Volunteering at St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines has truly changed our lives. We originally started looking for a rescue where my 6‑year‑old could volunteer alongside me. I wanted a place that was safe, welcoming, and patient with little hands that move with big enthusiasm. St. Sophia's was exactly that. From day one, they made us feel included and valued, and they treated my daughter like a real part of the team. What started as simply wanting to help quickly turned into something much bigger. Before we knew it, we took home our first foster kittens... and then our second... and then our third. Fostering became such a meaningful part of our family routine, and we loved watching these tiny lives grow and eventually go to wonderful homes. We ended up adopting one of our foster kitties. After that, we became even more involved, helping with events, supporting the shelter however we could, and becoming part of the heart of the organization. St. Sophia's truly cares about their cats, their volunteers, and their community. They're compassionate, knowledgeable, and they make it easy for families to get involved in rescue work. If you're looking for a place to volunteer, foster, or adopt, this is the place. I'm so grateful we walked through their doors. read more

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I adopted two cats about a month ago and one of the cats already passed away due to coronavirus. Belly was filled with liquid and puss coming out of her eyeballs. St Sophia's said the cat was about 1 yr old on her folder and when examined at the vet, she was much older as she was missing teeth and tarter build up suggested old age. Spent $1500 on vet bills and the cat died. Reply to comment below as St Sophia's told to us at adoption that her belly was abnormal due to her recently having 6 kittens. The puss in her eyes to death was a span of 3 days and the vet said it was too late for any treatment- euthanization was the only humane option for us. read more

We adopted three amazing baby cat siblings in March 2025. They give and get so much love! read more

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Adopted my boy and a year later I adopted My girl. Both completely different personalities and in the beginning my boy was so jealous. Now they love each other so much. I did the right steps of scent swapping and space for each of them. Now they're best friends and give each other the play and needs I can't or cannot buy. Highly recommend this shelter. They check on them and genuinely care read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Adopted both of my babies from here. Never been happier. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

easy adoption process, good cat. I would recommend this for anyone in Naperville area. I liked them much more than the Naperville Humane Society(people more pleasant). read more

After formally introducing myself to my future Best Friend Forever in the Pet Supplies Plus cat box/cage/window thing, I knew I'd stop at nothing to make it official. Thanks to St. Sophia's the energy I gathered to battle the drawn-out adoption process while carefully tip toeing through accusatory questions about what the weather was like on the day my dog was born even though Mr. Iggles passed away years ago, was reserved and more importantly- better spent on getting ready for and meeting my little kitty BFF. That's not to say that St. Sophia's doesn't have a thorough and respectable screening process. Of course they do, but I was grateful to be treated like a grown adult sincerely looking for a new pet to force my love on rather than someone who was a monster for not keeping detailed records of 13 years worth of vet bills from my previous furry baby. St. Sophia's team is a blessing. They communicate well, they're friendly humans and they're the reason I wake up each morning to this little fluff trying to spoon my face. I talked to many pet adoption agencies before St. Sophia's and I'm so grateful to have found them. read more

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I couldn't have asked for a better experience with St. Sophia's! I have adopted both of my cats from there and both experiences were flawless. The staff are so kind and truly care for their kitties. both of my cats have become my best friends. I can't recommend adopting from them enough! read more

Great experience working with their team. Great communication and kind staff. Gave us the opportunity to meet with our kitten and a few other potential matches so we found the best kitten for our family. Greatly appreciate all the help and would recommend to anyone looking for a new member of their family. read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - St Sophia's connected Lil' Petey with his own kitten agent and was in a Purina cat food commercial. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

