Our Mission
Los Gatitos de Marlies is the only cat rescue in a radius of 2,000 km² in Talamanca, Costa Rica. Founded by Marlies de Louw, a Dutch animal lover who moved to Costa Rica in 2019. With a small team, they care for 85 cats and a few loyal dogs every single day.
Our Core Values
Compassion
Every cat deserves love and care, regardless of their past.
Safety
We provide a secure sanctuary where cats can heal and thrive.
Community
Supporting local efforts to reduce street cat suffering.
Transparency
Open about our impact, finances, and how donations help.
About Marlies de Louw
Marlies de Louw, a Dutch animal lover, founded Los Gatitos de Marlies after witnessing the suffering of street cats in Talamanca. Since 2019, she has dedicated her life to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats in need.
Today, the sanctuary cares for 85 cats daily and runs a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program to reduce the street cat population sustainably.
Our Team
- President: Mrs. Francisca Hendrika Maria de Louw
- Treasurer: Mrs. Anne-Marie Petronella Regina
- Secretary: Mr. Petrus Martinus Maria Crooijmans
Location
Cahuita, Talamanca
Limón Province, Costa Rica
Active since 2019
Registration
KVK: 8808 1141
RSIN: 864497398
Bank Account
Stichting Straatkatten Costa Rica
NL29 RABO 0198 5788 06
ANBI Certified
We are registered with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) as an ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling), which means donations are tax-deductible in the Netherlands.
