We’re pleased to announce a new series, Team Cattoo. This section will spotlight animal rescue groups and organizations that proudly wear their love of cats on their skin. To kick off the new section we have some incredible photos from the team at the San Francisco SPCA. These are some of the most dedicated animal rescuers in the country and they have one of the most impressive collections of cattoos ever. A big thanks to Daniel and the crew for submitting these awesome images and the stories behind the ink.
Photography by Rob Schroeder.
About the SF SPCA
Founded in 1868, the SF SPCA is a community-supported nonprofit dedicated to saving, protecting and caring for cats and dogs.
We do this through immediate care of animals that are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate, but we also work to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying/neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their companions.
Simply put: the SF SPCA cares. We care for the abused or abandoned dog, for feral cats fending for themselves, and for animals in pain and requiring treatment. The care that we and our community of supporters provide makes the difference between neglect and nurturing, hurting and health, loneliness and a loving home.
Our programs and services include:
- The new Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center, which houses our Veterinary Hospital, Spay/Neuter Clinic, Feral Cat Assistance Program, Foster Care Program, and Shelter Medicine Department.
- Maddie’s Pet Adoption Center
- Humane Education
- Public Dog Training Classes
- Animal Assisted Therapy
Daniel Quagliozzi | Feline Care Coordinator
“I’ve been fascinated with cat behavior my whole life, which ultimately led to my career at the SFSPCA for 10 years now. Knowing that no two cats are alike in their personality made me realize that what’s under the surface can be a rewarding surprise if you take the time to understand what lies beneath. Every cat can be both an angel and a mischievous little devil. My tattoos represent both sides of the feline ying yang….and ok…maybe they say a little bit about me as well. I’m always trying to find balance between compassion and the demons that test it each day. Thankfully, cats are amazing stress relievers, even if saving their lives is what creates the stress to begin with.”
Tattoo artist: Tim Lehi of Black Heart Tattoo, San Francisco
Ashley James | Client Care Associate (Adoptions)
“The tattoo on my forearm is a drawing by my favorite artist Aubrey Beardsley. I always wanted one of his pieces tattooed on me and this one just seemed perfect. My current cat’s name is Beardsley, after the artist.”
Tattoo artist: PJ at Triangle Tattoo and Museum in Fort Bragg, CA“I got the tattoo on my foot about six months after adopting Badge. (She became my best friend pretty quick). We moved to San Francisco about a year later, when she was diagnosed with chronic asthma. The vet said it was the worst case she had ever seen. Despite her breathing problems she was a little ball of sunshine. The sassiest and sweetest cat I have ever known. She was my first cat as an adult, and was with me through a lot of “growing up”. I miss her dearly and I think about her every day. I have met hundreds of cats since, and have yet to meet a cat like her.”
Tattoo artist: Cris Cleen of Idle Hand Tattoo, San Francisco
Amber Holly | Spay Neuter RVT
“Before I worked in companion animal rescue, I focused on exotic cat rescue. While working in Spokane, Washington, I became very fond of the big purring mountain lions that had been rescued from private homes and drug rings that were using them as home protection. I became especially close to a large pair of males and a young cub. The cubs are born beautifully spotted with huge round blue eyes. As I moved on to small animal rescue, it became clear that neonatal kittens is my natural calling. My tattoo represents my love for the big pumas and my passion for raising “cubs”. A mother mountain lion and her cub.”
Tattoo artist: Derrick Snodgrass at Temple Tattoo, Oakland, CA
Sarah Ramm | Veterinary Technician Supervisor/Hospital
“Inspiration for tattoo was Chrissie, a feral kitten that came into my life after finding her on the side of the road after being hit by a car. She was named for my best friend, Chris, who found her and brought her to my house because she knew we would take care of her. Chrissie was sweet (to me, anyway), agoraphobic, and frankly a little “not right in the head.” I let her go after 17 years together when she was no longer responding to treatment for chronic renal failure.”
Tattoo artist: Jill Bonny when she was at Sacred Rose Tattoo in San Francisco
Laura Gretch | Community Cares Initiative Manager
“Toby was a skinny white dude hanging out at the shelter, screaming his head off. Love at first yelp!
For years to follow, Tobes sat on the couch, awaiting my arrival home, happy to sniff out whoever I was cheating on him with. He coddled feral kittens into tameness, he showed foster dogs who was boss, and taught them a valuable lesson about honoring thy hissy feline. He pawed my arm when I bawled my eyes out the day I first euthanized an animal.
When Tobes finally gave in to years of heart disease, liver failure and asthma, I knew I had to memorialize him as best I could.
He makes a great ice breaker at the shelter. I mean – if you’re not going to trust that gal that’s committed half her arm to her dead cat, who are you going to trust to tell you why your dog needs to be neutered or that cat, not that one, is the right match for you?
Cat. Friend. Samurai warrior. I miss ya Tobes – every day of my life.”
Tattoo artist: Grez when he was at Redemption Tattoo, Boston, MA. Now at Kings Avenue Tattoo, NY.
“You know that saying – We can never move forward without remembering the past?
In April of 1999, I quietly acknowledged a memory none of us want to remember.
After just a few years of working full time in an animal shelter, I sat in the room at the end of the hall and euthanized 10 cats. Our shelter had been hit hard with pan leukapenia, and everyone was pulling their weight that day. My co-workers and I all took a turn sitting in that room, holding cats we had recently named, dewormed, set up in a cage and played with, on our lap, and said goodbye. Those were the days that shelters cleared out when disease hit. And a lot of shelters, all over the country, still do. I’m thankful I work in an environment that is blessed to not have to send anyone to a room down the hall and play God with so many lives. But there is a constant reminder, etched in the back of my neck, that not everyone is this lucky, and our job will never be done until everyone is.”
Tattoo artist: Jon Elliot at Green Man Tattoo, Hartford, CT
Jonathan Weiner | Animal Care Attendant
“Inspired by Persi my cat who passed away. I included the ashes in my ink which makes the tattoo even more special to me.”
Tattoo artist: Shadow Morton, San Francisco
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If you work with an animal rescue group that collects cattoos, please submit your photos and stories and we’ll add you to our Team Cattoo section!
July 5th, 2011 at 10:10 am
Who would have thought that a blog about cat tattoos would have me in tears. I am very moved by their stories and grateful for their work. Thanks.
July 5th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
May blessings rain down upon them for the crucial work they are involved in. Beautiful – inside and out – each and every one. >^..^<
July 5th, 2011 at 8:46 pm
I know what my next tat will be…
September 6th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
You guys are doing some of the hardest work for the noblest cause that can be found. Cheers, guys, please keep it up, a lot of people respect and support you.
February 20th, 2012 at 8:38 pm
[...] focusing on animal rescue groups with cattoos. The category launched with the team from the San Francisco SPCA. They have so much amazing ink! I’m interested to find other rescue groups that have a cattoo [...]