Donna Thomas, located in St. Augustine, Florida, has been rescuing cats since 1996. Her journey began in Schenectady, New York, where she assisted a friend who rescued cats by taking in some of the sickest and most vulnerable kittens. Her home soon became affectionately known as the "Kitten Hospital." During this time, Donna also operated a successful home-based furniture restoration business, Vintage Chic, specializing in refinishing and painting vintage furniture.
After relocating to St. Augustine and opening A Coastal Home and sister location, A Coastal Home Too; Donna transformed a former office inside her showroom into a dedicated space for rescued cats. She partnered with a local rescue organization, offering free housing for adoptable cats while hosting weekly adoption events at her store every Saturday. Through her mentorship and support, she helped nine cat rescue organizations achieve 501(c)(3) nonprofit status before founding her own nonprofit, Coastal Kitties, in August 2025. Since its founding, Coastal Kitties has rescued 74 cats.
Coastal Kitties is committed to providing every cat in its care with the medical attention it deserves and ensures every cat is spayed or neutered before adoption. Coastal Kitties also provides comprehensive veterinary care, nutritious food, and a safe, loving environment. Monthly expenses for food and litter alone average approximately $2,800, and since opening, Coastal Kitties has invested more than $25,000 in routine and emergency medical care for the cats it has rescued.
Through compassion, dedication, and the support of the community, Coastal Kitties continues its mission of giving abandoned, neglected, and medically fragile cats a second chance at healthy, loving homes.
Two of Donna's blind rescues.
Donna with one of her rescues, Jack Sparrow.