JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Feral cats are contributing to large numbers of animals being taken in by the Jacksonville Humane Society in 2025.
Near record numbers, in fact.
Recommended Videos
By Nov. 19, JHS had surpassed 10,000 animals taken in this year.
According to the organization’s records, that’s the highest number in a single year since 2005.
| Year | Total animal intake |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,195 |
| 2022 | 8,470 |
| 2023 | 7,874 |
| 2024 | 8,561 |
| 2025 (year to date) | 10,239 |
The major increase is being fueled by unaltered “community cats,” also known as feral or free-roaming cats, and their neonatal kittens.
Despite expanded programs, the public demand for assistance with kittens continues to rise, JHS said.
So far this year, JHS has already taken in more than 6,800 kittens, compared to 3,561 kittens in all of 2024.
| Year | Kitten intake |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,832 |
| 2022 | 3,654 |
| 2023 | 4,455 |
| 2024 | 3,561 |
| 2025 (year to date) | 6,835 |
JHS pointed out that the last time the shelter took in more than 10,000 animals was in 2005, before the organization became a no-kill shelter.
JHS said it is proud to have maintained a 90% or higher “save rate” in those last 20 years, which is the industry standard to be considered no-kill.
“Each animal who arrives at JHS is in need of a second chance – and each second chance was made possible by members of our exceedingly generous community,” said Lawrence Nicolas, JHS CEO. “Every adopter, foster, volunteer, supporter, donor, partner and friend played an important part in this moment. They are the reason we can face rising intake numbers and still celebrate no-kill. We are eternally grateful that they choose to support this lifesaving work.”
Because of the ongoing issues with feral kittens, JHS urges residents to follow the right steps when they find kittens.
Before bringing kittens to an animal shelter, stop and look for the mother cat, and seek support from your personal network when possible.
Additionally, JHS encourages anyone caring for outdoor cats to take advantage of programs to get them fixed via EveryPet (formerly First Coast No More Homeless Pets) to reduce future litters of kittens.
With more animals needing care than ever, JHS encourages community members to get involved by adopting a pet from either their shelter or Animal Care and Protective Services, signing up to volunteer or foster (especially kittens) or donating for Giving Tuesday.
Donations made by midnight on Tuesday, Dec. 2, will be tripled thanks to two generous matching donors.
For more information on how to help, please visit jaxhumane.org.