Wednesday, September 2 through Tuesday, September 8, 2026
For readers searching for a cats foundation weekly roundup, this edition focuses on practical Bay Area pet resources, H5N1 safety for cats, emergency evacuation information, community cat care, and events scheduled for September 2 through September 8.
1. Community Pet Welfare Spotlight: H5N1 Cats and Practical Safety Steps
A new study in Emerging Infectious Diseases provides a closer look at H5N1 exposure among cats living near California dairy farms. The study, published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, looked at domestic cats in California during the 2024 to 2026 dairy cattle outbreak. Researchers found that 25 percent of cats living within 2 kilometers of an active H5N1 dairy outbreak tested positive for antibodies, compared with about 4 percent across the broader study group. Proximity to infected dairy operations emerged as an important risk factor. (Emerging Infectious Diseases) [1]
“Seroprevalence” means the proportion of animals with antibodies to a disease. Antibodies show previous exposure or infection. They do not necessarily show that a cat is currently infectious. The study was geographically limited, and the sample near farms was small. Still, the results point to proximity to infected dairy operations as an important risk factor.
The study also found H5N1 antibodies in indoor-only cats. That does not mean indoor cats face the same exposure risk as outdoor cats. It does mean guardians should consider indirect exposure routes, including contaminated clothing, footwear, surfaces, wildlife, and animal products.
Raw products are a separate and established concern. Health authorities and veterinary organizations advise against feeding cats raw milk, raw meat, raw poultry, or commercial raw pet food. These products can carry pathogens, including H5N1. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) [2] (American Veterinary Medical Association) [3]
The practical steps are straightforward:
- Keep cats indoors when possible.
- Prevent contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife.
- Do not feed raw animal products or unpasteurized milk.
- Wash hands after handling pet food, wildlife, or contaminated materials.
- Call a veterinarian promptly if a cat develops fever, unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing trouble, tremors, seizures, disorientation, or other neurologic signs.
A separate August 13 case series described four cats in one California household. Two cats survived after early oseltamivir treatment and supportive care. That small report does not establish a guaranteed treatment outcome. It does reinforce the value of early veterinary assessment when a cat may have been exposed. Treatment decisions must come from a licensed veterinarian. [1]
The CDC also reported serologic evidence of possible H5N1 transmission from an infected domestic cat to a veterinary professional after unprotected occupational contact. The finding was identified through antibody testing, so the report uses careful language. The lesson is clear: people handling a seriously ill or potentially exposed cat should contact a veterinarian and follow public health guidance about protective equipment and monitoring. (CDC MMWR) [4]
2. Resources for Pet Owners in Need
These services are recurring or scheduled distributions. Confirm details directly before traveling. Supplies, appointment space, and eligibility can change.
Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry
Location: 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley.
Eligibility: Open to the public. The pantry cannot serve feral cat colony caretakers because of high demand and limited supplies.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Sunday, September 6, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Distribution is once a month, first come, first served. Households receive approximately a two-week supply while supplies last.
Contact/registration: No appointment required. See the Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry page for updates. [5]
East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry
Location: 8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland.
Eligibility: Alameda or Contra Costa County residents who can provide proof of financial need. Pets must be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Cost: Free. Registered households receive approximately five pounds of dry food for a cat, subject to available supplies.
Hours: Tuesday, September 15, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: Registration opens Monday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. and closes Friday, September 11, or when full. Register through the East Bay SPCA pantry page. [6]
Joybound FoodShare Pantry
Location: Pittsburg. Confirm the exact distribution location with Joybound before departure.
Eligibility: Contra Costa County residents.
Cost: Free. Bring a bag for food.
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., or while supplies last.
Contact/registration: Review the Joybound FoodShare event page and confirm eligibility, location, and registration requirements directly. [7]
Pets In Need Pet Pantry at Ecumenical Hunger Program
Location: 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Eligibility: Pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Wednesday, September 30, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., or until supplies run out.
Contact/registration: No registration requirement is stated on the current listing. Confirm details through Pets In Need before attending. [8]
3. Emergency and Crisis Support
Plaskett Fire animal evacuation assistance
Location: Monterey County, including areas affected by the Plaskett Fire.
Eligibility: Residents seeking help evacuating or sheltering household pets, livestock, horses, or barn animals.
Cost: Contact the provider for current arrangements and availability.
Hours: Call SPCA Monterey County at 831-373-2631 during the day. Use 831-646-5534 after hours for urgent assistance.
Contact/registration: For evacuation information, call the Virtual Temporary Evacuation Point at 831-647-7760. Monitor the Monterey County emergency map and follow official evacuation orders. [9]
Hayward Animal Services cat intake pause
Location: Hayward Animal Services, 16 Barnes Court, Hayward.
