Rescuing since 1990
Our History
The Cat People, an all-volunteer organization, was founded in October of 1990, in Bakersfield, California, by two friends outraged at the treatment of abandoned helpless felines. They soon gathered a group of compassionate individuals who wanted to help these animals. The mission statement grew to encompass the plight of homeless felines city-wide. Out of this grass-roots effort grew a non profit organization with a Board of Directors and a solid administrative base. The mission of The Cat People is to reduce the cat overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, compassionately manage feral cat colonies and find forever homes through our sanctuary.
Today, our efforts include a variety of programs that are 100% run by volunteers.
Our programs include the following:
Hart Park Program
Since 1990, teams of trained volunteers monitor and care for over 100 abandoned and feral cats living in this large park. Cats are fed daily, trapped and returned if feral and brought into our sanctuary, animal services or foster care for eventual adoption if friendly. While we have a contract with the county to care for the felines, The Cat People receives no government help of any kind. This very expensive but necessary program costs over $40,000 yearly for veterinary support and food. Thus far, the organization has spent over $1,000,000.00 and rescued over 1600 once-abandoned cats and kittens.
Spay Today Voucher Program
This low-income spay/neuter voucher program provides a partial payment toward the cost of altering the family cat. Applicants must show proof of income, and vouchers can be picked up on Saturdays or at various out-reach events.
Food Assistance Program
Up to 100 severely low income recipients can get a limited amount of food and litter on a monthly basis for their own pets depending on the amount of donations received. Please call into our office to inquire about being put on the Food Assistance list.
Nursing moms and bottle babies including cats under 6 weeks, are placed in foster care when available. All supplies are provided to the foster families. Once the kittens are 7-8 weeks they come to the kitten room at our sanctuary. Potential foster care volunteers can fill out the Foster Care Volunteer Application online. A minimum of four weeks commitment is required.
Every kitten or cat coming into our system has been thoroughly examined by our supportive veterinarians. This includes combo testing, vaccinations, de-fleaing and de-worming , altering if over 3 months (vouchers given if under 3 months), and any other necessary veterinary treatment. Applicants must fill out a Pre-Adoption Questionnaire in order to find the best match for our felines and adopters. Available cats and kittens can be viewed on Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, Facebook, and by appointment at the sanctuary. If for any reason, the owner can no longer care for the adopted cat, it can be surrendered back to the organization.
“Saving one animal won’t make a difference in the world, but it will make a world of difference to that one animal.”
Trap, Neuter and Return Trap Free Rental Program
Colony care-givers and individuals willing to help roaming community and feral cats can borrow a trap from us for a refundable $75.00 deposit. Our TNR volunteer can train any cat lover in trapping strategies, and traps can be loaned up to two weeks allowing the caregiver time to trap and return the altered cat/kitten back to its original area.
Sanctuary-Pawsitively Cats
Our 20 -year dream was finally realized in July, 2016, when, thanks to our faithful members and a compassionate benefactor, we were able to purchase our dream property. Now over 80 once-abandoned felines live on the property in a home-like setting. Caring volunteers help clean and care for our cats. The cats and kittens enjoy bright colorful rooms, ramps everywhere and safe outdoor "catios". It truly is a one-of-a kind-wonderland for cats and, as the volunteers tell us, cat lovers.
Membership
Memberships are $25.00 yearly and all programs and activities are directly funded through tax-deductible donations and memberships. Potential volunteers , 18 and over, are encouraged to contact us through email, phone or online applications.
Beneficiary Program
As space permits, arrangements can be made to care for the friendly household pet through our bequest progam. Contact us for more information.
Board Members:
Barb Hays (President), Brenda Bynum ( Vice President/Adoption Chair/Colonies Assistance/Medical), Pamela Ames (Treasurer), Ranae Harrer (Secretary/Fundraising), Shelley Ash (Membership Chair), Marleen Ray (Food Assistance Program), Barbara Kitchen (Auburn Liaison), Carol Lair (Park Coordinator), Ranae Harrer (Correspondence/Special Events), Ann Lariviere (Adoption Promotions), Linda Wright (Founder)
Get involved. Fill out our volunteer application today! Barb Hays-