Cal Poly Cat Program

Cal Poly Cat Program We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cat rescue and sanctuary operating on Cal Poly SLO's Campus! At that time, nearly 400 cats and kittens roamed campus.

Cal Poly Cat Program (CPCP) started as a 1992 senior project by Garret Quindimil to solve the problem of a feline population at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s campus. The majority were descendants of pets abandoned on campus by students and other local residents. CPCP modeled their solution on the "Test, Trap, Vaccinate, Medicate, Alter, and Release" (TTVMAR) technique, developed by the National Feral

Cat Resource Center. The program was highly successful and effectively reduced the population through the years. The university campus now has only a handful of feral cats left, all of which have gone through our program, so they are sterile, vaccinated, and healthy. CPCP has now focused our efforts to helping the homeless and feral cat populations of San Luis Obispo county, running trap-neuter-release (TNR) programs and promoting feral cat humane education. CPCP also has a shelter located on Cal Poly’s campus with an ongoing volunteer, foster, and adoption programs in place. Our shelter facility also serves as a cat sanctuary for cats that are not adoptable or cannot be released. All of our cats are lovingly cared for by a network of volunteers and our nonprofit is entirely run on donations and grants.

Fred is a 3-year-old cutie up for adoption! This orange and white boy is a gentle soul who loves attention and pets. He ...
01/26/2025

Fred is a 3-year-old cutie up for adoption! This orange and white boy is a gentle soul who loves attention and pets. He may be a little shy at first, but will quickly steal your heart with his friendly and fun personality! He is fully vaccinated, tested, dewormed, neutered, and ready for his new home! Email [email protected] to adopt!

Meet Baymax! This sweet boy loves nothing more than snuggling up on a lap, and he has so much love to give. Baymax enjoy...
01/25/2025

Meet Baymax! This sweet boy loves nothing more than snuggling up on a lap, and he has so much love to give. Baymax enjoys playing with toys—his favorites are little mice and toys on the ends of sticks that he can chase. Although Baymax is FIV-positive, he can still live a long and healthy life. He loves looking out windows and will happily roll around on your yoga mat while you’re trying to stretch. If you’re searching for the sweetest, most easygoing cuddle buddy, Baymax is your guy!

If you’re interested in Baymax please reach out to [email protected]!

We unfortunately do not receive any monetary financial support from Cal Poly. Please consider donating to help our missi...
01/22/2025

We unfortunately do not receive any monetary financial support from Cal Poly. Please consider donating to help our mission.

We also have online wishlists where we have cumulated a list of supplies our shelter uses; purchasing from these wishlists ships them directly to our program. As we are in the process of relocating to a new facility, we have a specific wishlist for new shelter items.

More information on how to donate or purchase from these wishlists is on our website calpolycatprogram.org/donate! Thank you to everyone who has donated for their generosity!

Meet Bess! She is an adorable 1-year-old tabby who’s up for adoption! 💗We trapped Bess back in March of 2024 thinking sh...
01/21/2025

Meet Bess! She is an adorable 1-year-old tabby who’s up for adoption! 💗

We trapped Bess back in March of 2024 thinking she was a typical TNR feral case. We quickly realized that she wasn’t aggressive, just fearful, and that she kept holding her left eye shut.

Bess is completely blind in her left eye and likely only sees shapes and shadows with her right. However, this has not stopped her from being a loving and snuggly cat! While she can be timid about coming out of her safe hidey-hole, the second she senses your presence she starts purring instantly and may even show you her tummy for belly rubs!

Bess is litter-box trained, fixed, and up-to-date on her vaccinations. She will need mild medical care that entails putting eye drops in her eyes, as we want to avoid having to surgically remove them.

If you are a patient, loving person looking for a cuddly, gentle kitty, Bess may be the perfect match! She just needs a quiet home and some well-deserved TLC. Reach out to [email protected] if you’d like to give this sweetie her furrever home.

Interested in adopting a CPCP cat and want to know more about how you can adopt? You can start the adoptions process by ...
01/16/2025

Interested in adopting a CPCP cat and want to know more about how you can adopt? You can start the adoptions process by first reaching out to our adoptions coordinators at [email protected] to inquire about the cat (s) you’re interested in. An adoptions coordinator will then send you an application to fill out prior to a visitation appointment with the cat to determine if they’re a good match for you!

A list of our adoptions policies can be found on our website calpolycatprogram.org under the “Adopt” tab. Feel free to send an email to our adoptions team or DM us if you have any other questions regarding this process!

Meet Mr. Read! Mr. Read steals hearts and has an irresistibly adorable face and personality! This 1-year-old kitty is bu...
01/13/2025

Meet Mr. Read! Mr. Read steals hearts and has an irresistibly adorable face and personality! This 1-year-old kitty is bubbly, affectionate, and loves to be the center of attention during cuddle time. If you’d like to take Mr. Read hope, please reach out to [email protected]! All of our cats come microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed, spayed/neutered, and tested for FIV and FeLV.