Eligibility: Anyone planning to bring a stray, friendly, or feral cat to the shelter.
Cost: No fee is listed for confirming intake instructions.
Hours: The announced 21-day suspension is scheduled to end September 6 because of feline panleukopenia cases.
Contact/registration: Call 510-293-7200 before bringing a cat. Do not drop off a community cat without current instructions. Ask about booking a TNR appointment instead. (City of Hayward) [10]
4. Community Cat and Rescue Initiatives
Ripon feral cat feeding ordinance
The Ripon City Council is scheduled to hold a second reading and possible adoption of an ordinance on Tuesday, September 8. The proposed rule would prohibit feeding animals on public property after a warning, with fines starting at $100. It includes an exception for animal control trap programs. The stated conservation goal involves protecting the endangered riparian brush rabbit. (KCRA) [11]
Residents should review the council agenda and submit questions directly to the City of Ripon. A listing of this action does not represent an MCF position or a partnership with the city.
SF SPCA Community Cats Program
Location: 201 Alabama Street, second floor, San Francisco.
Eligibility: Community cats trapped in San Francisco County may qualify for free TNR, or trap-neuter-return, services.
Cost: Free for eligible San Francisco community cats. Contact the program about cats trapped outside the county.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday. Drop-off is at 10:00 a.m. and pickup is at 5:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: Appointments are required. Text 415-554-3084. Humane trap rentals are available Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., subject to availability. (SF SPCA Community Cats) [12]
Full Circle Cats Feral Change
Location: Bay Area clinics and community locations.
Eligibility: The program primarily supports unowned, free-roaming cats and may sometimes assist owned or independently fostered cats.
Cost: Free or donation-based spay and neuter appointments. Trap loans are available without a deposit.
Hours: Appointment and workshop schedules vary.
Contact/registration: Request assistance, equipment, trapping guidance, and workshops through Full Circle Cats. [13]
5. Community Participation and Giving Opportunities
Vets in Vans at San Francisco Animal Care and Control
Location: San Francisco Animal Care and Control.
Eligibility: Community members seeking free or low-cost vaccines and preventive care.
Cost: Free or low cost, depending on the service.
Hours: Wednesday, September 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Contact/registration: Confirm the event, service list, and access requirements through the Vets in Vans schedule before traveling. [14]
Adoption events on Saturday, September 5
Valley Humane lists dog adoptions at the Pleasanton Farmers’ Market on Saturday, September 5, at Delucchi Park, 4501 First Street, Pleasanton, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Valley Humane) [15]
Joybound’s Pet Food Express Pet Fair in Clayton is listed at 5404 Ygnacio Valley Road from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Joybound’s adoption window may be shorter. Adoptions are generally first come, first served, so confirm details directly. (Joybound) [7]
HDBnQ Rescue is expected at Pet Food Express Daly City, 6925 Mission Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Confirm the event and available animals through HDBnQ Rescue. [16]
Peninsula Humane vaccination clinic
The September 5 vaccination and microchip clinic at Coyote Point is full. Call 650-340-7022, extension 332, to ask about the waitlist. The clinic is at 12 Airport Boulevard, San Mateo. Check Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA for future dates. [17]
Support no-cost pet care
A donation to Mission Cats Foundation through the approved PayPal link helps sustain no-cost pet care for vulnerable guardians and their companion animals. Mission Cats Foundation is separate from Mission Cats In-Home Care and McFadden-Finch Holdings Company.
6. Bay Area Animal Welfare Calendar
- Wednesday, September 2: Vets in Vans at San Francisco Animal Care and Control, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Confirm before attending. [14]
- Saturday, September 5: Valley Humane dog adoptions at Pleasanton Farmers’ Market, Delucchi Park, 4501 First Street, Pleasanton, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. [15]
- Saturday, September 5: Joybound Pet Fair at Pet Food Express Clayton, 5404 Ygnacio Valley Road, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. [7]
- Saturday, September 5: HDBnQ Rescue adoptions at Pet Food Express Daly City, 6925 Mission Street, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Confirm first. [16]
- Saturday, September 5: Peninsula Humane vaccination and microchip clinic at Coyote Point. The clinic is full. Waitlist only. [17]
- Sunday, September 6: Berkeley Humane Pet Food Pantry, 936 Carleton Street, Berkeley, 10:00 a.m. to noon. [5]
- Tuesday, September 8: Ripon City Council second reading of the proposed feral cat feeding ordinance. Review the official agenda for meeting time and public comment instructions. [11]
Upcoming preview: Adoption events are listed at Pet Food Express locations in San Jose for September 12 and 13. Pink Paws for the Cause kitten participation has not been independently confirmed. Check with the specific store and rescue before making plans.
