Living each day outdoors among the surf and sand of the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey, Mikey and his fellow community cats—known as the Boardwalk Cats—are as much a fixture of the famous tourist spot as the casinos and resorts. Those attractions are atop the wooden walkways, but the Boardwalk Cats make their home in the secret spaces beneath.

That doesn’t mean Mikey doesn’t spend plenty of time up on the boardwalk, soaking in the sun. In fact, the tabby is quite a celebrity among residents, business owners, and visitors of the Atlantic City Boardwalk! Mikey is more than happy to bask in his popularity and greet his adoring fans—but only from a healthy distance. He’s an independent community cat through and through.

Though he keeps firm boundaries with people, Mikey does not live a lonely life by any means. He’s always with his feline family and friends—especially his “girlfriend,” Snickers!

Since 2000, Alley Cat Allies has cared for the community cats living along the boardwalk through our Boardwalk Cats Project®. The project is a city-endorsed Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program that brings together community leaders, advocates, and the public to protect and improve the lives of their community’s cats. It is one of Alley Cat Allies’ most successful initiatives and a model for the lifesaving power of community-led TNR.

On Global Cat Day, call on communities around the world to implement humane programs for cats. Let your local officials know that TNR works, and Mikey and all the Boardwalk Cats are the proof! Learn more about Alley Cat Allies’ Boardwalk Cats Project®.