IMPORTANT NOTES:

We are a NO KILL sanctuary.
We are not a shelter.
We do not have open intake.

We envision a world where we work collaboratively as a community to promote coexistence between outdoor and/or feral cats and humans, with empathy and compassion at the root of everything we do.

OUR MISSION

To improve the quality of life of our community's homeless cats and kittens by medically treating them, socializing them, and providing food in a nurturing environment until we are able to find a 'fur-ever' home for all adoptable cats.
To reduce the feral cat population through the Trap-Neuter-and Release program, thus decreasing the destruction of local flora and fauna, particularly birds.
To educate our community on the importance of taking care of feral and non-feral cats.

ABOUT

Cruces Cool Cats is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Dona Ana County, New Mexico. (Read more about our mission and vision.) We rescue cats and provide them with a sanctuary to call home - what sets us apart is that we allow the cats to integrate into the home and roam freely with the other cats and with support dogs. We have a special room for cats that need more solitude, and we also have a catio, a safe outdoor enclosure, for the outside working barn cats. (Check out our events.) We have indoor domesticated and outdoor barn working cats for adoption - plus a few dogs up for adoption! (See our cats and dogs available for adoption.) Please join us for our Monthly Open House - the next one is on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2-4 p.m. at our shelter. Address: Cruces Cool Cats at 1585 Duranzo Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88001.

We always have the need for volunteers to help us with weekly shelter cleaning, monetary and item donations, events and fundraising, foster and adoption coordination, and trap and release help. (Learn more about how to help.)

We are currently FULL and have no more room to intake surrenders. You are still encouraged and welcome to text or call if you have a cat that you need to surrender. When we do have room to intake more cats, there is a $60 surrender fee. We are by appointment only.

Text or Call: 575-386-5585

HISTORY

Cruces Cool Cats is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Founded in 2020 by Selina Cardoza, our organization was created in response to the growing feral cat population and the need for compassionate, community-based solutions.

What began as helping with hoarding cases and providing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services quickly grew into a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. Today, Cruces Cool Cats provides a safe and loving home for 75 otherwise homeless animals, including 71 cats and 4 dogs. Our residents include indoor companion cats, outdoor working barn cats, kittens, seniors, and animals with special medical or behavioral needs. Two of our dogs are also available for adoption and are looking for their forever homes.

Unlike traditional shelters, our cats are able to integrate into a home-like setting, roaming freely with other cats and our support dogs. We also offer a quiet space for cats that prefer a calmer environment, as well as a secure outdoor catio for our working barn cats and more feral residents.

Through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and community education, Cruces Cool Cats works to improve the lives of homeless cats throughout Dona Ana County. Whether through sanctuary care, adoptions, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services, or volunteer support, we are committed to giving every animal a second chance and a place to call home.

Learn more about who helps this rescue and sanctuary operate.