This place is so lovely. The cats are so well cared for and you can tell the staff really care. If you're looking to donate or even adopt this is the place to go read more

My family and I go here pretty often. My daughter loves cats so this was a great way for her to meet and play with a variety of cat personalities - we had a 17yo at home who was well beyond her rambunctious years. Eventually she passed so our mindset shifted from "just saying hello" to finding a new family cat. Lucky for us, we found the perfect little lynx point Siamese kitten who is now the new baby of the family. The staff there are super friendly and you can tell they really care about the well-being of the cats. They aren't just dumping cats to anyone who wants one. They put a lot of thought into finding good matches for the felines. Drop by if you are on the look-out for a new cat friend whether it's a kitten or adult cat. They also have a "senior center" for older cats who need love too! read more

I adopted two cats from Nat Cat twenty years ago, and one passed away at the age of eighteen and the other after Christmas 2024 at the age of twenty. I was distraught and depressed after New Year's, went on Yelp and found the Society had two eight month old brothers up for adoption, so I went for it. Mike, who is an amazing director of the organization, and Marie, a wonderful volunteer, arranged the adoption and was out the door with two adorable cats. Everything was handle and the kittens had their vaccinations, fixed and tagged for a nominal charge. I was so lucky to have found them twenty years ago, and that they are still available adopting cats in San Diego in 2025. Gregg read more

This is one of the only shelters that returned my call when I needed help to rehome my moms cats you can tell they care and will try to help care for homeless cats read more

We got our new family member from NatCat! They were so awesome and easy to work with and you could tell that cat happiness is their bottom line! They made sure our adoption went well for both human and cat. . They're good people! Highly recommend! read more

National Cat Protection Society - This is Buzz! He was well taken care of at Nat Cat for the last 10 years, and we're looking forward to giving him 10 more awesome ones! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Spring Valley, California

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I used to volunteer at the National Cat Protection Society for a few summers back when I was a student at UCSD. The place actually has a retirement home for older cats who still need some TLC and they are just like old seniors, i.e., they have their eccentricities and some are crabby and some are losing hair and some are missing teeth. But then they have these "retired" folks, who are humans, and they come and give the cats some love and petting and brushing. It is really very sweet and I recommend anyone who is a cat lover to devote some time there if you can. I used to help clean out the cages where the more "antisocial" cats were kept and the newcomers as well. I also would go in the kitten room to play and I would get pounced on by about fifteen little crazy fur balls all at once. My two cats are back up in Petaluma enjoying outdoor freedom at mom's so I am considering going here to adopt a new kitty. The NCPS screens all the cats and makes sure their immunizations are current and it is less than a hundred bucks for the adoption, which is for the aforementioned costs and costs of maintenance to the facility. The people that work there were really cool when I would volunteer. They all have big hearts. The facility has had some much-needed and welcomed repairs and renovations of late. I can't wait to go back and see the improvements. I just wish it was a little closer to my house, which is why I had to stop going. read more

National Cat Protection Society - outside view of retirement center - Animal Shelters Near Me - Spring Valley, California

In February 2008 we had to put our 17 1/2 year old cat down due to cancer. We knew we had to have at least one cat in our house and were open to a bonded pair. We went to NatCat on my mom's suggestion (she went with us too) to find a new cat(s). There we met Marcia who took us around and told us the backstory and personality of practically every adoptable cat there. We explained our home situation--2 Pugs plus occasional Pug we babysit--and that we needed a cat or cats that were "bomb-proof" meaning nothing would phase them. We still laugh how she quickly knew which cats would and wouldn't work for various reasons e.g. that one can't have any other animals in the house, that one pees on you if you stand still too long, etc. We saw a beautiful Snowshoe and were allowed to sit in it's enclosure and he wanted nothing to do with us. He wasn't scared, he just didn't care. We then entered the "Day Room" where some cats live and others are moved in and out for extra play/social time. A little gray & white girl walked under my chair and I picked her up and she started purring and my mom said "I think you found your cat". My husband meanwhile was allowing a black & white kitty to play with his shoelaces and decided he wanted that cat "because he plays". We went back to Marcia and asked her about the black & white cat and was told he had to go with his sister, the gray & white one and we took them both home! They have been wonderful cats and just turned 3. They truly are bomb-proof and have wonderful personalities. Summer of 2009 I found a kitten near SDSU's fraternity row and took her to NatCat to find a new home. They charge a $50 surrender fee (adoptions are $75) which I actually doubled and considered a donation for their wonderful work. I still keep in touch with Marcia by email and share photos of Jackie and Finlay with her. The little kitten I turned in was adopted by the wonderful couple that have "The Cat's House" in San Diego so I think things worked out pretty well for her too. http://www.thecatshouse.com/ read more

