Est. 1929 · El Cajon, California

Our Story

For more than nine decades, we've been providing sanctuary, medical care, and love for cats who need it most.

Our Mission

To maintain a shelter for homeless and unwanted cats with the goal of placing all healthy cats into loving, adoptive homes while providing a sanctuary for cats that are terminally ill, considered unadoptable, or whose owners have prearranged their continued lifetime care. In a nurturing, rehabilitative environment, we ensure the health of call cats entrusted to our care, promote spaying and neutering, and resort to euthanasia only as a matter of compassion for cats whose terminal illness causes suffering.

The No-Kill Promise

Unlike many shelters that euthanize animals after a set holding period, Friends of Cats is a true no-kill sanctuary. We never euthanize healthy, adoptable cats — period.

Cats who aren't adopted live out their entire lives in comfort at our sanctuary. They receive the same quality of care, medical attention, and affection as any pet in a loving home.

Friends of Cats staff with rescue animals on a San Diego news segment

Staff members proudly displaying the Best Friends Network No-Kill Shelter award

Volunteer preparing supplies at the shelter during a Cinco de Mayo event

Shelter caretaker holding a friendly orange tabby cat

Friends of Cats booth at a community event with handmade crafts

Stocked shelves of donated cat food at the shelter

Volunteers cuddling a sleepy orange cat at an adoption event

Friends of Cats booth at a community outreach fair

Volunteers serving food at the Cinco de Mayo shelter fundraiser

Staff and volunteer with a grey cat at an outdoor adoption event

Ruff Run community event supported by Friends of Cats

Volunteer at the shelter during the holiday season with donated supplies

Adorable shelter cat wearing a lion mane costume

Community gathering and dinner at the Friends of Cats shelter

Cat ID card for Mama Fire House, a resident at Friends of Cats

Friends of Cats outreach table at a waterfront community event

Shelter volunteer wearing a Friends of Cats shirt at a holiday event

Volunteers enjoying food at a shelter community celebration

A Legacy of Compassion

Friends of Cats was founded in 1929 by a small group of dedicated volunteers who believed every cat deserves a chance at life. What started as a modest effort has grown into one of the longest-running no-kill cat sanctuaries in California.

For over 90 years, we have operated entirely through community support — memberships, donations, and volunteer labor. We have never received government funding, and our entire board of directors serves without compensation.

Today, our shelter on Olde Highway 80 in El Cajon houses over 270 cats at any given time. From playful kittens to beloved senior residents, each cat receives individualized medical care, nutritious food, and the kind of gentle attention that helps them thrive.