About

“Cruelty to cats is more than just inflicting pain on them, the unseen cruelty… is closing one’s heart”

C Richard Calore

The National Cat Protection Society™ (NatCat) is a non-profit, no-kill 501(c)(3) animal organization with shelters dedicated to cats and kittens. Founded in 1968, our organization cares for owner-relinquished kitties until they find a forever family and in our retirement home.

Located in Newport Beach, Orange County and Spring Valley, San Diego County, CA, our two local animal shelters offer adoptable and retirement cats clean, comfortable, and safe open rooms with access to large, enclosed patio areas; as well as a kitten quarters. Our shelters’ retirement centers are environmentally enriched with floor-to-ceiling scratching posts, wall-to-wall walkways, and other design features that support natural instincts and healthy behaviors.

Our trained staff and dedicated volunteers share a tremendous love for cats and selfless commitment to their well-being, providing humane treatment within our facilities and humane education throughout our communities. After purr-using our website, we hope you will consider supporting our organization through adoption, volunteering, memberships, or donations—whether you’re in Southern California or another kitty-corner area of the world.

A long history of providing animal services

The National Cat Protection Society (NatCat) is a cat-centered protection and services organization founded in 1968 through the singular efforts of career humane officer, Mr. C. Richard Calore. While serving in World War II, he was deep in a French foxhole during the dead cold of winter when he met a courageous cat that kept him warm throughout the night. Inspired by this kitty, he formed NatCat as an animal center specifically for cats and kittens as well as a vehicle for enforcing the humane treatment of all animals.

A dedication to animal protection that endures today

Now more than 50 years later, we continue to offer the highest-quality cat-focused care and services from our Newport Beach and Spring Valley shelters while supporting feline defenders and caregivers throughout the country. Led by Mr. Calore’s widow, V.P. Gerri Calore, and President Denise Johnston, the cat-loving staff members and volunteers of NatCat take pride in their organization’s history and look forward to fighting for felines over many years to come.