner location. . . . Every location offers something unique and we love being part of a system that helps more cats find their forever homes.”

However Patton, a sleek, 3-year-old black kitty has been at Whiskers since the beginning of August. Andrew hopes to find a loving home to adopt him.

“[He] absolutely loves people . . . and food,” she said. “He’ll greet you at the door with an insistent meow asking for both treats and attention. He’s laid back, affectionate and would fit well into just about any home.”

The Whiskers adoption process is modeled after the ARL’s conversation-based approach.

“Rather than using a formal questionnaire or background checks, we focus on having an open, genuine dialogue with each potential adopter,” Andrew said. “We ask questions like what they’re looking for in a cat. Are they hoping for a playful, energetic companion or a calm, cuddly lap cat? We talk about their home environment, whether they have other pets and what’s motivating them to adopt. This helps us make the best match possible for both the cat and the adopter.”

She added Wolfe Ranch staff will also educate adopters about introducing a cat to a new home.

“Cats often need time and patience to adjust to new surroundings and people, and we emphasize how important it is to let them settle in at their own pace,” Andrew said. “Our goal is to set both the adopter and the cat up for a smooth transition and a lasting, loving relationship.”

Besides getting adopted by visitors and providing extreme cuteness, Wolfe Ranch utilizes the kitties in cat-assisted therapy, which Andrew said is about the healing power of presence and connection. Though the calming presence of cats, emotional healing is supported, stress reduced and openness encouraged.

“Cats bring a sense of peace, comfort and sometimes a little playfulness into therapeutic settings,” she said. “For many people, simply having a cat curl up beside them or purr in their lap can lower anxiety and help them feel safe enough to begin meaningful emotional work. It’s a gentle, natural form of support that fits perfectly with our mission of helping people heal and grow.”

Andrew is excited for two Whiskers & Mane programs about to be launched. The first is an Airbnb Cat Companion Program. Airbnb guests can choose a cat to stay with them in their room. She hopes it will lead to more adoptions.

The second program is Home for the Holidays.

“Our goal is to clear the shelters by helping every adoptable cat find their forever home in time for the holidays,” Andrew said. “It’s all about giving these cats the gift of love and stability when it matters most.”

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.