about

History

Friends of Cats began in 1927 when several San Diego men and women pooled their resources to form the Animal Rescue League and purchased all of the animals from the pound in order to place them in good homes.

In 1929, a remarkable woman named Maude Erwin took over the care of 20 cats living at the League shelter. Many more cats soon came, and concerned friends raised funds to help maintain Mrs. Erwin's shelter in Pacific Beach.

Foundation of Cats received its charter. The ensuing years brought more cats to the Foundation until, in 1957, Mrs. Erwin was caring for over 300 cats. In 1966, the Shelter moved to its present location at Flinn Springs (east El Cajon) and in 1968 the name of the organization was officially changed to Friends Of Cats, Inc.

About the Shelter

Friends Of Cats is located at 15587 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, Ca 92021.

Friends of Cats is Incorporated as a tax exempt, not-for-profit organization under IRS rule 501 (c) (3), located in El Cajon, California. We are dedicated to providing shelter and medical care to abandoned cats and those whose owners are unable to care for them. Due to space limitations, it is required to make an appointment to bring a cat to our facility. Once their health is assured, we try to find good homes for them. WE DO NOT PUT CATS TO SLEEP, except as a matter of compassion if they are fatally ill.

AN APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY TO SURRENDER A CAT, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AT 619-561-0361 EXT 0 FOR INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

Friends of Cats is a private non-profit corporation supported solely through:

1. Memberships

2. Revenues from adoptions and relinquishments

3. Donations

4. Fund-raising activities

5. Legacies

6. Grants

Current Operations

Although the number of residents fluctuates, we usually have around 300 cats at the Shelter. We have recently expanded our facility for FELV/FIV cats, added a porch to our Shy Cat Cottage and updated our Cozy Cottage and our Kitten Cottage. We have made much progress, but we are still in great need of help in updating the Shelter and providing the best care for our feline friends.

A big thanks to all of our members and guests who attended our annual Open House on February 12th, 2005. Even though we had our share of rain, a fun time was had by all! Beginning in 2006, our annual Open House will be held in May, rather than in February, so look for information on the date early next year.

HELLO.....FROM THE SHELTER MASCOT!!

Hi, my name is Nefertiti and I am the "Shelter Mascot" here at Friends Of Cats. I am a Tonkinese, which is a hybrid of the Burmese and the Siamese, which has no bearing here as Friends Of Cats does not recognize breeds. I am a non adoptable shelter resident due to the fact that I have lifelong health issues, Chronic Sinusitis to be exact, which means that I sound funny when I breathe and purr!. However, the medical staff here at Friends Of Cats, take care of my medical needs by giving me medicine everyday to keep me feeling good. Come in to the shelter anytime between the hours of 10am to 4pm, Tuesday thru Sunday to meet me and all of the other shelter residents and adoptable furry friends.

MEEOOOWWW!!!

FRIENDS OF CATS DEPENDS ON YOUR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A SECURE DONATION THROUGH PAYPAL.

Hurricane Area Cats...

Friends of Cats, Inc has received into its care, 31 cats from the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. On Friday, December 2nd, 2005, our Shelter Manager, along with our Head Vet Tech, and Assistant Vet Tech, drove to San Bernardino, Ca, to meet with a transporter who had driven the animals out from Louisiana. There were 41 cats arriving, 31 to come to friends of Cats and 10 to go to the National Cat Protection Society in Spring Valley and Newport Beach, Ca. The horse-trailer carrying the animals arrived at 8:30pm, and was greeted by our staff, who helped feed and water all 41 cats. Our staff then greeted, fed, watered, and walked 13 dogs who were on their way to a dog rescue in Santa Rosa. After the dogs were settled back in the horse trailer for the ride north, all 41 cats were transferred to the Friends of Cats van for the 2 hour journey home. The cats arrived at Friends of Cats at 12 midnight, and were taken in to warm cozy areas, where food and water were waiting for them. The next day, 10 cats were tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS, and then transported to the National Cat Protection Society, where they were happily greeted by the staff and volunteers there. The 31 remaining cats at Friends of Cats were tested for viruses, checked for temperament, vaccinated, and given a thorough check-up, and then moved into their quarantine areas to rest. Please call the shelter to inquire about any of the cats, or to find out their adoption dates. While some of the cats were owner relinquished, many of them were found living in the streets and dilapidated buildings, and must be held for 30 days to allow their owners to reconcile with them.

Please click on the button below to donate to help us support the Katrina Cats!