Feral Cat Friends

02/01/2025

We know the need is great everywhere including our own backyard. But this is a crisis for the animals and people saving them. Please chip in if you can.

**UPDATE** 14 more cats have come into our care as of today. At least 3-5 more still to come in from this location.

UPDATE: WE HAVE AN OFFER TO MATCH ANY DONATIONS MADE DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR UP TO $2,000** 🙏🏻🙏🏻 if you’re able to help, your donation will be doubled!!! Thank you!!

🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

We are tired 😭💔

Just days ago, we took in 15 cats from a hoarding situation. Today, we walked into another crisis.

So far, 15 more cats have been pulled from a devastating environment. Two tiny kittens didn’t make it. There are more—possibly 13 more—still being captured and brought in. Several dogs from this same situation may be coming our way too.

As if that wasn’t enough, we had to watch a sweet dog, poisoned by antifreeze, slip away in front of us. He had been suffering all day. A neighbor had been asked to shoot him but brought him to us instead. There was nothing we could do 💔

Only two cats were adopted today. Just two.
We have several little dogs. Puppies. Long-haired cats. Cats in colors you wouldn’t believe. We have souls here desperate for a chance, desperate for love.

We are drowning this week. Our team is exhausted. Our resources are stretched to the limit. We cannot keep absorbing crisis after crisis and solve all the problems we didn’t create.

We need help. We need adopters. We need donations. We need you. 💔

01/31/2025

This is pretty much spot on for Feral Cat Friends. Although we are a 501 (c)3, we are still a very tiny group of volunteers that must fundraise for all funds; working the IU football game concessions is one of our best fundraisers but it too is allot of time and effort. So, when you reach out for TNR help and don’t get an instant reply, please keep in mind that the volunteer monitoring the email and messanger might have personal things going on. Or if you ask for help and we can’t get there right away or perhaps not at all, it’s because we are overloaded on requests or possibly because we don’t have the capacity to help in a multi-county radius.

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: Rescues & TNR groups 💪

As we begin to wrap up our "back to basics" month, we thought we'd spend some time discussing rescues and TNR (trap/neuter/return) groups, specifically those like us and many that follow our page. Learning how these groups are organized helps the public understand how to work with them and how to support them. (This discussion does not apply to professionals in clinic/shelter settings.)

🤔 What is the anatomy of a typical rescue or TNR group?
➡ They're comprised of compassionate, ordinary citizens who see animals in need and are compelled to help.
➡ Most members do not have animal husbandry or veterinary experience. Some have learned from mentors or have attended workshops to learn about animal care, TNR techniques, and handling specific situations, such as medical emergencies or behavioral issues. Mostly, they've learned by doing.
➡ They come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
➡ Members are predominantly female.
➡ They're VOLUNTEERS and work in rescue/TNR in their spare time. They receive NO PAY for their efforts and are not compensated for expenses. They likely have an unrelated job and definitely have other commitments. Please be mindful of this the next time you ask for their help and do not expect them to drop everything to help you at a moment's notice.
➡ The group could be comprised of a handful of people or hundreds. Typically, they're very small.
➡ They work out of their homes and their cars. "Foster-based" means that the animals are kept in the volunteer's home; there is no shelter or kennel. When you hear that a group is "full" and can't take on more cats, it means there's no more room at anyone's house until a foster leaves or a cat gets adopted.
➡They receive NO PAY for their efforts and their funding for ALL EXPENSES comes out of their own pockets or from fundraising efforts. They may struggle to afford spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, or medical treatments for sick or injured animals.
➡Most are not supported by the government and many are too small to be considered for grants. Finding money and/or in-kind donations to care for the cats is an ongoing and sometimes frustrating endeavor. Help them when you can!
➡ The group may or may not have 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
➡ While they may work in cooperation with SPCAs and Humane organizations, they are not affiliated with them and are not supported by them financially. (Can't tell you how many times people thought we were the SPCA, despite having received our branded marketing materials and business cards!)
➡They frequently collaborate with other local rescue groups, veterinarians, and community organizations to maximize resources and support for animal welfare.
➡Volunteers in rescue/TNR groups manage all aspects of their organization, which involves much more than the public realizes! They tirelessly handle inquiries and requests, schedule trapping sessions, rescue cats, coordinate clinic appointments and transport, manage finances, fundraise continuously, maintain websites and social media, ensure nonprofit compliance, feed cats in foster homes and colonies, maintain cleanliness of cages and traps, launder bedding used for traps and cages, conduct intake procedures, keep meticulous records, socialize animals, screen adoption applications, organize meet and greets, monitor inventory, and much more. Your local rescue/TNR group would greatly appreciate any spare time you can offer!

Rescue and TNR groups work tirelessly to better animals' lives. Please support them! 🙌

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.




🐱❤️

01/27/2025

Our friends at Stray Cat Project do such a great job writing up these Back to Basics pointers. This is a particularly important one for anyone assisting with with TNR. Please don’t ever try to put even the friendliest cat in a carrier.

