Cats are truly special creatures that play vital roles in our world. Here are five ways cats with careers are showing up for ecosystems and people that are sure to inspire you.
Cats play pivotal roles in ecosystems and human lives, offering far more than just companionship. From quiet countrysides to deep jungles, cats with careers are helping maintain the balance of our world from every corner.
Here are just five examples of these remarkable cats with careers that give us even more reason to love our feline friends:
Farm cats are as old as agriculture itself, working alongside farmers as trusted crop guardians and vermin patrol. Whether keeping barns free from rodents or offering comfort during long hours of work, farm cats are an essential part of the rhythm of rural life.
At the beautiful Peace farm in Bosnia and Herzegovina, farm cats are among the friendly faces greeting families and visitors to the center. Along with other farm animals, they offer a comforting presence, helping guests connect with nature and community during times of political and social turmoil. Support cats at the Peace Farm.
Often dubbed the “kings of the jungle,” lion’s role as apex predators goes beyond maintaining their majestic manes. These incredible animals help sustain the ecological balance of the savanna. By regulating populations of grazing animals like deer and wild boar, lions help prevent overgrazing, which in turn allows vegetation to thrive—ultimately supporting the long-term biodiversity of this stunning landscape.
As lion populations continue to rapidly decline, organizations like the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation are working to keep the lions of Tanzania alive and doing what they do best—maintaining the health of the ecosystem and tending to their families. Support lions in Tanzania.
In Asia, tiger habitats overlap nine of Asia’s most important watersheds that supply more than 800 million people. By regulating prey populations, tigers help maintain healthy forests and grasslands, which in turn regulates water flow, reduces soil erosion, and supports groundwater recharge.
For the first time in over a century, tiger populations are now on the rise, thanks to the efforts of many organizations, including the Wildlife Society of Selangor. This locally-led nonprofit works with 50 men and women from Indigenous villages to conduct forest patrols and nurture seedlings to restore critical tiger habitats. Support tigers.
If you’ve ever shared your space with a cat, you know they take their role very seriously. While they may not regulate ecosystems or guard produce, their expertise in relaxation and curiosity is just as vital. Cats teach us to slow down, be present, and find the sunny spots wherever we are. In a fast-paced world, they remind us that relaxation is an essential skill and that curiosity is a joy, not a task.
Sadly, not all cats have equally peaceful beginnings, which is why nonprofits like New Beginnings Cat Rescue find forever homes for at-risk cats. Support cat rescue.
Across South and Central America, the jaguar appears in murals on town walls and as figurines placed proudly on window sills and altars. For many living in these regions, the jaguar is more than an apex predator—it is a powerful symbol woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Indigenous communities. The jaguar holds various meanings for different people, but two common symbols it represents in many Indigenous cultures are courage and strength.
These powerful values are reflected in jaguar-conservation efforts in the Yucatán Peninsula through the work of the Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan A.C.—a nonprofit establishing diverse protected natural areas, supporting surveillance to mitigate illegal activities, and providing wildlife with essential resources like food and water during extreme dry seasons. Support jaguars.
Cats are truly special creatures that play a vital role in our world—and they need our support to continue doing their part. Help and celebrate cats big and small by supporting one of the projects above, or explore other cat-related projects around the world to find one you love.
Explore projects supporting cats, small and large.
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