National Cat Protection Society - Finlay adopted 2-08 at age 7 months - Animal Shelters Near Me - Spring Valley, California

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It is so sad that a place that is supposedly dedicated to cats and a finding them loving homes is run by one women who arbitrarily makes decisions about who can adopt and who can't. I went here, with my roommate who had been the day before and had already looked at two cats that she really liked. I was a little bit unsure about adopting a cat and we were discussing it. Without talking further to us about it or interviewing me to learn more about me and my experience with animals she rudely announced that she would never adopt to us. She stated that I obviously hated cats, based on the few seconds of conversation she heard from us. My roommate was understandably heartbroken, having come twice and spent quite a bit of time bonding with the cats. I completely understand having a stringent policy about who you adopt to and don't. But there should be a policy. There should be an opportunity to interview and fill out paperwork and do a home visit if the agency is that concerned about who adopts. But to randomly turn people down without enough information. It's ridiculous and it does a disservice to animals that need a home. read more

I like how much they care about the cats and that they do t just let any person adopt a cat, they only give them to someone who would be good cat owner. Thanks National Cat for my Buttercup! read more

National Cat Protection Society - Animal Shelters Near Me - Spring Valley, California

Long story short, I retired my Dad's cat at Nat Cat in Spring Valley. The retirement home portion of Nat Cat is a clean and pleasant space. There are many older cats there (so they're getting good care and attention, otherwise the cats would likely give it up and call it a day). Whenever I've visited people have been friendly, nice and helpful. I've even showed up unannounced a few times and they were still friendly, nice and helpful. I'm not usually so suspicious, but I was handing off my Dad's buddy so I needed to be sure the place was authentic and legit. Additionally I check in on my Dad's cat now and again via email and they always send me a photo and quick update. This has made the whole heart-wrenching process much easier to manage. Visitation rights are a plus, too. I don't live in town, but whenever I get anywhere near Spring Valley, I intend to stop by and visit my Dad's cat (I realize it's more for my benefit than hers). Anyway, as far as I've been able to surmise, Nat Cat in Spring Valley is pretty great. read more

It was nice to visit a shelter where the cats weren't kept in small enclosures. The cats were sectioned off by age group and allowed to run around, socialize and play in a large area. Plenty of food, water and toys were out. A couple cats were in the lobby getting some extra TLC. I even saw one absolutely loving a heating pad. I was assisted in picking out the right cat for adoption by the staff. In my adoption packet were my new cats info/health history and more reading material for new pet owners. They even gave me some food, treats and a lil toy gift to assist in my new cats transition to my home. Lovely place. If you're a cat lover, you should definitely visit. I would even consider volunteering. read more

This place is not good for felines. My husband and I went in to see the available kitties for adoption. The first thing that hits you when you walk into the "front office" is the smell of cat urine. Funny, the staff was sitting down talking, can't you get up and clean out the cat boxes. My husband was really put off by this. Went in to see the available cats and most of them were scared to be petted. We left and went to the San Diego Humane Society and ended up adopting 3 siblings who are the greatest cats. Their is no smell when you go into the spaces where the cats are. I am still amazed that a place that is suppose to care for felines so much, stinks so bad. Stay away from this place and to to the San Diego Humane Society where the animals are living in a clean, no smell area. read more

