Cal Poly Cat Program Relocated Facility in 2026
The student-run organization moved to a smaller San Luis Obispo facility during the summer, reducing its overall capacity.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cats
Live Poll
Should university-run animal programs rely primarily on community donations rather than institutional funding?
The Cal Poly Cat Program relocated its shelter to a new facility during summer 2026. This transition resulted in a capacity reduction from approximately 100 cats down to 40.
Why it matters
The program moved because it lost more than half of its previous space, forcing a reduction in the number of animals it can support. It now relies on community donations to fund necessary infrastructure improvements for the new building.
The shelter currently houses 15 cats out of a reduced total capacity of 40, down from the historical baseline of 100 animals. The facility, which formerly served as artificial insemination laboratories, lacks running water.
The players
Cal Poly Cat Program
This is a student-run organization that provides care and shelter for cats in the San Luis Obispo area.
Kiwi
Kiwi was the long-time mascot for the cat program who passed away during the transition period.
Sally Adam
Sally Adam is a dedicated community volunteer who has supported the program for 20 years.
The details
Student staff and volunteers spent two months renovating the building to prepare it for the cats, while implementing safety precautions to prevent contamination near other animal science facilities. Because the site lacks running water, volunteers must haul water jugs to the building for both animal consumption and daily cleaning tasks.
Timeline
Facilities work began in June 2026.
The program completed its move during the summer of 2026.
Renovations were primarily finished in August 2026.
Managers have set a goal to complete sewage system repairs by October 31, 2026.
Culture Shift
The move reflects a broader trend of university programs balancing animal welfare initiatives with increasingly rigid campus space management. The program aligns its operations with university animal science facility management guidelines to ensure student research is protected from potential cross-contamination.
Local residents looking to support the program should be aware that the facility currently requires donations to fund ongoing infrastructure repairs. Because the intake of new cats was paused during the summer move, those seeking to surrender or adopt animals should contact the program directly for current status updates.
The takeaway
The Cal Poly Cat Program continues to navigate operational challenges following a significant downsizing of its facility. Supporters can help by contributing to the fundraising efforts needed to restore essential utilities like running water to the new site.
What happens next
Managers aim to finalize repairs to the facility's sewage system by October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local animal welfare initiatives by visiting our Cats section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mustang News.
Live Poll
Should university-run animal programs rely primarily on community donations rather than institutional funding?
