Kitty Post: December 2025

Meet Beltsville Community Cats — And Discover How You Can Make a Difference

If you’ve ever spotted a free-roaming cat in Beltsville and wondered who was looking out for it, the answer is simple: your neighbors. Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) has been quietly—and powerfully—changing feline lives since 2019, and now we’re inviting more caring people to join us.

How It All Started

BCC was established in March 2019 as a program under Laurel Cats. With a $2,000 donation, a committed group of volunteers, and generous mentoring, we launched a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program to humanely manage Beltsville’s free-roaming cat population.

But TNVR was only the beginning. As we trapped cats around Beltsville, we ran into kittens young enough to be socialized and placed into loving homes. That’s how our Rescue Program evolved—powered entirely by people who opened their homes and hearts to kitties who just needed a little time and loving care.

As word about BCC got out, we began hearing from residents who were already feeding and caring for community cat colonies. Some offered to volunteer and their involvement yielder our third essential program: Colony Support.

Today, these three programs—TNVR, Rescue, and Colony Support—work together seamlessly, supported by dedicated volunteers and ongoing education efforts promoting the importance of spaying and neutering all cats, free-roaming and pet cats.

A Community Effort with Big Results

In just six years, BCC has grown into a fully independent, all-volunteer nonprofit. Thanks to support from the Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Prince George’s County Council, Petco, Athletes for Animals, and generous local donors (individuals and businesses), we’ve been able to expand our reach and care for more cats than ever.

Our impact so far:

• Over 2,400 cats have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

• Over 1,000 cats and kittens have entered our Rescue Program—most of whom are now living happily in forever homes.

• About 130 outdoor cats currently receive daily food, water, and shelter through our Colony Support Program, spread across 20+ commercial and industrial sites. The fact the that number of cats being fed in our managed colonies has gone down from 170 in 2020 demonstrates the effectiveness of our TNVR efforts.

Every one of these numbers represents a life changed—and they happened because people like you stepped forward to help.

A New Chapter — And a Chance to Get Involved

As BCC enters 2026, we’re preparing for an important transition: our long-time President is stepping down, and new leadership will take over in January. It’s an exciting moment to grow, re-energize, and welcome new volunteers who care about animals and community service.

You’re Invited

Our Annual Volunteer Meeting will be hosted in early–mid January (details will appear in the January 2026 Beltsville News). It’s open to anyone who wants to learn more about BCC and explore how they might fit in. It’s an opportunity to meet some of our fabulous volunteers.

Your Community Needs You — and So Do the Cats

BCC is built entirely on compassion, teamwork, and the belief that every cat deserves safety and care.

If you’ve ever wanted to make a real difference—whether by fostering, trapping, feeding, organizing, staffing community events, or leading by joining our board—consider joining BCC.

Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, there’s a place for you here. Help us protect free-roaming cats in Beltsville and the surrounding areas. And become part of the story that keeps this community strong and humane.

For questions or to get involved sooner:hello@beltsvillecats.net240-444-8353

Because every cat deserves a chance. And sometimes, that chance is you.