It was great working with St. Sophia's on our adoption of our sweet Angel!! The application process was easy. We went to meet our sweet baby and fell in love with her. It's a great organization that helps out these babies! We love donating to them when they request help. read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Our sweet Angel - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Highly Recommended! I found St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines through Petfinder and was immediately impressed by the detailed descriptions they provided for each cat. Unlike many rescues, they shared not only the basics but also valuable insights into each cat's personality and ideal living environment. Even with that information, I still had plenty of questions--and every time, they were answered quickly and thoroughly. Since I wanted to find the "right" match for my family, I visited their location multiple times. I was never made to feel like a nuisance; instead, they were very understanding and patient as I waited for the perfect fit. For us, that meant a short-haired young cat who was playful, good with kids, and comfortable in a busy household. We ended up adopting Capri, and she has been a wonderful addition. Even after the adoption, the rescue was supportive when I reached out with questions--like when I discovered Capri wasn't food-motivated or interested in treats. They offered helpful suggestions on what might work for her. Although I've been a cat owner before, this was my first time adopting through a rescue group. The benefits were clear: Capri came spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and tested for FIV/FelV. The adoption fee was very reasonable. I also want to acknowledge the incredible foster moms who care for these cats and kittens. Their dedication and love truly shine through. I highly recommend St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines to anyone looking to adopt a cat--you'll be in great hands! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Capri - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

was very easy to adopt from St Sophia's...and while some of the cats we adopted from them had medical issues, we love them all (4) and am very thankful we can provide a good, loving home for them. And especially grateful that these wonderful cats enrich our lives. read more

The staff was very diligent in making sure that I was prepared for the kitten I ultimately adopted and that he would going to a safe and loving home. read more

We love our new baby, adoption was easy and fast! Had to drive to a couple different locations to find her but when we did she was super sweet. Very happy to give her a home! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I went to one of their adoption events and got 2 beautiful bonded brothers kittens. They were wonderful and helpful. They even trimmed the kitties nails before we took them home. Love our cats! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I adopted a 3yr old Russian Blue cat named Moon. She is wonderful with children and so kind overall. The process took approximately 24 hrs from the application to my lovely Moon coming home. Needles to say, shes the boss. Thank you to St Sophia's read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Moon looking for hugs - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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We picked up a pet about a month ago and you know he was supposed to be in good health. OK we brought him home. And decided to take him to a vet to check them out well he had contagious parasites in his stool , upper respiratory infection ear mites two ear infections already spent close to $1000 very unhappy. with Saint Sophia's, but we do love our animal. I would suggest somebody gets on an insurance plan at least for the first year that they pick up a pet from Sophia's. read more

Very caring and supportive staff! Paperwork was extensive, but worth it! Highly recommend adopting directly through SSFF rather than if they've moved the cat to a PetSmart, etc. read more

We are in love with our cat Sista. The process was good! You can tell they really care about getting their cats in good homes! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Please please please listen to the bad reviews of this place! I was excited to adopt from them and put in an application. I was contacted the next day about my application and was told it was approved. But then, I was ghosted for 2 days without any directions on the rest of the adoption process. It made me do some more research about this place and thank goodness I looked at these reviews because they did not want to tell me anything! I had to ask repeatedly on what to do after I got approved. BIG RED FLAGS!!! What if they had health issues they "didn't know about"??? Absolutely cannot trust them when it comes to communication, how can I trust that they're actually taking care of the cats? How can I trust they are being transparent with me about the cat??? Not to mention! They are first come first serve meaning whoever puts in their application and is there in-person for the cat first gets them. Doesn't matter if you're the first person to apply. Just feels like I'm bidding on eBay for a cat. I understand that sometimes you can't put a hold on that particular cat for a person, but let us know beforehand it would have been useful information. I'm sorry I would have loved to adopt from them but the red flags are everywhere. I don't want to adopt a cat I don't know is sick and I don't want to be pressured into adopting them without thinking twice. Edit: I know I should be a well informed adopter before even trying to adopt. But this is ridiculous! After I posted this review, I was asked by them why I had my opinions and I told them why I said what I said. They followed up with a long text basically saying you should have known all of the information for adopting. I can't simply get a link to your website or to your policies when I asked???? They also stated we are short staffed and basically you're wrong we're not. It's so off-putting!!!! I understand I had some blunders trying to adopt but this is crazy treatment. read more

