Cats on Campus

A unique feature of Hofstra University is its large cat population. They can usually be found on the academic side of campus, although they sometimes venture across the Hempstead turnpike and make it over to the residential side; a major accomplishment for a feline.

Wherever the cats choose to reside, they have been at Hofstra much longer than any students or faculty. In fact, the cats have been here since founders Kate and William Hofstra made their home here in 1904.

The Hofstras lived in what is now Hofstra Hall. It was originally called "The Netherlands", a reference to Kate and William's Dutch heritage.

Kate was an avid animal lover. While living in Hofstra Hall, she had 25 cats, including both prize-winning cats and street cats.

She served as Vice President of the New York based animal humane organization, Bide-a-wee Home Association from 1903 to her death in 1933, and President of the Atlantic Cat Club.

Kate's cats competed in and won several cat shows at Madison Square Garden. She later created the Hofstra Challenge Cup, which was awarded to the Best in Show cat.

When Kate died, she left the cats that survived her, and a willed stipend to provide for a comfortable lifestyle for them, to her housekeeper.

Since Kate's death, the cat population has multiplied as the groundskeepers continue to take care of the cats and feed them. Many students feel they add something special to the campus community.

"I like seeing the cats around campus. At first I thought it was a little strange, but now I think it adds a special touch to the Hofstra community. Other schools have squirrels and chipmunks, we have cats," said sophomore Danielle Deluca.