Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Apr 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
41
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Private Cat Sanctuary with 60+ cats near Guadalajara. All cats run free and live in a Mexican Style house. It is a mostly quiet, private property. Walk to town, bus station, and waterfront park. Spanish helpful. You will be working with your host in caring for the animals (checking for abnormalities, behaviour, administering medication, etc.)
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Animal Care
Help around the house
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Life in a Mexican town! Culture, food, customs, festivities, language. Learn about cats.
Help
Looking for single mature adult(s) to spend time and interact with the cats, spot check during the day, and live on the property. Some help with special care animals as necessary. Long-term preferred. Experience and love of cats required!
Assistance w/feeding 7 days/week for apx. 1- 1 1/2 hours in the mornings. Time off can be coordinated.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Accommodation
Furnished studio 'casita' separate from the cat space. Wifi. No cable TV.
Fresh, inexpensive food readily available locally. Sunshine most days.
What else ...
This town is a farming community suited for someone who seeks to experience Mexican life, good food, and friendly people. Good public transport.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 916834223267
Feedback (18)
26 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Bryn & Milly)
It was a pleasure hosting Bryn and Milly. The work was done efficiently and they provided excellent support for the daily tasks. They also did extra maintenance work with enthusiasm and skill. Communication was easy and the cats certainly appreciated the attention they received. It was a very positive experience and I would welcome them back… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jen)
It was my pleasure hosting Gen. The work was done efficiently, well executed
and provided a great help to the daily routine. Communication was
easy and her support so much appreciated.
and provided a great help to the daily routine. Communication was
easy and her support so much appreciated.
(Excellent
)
20 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stella) for host
My stay with Anita was an amazing experience! She made sure I had everything I need, and kept me well-fed with her delicious pastries and sorbets and her husband's vegetarian dishes. I would recommend this project to anyone and will definitely be coming back!
19 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stella)
Stella was most helpful caring for the cats, keeping up with the chores and whatever needed to be done. She was attentive to the cats' needs, spotted potential health problems and helped with administering medication.
Her daily routine was flawless and her positive attitude made her fun to be around.
Would have her back anytime.
Her daily routine was flawless and her positive attitude made her fun to be around.
Would have her back anytime.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
26 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Bryn & Milly)
It was a pleasure hosting Bryn and Milly. The work was done efficiently and they provided excellent support for the daily tasks. They also did extra maintenance work with enthusiasm and skill. Communication was easy and the cats certainly appreciated the attention they received. It was a very positive experience and I would welcome them back… read more
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jen)
It was my pleasure hosting Gen. The work was done efficiently, well executed
and provided a great help to the daily routine. Communication was
easy and her support so much appreciated.
and provided a great help to the daily routine. Communication was
easy and her support so much appreciated.
(Excellent)
20 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Stella) for host
My stay with Anita was an amazing experience! She made sure I had everything I need, and kept me well-fed with her delicious pastries and sorbets and her husband's vegetarian dishes. I would recommend this project to anyone and will definitely be coming back!
19 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stella)
Stella was most helpful caring for the cats, keeping up with the chores and whatever needed to be done. She was attentive to the cats' needs, spotted potential health problems and helped with administering medication.
Her daily routine was flawless and her positive attitude made her fun to be around.
Would have her back anytime.
Her daily routine was flawless and her positive attitude made her fun to be around.
Would have her back anytime.
(Excellent)
28 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Geneviève) for host
Fue maravilloso pasar un mes entero con 67 gatos ¡lo disfrutamos mucho Pancho y yo! Cada quien tiene su personalidad y es lo que lo hace bonito que con el tiempo vas aprendiendo a conocer a cada uno por los momentos que pasas con ellos. El lugar es muy amplio y limpio gracias a sus empleados (Braulio, Karo y su hija, Yetzamani) que hacen un… read more
14 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Geneviève)
Gen and her travel companion, Pancho, spent 4 weeks helping out tremendously.
They anticipated details to be taken care of, administered medicine, and were a terrific support, making my daily routine so much easier. Their positive attitude and smiles were an added benefit and brightened my days.
They anticipated details to be taken care of, administered medicine, and were a terrific support, making my daily routine so much easier. Their positive attitude and smiles were an added benefit and brightened my days.
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Katherine)
Thanks, Katie, for helping out on short notice. The tasks were taken care of very well, the cats benefited from the company,
and my daily routine became so much easier. Katie was reliable, thorough, and communicative. I certainly enjoyed having her.
and my daily routine became so much easier. Katie was reliable, thorough, and communicative. I certainly enjoyed having her.
