COMMUNITY CATS
What do you do if you see a community cat?
YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BEING A FRIENDLY NEIGHBOR TO CATS.
More often than not, a community cat is best left outside. Use this go-to guide to determine when to bring a community cat to a shelter or vet.
Providing the 411 on your four-legged friends
Cat Connection seeks to improve cat welfare by providing nuggets of information to the general public. Below, find answers to frequently asked questions regarding community (outdoor) and house (indoor) cats alike. Have a question we haven’t answered? Consider asking our community on our Cat Connection forum.
73.8M
Cats are pets within
the United States.
2X
As many cats get euthanized in shelters compared to dogs.
81%
Of humans are supportive of community cat programs (Once they learn about them!).
3.2M
Cats enter animal shelters each year.
COMMUNITY CATS
Community cats, noun:
[ kuh-MYOO-nuh-tee kats ]
Community cats is an all-encompassing term for cats who live outdoors—and frankly, would prefer to stay that way. Contrary to popular belief, cats are resilient, predatory creatures—and many are happier remaining in their natural habitat than being brought to a shelter. These creatures are members of our community—and while some love interacting with their human caregivers, others are feral and prefer to be left alone.
Do the kittens need to be brought to a shelter?
If the mother cat doesn’t return, take them to a local shelter. Kittens are bottle fed and require 24/7 care, which many shelters cannot afford. There is a major push in the cat community for those who surrender kittens to double as fosters, sending you home with instructions and a kitten kit.
Are the cat’s ears clipped?
If the cat has a clipped ear (i.e., one ear doesn’t come to a point), it means they've been fixed and vaccinated, and are best left alone.
Does the cat appear to be groomed?
Outdoor cats groom themselves by dulling (filing) their claws on trees and cleaning their fur. While an outdoor cat with matted fur likely isn’t cause for concern, take the cat to the vet if you see matted clumps of fecal matter on the cat’s bottom, open sores, or signs of infection.
Is the cat facing extreme cold or heat?
Many community cats are colony cats—cats that are monitored and cared for by residents and business owners. Community members will build shelters and provide regular water and food, with hay supplied during the cooler months.
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HOUSE CATS
Create a safe, warm environment for your feline friend
Cats are affectionate, sassy, communicative creatures. They know how to set their own boundaries and have an inherent confidence about them—traits we all aspire to acquire. To be just as good of a companion to your cat as they are to you, follow these tips, tricks, and guidance.
*Please note: We are not vets or medical professionals. For further details on each subject area, please click the respective links or speak to your veterinarian.
HOUSE CATS
The tabby translator:
What your cat’s really trying to tell you
Yes, cats also use body language; no, this language isn’t found on Google Translate. While every cat is different, here’s a starting point for deciphering your feline friend:
HOUSE CATS
Check out these kitty checklists to support your BFF
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Cozy reading for your kitty companions
Snuggle up with a cup of tea, blanket, and your feline friend (and maybe treats for both of you). Below, we share our favorite articles about our feline friends.
Alley Cat
Companion Animal Psychology
Stories About Girls and their Cats
All Things Cat
Help us continue to enrich the cat community within the Bay Area
Cat Connection is a community-run organization aiming to foster mutually-beneficial relationships between cats and humans. We offer information free to the public, and are currently run entirely by volunteers. If you found this information valuable, consider donating to our cause.