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The absolute best place to find your new best friend. We have 2 St. Sophia's cats and from start to finish these guys have always been amazing. Their volunteers are top notch and we have never had a problem. I recommend them to everyone looking for a new kitty! read more

Great rescue to work with. No complaints. Screening process was thorough and comforting with a quick turnaround. Adopted a healthy kitten who is fitting in well with our family. read more

We adopted our newest addition to our family and we love him so much. The adoption process was quick and very easy. I would highly recommend St Sophia's Forgotten Felines if you are considering adopting a cat/kitten. It was the best decision I have made and I couldn't be any happier. read more

I'm not sure what's with all of the recent 1 star reviews. I adopted 2 cats from here. One sadly passed away and the other she's still alive and healthy. I was very new when I adopted my first cat but the screening/background check process didn't take too long. Before you knew it, I was able to take my cat home. The agency was very helpful with any questions I had as a new owner at the time. By the time, I adopted my second cat from there, the process seemed quicker since they had all of my information on file. I would definitely adopt from them again. read more

They were great and made the adoption process easy. I didn't end up adopting the cat I was there to see, but I found a kitten that was perfect that same day and he's been a wonderful addition to my home. read more

I adopted my current cat Sept. 2024 from St. Sophia's through the Downer's Grove Pet Supplies Plus. I'd never heard of St. Sophia's before, but they came up in my cat search. The people were kind and efficient. I took my sweet kitty home the evening of the day I met him! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - My Teddy Kitty posing for a photo op! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

My husband and I have been wanting to adopt a kitten for a while and found St Sophia on Google and the Adopt-A-Pet website. We found the cutest kitten, filled out the application and got a text within a day that we could come meet her. When we arrived this sweet baby snuggled right up to us and we instantly fell in love. We adopted Ponder, a sweet tortie in April-- she has been the sweetest addition to our family and has brought back a playful side to our older cat, Sox. St Sophia has a complimentary vet visit so I took her in and since they kept her up to date on being spayed, her shots and vaccines- I only needed to get her rabies shot since she wasn't old enough to go sooner. St Sophia does their research on us as well by calling our current vet for our older cat. I really appreciate that they are also checking in on her to ensure she settled in and thriving. This is a great organization and I would recommend them to anyone searching. She's been the perfect addition to our family we couldn't be happier. read more

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This was one of the best shelters I've been to. All of their cats are in good condition, well taken care of. Friendly and socialized. I found my forever fur baby within 10 min of being there. The adoption process was simple and explained well. Very clean shelter. My baby, Pumba, loves his new home read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

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Horrible experience when my cat ran away. They found him and refuse to return him to me making false claims. They also want private info and put him up for adoption without giving him back. Totally scum place. It's like taking your child away. Also I'm being accused of saying things that were not said. Regardless of anything or any accusations they may have. It is not rightfully their pet or decision to keep. read more

St.Sophia's was at Yorktown mall. My nine-year-old daughter wanted to stop and look at the cats. We held one cat and bonded with him, we held him and he placed his little held on our chest and my daughter stood by his cage the entire time. This cat had no pending adoption. They stated I needed to fill out an application in order to adopt and I made it clear that if I filled out an application it would be for that cat only, the volunteer said "okay, come this way to fill it out". Not once was I told that it was first come first serve while I was being told to fill out the application. I was not helped with the application but instead told "here" and just given a laptop. Within five minutes of starting the application, my daughter ran to me and stated that somebody else was going to take the cat. I hurried up and filled out the application and asked one of the volunteers who was encouraging me to fill out the application "what was going on?", no answer. I then was told that the people who were potentially looking at the cat that we bonded with filled out an application two weeks ago. So their application was "approved." When I asked if their application was for that particular cat, none of them knew!! This made me extremely upset because my nine-year-old daughter was already getting ready to take that cat and I was doing my best to fill out the application as quickly as possible since she came and told me that. Only to be answered with my application was "one word answers" and I said "well, yes because my daughter came running to me to say someone else was looking to take the cat". She told me the cat wasn't a "toaster" and I said "well obviously it is because you could careless, that cat was held by that family it was clawing its way out of their arms and we had genuinely bonded with it." The lady with the purple hair started getting upset because I asked her "why didn't you tell me it was first come first serve, even if that meant two weeks ago someone applied then just shows up and takes the cat randomly while I'm being encouraged to apply for it at the same time?!" and then she threatened me in front of my 9 yr old that she would call security because I was questioning how all this was being handled and who was in charge of the organization. She then started saying "leave, before I call security", In front of my daughter when I kept asking how is this all being done? How is it possible that they are so eager to get rid of the cats that they tell you one thing and do another? Meanwhile I left with a crying 9 yr old who never got her cat. This "director" should be ashamed of how she handled the situation and represented her organization. read more

