Meet the Boardwalk Cats

The famous cats who live along the Atlantic City Boardwalk are enjoying healthy lives and aging gracefully, thanks to Alley Cat Allies staff and dedicated volunteer caregivers.

The Boardwalk Cats are community cats; unowned cats who live outdoors. That means they are not socialized to people and thrive in colonies in their outdoor homes. Some of the cats have formed bonds with the caregivers who feed them, and are accustomed to their presence. But even when community cats trust a caregiver, they generally don’t trust people and will run from strangers. Sometimes cats allow caregivers they trust to touch them, but not always.

If you come across one of the Boardwalk Cats while visiting Atlantic City, admire them from a distance but do not approach them!

These are just some of the beloved felines who have made the boardwalk their home.

width="300"Smokey

Smokey, after living to an incredible 23 years old, passed away in June of 2021. She lived her entire life on the boardwalk as the loving matriarch of her community cat family. Her presence and lively nature, even into her very golden years, are greatly missed. She exemplifies the happy, long, fulfilling lives the Boardwalk Cats live through the success of the model program.

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Jeanie

Fondly referred to as the “lap cat,” Jeanie was one of the friendliest cats on the boardwalk. Sadly, Jeanie passed away in March of 2017but only after living a long and happy life. Jeanie lives on in the hearts and minds of the many people she touched. Our staff and volunteers have had locals approach them to express how much they miss her.

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Ripley

Ripley has become a true member of the boardwalk community! This handsome tuxedo cat usually hangs out in a boardwalk store called Fashion Island, where store owner Sam and his wife call him BooBoo. He gets fed in the store and even has his own bed behind the counter. Sam and his wife provide a special heater for Ripley in the winter, and a fan in the summer. Talk about spoiled!Otis

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Otis

This cool cat retired from Boardwalk life in June 2017. He now lives with volunteer, Peggy Spencer. Otis has his own padan enclosed space on the porchand has adjusted well to life with Peggy. He greets her with a warm “meow” when she comes home from work and volunteering at the Boardwalk.

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