Welcome to Cats of Oceanside

A 501(3)c Non-Profit Organization

Our Mission

Cats of Oceanside is dedicated to bridging the gap between our coastal community and the street cats that call it home.

Our mission is to ensure that no friendly cat is left to fend for itself.

Through our efforts and your support, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals. Join us in our mission to protect and advocate for the well-being of all cats in Oceanside.

Donate

Adopt or Foster

Opening your home to a cat will open your heart. Apply to adopt or foster with us! Adopt or Foster

Donate

A monetary donation or items off our wishlists - anything makes a difference! Donate

Advocate and Educate

The more you know, the more you can help. We are lucky to live in San Diego!

Our Story

Cats of Oceanside was founded by San Diego native Alison Smith, driven by her deep love for cats and desire to lead a life filled with purpose and service.

She established the organization with the dual purpose of supporting the cats of Oceanside as well as advocating for them and providing community education. She aims to debunk the stigma surrounding cat people and illuminate the transformative power of loving felines and practicing compassion.

To learn more directly from Alison, read our story.

Our Story
Alison and OJ Cats of Oceanside

Do you need help with a cat in your care?

Cats of Oceanside receives numerous emails every week from residents across San Diego County seeking assistance. We believe in addressing all inquiries.

However, before reaching out, please take a moment to read the following:

We are fortunate to be located in San Diego County, home to a robust and well-funded humane society. They offer a variety of valuable community resources:

  • Vaccine and microchip clinics at all four of their campuses across San Diego County (we use them)!
  • Low-cost spay and neuter vouchers
  • Support for owner surrenders
  • Humane euthanasia services
  • Lost and found services
  • Rehoming resources
  • AND MORE!

We highly recommend exploring their resources before contacting smaller non-profit rescues like ours. Local independent rescues DO NOT have the same financial means!

San Diego Humane Society Community Resources

If Cats of Oceanside considers taking in an animal you have contacted us about, please be prepared for the following:

  • Making a tax-deductible donation a minimum of $200 to Cats of Oceanside via Venmo. On average, it costs at least $250-300 to prepare an animal for adoption, and we rely solely on donations. We're just as financially strapped as you and we can't take in animals for free.
  • You will be asked to sign a document fully surrendering the animal into the care of Cats of Oceanside.

We do not provide partial assistance; we will not promote your animal on our social channels or take it through our low cost clinics unless it is surrendered into our care. We are in the business of helping animals, not doing favors for people.

  • Should you want to foster the animal after surrendering it into the care of Cats of Oceanside, you will be required to fill out our foster application which may potentially deem you unqualified for foster with our organization.
  • Once an animal is surrendered into our care, the cat(s) either go into foster care or directly into our Petco space located 815 College Blvd #102, Oceanside, CA 92057 for adoption. The choice is at the sole discretion of our Executive Director. You do not get to decide their next steps.

Our focus is solely on the well-being of animals.

Our website and social media platforms reflect the care and standards we uphold for ourselves and our adopters. We are not here to prove that we're the right 'choice' for you—we are here to assist animals in need.

Once in the care of our organization, our commitment to the animals' welfare is unwavering.

We appreciate the effort you've taken to reach out, and we ask for your cooperation if we choose to work with you.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Let us connect you to the cats that live here.

Apply to Foster with Us

Adopted in 2024

OJ Cats of Oceanside
Gary Cats of Oceanside
Gigi Cats of Oceanside
Morty James Cats of Oceanside
Grim Cats of Oceanside

Adopted in 2023