The Cal Poly Cat Program has spent the beginning of the school year rebuilding after being relocated and losing over half their space.
The shelter is completely student run and their capacity to care for cats in the new building has significantly decreased. While the program usually supports around 100 cats, only 40 are there currently, with 15 being in the shelter and the rest are currently fostered.
Summer transformation
The relocation took place over summer 2026, when the program moved into the former artificial insemination laboratories used by Cal Poly’s dairy department. The building required extensive renovations before it was deemed a safe space for cats.
Staff manager Claire Vu was among the team members who remained in San Luis Obispo over the summer to oversee the transition.
“The bulk of the renovations happened June to August for the most part,” Vu said. “Early June was when facilities was doing a lot, then it was mostly us for two months.”
The Cal Poly Cat Program operates through student staff, with the support of a few longtime community members and a faculty advisor.
Currently, the space does not have running water and volunteers have been bringing in water jugs which are used as drinking water for cats, to wash bowls and keep the space clean. The managers are looking to get the sewage system fixed by the end of October 2026.
Although the university facilities and animal science department covered certain expenses, the program relies heavily on donations to fund many improvements.
“We were able to buy paint colors that were really pretty and made this place more homey, and we were able to buy paint brushes that we needed and all sorts of things,” said Vu. “Which wouldn’t have been possible at all without any of our small donors or our large donors.”
The program raises money through events such as sticker sales, adoption events and fundraisers. Those proceeds help cover supplies and other necessary expenses for the shelter.
Rest in peace, Kiwi
The program also mourned the loss of Kiwi, its beloved mascot of 10 years during this period of change for the organization. After a long history of health complications, managers made the difficult decision to euthanize due to his declining quality of health.
Downsizing’s effect on local shelters
The relocation also affected animal shelters throughout the central coast. The Cal Poly Cat Program stopped taking in new cats during the summer, other shelters were left with fewer options to transfer animals once they reached capacity.
“When we were closed so many of the other shelters were unable to take any more because they were full and they needed our extra support,” said Vu.
When operating at full capacity, the program accepts cats from areas such as Fresno, which has a significant feline overpopulation problem.
Adjusting to the new location
The new location presents additional considerations for staff and volunteers. The building is located near the animal science facilities and managers have implemented precautions to reduce potential contamination and protect the cats’ health.
“Obviously, the ground is where they put their paws, and then they will lick their paws so we’ve had to be very careful about what we introduce here,” said Vu.
For Sally Adam, a community volunteer who has been involved with the program for over 20 years, adapting to change is nothing new. Over the years, she has seen the organization navigate to new locations and persevere through all adversity.
“When I first came, I thought these dairy people are gonna be so upset. Here we come, bringing a bunch of cats in,” Adam said. “They have their important sanitation rules; we have ours.”
Instead, Adam said she was surprised by the support the program received.
“Oh my god… I can’t believe they are the nicest people I’ve ever met! Incredible!” she said.
As the program adjusts to its new home, staff members are focused on improving the facility, maintaining the health of the cats currently in their care and gradually returning to their previous capacity. The loss of Kiwi the program’s mascot, has also marked a difficult moment for the community.
Despite the setbacks, the team remains committed to providing care for the cats and supporting local animal shelters.
For student staff member Sydney Wong, the immediate priority is ensuring the kittens entering the program are properly taken care of.
“My goal right now is just to keep all of our kittens that we intake as happy and healthy as possible,” Wong said. “Just to make sure that they’re healthy, they’re happy, they’re thriving, they’re growing importantly.”
As renovations continue the program hopes to maintain its role in the San Luis Obispo community.
“People love seeing cats. You can see the joy it brings to the community,” said Vu.