Mississippi State University students are used to spotting campus cats that roam the grounds near buildings like Allen Hall, Perry Cafeteria and the Chapel of Memories. With names like Tripod, the three-legged cat often seen lounging near the Hull Hall, and Luna, a grey cat often seen near the Colvard Student Union, these animals have developed a small but dedicated following among students and faculty, so much so that they even have their own Instagram account.

In the past year, ongoing campus construction has disrupted some of the cats’ usual territories. One notable example was the demolition of the old Writing Center, a former gathering and feeding site for many campus cats. Other campus construction projects have sparked worry among students about the cats.

Lily Holliday, a senior kinesiology major, said she has seen firsthand how students have stepped in to support the animals.

“I know there is one cat that has a home by Allen Hall,” Holliday said. “A State student built the house to keep that campus cat warm during the winter months.  Occasionally, I see students leave cat food out for the campus cat by the chapel.”

Faculty and students often pitch in to ensure the cats are fed and sheltered. Their involvement reflects a broader culture of compassion and community on campus. Several small wooden shelters have appeared across campus, including one near Bowen Hall, where students often report sightings.

Walt Richardson, a senior chemical engineering major, said the cats have made an impression on him.

“I’m always glad to see any of the campus cats. They always brighten my day,” Richardson said.

Jake Moore, a senior accounting major, also reflected on the cats’ presence across campus.

“I personally love the campus cats, it’s very ironic and funny to me that we’re the Bulldogs, but we have cats that like to hang out around campus,” Moore said. “Most of the time, I see them around the Chapel of Memories or Perry Hall. Occasionally, I see them by Bowen Hall on engineering row.”

The campus cats have become a fixture of the university environment. Students often feed them or stop to interact with them on their way to class. Some say their presence contributes to campus culture.

Mississippi State students continue to interact with the Campus Cats in informal but visible ways, whether by building shelters, providing food or posting sightings online. Though unofficial, the cats remain part of the day-to-day rhythm of campus life.