Cat Depot has been finding homes for fluffy felines since 2003, when a group of friends, including founders Ken and Linda Slavin, rescued 262 cats from an overwhelmed local rescue. Since then, the nonprofit has saved the lives of more than 21,000 cats. It also distributes more than 3,000 lbs. of cat food and provides approximately 1,700 free or low-cost spay/neuter services every year. In 2009, the organization opened an 11,000-square-foot adoption center on 17th Street, and in 2018, it opened its Community Center for Education and Outreach for kids’ activities and events. “We’re here for cats, but we’re also here for the people who love them,” says Anna Gonce, Cat Depot’s executive director of advancement.

Sarasota is a cat town. Just look at the results of the biannual Giving Challenge. Cat Depot consistently raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, sitting at the top of the leaderboard. You could say they’re the cat’s meow.

See all of our Best of Sarasota 2026 winners here.