Claw Enforcement

Mission

Claw Enforcement Feline Rescue is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a lifeline for the forgotten and overlooked cats of South Florida. Founded by Isabella Acacio, our 501(c)(3) organization began with a simple yet powerful belief: every cat deserves a chance at life, love, and health, no matter their circumstances. From the vibrant streets of Miami to shelters bursting at capacity, Claw Enforcement has become a beacon of hope for the region’s most vulnerable felines.

Our mission is rooted in compassion and action. While we may operate on a largely self-funded basis, this hasn’t stopped us from expanding our reach and deepening our commitment to rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming. We take in cats of all ages and health conditions, and often help the forgotten cats of Miami—the ones others may not have the time, space, or resources to save. In fact, many of the cats and kittens we’ve rescued would have faced certain death without intervention. But for us, no cat is too sick or too far gone.

We’ve seen it all—from kittens abandoned on the side of the road, to entire colonies of feral cats left to fend for themselves, to cats suffering from debilitating illnesses like FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis), FELV (Feline Leukemia Virus), and panleukopenia. These are the cats many people shy away from, knowing the immense cost, time, and dedication it takes to nurse them back to health. But at Claw Enforcement, we roll up our sleeves and dive in, knowing that every life saved is a victory worth fighting for.

One of our most memorable cases was with a kitten named Lyra, who came to us at just a few weeks old, fighting both pneumonia and a virus that was attacking her immune system. For many, a kitten with such complex health issues might have seemed like a lost cause. But with intensive round-the-clock care, medication, and a whole lot of love, Lyra began to recover. It’s these moments—when a tiny life begins to heal against all odds—that fuel our work and remind us why we do what we do.

Another case close to our hearts is Dino, a sweet and ferocious cat who came to us demanding treats, despite his fragile health. Dino, like many of our rescues, was battling FELV, a virus that suppresses the immune system and leaves cats vulnerable to a range of infections and illnesses. Through tailored treatment and care, Dino’s health improved, and he became one of the most loving, affectionate cats we’ve had the pleasure of rescuing. His story, like so many others, is a testament to the resilience of these animals and the impact of our work.

We’ve also taken in countless kittens who were abandoned and left to die. Many of them were suffering from panleukopenia, a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the cells in a cat’s intestines, leaving them weak and vulnerable. While panleukopenia can be fatal, we’ve developed a rigorous protocol to give these kittens the best possible chance of survival. Through aggressive treatment, isolation, and around-the-clock monitoring, we’ve been able to save lives that would have otherwise been lost. These victories are never easy, but they are always worth it.

But we don’t do this alone. I work with an extraordinary team of trappers, rescuers, and fosters who dedicate their time, energy, and homes to make our mission possible. These are people who share a deep, unshakable commitment to the cats of South Florida. They invest their own resources, open their homes to cats and kittens in need, and never hesitate to step up when a rescue call comes in. Together, we make sure no cat is left behind, and we never forget that we have each other’s backs. As long as we stand united, every cat that crosses our path has a fighting chance at a healthier, safer life.

Currently, we’re facing a massive influx of kittens as shelters across the state are overwhelmed. We’ve been taking in kittens non-stop, despite being stretched thin. Our foster network is critical during times like these. These compassionate individuals provide temporary homes where cats can recover from illness, receive socialization, and prepare for adoption. Many of the kittens we rescue arrive terrified, malnourished, and with little hope, but with the care of our fosters, they thrive.

In addition to our foster network, we’ve built strong medical protocols for treating cats suffering from FELV, panleukopenia, and FIP—diseases that often carry a grim prognosis. Our goal is to not only treat these cats but to give them a fighting chance at a normal, healthy life. Through these protocols, we’ve saved dozens of cats who might have otherwise been euthanized or left to succumb to their illnesses.

Looking forward, we have an even bigger vision. We’re determined to create a closed-off sanctuary for Miami’s feral cat population—a safe, protected space where feral cats can live out their lives away from the dangers of the streets. This sanctuary will be a game-changer for the city’s feral cats, providing them with shelter, medical care, and a peaceful environment where they can thrive without the constant threat of harm. Our TNR (trap-neuter-return) efforts have already helped reduce the population of free-roaming cats, but a dedicated sanctuary would take this mission to the next level.

However, none of this is possible without the support of donors and compassionate people like you. While we’ve managed to self-fund much of our rescue work, the reality is that we need more resources to continue making a lasting impact. Your contributions help us cover the costs of medical treatment, food, supplies, and foster care, and move us closer to establishing the feral cat sanctuary.

At Claw Enforcement, we believe that every cat deserves a chance at life. Every day, we fight for that belief, one rescue at a time. From the tiniest kittens to the fiercest ferals, we are committed to giving each cat that crosses our path the chance for a healthier, happier, and safer future. With your help, we can continue this critical work and build a future where Miami’s cats are safe, cared for, and loved.

Thank you for supporting Claw Enforcement Feline Rescue. Together, we can make a difference—one paw at a time.