Meeow Chicago

03/10/2025

Just playing with my birdie….

02/25/2025

We have a new ChairMEEOW now at Ohare… his name is Franklin! Whatchnfor updates on his life… from the streets to MEEOW he is our spokesperson & kitty CATcierage for MEEOW Chicago! Thanks Frank!!

02/19/2025

01/09/2025

PSA from the Stray Cat Project….. TIA!

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: "the vacuum effect"
👉 Why "catch and kill" doesn't work.

A vacuum occurs when a population is removed from an area, opening the territory for outsiders to take advantage of it's resources. Some people believe that if you remove cats from an area (catch and kill), you will solve the problem. What they don't realize is that the resources in that area (food and shelter, for example) remain and will attract other cats from neighboring areas to take advantage of those resources.

Why don't we just catch and euthanize the cats in an area rather than TNR them? Because "catch and kill" doesn't work to solve the community cat population problem. Plus, killing otherwise healthy cats is inhumane.

Cats are territorial, so when you remove cats from a territory (when you "catch and kill"), new cats will move in to take advantage of the resources available in that territory. Those cats will also need to be captured, and the cycle will continue to no end. The better solution is to TNR the cats already in the area and let them defend their space against newcomers.

Exterminating community cats does not work to control the cat population. The only proven method is TNR -- and it happens to be the only HUMANE way as well. The attached link leads to a short article from Alley Cat Allies with more details about "the vacuum effect." Support TNR in your community!

https://www.alleycat.org/.../the-vacuum-effect-why-catch.../

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project. Graphic by Alley Cat Allies.

01/02/2025

Education is key!

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: feral vs. stray
What's the difference between a feral cat and a stray cat? 🤔

👉 A FERAL cat is an outdoor cat that is not socialized with people. These cats are fearful and want nothing to do with humans. They are not suited to be indoor pets and are considered unadoptable. There are varying degrees of feral, so "once a feral, always a feral" is not the rule. Some ferals can be socialized over time; it depends on the cat and the person working with the animal.

👉 A STRAY cat is a cat that lives outdoors and has been socialized to some degree with humans. This cat may have once had an indoor home but now finds itself outside, perhaps abandoned or lost. Or, it could be a cat born outside with a feeder whom it trusts. Strays are more open to relationships with humans whereas ferals are not. When one describes a cat as a stray, it is implied that the cat is friendly to some degree.

💡 "Community cat" is an all-encompassing term to include all unowned outdoor cats, regardless of whether they are stray or feral.

Knowing whether a cat is feral or stray is important as the answer will determine your course of action. All cats should be spayed or neutered. A feral cat should go through the TNR process whereas a stray cat might go into foster care after vetting in search of an indoor forever home. Generally, strays are candidates for adoption; ferals are generally not.

👉How can you tell if a cat is feral or stray?
➡ A feral cat won't come close. A stray will come close and might let you pet it.
➡A feral will assume a crouched, tense body position and not make eye contact. A stray will act more like a house cat: standing, tail up, making eye contact.
➡A feral will not make a sound. A stray might purr or meow.
➡Ferals are more active at night. Strays are active during the day.
➡Ferals tend to be well-groomed; strays might be disheveled.
➡When trapped, ferals move to the back of the trap. Strays come to the front.
➡A scared feral will lash out; a scared stray may simply hiss.
➡A feral won't recognize or play with a toy. A stray probably will.

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.

12/29/2024

Thanks Stray Cat Project for the Purrfect reminders for the upcoming holiday! 💥— we will be blasting meeow tunes & TVs At midnight … while bringing in the Mew Year! 🎉🥂🥳

🎇 Planning a purr-fect New Year's Eve bash? 🎉 Ensure your celebration doesn't turn into a CAT-astrophe by taking these feline-friendly measures! 🐱💕

1️⃣ Create a safe haven to minimize stress: Set up a cozy retreat for your kitties away from the party buzz. A spare room with their favorite toys and comforts works wonders and lets them relax and feel secure. 🏡🐾 Keep doors closed to prevent escapes, and shield your furry friends from the hustle and bustle. 🚪😺

2️⃣ Firework precautions: If fireworks are part of the festivities, ease your kitty's nerves with calming methods. Provide a comfy hideaway and consider using calming aids if needed. 🎆🐈

3️⃣ Bring cats indoors (if possible): feral cats know where to hide, but friendly indoor/outdoor cats may become startled, run away and get lost when the loud booms of fireworks start to sound. Bring your kitty indoors so you don't lose them! 🎇






(🌟 Original content provided by Stray Cat Project 🐾)

12/26/2024

PLEASE READ!!

12/25/2024

Wishing all of our friends, family, clients the Happiest of Holidays, Peace On Earth, Good will towards Cats...We are thankful of the families we are caring for this holiday & LOVE meeting the new faces & seeing the old.... May your holiday be peaceful & PURRRfect.. - Jennifer & Meeow Chicago Family