Community Cats

Community cats are unowned, free-roaming cats that live outdoors and are not typically socialized to humans. Because they do not adapt well to indoor life, they are not candidates for adoption. Many rely on caretakers who provide food and oversight. Altered cat colonies benefit neighborhoods by preventing the birth of additional litters.

Our program supports spay and neuter services for unowned, free-roaming community cats. These cats are generally not socialized to people and do not thrive in a traditional home environment, so they are not candidates for shelter adoption. Community members can help by coordinating TNR efforts and returning cats to their original locations after surgery.

Not every outdoor cat needs intervention. Many cats in San Francisco live safely outdoors or are indoor/outdoor pets. If a cat appears social or may be lost, San Francisco Animal Care and Control (SFACC) is the best resource for guidance on found, friendly cats and for determining whether intervention is needed. Please visit SFACC’s page about found pets to learn how you can help.

For kittens found within San Francisco city limits, please contact SFACC for assistance. For kittens found outside of San Francisco, reach out to your local animal shelter.

Trap-Neuter-Return is a humane and effective approach in which community members trap free-roaming cats, bring them for spay/neuter surgery, then return them to the same outdoor location after recovery. TNR stabilizes cat populations and supports healthier colonies.

TNR prevents litters, reduces stress behaviors, and improves overall colony health. It is the best alternative to euthanasia for healthy, free-roaming cats who are not candidates for adoption.

Outdoor cat populations naturally expand to fill available food and shelter. Removing cats creates a “vacuum effect,” in which new, unaltered cats move in and reproduce. Returning sterilized cats to their familiar territory prevents this cycle and maintains a stable, non-breeding population.

Ear-tipping is the universal sign that a cat has been spayed or neutered. It is done under anesthesia during surgery and signals to trappers and caregivers that a cat does not require retrapping. Ear tips are required for all cats in the Community Cats Program.

Yes. Humane trap rentals are available Tuesday–Saturday from 11am to 4pm at the Spay/Neuter Clinic (201 Alabama Street, second floor). A refundable deposit is required, and trap availability may vary. For rental details, email communitycats@sfspca.org.

Effective trapping should align with your scheduled surgery appointment so cats are not confined longer than necessary. Coordination with neighbors is often key. Find our community cat trapping tips here.

The SF SPCA no longer sends volunteers or staff to trap cats on behalf of community members. This shift strengthens program sustainability and ensures resources are focused on high-volume medical care. Community members who need trapping help can access trap rentals, online resources, or connect with independent trappers in San Francisco.

The Community Cats Program provides free TNR surgery appointments for San Francisco community cats (and $50 per cat for those from outside the county). Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday, with drop-off at 10am and pick-up at 5pm. To request an appointment, please text (415) 554-3084. 

Cats must arrive in individual humane cat traps or metal transfer cages. For safety, we cannot accept cats in carriers, crates, boxes, or other enclosures. Cats remain in their traps for the entire TNR process, including recovery, to prevent injury and escape. All community cats must be returned to the same outdoor location where they were originally found.