Update following my last review: don't even know how this place is continuing to operate. Adopted a cat 2 years ago that had reportedly had both of his eyes removed due to birth defect and infections. He had two little incisions that were mostly healed, and did not appear to have eyes. Earlier this year one of the eye socket sites began to open and ooze, I took him to an animal ophthalmologist who opened the sites in both eyes to repair the closure to find that my cat had both of his eyes sewn shut inside his head with eyelids pulled over rather than actually extract the eyes. I paid an additional $3000 to properly enucleate my cat, on top of the $3000 I paid 4 days after adopting him to treat his very severe pneumonia the rescue adopted him out to me having had, insisting he had a clean bill of health. The guilt I have for not knowing the discomfort he was in for over a year with his blind but in tact eyes sewn into his head haunts me each time I think of it. Fuck this organization. Fuck the vet team they use. read more

We were not informed of all the cat's medical issues or behavioral issues. We were told they would take the cat back for any reason. After we filled out the return request. They berated us in a follow up text and falsely accused us of lying on our application. Go somewhere else to adopt. read more

St. Sophia's, will you please consider the following for future adoptions? - Make sure that adoption meetings happen in a quiet part of the store - Disclose medical information ahead of adoption day if cat is ill - Ensure accuracy of paperwork for each adoption For background... we met at a Pet Supplies Plus and the adoption coordinator took the kitten out of her carrier in the BIRD SECTION of the store, while she left to do another adoption in the parking lot. The kitten was covered in dried food and smelled awful. She was overwhelmed and gave my husband and I a pretty good back scratch because of how scared she was. I wish I had the carrier to put her in to make her feel more secure, but it had been taken away. When going through the health paperwork, the coordinator explained that the kitten might have an upper respiratory infection and hasn't had solid poops the whole time she has been in their care. These issues are pretty common, but if I have to spend time filling out a ton of information about how I'm a good fit, then I would expect the same courtesy on their end. I would have had the time to schedule a regular vet appointment versus needing to go to an emergency vet, for example. When she shared the microchip paperwork, it was for another adoption. The "right" information was sent via email but driving back to Chicago, we noticed that her health paperwork doesn't indicate the same markings that she has (she is a tuxedo, it mentioned 5 black circles on her back), so I am REALLY hesitant to activate the microchip they gave her. The coordinator also went on and on about how long haired cats cause her allergies, which was just piling on to what had already been a stressful interaction. Overwhelmed, we agreed that yes we would adopt, but there was doubt in my mind that this kitten would be an okay fit for our family. We took her home, gave her a bath, and took her to an emergency vet the next day to get the proper medicine. St. Sophia's gives you 30 day pet insurance through MetLife so hopefully some of that cost will be covered. At the end of the day, Roman is a very loving kitten and we really lucked out. But I think that the adoption process could have been less stressful and I hope St Sophia's considers this experience for future adoptions. read more

