Cat Intake and Support

Full Circle Cats is a foster-based, volunteer-run organization. Because we are foster-based, our capacity depends entirely on the availability of foster space and resources appropriate to the needs of the foster cat or kitten. We are not able to take every cat or kitten, but we review every request and try to help by providing alternative resources.

We receive an overwhelming number of requests. Please also continue to contact other organizations and shelters. If we are able to help, we will generally respond within 1-5 business days.

What we prioritize

• Emergency intake (e.g. cat is in imminent danger, emergency medical, or urgent change in housing circumstances)

• Orphaned neonatal kittens (kittens too young to eat by themselves)

• Cats with medical needs

• Litters under 10 weeks old

• Friendly outdoor and abandoned cats

• Cats and kittens from the San Francisco Bay Area

We review every request carefully; however, if your situation falls outside of our intake priorities or if we are at capacity, we will do our best to connect you with other resources and organizations.

Intake process details

• Our intake request form is for cats/kittens that are in you care, in your backyard or work location, or in a colony you care for.

• Please review this information about when to intervene and when to leave kittens where they are (for newborn kittens, this is their best chance of survival).

• If you need help catching/trapping a cat, there is a place to say that on the form.

• We may request photos, videos, or more information.

• If we are able to help, please be ready to transport. As a volunteer organization, we don’t have the resources to guarantee pick up every kitten/cat. If you don’t have a car, perhaps try to coordinate a ride with a friend or family member.

• Submission of a form does not guarantee intake.

What to do if the cats/kittens are in your care

If you have a neonatal kitten and the mom did not return:

• Keep it warm (do not feed until warm, as feeding a cold kitten can be life-threatening)

• Do not give cow’s milk

• Do not bathe

• Bottle-feeding basics: https://www.kittenlady.org/bottlefeeding

If you have brought in kittens or adults:

• Isolate in a small room or large crate

• Provide a litter box

• Do not introduce to resident animals

• Monitor appetite and stool

If this is an emergency, seek immediate help. Injured cats should be taken directly to a shelter or a veterinary emergency hospital. For animal control concerns (e.g., aggressive behavior, public safety issues, or stray animals posing a risk), please contact your local municipal shelter or animal services department. If a cat has bitten someone, follow your county’s bite reporting protocol and contact local animal control for guidance.

Thank you for caring about this cat/kitten and taking the time to seek help.

If you need to follow up, please email info@fullcirclecats.org