- Attraction: Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary
- Location: 3405 220th Street East, Faribault, MN 55021
- Industry: Animal Sanctuary
- Website: https://furballfarmcatsanctuary.com/
Picture a 14,000-square-foot sanctuary where over 350 formerly feral cats roam freely, transforming from scared strays into loving companions before your very eyes.
Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary in Faribault, Minnesota, isn’t your typical animal shelter—it’s a revolutionary space where cats deemed “unadoptable” get a second chance at life and love.
Founded in 2016 by Julie Marvets, a former veterinary technician with an army background, this remarkable sanctuary specializes in rescuing feral cats who were living in survival mode on the streets.
What started in Marvets’ garage has blossomed into an internationally recognized sanctuary that draws visitors from around the world. The facility operates as a true last resort for cats that other rescues simply can’t handle, lovingly calling them their “bad-ass cats.”
What Makes This Sanctuary Special
The Rehabilitation Process: You’ll witness an incredible transformation as cats that once cowered from human contact learn to trust again.
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Keep Exploring →The sanctuary takes healthy adult cats with behavioral challenges—whether they’re aggressive, terrified of people, or have bathroom issues—and patiently works with them in a cage-free environment.
The success rate is remarkable, with over 300 formerly “unadoptable” cats finding forever homes.
24/7 Live Streaming: One of the most unique features is their constant Twitch livestream, allowing global audiences to watch the cats interact throughout the day and night.
You can tune in anytime at “furball_farm” to see what your favorite furballs are up to, making this sanctuary accessible to cat lovers worldwide who can’t visit in person.
The Outdoor “Catios”: The sanctuary features impressive outdoor enclosures where cats can experience fresh air, sunshine, and natural stimulation while remaining safe. These spacious areas allow the former outdoor cats to enjoy nature again without the dangers they faced on the streets.
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Discover MoreMeet the Famous Furballs: Individual cats have developed their own fan followings online. Will, who serves as a mascot, even “ran for president” in a mock election alongside fellow cat Boris, with donations serving as votes. Their tie resulted in them becoming co-presidents of the sanctuary.
Interactive Social Media Presence: With over 2.4 million followers across platforms, the sanctuary creates engaging content that brings viewers into daily life at the farm.
From treat-throwing sessions to nighttime robot cameras capturing sleeping arrangements, every aspect of cat life becomes entertainment and education.
The Visitor Experience
Daily Open Hours: You can visit these remarkable cats every single day from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, including all holidays. The sanctuary never closes its doors to visitors, understanding that human interaction is crucial for socializing the cats.
Hands-On Interaction: During your visit, you’re encouraged to pet, hold, and interact with the cats. Many visitors find themselves unexpectedly falling in love with a particular furball and leaving with a new family member.
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Keep Exploring →The socialization you provide during your visit directly contributes to the cats’ rehabilitation journey.
Educational Atmosphere: You’ll learn about feral cat behavior, the importance of spay/neuter programs, and how to help stray cats in your own community. The sanctuary serves as both a rescue facility and an educational center promoting responsible pet ownership.
Photography Paradise: With cats lounging in sunbeams, playing with toys, and cuddling together, you’ll find countless photo opportunities. The facility’s large windows and open spaces create perfect lighting for capturing memorable moments with your new feline friends.
The “Soup” Experience: Visitors often get to participate in feeding time, where the cats receive a special blended mixture of canned food, pumpkin, and supplements that helps with their health and nutrition.
Atmosphere & Setting
Spacious Freedom: The 14,000-square-foot facility feels more like a cat paradise than a traditional shelter. With heated floors, elevated ceilings, and plenty of natural light, the space was designed specifically with feline comfort in mind.
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Discover MoreYou’ll see cats sprawled out everywhere—on cat trees, in cozy corners, and soaking up sunshine by the windows.
Clean and Professional: Despite housing over 350 cats, the facility maintains exceptional cleanliness standards. You’ll notice the meticulous care taken in maintaining a hygienic environment, with volunteers constantly cleaning, disinfecting, and organizing throughout the day.
Peaceful Ambiance: The atmosphere remains surprisingly calm and peaceful. Unlike traditional shelters with caged animals, the open environment allows cats to establish their own territories and social groups naturally, creating a more relaxed setting for both cats and visitors.
Technology Integration: Security cameras throughout the facility not only ensure safety but also provide the 24/7 streaming content that has made the sanctuary famous online. You might even spot yourself on the live feed during your visit.
Other Considerations
Affordable Adoption Fees: If you fall in love with one of the cats, adoption fees range from $150-$250, which includes full veterinary care including spaying/neutering. The sanctuary emphasizes that their cats may need extra patience as they adjust to home life, given their backgrounds.
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Keep Exploring →Supporting the Mission: Beyond adoption, you can support the sanctuary through their online merchandise shop, purchasing customized paver bricks for their outdoor areas, or making direct donations. They also offer an adjacent Airbnb called Furball Farm Inn for visitors wanting to extend their stay.
Volunteer Opportunities: The sanctuary relies heavily on volunteers for daily operations including litter box maintenance, feeding, cleaning, and most importantly, socializing with the cats. You can become part of their 40+ volunteer team if you’re local to the area.
Future Veterinary Clinic: An on-site veterinary clinic is planned for 2025, which will provide medical care for sanctuary cats and offer low-cost spay/neuter services to the community, furthering their mission to reduce feral cat overpopulation.
Parking and Accessibility: The rural location provides ample parking, and the facility is designed to accommodate visitors of all ages, though children under 5 must be carried throughout the visit for the cats’ safety.
Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary
📍 3405 220th Street East, Faribault, MN 55021