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I saw this little girl on the petsmart adoption site and immediately filled out an application. After a few days she was mine! St. Sophia's was very informative and even provided a certificate for a free exam at selected animal hospitals, because of this we were able to send a fecal sample to be tested for intestinal parasites for free! unfortunately she did test positive but if it weren't for the free exam we wouldn't have known and she's been set up with a great vet! it's been a few weeks with her and she's settled in well with us! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Buchi - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

Any cat lover knows there are A LOT of cats out there that need homes. Cats in general need help! They are not wildlife to be left outside. They are domesticated house pets that need warm, loving homes and vet care. I honestly believe St Sophia's FF has their heart in the right place, however they are overloaded with animals and understaffed so their task is daunting. I recently adopted an adorable 5 month old kitten that was spayed, healthy and UTD on vaccinations. Paperwork was complete. My concern is that while working through my adoption I saw an adopter get "approved" via word of mouth, ("You own your own home?" Yes="You are approved") without a vet check or address check. Hmmm I also learned there was an FIV+ cat living in their adoption room. According to Cornell University, a long time authority on feline viruses, "The primary mode of transmission for FIV is through bite wounds from an infected cat. Casual, non-aggressive contact, such as sharing water bowls or mutual grooming, does not appear to be an efficient route of spreading the virus. As a result, cats in households with stable social structures where housemates do not fight are at little risk of acquiring FIV infections." While I was waiting on my adoption paperwork, the FIV+ cat got into a "spat" and chased a roommate into a cabinet, cornering him. This area is not a "household with stable social structures". But again, I believe St. Sophia's FF is doing a wonderful service for our community, placing cats into loving homes. I will be back for my next cat. read more

We adopted our 3 year old male cat from St.Sophia's two weeks ago. We were searching for a couple months to find a cat that would be a good fit for us. They were super responsive to texts, calls, and meetings with cats. I love they have cats in foster homes but also bring some of them to the shelter twice weekly for a couple hours so you really get a chance to take your time and interact with them in person before making such a big decision. The application process was easy. During the adoption process they are so helpful and give you tips for taking care of your new pet and adjusting them to a new home. They also tell you not to hesitate to reach out even after you have them home bc they really care about their cats and making sure they are well taken care of. We couldn't be happier with Willis (previously Little Bit) and are so glad we found St.Sophia's! read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I have gotten 1 cat and 1 kitten from this shelter. the cat did have bronchial infections, which they told me about. Then I lost another cat and applied and got a black kitten. They are both wonderful cats, don't tell, but the black kitten is my favorite. Hopsie and Eva are great and enhance our lives every day. I am sorry to see reviews where some cats were sick or passed. I just thought I should say my experiences with St Sophias has been wonderful. The volunteers I interacted with were helpful, patient and efficient. The foster who had Eva was surprised I was taking her so fast. It turned out someone had been there before and was there 2 days. 4 hours one day and 2 the next. whew. Personally I loved my experience. Hopsie had been returned twice and after our warm and happy welcome never had any problems since with her bronchial infections. She is a dream. read more

St Sophia's Forgotten Felines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Wheaton, Illinois

I adopted a cat from this business and wasn't informed that he has bowel and urinary incontinence along with a parasitic infection that even after treatment can recur and cause the bowel issues. At the time of adoption, I was assured that if the adoption didn't work out , they would take the pet back. They,in fact , insist that the animal must be returned to them, as per protocol. I informed them about these issues and that I cannot jeopardize my other animal's health , they replied that they'd notify me when a cage became available. I let them know about this issue a month ago. And have had no resolution. I spoke to an employee there today who said to " just do whatever you have to do if you don't want the cat." What a horrible response from a business that is supposed to rescue and care for animals. I also found out that the last adopter returned the cat for the exact reasons. I was mislead and lied to concerning this cats issues. I won't ever do business with these people. I advise that if you're considering adoption, be prepared for anything. read more

