Community cats — sometimes referred to as “feral cats” or “stray cats” — are free-roaming cats without a guardian. They may or may not be social with humans, but they are often well-adapted to their surroundings and either find a food source in the wild or have one provided for them by a colony caretaker or good Samaritan.
Before taking action, please check with your neighbors to find out if the cats are being managed by someone, or if they are pet cats who are permitted to roam outdoors.
Trap-Neuter-Return
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only long-term strategy for humanely controlling the free-roaming cat population. Without spay and neuter surgeries as population control, cat colonies multiply quickly. Shelter impoundment and euthanasia is not a viable solution. Because of the territorial nature of felines, when cats are removed from an area, un-neutered cats from nearby neighborhoods will move into this new, unclaimed territory and take over the food source.
Results from a two-year study found TNR improves cat welfare and reduces the size of cat colonies. There are organizations in most areas dedicated to helping community members humanely trap community cats for spay/neuter surgery and vaccination and then return them to their managed colony locations.
Community Cat Resources
The following organizations may be able to assist with community cats in your neighborhood. These businesses/programs were compiled as a courtesy and are neither endorsed, nor guaranteed, by Joybound People & Pets.
Animal Fix Clinic • (510) 215-9300
- A non-profit clinic located in Pinole, CA
Cat Support Network • (925) 252-5445
- A TNR cat rescue organization located in Walnut Creek, CA
Community Concern for Cats (CC4C) • (925) 938-2287
- A TNR cat rescue organization located in Walnut Creek, CA
Contra Costa Animal Services • (925) 608-8400
- A spay/neuter clinic for community cats in Contra Costa County.
East Contra Costa County Feral Cat Hotline • (925) 473-5001
- A spay/neuter referral line for cats in East Contra Costa County.
East Bay SPCA • (510) 569-0702
- An animal rescue organization with locations in Oakland, CA and Dublin, CA
Feral Cat Foundation • (925) 829-9098
- A TNR cat rescue organization located in Alamo, CA
Friends of Oakland Animal Services • (510) 995-0789
- A spay/neuter clinic for free-roaming community cats in Oakland, CA
- An animal rescue organization located in Oakland, CA
Homeless Animals’ Lifeline Organization (HALO) • (925) 779-2183
- An animal rescue organization located in Antioch, CA
Homeless Animals Response Program (HARP)
- An animal rescue organization located in Antioch, CA
Island Cat Resources & Adoption • (510) 869-2584
- An animal rescue organization located in Alameda, CA and Oakland, CA.
Ohlone Humane Society • (510) 792-4587
- An animal rescue organization located in Fremont, CA, Newark, CA and Union City, CA
- A TNR organization located in Martinez, CA
- A TNR organization located in Brentwood, CA
Do you know what to do if you find kittens in your yard or neighborhood? Check out our guide!
More Resources for Pet Guardians
Pet Vaccinations
We offer free, monthly pet vaccination clinics, held at locations across Contra Costa County!
Pet Food
Nobody should have to choose between feeding their pet and feeding themselves.
Spay/Neuter Services
Our team safely sterilizes thousands of dogs and cats each year using the highest standards of care.
Pet Safety Net
We’re here to help keep pets out of municipal shelters, and with the family who loves them.
Community Veterinary Care
Need low-cost medical care for your dog or cat? Community Veterinary Care (CVC) may be able to help!
Rehoming Resources
Rehoming your pet yourself is usually a better option than bringing them to a shelter.
Community Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return is the only long-term strategy for humanely controlling the free-roaming cat population.
Financial Assistance
Here is a collection of resources (including Joybound’s) that can help assist with low-cost veterinary care.
Pet Loss & Grief Support
Pets are family — and losing a member of your family can be a painful and traumatic experience.