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Katherine) for host
It is a special place. I loved staying there! It felt more like a retreat for me than "work." Anita made me feel welcomed and appreciated from the very beginning. Staying in a studio apartment is such a treat after staying in hostels for a few months. Living onsite with the cats meant I could get snuggles whenever I wanted! If you spend extra time… read more
13 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucy & Christian ) for host
We have just finished an almost two month stay here, and can honestly say it's been the most lovely and rewarding experience.
It's hard to know where to start... so let's start with the cats. The cats, many of whom have not had the easiest journeys in life, have been fortunate enough to end up at this place. They recieve endless love and care.… read more
It's hard to know where to start... so let's start with the cats. The cats, many of whom have not had the easiest journeys in life, have been fortunate enough to end up at this place. They recieve endless love and care.… read more
13 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucy & Christian )
Lucy and Chris were a terrific support team. They cared
so much for the cats and the cats really liked having them around.
They mastered weeks of administering medication to a difficult cat
with patience and skill. They also helped around the house,
painting and repairing and with trips to the vet.
Lucie and Chris are very attentive to… read more
so much for the cats and the cats really liked having them around.
They mastered weeks of administering medication to a difficult cat
with patience and skill. They also helped around the house,
painting and repairing and with trips to the vet.
Lucie and Chris are very attentive to… read more
(Excellent)
19 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Katharina & Joris) for host
We loved staying at the place. We spent 2 awesome months there and it wasn't enough!
Anita is a very lovely and caring person and she made sure that we feel comfortable and have everything we need.
The property by itself is in great shape and you have everything you need in the Casita.
This is a place were you feel home the second you enter the… read more
Anita is a very lovely and caring person and she made sure that we feel comfortable and have everything we need.
The property by itself is in great shape and you have everything you need in the Casita.
This is a place were you feel home the second you enter the… read more
7 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Katharina & Joris)
Joris and Kathie's help in caring for the cats was
loving and caring and a valuable support.
They paid detailed attention to possible health problems
in the cats and helped with medicating and grooming.
Very easy going and a pleasure to have had them at Casa
Miau. Thank you.
loving and caring and a valuable support.
They paid detailed attention to possible health problems
in the cats and helped with medicating and grooming.
Very easy going and a pleasure to have had them at Casa
Miau. Thank you.
(Excellent)
11 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (DeIso)
De-Iso agreed to fill a 10-day gap in the volunteer schedule. How fortunate she did. She took charge completing the tasks right away and became a valuable asset to the daily routine. She went beyond her assigned work taking on extra chores and in caring for the cats. I must mention that she is the tidiest person ever to stay in the guest/volunteer… read more
(Excellent)
28 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sasha & Damon) for host
This is one of the easiest workaway reviews we've ever had to write;
We had an amazing time here. We spent just under two months here and everything was great from start to finish.
The sanctuary itself is very beautiful and tranquil and a cat lovers paradise. All 65 cats are incredibly happy and well looked after, and getting to know each of… read more
We had an amazing time here. We spent just under two months here and everything was great from start to finish.
The sanctuary itself is very beautiful and tranquil and a cat lovers paradise. All 65 cats are incredibly happy and well looked after, and getting to know each of… read more
18 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sasha & Damon)
Sasha and Damon demonstrated knowledge
which was very helpul in caring for the cats.
They spotted abnormalities, medicated, and
related passionately to the cats.
Their support was appreciated and terrific. They
were reliable, trustworthy, and responsible. Thank
you very much for volunteering your time.
which was very helpul in caring for the cats.
They spotted abnormalities, medicated, and
related passionately to the cats.
Their support was appreciated and terrific. They
were reliable, trustworthy, and responsible. Thank
you very much for volunteering your time.
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Collin) for host
Anita and Jim were so great! We loved every part of our stay. Everything from cheesecake to lounging around with cats. We had an amazing 2 months!
9 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica & Collin)
Efficient, communicative, reliable, responsible, and pleasant.
Collin and Jessica managed every aspect of the tasks well
including caring gently for the cats. Couldn't have been much
better of an experience. So glad they decided to come to us
and help out.
Collin and Jessica managed every aspect of the tasks well
including caring gently for the cats. Couldn't have been much
better of an experience. So glad they decided to come to us
and help out.
(Excellent)
26 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Fuki) for host
I had a great experience with lovely cats, wonderful people and warm sunny weather in the perfect house in the pretty village!!!