Be careful. Think your decision through!! Although, I think our adoption counselor is a nice person and her heart was definitely in the right place, this process has been very stressful and costly. I believe she really loves the animals and wants them to have good homes. However, I wish I had read all the other reviews before adopting with St. Sophia's. The cats we adopted showed up sick to the initial meeting. They were very dirty and smelled. They were VERY sick immediately. I had to take take off work two days ASAP as they were both coughing blood, had horrible infected eyes. They were diagnosed by two vets with severe eye and respiratory infections and cat herpes. This sneezing and snorting with blood went on for over a month. Yuck! I had to clean daily and throw out my bedding from the sneezing bloody snot mess. Other issues they've had have been ringworm, tapeworm and ear mites. My young son caught ringworm and has bald patches on his head!!!! This is insane. Tomorrow I'm missing more work to take my son back to doctor and he is missing school. I have had to sanitize and disinfect my home top to bottom many times. The cats are very sweet and I care for them but I've never experienced anything like this. I wish they had taken the time to adopt them out healthy. It's irritating to be told that they had an "allergy". Be careful with this group. They did help with the initial vet and an antibiotic shot visit but subsequent visits have been VERY expensive. I had wanted loving companions for me and my kids but this has turned into a very stressful situation. Now, I can't allow my kids around the cats because of the ringworm. It's very hard on the cats to be isolated and my kids are unhappy as well. They are now in my finished basement isolated and I will have to get all of my furniture sanitized or throw it out. I'm a single mom who spends all weekend cleaning and sanitizing and washing all the bedding and scrubbing all floors and walls. The cats are sweet but if I had it to do over I wouldn't have adopted them. My kids are attached and I am overwhelmed. The protocol for ringworm is lengthy and intensive for the cats and my house and I'm beyond upset that my kindergartner has bald spots. To be clear we have NO other pets that these cats could've caught anything from. My house was always VERY clean. This means these cats came to us this sick and have created havoc and stress. That being said we will continue to care for them. Im praying my son doesn't lose more hair. I'm mortified and embarrassed. Just be careful. Ask a lot of questions and if the cat shows up sick to a meet and greet, wait to adopt until the cat is healthy. It's really unfair to the cats as well. This really affects bonding and developing a relationship with the cats. I go in the basement to play with and care for the cats but my kids can't be around them and I have to wear protective items on my hair and clothes and then do a deep sanitizing every weekend. I had really wanted cats that could have free roam of the home. I'm sure they can go back to that once they feel better. My son will have to take medicine for 12 weeks as well as creams. I pray no one else in my house catches this. read more

I volunteered in cat rescue for quite a bit. In the Chicago volunteering community, St. Sophia's and Catnap from the Heart are the gold standard. These cats are saved from very dire situations. I feel bad that a few people have adopted sick cats, but I feel they are the vocal minority. As stated, this shelter is 100% volunteer run. Perhaps people should try giving their own time and see how it feels to be on the receiving end? That being said, we recently found a cat in our backyard. St. Sophia's moved heaven and earth to get this guy situated. They had me take him to the vet the VERY day we caught him. He was quickly neutered, chipped and given shots. I would not hesitate for one single minute in adopting from St. Sophia's. My husband and I have a soft spot for special needs/blind animals. Luckily, St. Sophia's has plenty in their adoptable roster. A true rarity in a lot of rescues. Thank you for all you do, St. Sophia's. read more

I do not recommend this place! I adopted 3 cats from them and 2 died. They all came to me with fleas, ear mites, roundworm, one had ringworm, and 2 died within the first year of life due to previous illness that could never be managed (cardiomyopathy and FIP). Austin, (orange and white) was sneezing when I adopted him. They told me he had allergies because the building we were in was used for dog grooming. I went ahead with the adoption. 5 months later I am having to put down this 7 month old kitten due to an FIP diagnosis. I have spent over 3,000$ on him and have had to go to the vet 2-3 times per month since I had him. This is not normal. They have the right idea but they need to do better caring and cleaning their animals. And ensuring they are not sick before they let them get adopted! read more

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