History

Friends of Campus Cats evolved at about the same time as the first national feral cat organization, Alley Cat Allies, and we are proud to report that we developed along the same lines, coming to the conclusion that the only effective and humane way to manage feral cat populations is through a consistent and conscientious TTVAR program.

It began in 1988 when a few interested volunteers took up the task. From the beginning, we insisted on testing every animal for disease, and managing the colonies through sterilization. We took an active hand in managing the colonies, tracking individual animals and assessing their general health and well-being.

The University of Washington’s feral cat population has declined more than 90% since our shaky beginnings, and those remaining are considerably healthier than when we started. We have captured more than 500 cats and kittens, and rescued and placed more than half of those. Nearly all of these animals were feral, born on campus or in someone’s shrubbery. Surprisingly few were confirmed as carriers of lethal feline disease (FeLV/FIV/FIP)—most were in reasonably good condition, suffering only from the usual internal and external parasites.

In 2001, we were granted 501(c)(3) status, which allows us to accept tax-deductable donations.