The Stanford Cat Network was formed not only to care for the homeless cats, but to raise awareness of pet overpopulation problems and educate the public on humane issues. The homeless cats on campus, like those in any other area, are a result of pet owners' abandonment or failure to spay and neuter their animals.

Due to the transitory nature of University life, pets are frequently left behind as their owners move away and do not make arrangements for the animal they took responsibility for. Many people assume their animals will survive when they move away and leave them behind. Often they believe that their cat will be able to hunt and support herself, or that someone else will find her and care for her.

Contrary to popular belief, domestic animals do not automatically return to their "natural" instincts and cannot fend for themselves. Humans have bred domestic companion animals and they have become dependent upon us for survival. Furthermore, abandoned cats are usually unaltered, and a female will quickly become pregnant so that she has not only herself to feed and protect, but also a litter of kittens. Many abandoned cats die from starvation, disease, abuse, or as food to a predator.

PLEASE DO NOT ABANDON YOUR PET. If you have a pet you can no longer care for, please call the Network help line at (650) 566-8287.

Informing the Stanford community and public on issues and concerns of animal welfare is of principal importance to the Network. Counseling and care by example are provided by Network volunteers. The Network endeavors to discourage students from adopting cats because often a student' s lifestyle and future is unstable and they may not be able to care for a pet long-term. Instead, students are encouraged to participate by volunteering for our program. Anyone interested in helping out should contact us. Outreach also is done through newsletters, flyers, a brochure and this Website. Please see our Resources section for links and articles.