I appreciate that there wasn't anything to worry about from the very beginning to the end of my 5 weeks of stay. I felt safe and comfortable so I could relax and enjoy my stay as much as possible.
Anita showed me around… read more
I appreciate that there wasn't anything to worry about from the very beginning to the end of my 5 weeks of stay. I felt safe and comfortable so I could relax and enjoy my stay as much as possible.
Anita showed me around… read more
6 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Fuki)
Zuki was of tremendous help keeping the daily routine going smoothly.
She related to the cats in a calm, harmonious manner and generated
confidence in them. They were very fond of her. Excellent person
to have in your space. Kind, efficient, polite - just terrific.
She related to the cats in a calm, harmonious manner and generated
confidence in them. They were very fond of her. Excellent person
to have in your space. Kind, efficient, polite - just terrific.
(Excellent)
16 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Louise) for host
I intended to volunteer with Anita for 6 weeks but actually stayed for 8.
Anita and Jim were so kind and helpful supporting me to achieve some of my local goals and always wanting to help me.
The cats were amazing. It took me some time to learn them and I left with some still a mystery to me.
The work was not arduous, about 3 hours of feeding,… read more
Anita and Jim were so kind and helpful supporting me to achieve some of my local goals and always wanting to help me.
The cats were amazing. It took me some time to learn them and I left with some still a mystery to me.
The work was not arduous, about 3 hours of feeding,… read more
16 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Louise)
It was great having Louise her. She is thoughtful, thorough, helpful and pleasant. Her calming effect on the cats was amazing! She's welcome back anytime. Thanks, Louise
(Excellent)
4 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Lynn)
Lynn has demonstrated loving interaction with the cats (there are 60+) in a very. short time. She is responsible and a fast learner. In addition, she is keen on observing irregularities in the behavior of the animals and capable of problem solving. Would gladly welcome her back in the future.
(Excellent)
8 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Madeleine) for host
For my first workaway experience it could not be any better!!
For me it felt more like a vacation. I already miss the kittens. The place is really wonderful and perfectly designed for the cats. They are all lovely and lovable. You have plenty of time to get to know the town and other places.
If you enjoy eating cakes then that's the place for you… read more
For me it felt more like a vacation. I already miss the kittens. The place is really wonderful and perfectly designed for the cats. They are all lovely and lovable. You have plenty of time to get to know the town and other places.
If you enjoy eating cakes then that's the place for you… read more
8 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Madeleine)
Madeleine was a big help in caring for the cats,
with a keen eye to spot potential problems. She is
reliable, responsible and was an asset.
Coordination of tasks was flawless. She helped
with the morning feeding which includes special
attention to various cats, administered medication,
and much more. Very fortunate she decided to
spend her time… read more
with a keen eye to spot potential problems. She is
reliable, responsible and was an asset.
Coordination of tasks was flawless. She helped
with the morning feeding which includes special
attention to various cats, administered medication,
and much more. Very fortunate she decided to
spend her time… read more
(Excellent)
23 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica)
Jessica, working as a digital nomad 9 hours a day, managed to complete all tasks beautifully.
She is responsible, detail oriented, very pleasant and takes an interest in the work.
Thanks, Jessica, what a lovely experience to have you here.
She is responsible, detail oriented, very pleasant and takes an interest in the work.
Thanks, Jessica, what a lovely experience to have you here.
(Excellent)
23 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
That was the best experience in my life, Anita and Jim are such lovely people, they do everything they can to make you feel comfortable here. All the cats are extremely well treated and it's impossible not to feel in love with them. I'll be forever thankful to Anita for this opportunity and I definitely want to come back in the future.
12 Apr 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Matteo)
Matteo completed all tasks easily and quickly. He helped reorganize the feeding schedule and created a more efficient environment. With a good sense of humor and a friendly smile he will always be welcome.
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Jennyfer) for host
I spent nearly 4 months at this beautiful cat sanctuary and had a marvelous time! Anita, Maryla, Jim & co., have created a true paradise for (currently 54) cats, and with the fantastic help from Paula, Braulio and Caro, the sanctuary stays in an amazing shape. All of the cats are living their best life!
The casita for the volunteers is also very… read more
The casita for the volunteers is also very… read more
11 Nov 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennyfer)
Jennyfer was an absolute delight to have here. Her sunny disposition, willingness to help, knowledge about each of the cats, and her amazing abilities with all of the residents will be sorely missed. Good thing she has already scheduled a return visit for March 2022!