Our friends opened a cat cafe, and it is OPEN!! Go visit The Caffeinated Cat Cafe at 1601 W Grand Ave Suite A, Grover Be...
01/11/2025

Our friends opened a cat cafe, and it is OPEN!! Go visit The Caffeinated Cat Cafe at 1601 W Grand Ave Suite A, Grover Beach, CA to meet several adoptable cats, many of which are from the Cal Poly Cat Program! They also sell specialty coffees, teas, pastries, snacks, and other goodies! Reserve your visit by going to thecaffeinatedcatcafe.com/visit-us! We are so happy to be a part of the Central Coast’s first ever cat cafe!!

Photos from

This 10 year old boy is Wasabi, and he is the ultimate cuddle buddy. His fur is super soft, and he’s all about chin rubs...
01/10/2025

This 10 year old boy is Wasabi, and he is the ultimate cuddle buddy. His fur is super soft, and he’s all about chin rubs and cuddles. If you’re gone for a while, he’ll greet you with his crunchy meow and rub all over you like he’s missed you forever. Wasabi would do best in a quiet, low-stress home without kids or other pets; he’s the kind of cat who loves one-on-one attention and being spoiled. If you’re looking for a sweet, friendly companion who also appreciates his alone time, email [email protected] to bring Wasabi into your life!

Wasabi is FIV and FeLV positive, and must be in a home with no other cats. Please contact us with questions or for more information.

**Join CPCP as a Social Media Video Coordinator!**We’re looking to add a talented and creative individual to our staff t...
01/08/2025

**Join CPCP as a Social Media Video Coordinator!**

We’re looking to add a talented and creative individual to our staff team. As the Social Media Video Coordinator, your responsibilities will include:

- Generating short-form video content for Instagram Reels and TikTok.
- Filming, editing, and creating engaging posts for our social media platforms.

Previous experience with content creation is preferred but not mandatory. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable social media marketing skills. This position is unpaid.

We’re seeking a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd-year Cal Poly student for the 2024–2025 school year.

If you’re interested in this role, please email your resume and any questions to [email protected]

Meet Pink Pony, who is available to adopt today! Pink Pony is a sweet, calm girl who is around 9 months old. She loves p...
01/07/2025

Meet Pink Pony, who is available to adopt today! Pink Pony is a sweet, calm girl who is around 9 months old. She loves playing with her sibling and other cats, and will not hesitate to ask for more food! Email us at [email protected] to meet this playful little kitty!

Happy New Year from the Cal Poly Cat Program! 🥂🎉 In December, 24 cats found their furrever homes. The list includes:RayM...
01/06/2025

Happy New Year from the Cal Poly Cat Program! 🥂🎉 In December, 24 cats found their furrever homes. The list includes:
Ray
Manhattan
Summer Skies Refresher
Cheryl
Cuso
Dingo (slide 2)
Raindrop
Kookaburra (slide 1)
Koala (slide 1)
Kenny
Barry
Wallaby
Cloud (slide 3)
Lana
Kiki
DW
Rory (slide 4)
Opal
Binky
Mint
Pochacco
Clara Bow
Archer
Carmel Macchiato

In total, 196 kitties were adopted in 2024! Thank you to all of our volunteers and donors for making the year such a success!! 🥳

Cal Poly Cat Program Wrapped! Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated, adopted with the Cal Poly Cat Program ...
12/27/2024

Cal Poly Cat Program Wrapped!

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated, adopted with the Cal Poly Cat Program this year! We are truly grateful for all the support and love shared by the community ❤️

Let us know your favorite moment with the cat shelter this year !

Winter break is coming and WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! From December 13th to January 5th, whether you’re a current volunteer or ...
12/10/2024

Winter break is coming and WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! From December 13th to January 5th, whether you’re a current volunteer or want to sign up for the holidays, pick up just a shift or two to help us out! No need to commit to a shift every week; just sign up for a day and it would help a lot!

We’re short-staffed due to our student volunteers going home for the holiday. We desperately need to fill medic shifts, but regular shifts also need to be filled.

Regular volunteers handle tasks like cleaning, feeding, and playing with the cats, while medic volunteers administer medications and special food. Your contribution, even for a shift or two, makes a difference. Join us by emailing [email protected] and mentioning that you will be here over the break and we will prioritize your orientation and training!

We need a foster for Grover over winter break! He is a very affectionate kitty that loves to cuddle with you! Due to Gro...
12/09/2024

We need a foster for Grover over winter break! He is a very affectionate kitty that loves to cuddle with you! Due to Grover being FeLV+,  he cannot be in a space with other cats, including our shelter. If you are staying in SLO County over winter break, and are interested in fostering Grover, please reach out to [email protected]!

If you are in SLO during any part of Winter break, help give a kitty a temporary home! With many of our regular fosters ...
12/05/2024

If you are in SLO during any part of Winter break, help give a kitty a temporary home! With many of our regular fosters away, numerous cats and kittens will need a place to stay, or they’ll have to return to the shelter. These are some of the cats looking for a home for the break, and as a foster, you’ll receive all the supplies and training needed to feel comfortable and prepared.

