Carolyn Powers describes herself as an airline person and a cat person.

Indulging her passion for both has led to a life marked by a fulfilling career, travel throughout the world, companions she treasures and a volunteer job that has enriched her life.

"I have had a very full, expansive life and I am retired, but I am still a goer," said Powers, 73, who began her volunteer career with the Hermitage Cat Shelter five years ago after a 40-year career with Delta Airlines and 30-year history as a cat owner.

"Once you get used to having cats around, you can't do without them. I like dogs, but due to my lifestyle, I am not one who would go out and walk them. Cats give you a lot of comfort and in return â this is the first time I have had time to volunteer â now I can give back to those who don't have homes," Powers said.

The Hermitage is Arizona's first no-kill, no-cage cat shelter and sanctuary. Founded in 1965 by a Russian Orthodox nun, it now houses 400 cats, 50 percent of which are adoptable. Adoptable cats are divided into two categories: eminently adoptable kittens, adults and senior cats; and special-needs cats. Special-needs cats have health conditions ranging from urinary tract problems that require special diets to feline leukemia and FIV that make them prone to illness, to renal failure that requires special care.

Sanctuary cats are permanent residents because of behavioral issues such as biting and spraying or health problems such as seizures and diabetes. The 8,000-square-foot Hermitage facility is completely enclosed, allowing felines freedom to roam indoors and out in a safe environment.

"We are very proud of the fact that we don't euthanize animals and that we take in cats that might not otherwise have a quality life and they have a home with us," said executive director Mary Jo Spring.

The Hermitage also perpetuates its mission of advocating for homeless cats in the community by educating the public about responsible animal guardianship, according to Spring.

Spring said prospective owners appreciate the fact that the environment of a no-cage shelter allows the individual personality of each cat to emerge, making compatible owner-pet pairings more likely.

"If someone wants an affectionate lap cat, we can point them in that direction, or if someone likes shy or outgoing cats, we have those as well.

For every personality, we have a cat that will match," she said.

The owner of five felines, Powers appreciates the fairly low-maintenance lifestyle of cat ownership. She finds it conducive to the travel that has made her "very comfortable with being in the world."

"I wish more people had the advantage of travel to understand the differences between cultures," she said.

She also recommended volunteerism as a way to expand hometown horizons.

"Volunteering enriched my life in that it was a choice and there was no pressure and it filled a vacuum of sorts. . . . I like the people and interaction," she said.

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