12/30/2025
Over the past five years, The Cat Collaborative (TCC) has grown into a powerful force in the fight against cat overpopulation in Philadelphia. What began with a focused mission to sterilize cats living outdoors has evolved through real-world results. Along the way, we discovered a critical missing link: owned cats in families who desperately wanted to do the right thing but simply couldnât afford even low-cost spay/neuter services. For these households, âlow-costâ still wasnât accessible. What they needed was completely free sterilization, transportation to and from clinics, and often even basic supplies like carriers. Once we removed all of those barriers, the impact was undeniableâbecause far too many kittens born to unsterilized pets were being given away unfixed or put outside, both of which directly fuel the very overpopulation crisis weâre working so hard to solve.
Since 2023, when the Owned Pet Clinic program was officially launched, TCC has provided sterilization, vaccinations and flea treatment to 5,624 pet cats at NO cost to their owners. A portion of this programâs sustainability was made possible through a grant from Petsmart Charities awarded based on a proposal that outlined a partnership between The Cat Collaborative and The Bridge Clinic. The grant was issued to The Bridge Clinic with the understanding that, each year, a designated portion of those funds would be distributed to TCC to support our Owned Pet Clinic program.
Despite the overwhelming success and proven impact of these Owned Pet Clinics, The Bridge Clinic ultimately declined to distribute the final portion of the funding to TCC. The funding was withdrawn without warning or explanation. We are deeply disappointed and saddened that the value of supporting the communities we serve was not recognized. However, our commitment to that mission has not wavered. The need is real, the impact is measurable, and we remain fully dedicated to ensuring that financial hardship is not the reason a cat contributes to the cycle of overpopulation.
Today, we are asking our community to help us fill the funding gap that has been created. Just $60 covers one complete sterilization package for a pet owner who wants to do the right thing but simply cannot afford to do so. One surgery prevents countless future litters, keeps cats out of shelters and off the streets, and creates lasting change where it matters most. This work is proven, it is effective, and it is urgently needed. With your support, we can continue stopping the cycle at its sourceâone cat, one family, and one community at a time. đđž
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https://www.venmo.com/u/thecatcollaborative
