This is for those cat-lovers out there. As my family and I took a ride along the Bay Trail (San Mateo-Foster City) we happened to see a healthy-looking stray cat. Concerned that it was lost, I got off my bike and tried to call it over. As I got closer I noticed another cat walking about, then another, and then two more. Where were they all coming from? We wondered if anyone knew these cats were here…
Apparently, some years ago, people used to drop off unwanted cats and kittens along this trail. Those stray cats survived and began reproducing, creating a whole population of feral cats near the levee. We found a flier along the trail that explained the program in which friendly felines are found homes and so far 95% of the others have been spayed/neutered. Volunteers are even assigned to feed the cats. You can find more information from the Homeless Cat Network or on the Project Bay Cat Facebook page. I hope these kitties find good forever families!
12 comments
That’s actually really interesting when you know the history of it!
I know! We’ve lived her for five years now and never knew a single thing about this area/program. Those cats look mighty well-cared for though!
Huh, you learn something new every day!! Good thing so many of them are getting fixed!
I’m not sure how long this was going on but, from what I gather, quite a colony was growing and it was causing disturbance to the other natural wildlife in the area and the runners/bicyclists that frequent that trail. I’m sure that 5% is still causing some trouble though…
Oh my gosh, the black one is gorgeous! So odd that there is a place so heavily populated like that, sad too that many were just dropped off. Glad they are doing something to protect the cats as well as to keep them from reproducing like crazy!
It’s always sad that when people let their domestic pets just ‘go’. At least at a shelter they have some chance of a happy home. Good thing they made it illegal and steps are being taken to keep an eye on the kitties here.
These kitties are so cute! It is sad that people just dumped their cats there, but at least someone is looking out for them. Don’t know how anyone could get rid of these cute cats though, or there ancestors!
Louisa
Unfortunately, there are some pretty clueless AND callous people out there. Some were dropped off there as kittens too 🙁 Good thing they can’t do that anymore!
They sure are healthy looking felines. It’s great that this organization is caring for them.
Yep, they were super chubby! That’s why we originally though they were lost or something, until a whole bunch of them started coming toward us.
I’m one of the volunteers for Homeless Cat Network (Project Bay Cat is part of HCN). I can assure you these kitties are extremely well cared for….fed daily, fixed, taken to the vet when ill etc etc etc. Most of these cats prefer outdoor living which is why they are still there. Some have been adopted though. It is rare to see kittens along the Bay trail now because 95% of the adults have been fixed. There are numerous managed feral cat colonies in San Mateo, Foster City, Redwood City and the surrounding areas. It is a huge problem. We try do the best we can to humanely control the problem. It’s a never ending job.
Hi, I typically help dogs, but I receive a LOT of cat items like food, toys, shampoo, flea/tick items, formulas, beds, etc. and would love to help ferals. I wouldn’t know where to begin to find them but would prefer to help ferals that aren’t getting any attention. The ones I heard about in Foster City are well cared for, but is there a location in San Mateo county with ferals requiring help/attention?
I would prefer to help at a location where it’s really needed. So far the places I’ve been told about are pretty well taken care of.
Again, this would be new to me as all of my volunteer work has been with dogs. Thanks!
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