Napping
Permanent Sanctuary — These Cats Are Home
Every Cat Here
Deserves a Life
Worth Living
Rita's Cat Rescue is not a stepping stone — it is a destination. In Beatrice, Nebraska, our sanctuary provides permanent, cage-free care for 60+ cats with chronic illnesses and special needs, while managing four downtown feral cat colonies through our TNVR program.
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- 200+
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- Feral Colonies Managed
- 4
- Feral Colonies Managed
- Of Sanctuary Care
- 14 yrs
- Of Sanctuary Care
Emergency Fund
Sanctuary Barn Electrical Wiring Fund
$5,600 still needed — every gift counts
Meet the Residents
These extraordinary cats have found their forever home here. Each one has a story, a quirk, and a care fund that keeps them thriving.
Playful
Captain Hook
6 years • Domestic Shorthair
Tripod (Right Foreleg Amputation)Phantom Limb Sensitivity
Three legs, zero self-pity, and an undefeated record in the sanctuary's daily sprint championship.
Our Impact
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- 200+
- Cats Helped Since 2012
- Current Residents
- 60+
- Current Residents
- Annual Budget — Every Dollar Counts
- <$50K
- Annual Budget — Every Dollar Counts
- To Cat Care
- 100%
- To Cat Care
2024 Weston Award Recipients
Read Our Story“The most respected rescue partners and advocates in the community.”
Gems & Junk Thrift Store
Every purchase at Gems & Junk directly funds food, litter, and medical care for our sanctuary cats. From vintage collectibles to everyday housewares, you'll find treasures worth taking home — and every dollar goes to the cats.
CollectiblesBooksHousewaresJewelryClothesHoliday items
Shop on eBay too Store Hours
- Wednesday1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM - 6:30 PM
- Friday10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
502 Court Street, Beatrice, NE
(402) 239-6595
What Our Guardians Say
Real words from the people who make this sanctuary possible.
“This is a place of care, kindness, and most of all love. These cats have names, not numbers. Every one of them gets the veterinary attention they need and a warm place to call home.”
“Rita and Dana are the most respected rescue partners in our community. What they do for the cats other shelters can't keep — the seniors, the sick, the ones who just need more time — is irreplaceable.”
“I drive from Lincoln to shop at Gems & Junk knowing every dollar goes to the cats. Seeing the sanctuary in person — 60+ cats roaming free, well-fed, getting their meds on schedule — you know it's real.”
Every Cat Here Deserves a Life Worth Living
Starting at $10 a month, you can become a named Guardian and receive exclusive updates, personal cat news, and the knowledge that your gift is changing a life.
Become a Guardian Today