My friend and I paid this place a visit today. I was more than impressed. The facility was VERY clean, actually it was quite spotless. From the floors to the cat furniture, everything was in great shape, and most importantly there was no odor. The cats looked incredibly content and well cared for. They have a great variety of ages, from kittens to senior cats. The staff was wonderful and friendly, they answered any and all questions we had about the adoption process and the facility. They allowed us to choose a toy, and go visit as long as we wanted. We had to have been there for a good 2 hours. They have very well socialized cats, with great personalities. Please consider them if you're looking for a cat to add to your life!!!!! read more

National Cat Protection Society - Some of the lovely kitties available for adoption. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Spring Valley, California

HUGE WASTE OF TIME. I Went in to adopt a cat and so they let me spend time with all the cats to see which cats would connect. So after I picked a few cats out that I thought would be nice to adopt they kept making excuses telling me they don't think it's a good match because of the cats personality's so that was exhausting after a while. But then there was hope! Then there was a cat that I found it was cool it came up to me and wanted to be played with and wanted to hang out with me. I asked if they would let me take her home and the lady said sure it's up to me and they were ok with this cat for me. So I think cool I got my cat picked out right. Well I fill out the paperwork and the weird looking man that was working asked me personal questions like why do I want a cat and how much thought have put into raising a cat. Like what kind of questions is that first of all because I want a cat and second obliviously enough to actually look into adopting from you guys online. So after all the time and patients I spent here dealing with excuses on why I can't adopt all the different cats I tried to picked out and after I finally got an ok on a particular cat that bonded with me I didn't get approved BECAUSE HE DON'T THINK ITS A GOOD MATCH!!! YOU GUYS SUCK AND NEED TO LET THESE CATS GET INTO A GOOD HOME THEY NEED THE LOVE AND ATTENTION SHAME ON YOU GUYS. WASTE OF TIME.... read more

I was there with my family for a hour of course looking for a family cat. It seemed no matter what cat we were interested in they told us that the cat wouldn't be good for us which was weird because when I called them for adoption info, I was told we needed to come in and spend some time with the cats to see which cats was good for us based upon our visit and how the cats react to us. we found 4 cats worth adopting and A woman who is helping us said it was up to US whether not we wanted a cat and in the end we were told NO. What a big waste of time!! Btw I know this is a cat place but there should be no reason for this place smells like cat poop especially when all the employees do is take care of the cats it should not smell disgusting. read more

I honestly can't believe there are any bad reviews for this place. If you're looking for the perfect cat, this shelter is the absolute best. I researched painstakingly for the right place, and this one seemed the best off the bat. My partner and I visited, with the intent of just looking around to see what our options were, but as soon as we walked in we knew this was the place. It's impeccably clean and spacious, with plenty of activities and supplies for the cats. They are all very healthy and well cared for. You can tell the staff knows every single cat by heart, and they make sure each of their individual needs are met. If there are even the smallest health or behavioral problems they make it abundantly clear and sometimes don't even adopt them out, instead caring for them themselves in the facility. This is also why they may be more particular than other places about finding the right fit. They don't want to release a cat into the care of someone who is likely to not care for it properly, bring it back, or abandon it. If there is a serious concern about the match, they will not go through with it. That said, if you are serious about adopting and caring for your new fur kid, they are the best people to help you find the perfect match. They are knowledgeable about their cats' personalities and needs and very accommodating. They allowed us to take as much time as we wanted to interact with the cats in the adoption rooms, and even let out the cats in individual cages one by one so we could check them out. We had our eye on a particular cat, and they let us know what we would have to do in order to adopt her (since she wasn't yet available because of medical reasons). We arrived first thing the day she was first available, but unfortunately another couple had already applied for her before us and arrived at the same time to pick her up. Mike on staff was incredibly respectful, taking us into another room to gently break the news to us that we couldn't take her home. He also welcomed us to take a look at their kitten room and another cat who had just arrived from another staff member who had been fostering her, believing there might be a good match for us there. And that was the ticket. We fell in love with the foster, and they happily arranged for us to foster her for a while in order to get a feel for our compatibility and make sure one of her behavior problems wasn't a continuing issue. It wasn't at all, and in fact it didn't occur in the least. She was extremely well-adjusted and socialized, in great health, and she settled into our home happily. The staff who had fostered her, Jeanette, also even gave us supplies and her personal contact info just in case we needed help with her. We have plans to adopt her very soon, and we couldn't be happier with our experience at NatCat Spring Valley. read more

