Answer the Call of Spirit
Why Protection Matters
Across communities everywhere, Guardians are often questioned, challenged, or discouraged for answering a sacred calling — caring for homeless cats who live quietly on the margins of human awareness. Neighbors may object, property managers may forbid feeding, or authorities may dismiss suffering lives as unimportant.
But to us, each cat is a divine creation — a living soul entrusted to human care.
Guardianship is not a hobby or a casual act of kindness. It is a spiritual practice. A religious expression of compassion. A soul calling to protect the vulnerable, regardless of whether that life walks on two legs or four.
We remember Chris Arsenault of Happy Cats Sanctuary, who poured his heart into saving hundreds of cats yet faced relentless opposition from neighbors and local authorities. His passing is a solemn reminder of what is at stake when caregivers stand alone. Guardians of the Cats exists so that no one called to this sacred duty is left unprotected or without fellowship.
When Compassion Is Criminalized
In Wetumpka, Alabama, two women — Mary Alston (61) and Beverly Roberts (85) — were arrested, tried, and sentenced simply for feeding and trapping cats so they could be neutered. Their work was a clear act of compassion, yet it was treated as a crime.
Religious Freedom Foundation
Guardians of the Cats is a faith-based ministry founded on the belief that all life is sacred and that compassion is a form of worship.
For many Guardians, caring for cats is not symbolic. It is devotional. It is prayer in motion.
Under U.S. law:
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First Amendment – Free Exercise of Religion
The Constitution protects sincerely held religious beliefs and the right to practice them in daily life. When a Guardian feeds, protects, traps, shelters, or comforts cats as an act of faith, that conduct is religious expression — not merely personal activity.
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RLUIPA – Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act
RLUIPA prohibits government entities from placing a “substantial burden” on religious exercise unless they can prove a compelling interest and the least restrictive means. When ordinances, enforcement actions, or government policies interfere with a Guardian’s faith-based caregiving, those actions may implicate federal religious freedom protections.
While private property rules and local ordinances still apply, the spiritual nature of Guardianship changes the legal character of the act: It is no longer “just feeding animals.” It is religious practice.
What Guardianship Provides
Guardianship does not promise immunity from law. It provides recognized religious identity and documentation so that your calling is understood in its true context.
As a Guardian, you receive:
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Certificate of Spiritual Guardianship
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Guardian Identification Badge
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Faith-based explanation letters for neighbors, HOAs, landlords, churches, and officials
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RLUIPA and First Amendment reference language
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Incident documentation templates
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Guidance for requesting reasonable accommodation
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Access to clergy-authored statements affirming religious exercise
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Fellowship and spiritual support from other Guardians nationwide
These materials exist so that when your devotion is questioned, you are not left struggling for words or standing alone.
What Guardianship Is — and Is Not
Guardianship IS:
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A recognized religious ministry of compassion
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A framework for asserting First Amendment and RLUIPA-protected practice
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A spiritual commission to protect vulnerable feline life
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A source of documentation and clergy affirmation
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A nationwide fellowship of faith-driven caregivers
Guardianship IS NOT:
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A guarantee against all enforcement
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A license to trespass
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A substitute for zoning compliance
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Legal representation
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A promise of court victory
Religious freedom protects practice — it does not erase all regulation. But it does require that your devotion be taken seriously and treated with constitutional respect.
Common Situations Where Protections May Apply
Guardians may face:
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Orders to stop feeding
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Threats of fines or eviction
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HOA or municipal enforcement
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Church or school property objections
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Accusations of “nuisance”
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Interference with TNR activities
In such cases, Guardianship provides:
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Clergy letters asserting protected religious exercise
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RLUIPA-based accommodation requests
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Documentation of sincerely held belief
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Guidance for calm, lawful response
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Support in de-escalation and mediation
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Connection to religious liberty legal resources when needed
Walking in Faith and Law Together
To place a bowl of food can be an act of worship.
To shelter the frightened can be a form of prayer.
To protect the voiceless can be a living sacrament.
Guardians of the Cats exists to affirm both the spiritual and constitutional dignity of that work.
Compassion is not disorder.
Mercy is not trespass.
Devotion is not a nuisance.
It is faith — and faith, in this nation, is protected.
Together, we affirm:
"To deny care to the forgotten is to deny Spirit itself. To protect them is to honor the divine."
FAQs
Am I really protected as a Guardian under religious freedom laws?
Yes. As a recognized Guardian within a faith-based organization, your care for cats is affirmed as a sincerely held religious and spiritual practice. Under the First Amendment and, in certain contexts, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), religious expression and practice are protected from unjustified government burden. While protections are not absolute, your service is not “just a hobby” — it is a faith-based calling that carries legal weight when respectfully asserted.
What if neighbors threaten me or destroy my feeding stations?
Harassment of a Guardian can constitute interference with a religious practice. Guardians of the Cats can provide faith-based letters affirming the spiritual nature of your care and requesting that your religious exercise be respected. If needed, we can help you document the situation and guide you toward appropriate next steps, including legal consultation.
Can I still get in trouble for feeding cats on public or private property?
Protections are strongest on your own property or where you have permission. On public or contested land, local ordinances may still apply. However, your status as a recognized faith-based Guardian allows you to clearly articulate that your actions arise from sincerely held spiritual beliefs, which can be relevant in seeking reasonable accommodation or mediation.
Does this mean I can build a sanctuary anywhere?
No. Zoning and land-use regulations still apply. While religious organizations may receive certain land-use protections, large-scale facilities require proper permits and approvals. Guardianship primarily affirms your daily spiritual practice of feeding, TNR, medical care, and protection of cats — not unrestricted development.
What happens if authorities or landlords say I can’t feed cats?
You may request a faith-based letter from Guardians of the Cats explaining that your care for cats is an expression of religious practice and asking for respectful consideration and reasonable accommodation. Many situations can be resolved through calm communication and documentation before escalation is necessary.
Do I need to contact a lawyer myself?
Guardians of the Cats does not provide legal representation, but we can help you understand your rights, prepare documentation, and connect you with attorneys familiar with religious freedom and animal law if needed.
Is every situation guaranteed to be won in court?
No. Religious freedom protections are powerful but not unlimited. However, being part of a recognized faith-based organization and clearly documenting your sincerely held beliefs often strengthens your position and can help resolve disputes without litigation.
What proof will I have of my protection?
Each Guardian receives:
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Certificate of Guardianship
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Guardian ID Badge
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Access to faith-based support letters and documentation templates
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Community and clergy-level affirmation of your spiritual calling
These materials help you clearly and respectfully express that your service to cats is a protected religious practice, not a casual activity.
Request Guardian Support
If you are facing pressure, threats, or enforcement related to your faith-based care of cats, Guardians of the Cats may assist with:
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Clergy affirmation letters
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Religious practice documentation
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RLUIPA accommodation language
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Communication templates
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Spiritual counsel
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Community support
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Referrals to religious liberty resources
Every request is handled with confidentiality, respect, and care.
Because no Guardian should face harassment or threats alone.
Support Request Form