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: best practices for personal safety when working with unknown/feral cats

It's important to be smart and careful when working with any animal of "unknown origin" -- meaning that you don't know it's history. This is especially true with feral cats. To that end,

✅ Be careful to ensure that the cat cannot bite or scratch you. Many traps offer a metal protection plate under the handle, enabling you to lift the trap without fear of being scratched by the cat inside. (Remember to keep the trap covered at all times!) Be cognizant of where the cat is in the trap as you're moving him. If you're going to use two hands to carry the trap, balance the trap by holding it where the cat can't reach you (as in the corner by the trap door).
✅ Do not try to pet or touch the cat!
✅ Do not let the cat out of the trap until it's time to Return as you will have an extremely difficult time getting it back in there again! Resist the urge to give it more space in a carrier or a cage. Cats are extremely fast and will get away from you if given the opportunity.
✅ Always be cognizant of where the cat is in the trap while you're tending to it. Brave kitties may try to make a run for it while you're opening the door. If you see the cat approaching, shut the door FAST. Most cats will stay in the back of the trap while you're working. That's where you want them.
✅ Open the trap door only high enough to fit the plate of food or water inside. Work quickly. If possible, use a trap divider, but know that those are not fool-proof. Keep your eye on the cat!
✅ Never stare down a cat; it's a sign of aggression. Speak softly and avoid eye contact by looking at it's nose, ears, paws, etc. while you're talking to it.
✅ NEVER reach into the trap to recover a food dish! (Your extended hand looks like an outstretched claw -- a sign of aggression -- to a cat, and he may react by swatting with his.) Simply slide the newspaper out instead and the bowls will come out with it.
✅ If possible, do not bring the cat into your home. Use a shed or garage instead. The concern here is what the cat is potentially carrying with him (viruses or fleas, for example) that could transfer into your household and potentially to your pets.
✅ If you have cats at home, do not allow the trapped cat near them; keep them separated. Assume the trapped cat is unvaccinated and could be carrying any number of transferable viruses. (If you frequently work with unknown cats, this is all the more reason to make sure your personal cats are up to date on vaccines!)
✅ When you're done working with kitty, wash your hands with soap.
✅ When it comes time to release the kitty, stand behind the trap or carrier and carefully open the door so the cat has an unobstructed route to freedom.

For a trapper, the risk of being harmed by a feral cat during the TNR process is --in our experience -- slim to none if you are careful. There should never be a time when you handle the cat, so there should be little to no opportunity for the cat to scratch or bite you. The cat traps we use (Havahart and Tomahawk brands) are designed to protect the user from scratches, and the cat can't bite through the trap. Using caution while caring for the cat before and after surgery ensures personal safety and keeps the cat less stressed.

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.



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01/17/2025

This topic will remain one of debate. Before anyone forms any opinion or makes any critical comments, please click on the post from our friends at Stray Cat Project and read the comments from the many people involved in the cat welfare world. FCF too, struggles with these same issues. And Tinykittens can tell anyone how by reducing the breeding in large colonies through TNR, even those kittens being born because they haven't yet been able to TNR all the cats, are healthier because there are fewer of them.

📖Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: the reality of Spay Abort

Spay abort—spaying a pregnant cat and therefore aborting her kittens —is standard practice in veterinary clinics that perform TNR surgeries. This is a sensitive and emotional topic that can be challenging for many to confront. However, many believe it is a key approach to addressing cat overpopulation, supporting the well-being of community cats, and lessening the burden on rescues and shelters by helping cats and kittens already in the system find homes.

During a spay abort, the veterinarian removes the cat’s uterus and ovaries under anesthesia. If the cat is pregnant, this ends the pregnancy, meaning the unborn kittens do not survive. Veterinarians do not consult with rescuers while the cat is on the operating table; it is understood and agreed at drop off that should the cat be pregnant, the pregnancy will be terminated and the kittens lost.

We recognize this is a difficult topic, and it’s natural to have questions or strong feelings. We invite open and respectful conversations in the comments to help foster understanding of these practices and their role in community cat care and population control.

01/10/2025

When there is a natural disaster crisis, Best Friends Animal Society is on the ground to help. In this case, they have their own LA Center in the midst of the fires. We are sharing one of numerous posts on their page for anyone who wants to help. As they help other shelters in the region, they also need donations of large dogs crates and other supplies. Every bit helps.

Send a message to learn more

01/10/2025

Fixed by Five is catchy for a reason, because it’s true that female cats can get pregnant at 4-6 months. Don’t risk putting your kitten through a pregnancy. Spay (and neuter) before it’s too late.

In case you need more proof to get your kitties fixed early…
Or in case you have someone telling you to wait until 6 months…
Just don’t.
👉🏼 Don’t risk contributing to the overpopulation crisis.
I guess no one told this little one it’s the middle of winter either.
DON’T WAIT‼️

01/09/2025

Indiana will soon be finalizing a decision to allow the trapping of bobcats in Southern Indiana. But it’s not too late to submit comments or consider attending the public hearing.

