Quick-Thinking Neighbors Rush to Protect Cats After Window Shatters at The Catcade

When the front window of The Catcade, a cat rescue and café in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, was smashed on Wednesday night, nearby residents rushed to help keep the 31 cats inside from escaping.

The incident happened at the nonprofit’s location on West Belmont Avenue. According to Block Club Chicago, police were notified around 9:20 p.m. and are investigating the incident as criminal damage to property.

By the time co-founder Chris Gutierrez arrived, neighbors had already begun cleaning up the broken glass. A crowd had gathered outside, and some people were helping inside the building. They had realized the cats could slip through the damaged window and run into the street.

Residents worked alongside staff to move the cats away from the opening and secure them. Some even went home to collect pet carriers to help transport the animals. Staff members also hurried to the scene to assist.

All 31 Cats Find Temporary Homes

With the damaged window preventing the rescue from operating safely, The Catcade needed somewhere for its cats to stay while repairs were arranged.

The community responded quickly. Within roughly 90 minutes, foster families had taken in all 31 cats, with about a dozen households providing temporary care.

Gutierrez told Block Club Chicago that seeing strangers step in to help was an extraordinary experience. He was especially relieved that the cats had remained safe, given the risk of them escaping through the broken window.

Repairs Ahead for the Rescue

Although the cats were safely placed in foster homes, the damage created another challenge for the nonprofit. The Catcade relies partly on visitor admission fees to fund its rescue work, so closing its café and lounge means losing income while also facing the cost of replacing the window.

The organization expected to remain closed through at least Friday, October 23, while awaiting an assessment of the damage. It has also launched a fundraiser to help cover repair expenses and lost revenue, with additional funds going toward veterinary care for cats in its program.

The break-in left The Catcade facing an unexpected setback, but its neighbors made sure the night ended with all 31 cats accounted for and safely in temporary homes.

Source: Block Club Chicago — “Neighbors Rush To Save 31 Cats After Window Smashed At Lakeview’s Catcade”