What is a Community Cat?

A community free-roaming cat is a cat that lives outdoors and has no single owner but is cared for by the community. These cats may be feral (unsocialized to humans), semi-feral, or friendly strays that rely on food, shelter, and care provided by residents, businesses, or dedicated caregivers.

Community free-roaming cats are often part of established colonies and may have been abandoned, lost, or born outside. Many of these cats are managed through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs, where they are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their outdoor homes. A fixed community cat will have an ear tip—a small, painless removal of the tip of one ear—which serves as a universal sign that the cat has been sterilized and does not need to be trapped again.

TNVR helps stabilize the population, improves the health of the cats, and reduces behaviors associated with mating, such as fighting and yowling. By supporting community free-roaming cats through TNVR, ongoing care, and responsible colony management, we can create a more humane and sustainable solution for outdoor cats while preventing overpopulation and protecting local wildlife.

Program Purpose and Goal:

The goal of the Community Cat Program is to reduce the number of kittens being born on the streets, limit the spread of disease, and decrease the number of kittens entering the shelter system through TNvR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return).We empower and equip the community to play an active role in the process. By doing so, we hope to create an environment where community cats thrive. This approach not only benefits the cats but also fosters greater community engagement and support for animal welfare in our community. Through education and collaboration, we can ensure that community cats receive the care they need while promoting a healthier ecosystem for cats in Long Beach

If you are willing to do the work, we will be the resource. If you see community cats in the service areas where you want to conduct Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), we can assist you. Our organization provides guidance and support throughout the TNvR process, helping you ensure the well-being of these cats while addressing population concerns. Together, we can work towards a sustainable and humane solution for managing community cat populations.

Be a part of the solution today

Currently, all appointments offered through this program are fully subsidized, thanks to the support of Long Beach Animal Care Services and Friends of Long Beach Animals and donor contributions to the Little Lion Foundation Community Cat Fund.

 Donations are welcome and very much appreciated. Any donation amount allows us to continue to provide much needed services to the community cats.

Donate today to help us continue to offer this life -saving program!