Studies have found no evidence of the bobcat population being excessive or causing harm that warrants lethal control. Bobcats help control the rodent population. They help to maintain an ecological balance. The IDNR confirmed that there are no reports of bobcats hurting pets.

Likewise, the use of leg hold traps is an inhumane practice. No animal deserves to suffer that way. And the traps can trap and animal walking through the woods including pets and humans.

FCF and CanINE Express Transport Project are opposed to the hunting of bobcats and the use of leg hold traps.

If you'd like to weigh in, now is the time. Below is the link to comment.

https://in.accessgov.com/nrc/Forms/Page/nrc/nrc-public-comment/0

If you want to appear in person to comment, come to the public meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds (250 Fairgrounds St. Franklin, IN 46131.

For more info:



https://www.in.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket/

https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/2024/09/18/natural-resource-body-readies-bobcat-otter-trapping-rules/

https://www.wrtv.com/news/state-news/bobcats-can-be-hunted-with-a-license-under-new-indiana-law

The bill includes language with guidelines for licensing fees – beginning with Indiana residents paying $15 to take a bobcat.

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!

🎉😴While Simon’s out cold on the couch, his pets are partying like it’s 1999...or at least, like the treat jar just fell open. 🐱🍾 🎊 Tell us, are you on the couch surrounded by your pets tonight or out partying? 👇

(Cartoon by Simon's Cat)

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to all! 🎄🎁🎅🤶

12/24/2024

Happy Christmas Eve evening!

A beautiful, heart-warming piece of artwork by Monsieur Mattoo, a Canadian tattoo artist whose specialty is feline artwork. 😻 Visit him at on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MonsieurMattoo

12/24/2024

On this Christmas Eve morning we share one of two lovely works of art dedicated to the community cat caregivers, particularly our founder, Theresa.

Forever one of our favorite paintings: "Caretaker Christmas" by Charles Keenan. ❤🐈 We dedicate it to all the feeders and colony caretakers who are out there in all kinds of weather, regardless of the season. ❤️

This painting has consistently also been a favorite of our followers, as we can all relate to it so well! Last year, we looked for more information about the artist to find that he's local to us, living in Philadelphia, caring for community cats and volunteering at our city's high-intake shelter. On his website, Charles writes: "I have been concerned and involved with helping the stray cats in my driveway since my Dad helped me as a boy. More than 5 years ago I became involved with our city's Community Cat program and TNR, which is the Trapping, Neutering & Returning of feral cats to their location under a Caretaker. I have volunteered one day/week at our city's Animal Shelter for years to help the program control the cat population in our city. There are many cities in the USA (and around the globe) that also support TNR and I hope that you learn more about it if you are not already familiar." Clearly, Charles is one of us! 😻

This painting is now available as a print, as a poster and as notecards. Visit Mr. Kennan's website at https://loom.ly/3jvEkWM to find this and his other works.

12/23/2024

Important announcement ❗️Pets Alive will be closed between now and January 6th except for a half day on December 30th for previously scheduled appointments. This includes all TNR UNLESS you already have arrangements made through our founder, Theresa. We will not be conducting new TNR cases until after Pets Alive reopens. So please, don’t set any traps to conduct TNR through us or on your own. Any cats trapped will have to be released. We are not a rescue and don’t have the facilities to hold cats long term. Thank you.

12/21/2024

***This article first appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of the CCAH Update newsletter.***

12/18/2024

Cats diagnosed with feline leukemia (FeLV) deserve love and a chance at life, just like any other cat. While FeLV is a serious condition, it doesn't automatically mean that euthanasia is the best or only option. Many FeLV-positive cats can live for years without symptoms, enjoying a good quality of life with proper care, including a healthy diet, regular vet check-ups, and a stress-free environment.

Take Daisy Mae, for example. Adopted six years ago from Bloomington Animal Care & Control, Daisy Mae was a young adult at the time, and she has lived a healthy, symptom-free life ever since. This month, she is celebrating her sixth birthday, proving that FeLV-positive cats can thrive with love and care. Daisy Mae's story is a reminder that with the right environment and attention, cats with feline leukemia can live happy and fulfilling lives.

Let Daisy Mae’s story inspire others to consider adopting FeLV-positive cats and giving them a second chance at life! 🐾💖

12/12/2024

🤣

12/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/k3As37sC6Ka7Xq3K/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Maria Scrivan Cartoonist

12/06/2024

Providing food and water are part of the crucial elements of year round care of community cats. Here are some winter time tips including ideas on feeding stations for anyone able to go that route.

12/04/2024

We’ve only just begun the cold weather season so it’s not too late to share some details about cat shelters. Cats will use shelters year round so keeping them out should be considered. As always, the key in any shelter is to use straw, not hay and no fabrics. Shelters can be homemade and are the most economical. But those who want a fancy version, perhaps for a deck or porch, can find them online.