Please consider fostering if you’re in the area from December 13 to January 5! For adult cats, reach out to [email protected]. If you’d love to care for a kitten or two, email [email protected]. Our foster coordinators are happy to answer any questions you have. We thank all of our fosters for their contributions to our shelter!

Our new Australian Animal Litter is up for adoption! This group features Dingo (slide 1), Kookaburra (slide 2), Wallaby ...
12/05/2024

Our new Australian Animal Litter is up for adoption! This group features Dingo (slide 1), Kookaburra (slide 2), Wallaby (slide 3), and Koala (slide 4)!

These rambunctious kittens are currently 10 weeks old and come spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and tested for FIV and FeLV. Email us at [email protected] to learn more about them and inquire about adopting!

Can’t adopt right now? You can also foster with us! Visit our website calpolycatprogram.org/foster to find out what it’s like to foster for our program!

November adoptions update! 🧡🤎We had 6 cats adopted in November! This includes Rainbow, Bouba, Cow, Copper, Sunday, and P...
12/01/2024

November adoptions update! 🧡🤎We had 6 cats adopted in November! This includes Rainbow, Bouba, Cow, Copper, Sunday, and Pine! We are so excited for these kitties and their new families.

Interested in adopting from us? Our list of available kitties and their adoption bios can be viewed on our website http://calpolycatprogram.org under the “Adopt” tab. You can also email our adoptions coordinators at [email protected] to learn more about adopting from CPCP!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Cal Poly Cat Program! We are so thankful for all of our volunteers, fosterers, and supporter...
11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from the Cal Poly Cat Program! We are so thankful for all of our volunteers, fosterers, and supporters!

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1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA
93407

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How did she do? #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

What type of witch is this? #halloween #halloweencat #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Miau miau miau miauuu

Barn cats are semi-feral or feral felines that primarily live on farms, ranches, or other rural properties. They’re known for their strong hunting instincts and therefore play a crucial role in rodent control and maintain a balanced ecosystem in rural areas. While they may not be as affectionate or sociable as pampered house cats, their independence and resilience make them essential companions in agricultural settings Our Trap-Neuter-Return, or TNR, program works to stabilize feral cat populations, reduce the spread of diseases, and improve the overall welfare of both cats and their surrounding environments. If you are interested in more information, are considering adopting a barn cat, or are in need of trapping services, please visit our website calpolycatprogram.org/tnr and submit a request! #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #barncats #tnr #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Meet Little Charlie, a brave kitten rescued from an overcrowded shelter along with his five siblings and mother in early April. Our dedicated student staff have been providing him with round-the-clock care, including tube feeding every four hours. Now in foster care, he’s recovering well! However, veterinary expenses unfortunately add up fast. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference in Charlie’s journey and help other kittens like him. Visit our website calpolycatprogram.org for more details on how you can help! Thank you for your kindness and support! #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Plankton’s long late nights 🧑‍🍳🥐 … This hardworking breadgetter is also up for adoption! Email us at [email protected] to take him home! Plankton is a super cuddly and social boy who loves attention from his foster parent and human friends. He loves to be involved and snuggle on his foster parent’s lap whenever possible - including meals times, homework sessions, and movie nights! He even goes to bed with his foster parent at night, either curled up by the feet, head, or the stomach. Despite being a cuddle bug, he is independent and does not mind being alone for long periods of time. During his alone time, he likes to indulge in his hobbies: bird watching, bug catching, and biscuit making! While Plankton is social with humans, he is not the biggest fan of his other feline friends and will do better as a single cat. #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Which cat has the silliest cat name and let us know your own cat names below too! #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Snowball is the moment #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Everyone say happy birthday Gary ! #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Snowball in his truest form ❄️⛄️ #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

Which cat has your vote for silliest name ? #cats #kittens #adoptus #catshelter #rescuecat #volunteering #fosterkittens #fostercats #communityservice #slovolunteering #sheltercats #calpoly #calpolyproud #slo #sanluisobispo #calpolycatprogram

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Our Story

Cal Poly Cat Program (CPCP) started as a 1992 senior project by Garret Quindimil to solve the problem of a rising cat population at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s campus. At that time, nearly 400 cats and kittens roamed campus. The majority had been abandoned by students and other local residents. Feral cats were trapped, then euthanized by the local Department of Animal Regulations. Although this decreased the cat population, it did not solve the problem. CPCP modeled their solution on the "Test, Trap, Vaccinate, Medicate, Alter, and Release" (TTVMAR) technique, developed by the National Feral Cat Resource Center. Today we estimate the feral cat population on campus to be at 30. Most of these cats have gone through our program, so they are sterile, vaccinated, and healthy.

CPCP also has a shelter located on Cal Poly’s campus with an ongoing adoption program in place. Our adoption program has placed more than 1,500 cats and kittens into caring homes, and continues working towards a time of no more homeless cats! CPCP is working to get the 50+ cats at the shelter into temporary foster care or loving new families. These cats receive their daily love supplied by numerous volunteers, but they still need forever homes!