Learn about Pennsula Colony Cats and how we got started!
Our Story
My name is Dawn, and my journey began in 2012 in Essex, MD. It all started when I encountered homeless cats in desperate need of help. I began with a simple TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) approach, taking in one cat a month, and soon connected with local feeders who cared for feral colonies. As the number of cats in need grew, so did our mission. Together with community members, we built shelters in wooded areas—one site even featured 30 shelters with daily feeding—to provide these vulnerable cats a chance at a better life.
Peninsula Colony Cats was born in Ma Ma’s honor, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the feral cats I encountered. My commitment to helping these animals has only grown stronger over the years, and every rescue reaffirms my belief that every life matters.
Tribute to Ma Ma
Ma Ma was a remarkable black and white cat whose strength and spirit continue to inspire us all. Despite spending most of her life as a feral cat in a parking lot, she faced tremendous challenges with unwavering courage.
In her later years, she battled squamous cell cancer on her nose—a struggle that deeply touched my heart. Although her time with us was brief, Ma Ma’s legacy lives on through every rescue and act of kindness at Peninsula Colony Cats.
She is the reason Peninsula Colony Cats exists, and her memory motivates us every day to give every cat a chance at a loving home.
Nonprofit Status
Our commitment to transparency
Peninsula Colony Cats is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. There are no paid staff and no administrative overhead — every dollar donated goes directly to the cats: their food, vet care, spay/neuter surgeries and emergency treatment.