Uptown Cats

Originally Des was a godsend.
Things I would like to suggest as this is not a bashfest:
1) Throughly screen your adoptees, which INCLUDES making sure they’re not allergic to this cat! Allergies vary, so maybe have them spend some time with the cat.
2) Ensure you get the paperwork before you give the cat away/​get the cat, if you want to avoid a repeat. We were lenient but I can see what happens when you don’t get your way.
3) No matter what the outcome treat the humans with RESPECT just as you would the cats! Now how would I even want to adopt a cat type I might not be allergic to, considering how you acted towards me?
Story below.
I had severe allergic reactions to two babies I picked up off Craigslist as their original owners had no other place to go. (Note: I didn’t know this when I got them; I wasn’t carelessly adopting.) Des approached me after I had posted one of the two cats in hopes of finding her a new home. We talked more about the organization and, as I felt comfortable in having him assist me with finding homes for the cat (s), I surrendered one of the two — as there wasn’t space for both — and I was told my girl would be going to a home.
Weeks past and, though I never got to see the fate of my cat Pancha, Des gave me occasional reports that she was fine and would be staying with him and his current group of cats since the hopeful adoption for her had fallen through. I had another cat that I had also wanted Des’ help of placing, and though he was reluctant at first, offered to help me out. After searching we found a great home. Unfortunately, these owners were also unknowingly allergic to him, so I was asked to take him back immediately. Keep in mind, I still hadn’t officially surrendered my boy cat (i.e. paperwork), so this was fine. When I arranged to meet and get the cat at my home, he asked what I was doing working at night. I drive taxis part-​time to pay student loans, which made him remark: «That’s dangerous. I don’t think you should have the cat/​drive.» I hear that I shouldn’t drive, NOT be banned from a cat… but he then added: «What would happen to the cat if something happened to you? You shouldn’t drive then.» Strange… He eventually admired how hard I worked.
MONTHS went by at this point, with one or two updates on what would be happening with the cats — which is understandable as winter is a dead season for adoptions and I think he would be more focused on saving strays, which I admire. Now as it is mid-​February, I get a voicemail/​email from Des about proceeding to prepare CJ for adoption again. I got not even 2 days to contact him back when he starts to CALL ME REPEATEDLY at midnight. On a WEEKNIGHT.
Since there was so much time passed between finding him a home I also took it upon myself to try and find members in my close group of friends and family to take care of my boy cat, since I was still having allergic reactions Claritin couldn’t handle. I luckily had *just* found one a few days prior, and was planning on mailing Des to update him so that he wouldn’t plan in error to still adopt him out. The kicker? When I told him, he goes «And you weren’t planning on telling me? I still have legal rights to him you know.» Do remember that I had never legally signed away this second cat, so I actually had free will. He then proceeds to end the call with a classic: «You know what? F**K you, Jennifer! F**K YOU!» and hung up.
Des is great at what he does, really. I’m sad (and now scared) that I haven’t been provided with more details for my baby Pancha, and hope whoever might get her — if anyone — takes good care of her. I am also now Extremely Relieved that I did not surrender my second cat fully, seeing the immature and extremely unprofessional reaction Des had to not laying his claws into getting my cat. Des had done me a great favor in helping my cats, as his mission is intended to help STRAYS, so I am grateful at that much. However, how can you say you love cats and then react as you do when you can’t grab them for yourself?

Des is a true, true cat lover and sweet human being. I adopted my beautiful and amazing kitty from Uptown Cats and it was a super smooth and professional process. Des truly cares for every single cat in his care and makes sure they don’t leave his care until they have found the BEST home for their particular personality/​needs. As an animal LOVER even I was impressed by his going-​the-​extra-​mile for these kitties.
Uptown Cats made sure I had all the answers I needed as a new pet owner. They truly went above and beyond to ensure the best scenario for both the kitty and myself — I would highly recommend them to anybody looking to adopt. You will not regret it.

I adopted 3 cats from Uptown Cats over the years and Des is the definitely the cat whisperer. He genuinely cares and understands the cats he cares for. I adopted a beautiful tuxedo cat for my parents and then my husband and I adopted 2 tortoise shell Calico sisters! I highly recommend Uptown Cats because Des takes the time to learn the personalities of each cat so he can match them to the right homes.

We adopted a kitten from Des at Uptown Cats and are so glad we did! A beautiful little orange tiger boy who we named Ajax and has grown up to be a constant source of amusement and joy. He is healthy, happy, full of the devil, and after a few initial squabbles, best friends to our other rescue cat.
Des takes great care to pair you with the cat that is suitable to you and your lifestyle. He knows his furry wards like they were his children, and will make sure you have all the information you need to help your new best friend adjust to it’s new life with you.
I often stop by to say hello and he always asks for pictures and updates. We call Des «uncle of Ajax» at our house.
You will find him outside the Barnes and Noble on 82^nd and Broadway on most weekends. Stop by and say hi, maybe make a donation as he cares for all these rescues out of his own pocket, and maybe even meet your new best cat friend.
You can’t do wrong by adopting from Des.

I had a wonderful experience adopting my sweet Calico from Uptown Cats. I took her home seven years ago, and after some initial squabbles between her and my other cat, she settled in quite happily. I walked by the owner sitting by the crates of cats last week and told him I had adopted a cat from him seven years before. He took one look at me and said, «It was a calico. You named her Cali.» I could not believe he remembered me, the cat, or the name I’d picked out! This man cares so much about all of the cats he has, and their adoptive parents!

We had an outstanding experience adopting a pair of kittens from Des, the director of Uptown Cats. He can be found outside the Barnes & Nobles on 82^nd and Broadway on (most) Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Check his website for details; he’s pretty good at responding to e-​mails and very good at answering phone calls.
Des has been great since day 1 when we adopted the kittens. He keeps in frequent touch with us and helps ensure that our kittens stay healthy, up-​to-​date with their vaccinations and de-​worming medicine. We could not have asked for a more supportive rescue director, and most importantly, it is apparent that Des truly loves cats, especially those in his care.
I feel that commenting on V C.‘s review is necessary because our experience stands in sharp contrast to her’s. My partner and I also work long hours, and we disclosed this during the adoption process. Needless to say, Des treated us courteously and respectfully. He was happy to discuss with us the best methods for caring for kittens despite working outside the home for the majority of the day. So, had V C. perhaps explained her profession and its time commitment to Des, I am confident that her experience would have been vastly different.