When most students think about summer projects, they might picture sports, travel, or preparing for high school. For two freshmen at Campolindo High School, the spring and summer became an opportunity to address a growing local problem: the increasing population of stray and feral cats.

    Teagan Devinger and Marie Austin, members of Girl Scout Troop 31735, partnered with Community Concern for Cats for their Girl Scout Silver Award project. Their goal is to educate Contra Costa County residents about stray and feral cats and provide practical ways to help.

    The project was a natural choice for Teagan and Marie. Both girls and their families have fostered cats and kittens and adopted stray cats into their homes. These experiences gave them firsthand insight into animal overpopulation and the important work of local rescue organizations.

    “We’ve seen how many cats and kittens need help,” they explained. “Many people want to help but don’t always know what to do when they find a stray cat or kitten.”

    Their awareness campaign focuses on prevention, responsible pet ownership, and community involvement. Through educational posters and outreach, they highlight the importance of spaying and neutering, explain what to do when someone finds a stray cat or kitten, and encourage residents to foster, volunteer, and support local rescue organizations.

    Fostering is an important part of their message. Foster families provide temporary homes where cats and kittens receive care, become socialized, and prepare for adoption. Without foster volunteers, rescue organizations cannot help as many animals in need.

    Through their partnership with Community Concern for Cats, Teagan and Marie have also learned more about the volunteers who care for, foster, and find homes for cats throughout the community.

    As they begin their freshman year at Campolindo, they hope their project has a lasting impact. Their message is simple: small actions can make a big difference and help more cats and kittens find safe, loving homes.

    For more information about fostering, volunteering, or supporting local rescue efforts, visit Community Concern for Cats, https://www.communityconcernforcats.org/