Date: September 18, 2026
Source: CNN
Topic: CNN Heroes, Animal Rescue, Cats of San Bernardino
A stray cat and her kittens that appeared in Jaina Spagis’ backyard eventually changed the course of her life. What began as an effort to help a small group of cats grew into Cats of San Bernardino, a nonprofit rescue dedicated to helping community and feral cats in Southern California.
Jaina and her wife, Ivy, moved from Canada to Southern Los Angeles in 2013. After encountering cats living outdoors, they learned about trap-neuter-return (TNR), a method in which community cats are humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated and returned to their colonies. When the couple moved to San Bernardino in 2016, they found fewer affordable veterinary resources and began expanding their own rescue efforts.
The project eventually became Cats of San Bernardino, which was established as a nonprofit in 2019. The organization now works with outdoor cat colonies, provides food and medical care, rescues injured animals and prepares friendly cats for adoption. According to Spagis, the group has placed more than 2,000 cats and kittens since it began tracking adoptions in 2019.
The Spagises have transformed their home into a rescue operation. One bedroom is used for healthy cats awaiting adoption, while three enclosed “catios” provide outdoor space. Their garage has been converted into a medical and isolation area equipped for cats needing intensive care, including treatment for wounds, medication, fluids and oxygen.
The organization also supports 14 outdoor cat colonies within roughly three miles of their home. Spagis said the group aims to sterilize at least 20 community cats each month and sponsors veterinary appointments for around 40 cats monthly for people who cannot afford treatment.
Social media has become an important part of the rescue’s work. Ivy films and publishes stories about the cats, documenting their treatment and, when possible, their adoption. Cats of San Bernardino says its social-media audience has grown to more than 3.5 million followers, helping generate donations and bringing attention to the needs of community cats.
For Jaina Spagis, the rescue is about more than finding animals new homes. She says the organization wants to reduce the number of kittens born on the streets and give injured or abandoned cats a chance at a safer life. Her long-term goal is to create a larger “cat ranch” with dedicated medical, adoption and outdoor facilities.
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Date: September 18, 2026
Source: CNN
Topic: CNN Heroes, Animal Rescue, Cats of San Bernardino
