Avalo Cat Sanctuary

"If you love cats big and small this is the place to go. The care taker is very knowledgable on the different variety of cats on the property and knows the names of 96% of the animals. Had a really great time and plan to visit again soon!"

"Michelle and her helpers are angels! The cats here are well cared for with improvements happening to make their lives more fulfilling then they already are."

"On May 26, 2015 our Bengal cat Ku was transported to Avalo Cat Sanctuary to live. Thru the years, we sent care packages to Ku and also sent money to Michelle Altmeyer, the owner of Avalo Cat Sanctuary to take care of him. Fast forward to 2019. Michelle contacted us via email on April 12, 2019, she wrote that Ku was missing. The email she sent us was 24 hours after Ku was even missing. Not even a phone call. She wrote to us saying that 5 cats got out of the enclosure on the afternoon of April 11th, and that she found 3 but not Ku & one other yet. We then get another email from Michelle on May 1, 2019 saying 4 cats got out, she caught 2, one came back & Ku did not. Then on December 2019 Michelle wrote on Facebook that Ku & 2 others got out. She caught 2 but Ku left. So first it was 5 cats that got out, then 4 and now 3. Which is it? She also wrote us on April 12, 2019 saying she contacted the local shelters & SPCA to report Ku as missing. On April 19,2019, I called SPCA Albrecht Center and spoke to Shelby. And spoke the following day with Devon. Both said no lost Bengal cat was reported recently. On April 20,2019 I called Aiken County Animal Shelter and spoke to Amanda. She said there had been no lost Bengal cat reported recently. I was shocked because Michelle wrote us saying she contacted the nearest shelters already! So one week had passed and apparently no lost cat report was even filed at both locations! I live across country and was not able to file a report. Both locations told me that someone had to physically go there to fill out a missing cat report. It’s been 11 months already that he has been gone, missing lost, mysterious disappearance. When people tell lies, they later forget what they even lied about and so the lies grow & grow. We shared the last photos she sent us with our cat vet here and she said he looked gaunt and not well. We have asked Michelle a few times, did Ku get sick, did he pass away, what exactly happened and why does he not look well in the last photos she sent us? We’d like closure. From the very beginning in 2015, we have always told Michelle that if she can no longer take care of Ku or if there is ever a problem or if anything happens to where her situation changes and she cannot have him anymore at Avalo, to please contact us right away and we will fly to South Carolina to get him. In hindsight, I wish we had never sent him to Avalo Cat Sanctuary and would never ever recommend this place to anyone. See attached photos that Michelle sent me of what Ku looked like. You have to wonder what the hell happened to him?? We will never know and we will always wonder what happened, is he still alive??, did he get sick and pass away?? Why did Michelle's story change several times? Why did she delete her comment on Facebook? All unanswered questions and our beautiful Ku is gone, missing, lost, mysterious disappearance."

"#1 with me. All the cats ,hybrid or domestic , are well cared for and look content. Michelle the lady in charge, very informed, works tirelessly to care and run the sanctuary. Definitely place to visit if looking to adopt or donate to."

"I had the pleasure of a tour today of Avalo. It was extremely educational, and Michelle was a gracious and knowledgeable guide as we explored the world of hybrid cats, as well as some less exotic but certainly lovable and entertaining domestic kitties. I would encourage people to not only take a look, but to volunteer some of your time. Its great hands on training for any would be vets, or just plain animal lovers. I promise that you'll get lots of love in return!"