Who We Are
Fur Keeps is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless cats find their forever homes. Founded by Dr. Deb Rykoff, who devotes countless hours and resources at her own clinic to provide medical care, ensuring cats and kittens are fully prepared for adoption. Most of our cats are either rescued as strays or saved from downstate kill shelters before they can be euthanized. We also occasionally take in surrendered cats when space permits. The majority of our cats are housed at the PetSmart in Hoffman Estates, awaiting adoption. Some are placed in foster care to ensure they are well-socialized and we have a thorough understanding of their personalities, which helps us find the perfect match for their forever homes. All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered before adoption, receive their rabies and distemper vaccinations, and are tested for feline leukemia and FIV. Fur Keeps is a no-kill rescue dedicated to helping cats and kittens. We've cared for many cats who have suffered from traumatic injuries, such as broken pelvises from car accidents or impalement from falls off icy roofs. We are thrilled that PetSmart has recently updated their policy to allow the adoption of FIV+ cats. This change will create new opportunities for countless cats to find loving homes and live out their lives in safety and comfort.
What We Do
Fur Keeps is a volunteer-run cat rescue dedicated to providing care and loving homes for cats and kittens in need. Our volunteers handle every aspect of the rescue, from fostering and adoption assistance to caring for and playing with the cats at PetSmart in Hoffman Estates. How can you help? We’re looking for volunteers to help care for the cats showcased at PetSmart in Hoffman Estates. Volunteers perform "Daily Cat Care" duties every morning and evening, including cleaning, feeding, and giving the cats plenty of playtime. We always welcome extra hands to ensure these kitties receive the best care and attention! If you have experience with cats and enjoy working with people, consider joining us as an Adoption Assistant! We host adoption events every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM at PetSmart in Hoffman Estates. Adoption Assistants help showcase our cats, engage with potential adopters, and support our trained Adoption Counselors. Over time, those interested can transition into the role of an Adoption Counselor. We’re always in need of loving foster homes for cats and kittens, whether for short-term care or longer stays—especially for young kittens preparing for adoption. Foster families play a vital role in socializing the cats, helping them adjust to home life before finding their forever families. We welcome fosters with or without other pets or children and provide full support and education for first-time fosters. All medical care for foster cats and kittens is covered by Fur Keeps. We greatly appreciate donations, as our adoption fees cover only a fraction of the costs for veterinary care, food, and housing for our cats and kittens. In addition to monetary donations, we welcome supplies such as cat toys, cat and kitten food, new cat beds, carriers, sisal or cardboard scratching posts, paper towels, dish soap, sponges, and gloves. Every contribution helps us provide the best care for our rescued cats!
