Community Cat Programs involving spay/neuter and returning the cat to its outdoor home, on the other hand, end the breeding cycle and stabilize free-roaming cat populations, while also eliminating or reducing nuisance behaviors such as roaming, fighting/yowling, and spraying/marking by male cats. By focusing on admitting only sick and injured cats, we are able to provide the care they need and reduce euthanasia of animals at the shelter.īecause of the powerful “vacuum effect,” removing a cat from its environment without also removing the food source has been linked to an increase in cat populations by as much as 200%. Even where cats have strayed from home, a cat’s best chance of being reunited with his family is to remain where he is instead of coming in to a shelter.

Many cats found out and about are simply pet cats allowed outdoors, which is legal in our community. Following the recommendations of leading national organizations such as the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP), National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), ASPCA, American Association of Feline Practitioners, and Million Cat Challenge, we do not admit healthy free-roaming cats.

Contra Costa Animal Services (CCAS) prioritizes public safety and humane care for cats while providing services for cats in the community through our Community Cat Program.

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