I been coming here for months now and the staff is friendly and helpful and do a great job keeping the place clean for the amount of cats they have. To the staff safety and well being of the cats comes first and I respect that because they won't give them a bad home. I like it here they will let you come and play with them and they are all health and well fed. It's not a shelter but more of a home feeling. Would recommend to come don't let people's negative views change your mind on coming. read more

This is one of the finest organization around. Eight years ago I had to make the very difficult decision to surrender my cat, Winkylu. She was 10 years old at the time. It was traumatic for sure. Over the years, I would visit her. She was well cared for, well groomed and the facilities were immaculate. The staff was super friendly and the volunteers were always hard at work. I got a call from the office on Sunday that Winkylu had passed away. She was 18 years old. She lived a good life thanks to all the good people there. They are offered to cremate her and send her to me. I have been so touched by the kindness. Thanks you from the bottom of my heart. read more

My daughter and I have been volunteering at Nat Cat for about two years now. We love it; we get to sit and pet, brush and play with the cats (there are a variety of rooms and the cats are grouped according to age). Talk about relaxing. If you need to de-stress and like cats, this is the place to come. It's also quiet and the staff are as friendly as can be. The walls are decorated with lovely murals. The cat boxes are kept clean. Staff provide you with brushes, toys and hand sanitizer. This is a no-kill shelter and cats that are here are either adopted (the staff don't push you to adopt but if you want to, they are very helpful) or they can stay here indefinitely. For community service for kids and teens, they offer awards based on the number of hours worked which is very generous of them. Thank you for doing what you do, Nat Cat! read more

I visited this facility with a friend and we were both amazed! The cats were all well socialized and cared for, and the whole shelter was spotless. There was no smell, and all of the staff was so nice and helpful! My favorite part was that they gave us wand toys to play with the cats to encourage appropriate play! We spent a good couple of hours just petting the cats, and I hope to adopt my next cat from Nat Cat! read more

I love this place. There are so many kind words I can say about everything and everyone there. I adore the fact that they let the cats Rome around safely and not caged up. I love that they have plenty of toys, food, brushes and litter for the animals. I enjoy playing with the cats there and also, giving one of the cats there a forever home(: read more

If I could I would not give this place a star. My brother, his fiancé, her sister and I went in hopes of adopting 2 kittens for my future sister in-law and the lady that "runs" this place was rude off the bat. When my sister in-law picked the 2 she wanted we noticed another family that was there eyeing the same cat. Of course they were sad but the lady KAREN who runs this place knew her on a personal level told her and I quote, "IF ANYTHING CHANGES ILL CALL YOU." So we fill out paperwork and she asked us "SO YOUR GRANDMA IS OK WITH YOU ADOPTING CATS" my brothers replies, "YES JUST AS LONG AS WE TAKE CARE OF THEM." And without a hesitation she tells me brother "IM GOING TO SAY NO. I DONT FEEL COMFORTABLE." Without an explanation as to why. My sister was distraught. I went back in because we didn't feel comfortable leaving my sister in-law's info and this lady would not give the papers and instead blacked out all her info and when I asked to over look it to make sure there was nothing else personal she got even more rude and said' "NO BUT YOU CAN LEAVE NOW." I can't believe how they run that establishment. Do yourself a favor and don't adopt from here. KAREN IS RUDE AND UNPROFESSIONAL!!!! read more

Cat lover for decades my last fur person went to kitty heaven at 22 years of age in 2016. I realized this year I couldn't go on without cats in my life. I looked at many venues and then I found Nat Cat. I put two carriers in my car because I knew I would not be able to go there and look at their sweet faces and return home alone. The crew that works at Spring Valley are wonderful. I brought home home Stella who's 2 years old and Sweet Pea who is 11 years young. The joy of their being here is a gift beyond price. Purring has always been my favorite sound. I am blessed daily with their presence. Thank You Nat Cat for my joy. Michelle Y. read more