Florida Couple’s Heartfelt Project Changes The Fate Of Hundreds Of Cats
Sometimes, compassion starts small, with just one act of kindness, and grows into something extraordinary.
That’s exactly what happened with Denise and Thom Howard, a couple from Jacksonville, Florida, whose love for stray cats turned into a full-blown rescue mission that now touches hundreds of lives.
It all began right in their own neighborhood. The Howards started by feeding a few stray cats who appeared at their doorstep.
Most people might have stopped there, but Denise and Thom couldn’t. They noticed the cats needed more than food, they needed safety, shelter, and medical attention.
So they started taking them in, one by one, offering care and warmth to animals who had never known comfort before.
At first, their home became a cozy little refuge. But as word spread through the community, more calls for help began pouring in.
Every new story broke their hearts, kittens abandoned behind dumpsters, cats injured by cars, strays struggling to survive in the Florida heat. It quickly became clear that their small home couldn’t keep up with the growing need.
To make their mission official, the Howards founded Purrapy Inc., a home-based nonprofit focused on rescuing and rehabilitating cats.
Their neighbors admired what they were doing, and soon the local rescue network started reaching out to them for help. It was a beautiful thing, but it also meant their space was overflowing.
So they dreamed bigger.
Determined to give these cats a permanent sanctuary, Denise and Thom invested in nine acres of land, transforming it into a peaceful paradise they named Purradise Springs.
It was more than just a rescue, it was a home where cats could finally live freely and safely, surrounded by nature.
Today, over a hundred cats roam those nine acres, playing, exploring, and lounging in the Florida sun. Every single one has a story, and every one of them found a second chance because of the Howards. Thom shared proudly:
“With TNR, adoptions, cats that have passed, and our current colony of 130+, we have saved well over 600 cats in seven years.”
That’s an incredible number for what started as two people and a few bowls of food.
The Howards also run Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs to help control the stray population and work with volunteers to find adoptive homes for friendly cats.
But they didn’t stop there , they came up with an idea that took their mission to a whole new level: cat glamping.
They created charming glamping tents, lovingly called “purrts,” set among the trees and meadows of Purradise Springs.
Guests could stay overnight, surrounded by the sanctuary’s cats, who often curl up next to visitors or wander into tents looking for affection.
It’s an experience unlike any other , a little slice of heaven for animal lovers. Videos from guests quickly went viral on TikTok, showing people waking up to a dozen friendly cats purring around them.
Thom revealed how popular their glamping stays have become:
“Our main three tents stay 80 to 90 percent booked now. In fact, I’m not sure we have an available weekend on the main three purrts for about three months.”
The popularity helped bring even more attention (and donations) to the sanctuary. Visitors travel from across the country to enjoy this peaceful getaway, knowing their stay directly supports cat rescue.
What began as one couple’s mission to help a few strays has now become a thriving community effort, saving lives and spreading awareness.
Purradise Springs is more than a cat sanctuary , it’s proof that love, dedication, and creativity can create something truly special.
Through Denise and Thom’s vision, hundreds of cats have found a safe place to call home, and thousands of hearts have been touched. It’s not just paradise for cats , it’s a reminder that compassion really can change the world.