(Excellent)
20 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Monica & Marisol) for host
I only spent 2 weeks, but my stay was full of many wonderful moments! Anita, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be part of your Dream. Pure Love for cats and the effort of amazing people who make this dream possible. Gracias a todos (Anita, Jim, Maryla, Jacky, Paula, Doris) por ayudar y querer a nuestros gatitos mexicanos!
19 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Monica & Marisol)
Monica was a tremendous help and support helping with the cats.
It is obvious, she loves animals. Great experience having her.
It is obvious, she loves animals. Great experience having her.
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Cathy)
Cathy is an absolute pleasure to have as a volunteer! She learned rather quickly, within days, the names and routines. Her knowledge and keen observations contributed to the well being of the kitties in a big way. Note that Cathy filled in for two weeks only. By the time she left, it felt like she'd been by my side for months.
Thank you Cathy. We… read more
Thank you Cathy. We… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2021
Left by Workawayer (Cathy) for host
I had the great pleasure to spend two weeks with the host. Anita, her husband Jim and their friends, Maryla, Doris and Paula have created an absolute utopia for the 48 cats currently living there, as well as an incredibly welcoming group for the work away people. All of these cats have won the ‘cat lottery’. This was my first experience with… read more
20 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Max) for host
Anita, her husband Jim and their friends created an idyllic place for abandoned and mistreated cats seeking shelter and tranquility on the shores of lake Chapala. They had and they still are putting a tremendous amount of work (and money) to keep the Sanctuary running smoothly for the benefit of the past/present/future feline guests.
I had the… read more
I had the… read more
18 Nov 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Max)
Max cared for the cats in a naturally beautiful way. He did more than was
asked of him, helping out wherever he could, playing with the cats and helping
to socialize them. He even invented toys to entertain the cats.
With his help, we kept the cats well groomed and healthy and the casa a
harmonious place to be. Thank you Max.
asked of him, helping out wherever he could, playing with the cats and helping
to socialize them. He even invented toys to entertain the cats.
With his help, we kept the cats well groomed and healthy and the casa a
harmonious place to be. Thank you Max.
(Excellent)
30 Jun 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sara & Kristopher) for host
We truly had an amazing experience here!! Anita is a fantastic person, she does so much for her cats and the place is a little paradise. Maryla, Jim, Paula and all the people at the cat sanctuary do so much good work for the cats and made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. It was so hard to say goodbye, especially to our little friends,… read more
29 Jun 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara & Kristopher)
Sara and Kris were an absolute delight!
They are fun, enthusiastic talented people who thoroughly enjoyed their stay. They did what we asked and then volunteered to do so much more including plumbing, electrical, and painting a mural that will be enjoyed as long as we are there.
We miss them and hope they will come back!
They are fun, enthusiastic talented people who thoroughly enjoyed their stay. They did what we asked and then volunteered to do so much more including plumbing, electrical, and painting a mural that will be enjoyed as long as we are there.
We miss them and hope they will come back!
(Excellent)
24 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan Bert)
Would recommend Jan to any potential Workaway employer. He is friendly, intelligent, and obviously enjoyed himself. He took it upon himself to do much more than what we asked him to do. We already asked him to come back next year if he so chooses.
(Excellent)
23 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jan Bert) for host
I volunteered here for two months and had a wonderful time.
The cats have a nice life. They can go outside, but also stay inside if they want. They are fed well and have plenty of room to play. Play attributes are also widely available.
There is a large garden around the Casa.
Anita, husband Jim and Maryla, the owners, are devoted to the animals.… read more
The cats have a nice life. They can go outside, but also stay inside if they want. They are fed well and have plenty of room to play. Play attributes are also widely available.
There is a large garden around the Casa.
Anita, husband Jim and Maryla, the owners, are devoted to the animals.… read more
23 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Sabrina) for host
I absolutely LOVED my stay at this place!
I fell in love with the cats and felt like home right away.
The casa is a lovely Mexican house completely renovated with cats in mind....a cats heaven.
My main duty was to spend time with the cats!!! I loved it and enjoyed every minute of it. It is an experience in itself to live with more than 40 free… read more
I fell in love with the cats and felt like home right away.
The casa is a lovely Mexican house completely renovated with cats in mind....a cats heaven.
My main duty was to spend time with the cats!!! I loved it and enjoyed every minute of it. It is an experience in itself to live with more than 40 free… read more
15 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabrina)
My first experience with a WorkAway referral could not have been better. Sabrina is an enthusiastic wonderful person to be around and a great worker. She obviously enjoyed what she was doing and took pride in doing it well. I intend to stay friends with her wherever she lands and have already invited her back here.
(Excellent)
