About

Our Story

My name is Aurora Martinez, and I am the founder of Los Gatos del Barrio (The Neighborhood Cats) currently serving Santa Fe, NM with the hope to one day expand into additional cities.  As an animal lover, it broke my heart to witness the feral cats in my neighborhood struggling to survive. I also observed the overpopulation of these feline communities, which made me realize that they needed help.

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My journey as a feral cat caretaker began somewhat by accident. It started with me simply feeding the feral cats that ventured into my yard. As fall approached and winter grew closer, I became more aware of the cold and harsh elements these cats had to endure. I decided to provide them with outdoor shelter to protect them from the elements. What started with three cats coming to my yard quickly grew to about twenty in just a year, with them coming and going as they pleased. I have continued to provide food and shelter for "my" feral cats, entirely out of my own pocket.

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As time passed, I connected with other compassionate individuals throughout Santa Fe who were doing similar work. They shared stories about their efforts to provide food and shelter for the feral cats in their own neighborhoods, and it struck me that we could be doing even more. I realized that if I could create an organization that supported feral cat caregivers—providing them with the food and shelter they often pay for out of pocket—I could help meet the needs of both the caregivers and the cats in our communities.

This idea grew into Los Gatos del Barrio, an organization that seeks to supply resources and support to those who dedicate their time and energy to caring for feral cats. By providing these necessities, we aim to improve the wellbeing of the cats and strengthen the community of caregivers.

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I envision Los Gatos del Barrio as a space where feral cat caretakers can come together to share their experiences, seek support, and offer encouragement to one another. This organization is built on the idea of community—both for the cats we care for and the people who dedicate their time and resources to helping them.

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As a non-profit organization, Los Gatos del Barrio relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses within our community to sustain our efforts. Donations help provide food, shelter, and essential resources to those who are caring for feral cats, ensuring that we can continue to support both the caregivers and the animals in need.

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Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community for feral cats and the people who care for them.