Published weekly by Mission Cats Foundation. MCF supports the well-being of pets and the people who care for them, with a focus on seniors, low-income households, persons with disabilities, and unhoused community members. To donate, volunteer, request support, or submit a resource for future editions, visit www.missioncatsfoundation.org.
Mission Cats Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable pets, expanding access to care, and improving outcomes for animals in need. Your support helps provide timely assistance, strengthen animal welfare efforts, and make a meaningful difference where help is needed most.
Mission Cats Foundation, Lake Merritt Plaza, 1999 Harrison Street, 18th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 941-1421
Website: www.missioncatsfoundation.org
Email: missioncats@missioncatsfoundation.org
Donate Link: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HMM3V395UXZWL
EIN: 88-2451640
CA FTB ID: 5075903/000
Mission Cats Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Sources
[1] Emerging Infectious Diseases, "Seroprevalence of Influenza A(H5N1) Virus in Domestic Cats at Epicenter of Dairy Cattle Outbreaks, California, USA, 2024-2026," Emerging Infectious Diseases, July 2026, URL verified via https://globalbiodefense.com/2026/08/29/cats-near-dairy-farms-carry-h5n1-antibodies-at-striking-rates-study-finds/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Bird Flu in Pets," CDC, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/risk-factors/bird-flu-in-pets.html, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[3] American Veterinary Medical Association, "Avian Influenza H5N1 in Cats," AVMA, 2026, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-h5n1-cats, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Serologic Evidence of Possible Transmission of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus from a Domestic Cat to a Human," MMWR, May 7, 2026, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/mm7517a1.htm, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[5] Berkeley Humane, "Pet Food Pantry," Berkeley Humane, updated December 16, 2025, https://berkeleyhumane.org/free-pet-food-pantry/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[6] East Bay SPCA, "Pet Food Pantry," East Bay SPCA, 2026, https://eastbayspca.org/resources/pet-food-pantry, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[7] Joybound People & Pets, "Pet Food Express Pet Fair in Clayton," Joybound, 2026, https://joybound.org/event/pet-food-express-pet-fair-in-clayton/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[8] Pets In Need, "Pet Pantry," Pets In Need, 2026, https://petsinneed.org/petpantry/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[9] Monterey County, "Emergency Information and Animal Evacuation Resources for the Plaskett Fire," Monterey County, August 2026, https://alertmry.org/map, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[10] City of Hayward, "Confirmed Feline Panleukopenia in the Community," City of Hayward, August 16, 2026, https://www.hayward-ca.gov/discover/news/aug16/confirmed-feline-panleukopenia-community-0, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[11] KCRA, "Ripon City Council Considers Feral Cat Feeding Ordinance," KCRA 3, August 18, 2026, https://www.kcra.com/article/ripon-city-council-feral-cat-ordinance/73458418, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[12] San Francisco SPCA, "Community Cats," SF SPCA, 2026, https://www.sfspca.org/about/impact-results/community-cats/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[13] Full Circle Cats, "Feral Change," Full Circle Cats, 2026, https://www.fullcirclecats.org/feral-change/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[14] Vets in Vans, "Schedule," Vets in Vans, 2026, https://www.vetsinvans.org/schedule, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[15] Valley Humane Society, "Dog Adoptions at Pleasanton Farmers Market," Valley Humane, 2026, https://valleyhumane.org/events/dog-adoptions-at-pleasanton-farmers-market/2026-09-05/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[16] HDBnQ Rescue, "Events," Hella Dam Bitches n Queens Rescue, 2026, https://www.hdbnqrescue.org/events, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[17] Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, "Vaccination Clinics," PHS/SPCA, 2026, https://phs-spca.org/vaccination-clinics/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[18] Mission Cats Foundation, "Donation," Mission Cats Foundation, 2026, https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/HMM3V395UXZWL, Accessed August 31, 2026.
[19] Global Biodefense, "Cats Near Dairy Farms Carry H5N1 Antibodies at Striking Rates, Study Finds," Global Biodefense, August 29, 2026, https://globalbiodefense.com/2026/08/29/cats-near-dairy-farms-carry-h5n1-antibodies-at-striking-rates-study-finds/, Accessed August 31, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary, medical, legal, financial, tax, housing, social-service, emergency, or other professional advice. Programs, resources, eligibility requirements, costs, dates, and availability may change. Readers should verify current information directly with the relevant provider and consult a licensed veterinarian or other qualified professional before acting. References to Mission Cats Foundation, outside organizations, services, or resources do not imply a guarantee of assistance, funding, availability, endorsement, partnership, or outcome.