About Us
Every great adventure begins with a story—and ours began with love, rescue, and a little bit of whimsy.
ABOUT US
The Story of Sydney’s Sanctuary
I have spent nearly 30 years as a flight attendant for a prominent airline, while dedicating over 15 years to volunteering with shelters in Rancho Santa Fe, Chicago, and Austin. My husband, Alex Whiddon, has proudly owned and operated AWhiddon Construction for more than a decade. Together, our shared compassion for animals inspired us to do more than simply volunteer. For three years, we hosted fundraisers and donated the proceeds to local rescues here in Austin.
In 2024, our dream took flight with the creation of Sydney’s Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving cats in need. Wanting to bring fun and excitement back into the adoption process, we imagined something more than a shelter—we envisioned a place where people could sip, smile, and fall in love with whiskers. That vision blossomed into Sydney’s Cat Lounge.
Why Cats?
Cats are among the most intelligent and captivating creatures on this planet, yet they are also some of the most misunderstood. At Sydney’s Cat Lounge, our goal is twofold:
- To provide a whimsical, immersive space where people can experience the playful magic of cats in their natural element.
- To share knowledge, fun facts, and the truth about how extraordinary cats truly are—sparking deeper appreciation and advocacy.
The more hearts we can open to the wonder of cats, the more lives we can save.
In 2024, our dream took flight with the creation of Sydney’s Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving cats in need. Wanting to bring fun and excitement back into the adoption process, we imagined something more than a shelter—we envisioned a place where people could sip, smile, and fall in love with whiskers. That vision blossomed into Sydney’s Cat Lounge.
Make a Difference, One Cat at a Time
Every visit to Sydney’s Cat Lounge is more than just a cozy afternoon with whiskers—it’s a step toward saving lives. Each time you sip, cuddle, and connect with our cats, you directly support their care, medical needs, and journey to finding a loving forever home. Together, we’re creating a safe sanctuary where rescues are given hope, happiness, and a second chance at life.
