Why Nekogai?
Neko (猫) = Cat in Japanese. Gai comes from Ikigai (生き甲斐), the Japanese philosophy meaning “a reason to live.” It represents the intersection of what the world needs and what gives your life purpose. For us, that’s creating a sanctuary for abandoned cats—a reason for them to live, and a reason for us to wake up every day. While the sanctuary itself won’t generate profit, it will be sustained through our cat house building services, turning compassion into a sustainable mission.
Building a Haven for Homeless Cats
Nekogai is devoted to providing a safe, loving refuge for rescued cats, promoting their well-being through advocacy, education, and sustainable care. Our vision is to establish a permanent sanctuary that empowers communities to protect and cherish vulnerable felines.
More Than a Sanctuary — We’re Advocates
We aren’t just a sanctuary — we are advocates fighting to end the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in Canadian pounds. Euthanasia should only be the humane choice when an animal would live a life of pain and suffering. We’re working toward a future where every cat has a chance at life, love, and a forever home.
1.3 Million
An estimated 1.3 million cats across Canada are currently homeless and living without consistent care or protection.
50%
About half of all cats entering shelters are strays, highlighting the scale of abandonment and lack of spay and neuter access.
23% Increase
After the holidays, Canada sees roughly a 23% increase in abandoned cats as shelters become overwhelmed. Cats are not Christmas throwaways.
Rising
Reports of animal abuse and abandonment continue to rise across Canada, reinforcing the urgent need for long-term solutions.
Our Fight for Change
We’re building more than a sanctuary—we’re building a movement.
Interactive Transparency Map
We’re developing an interactive map tracking every province and territory in Canada that euthanizes animals, bringing transparency to a hidden crisis.
Federal Recognition
We’re fighting for the federal government to recognize cats, dogs, horses, and other animals as non-human sentient beings—deserving of protection and justice.
Mews & Views + Meowniversity
Our blog Mews & Views shares stories and advocacy updates, while Meowniversity offers courses on cat care, welfare, and community action.
How You Can Help
We’re working to get Nekogai fully licensed and operational. Your support—whether financial or material—brings us closer to opening our doors.
Financial Donations
Every dollar helps us secure land, build facilities, and care for our first residents.
Material Donations
Old shelving units, pallets, animal-safe soundproof foam, unused wood—we’ll take it!
Community Partnership
We’re working with the city to safely secure, spay, neuter, and release community cats.