Whiskers & Tails Rescue Foundation

Whiskers & Tails Rescue Foundation Practices and promotes the humane treatment of feral and stray free roaming cats.They need your love and support. Together we can give them a better life.

Whiskers & Tails Rescue Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to reducing the suffering and overpopulation of feral and stray free roaming community cats through practicing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). We also practice Trap-Neuter-Adopt (TNA) to any adoptable cat. We believe, as a community, it is our obligation to come together and be the difference in community cats’ lives

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our "Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making Party!" ...
02/03/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for our "Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making Party!" We had such a fantastic time crafting with you all. Check out some of the adorable bandanas that were made! There are going to be so many stylish kitty and doggies out there.

We have lots of fun events coming up (we will be adding some more), and we don’t want you to miss out! Since META’s algorithm doesn’t always show everything, be sure to visit our website and sign up for our email list to stay in the loop!

If you haven't gotten the memo...Crafting is fun! Our Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making Party! is just 2...
01/31/2025

If you haven't gotten the memo...Crafting is fun! Our Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making Party! is just 2 days away and we still have a few tickets left.

Come make your own pet bandanas for your pet, or a friends pet, or even for one of our aforable adoptable rescue cats like Lilee here. Valentine's is coming up and it will make a perfect gift. Come alone or with a friend.

No skills required. Just be ready to have some fun.

Get your ticket now.
https://guestlist.co/events/793857

This week has been heavy. For so many people, for so many different reasons. If your heart feels tired, if your mind fee...
01/31/2025

This week has been heavy. For so many people, for so many different reasons. If your heart feels tired, if your mind feels overwhelmed, if you’re just struggling to keep moving through it all, I see you.

It’s okay to not be okay.

I’ve had to remind myself of that more times than I can count. I’ve taken deep breaths, closed my eyes, and whispered, just breathe. Sometimes, that’s all we can do, take one moment at a time.

If you’re feeling that weight right now, please know you’re not alone. Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to feel what you need to feel. And if you need to talk, to sit in silence with someone who understands, or just to be reminded that you matter, I’m here.

Sending you love. Take care of yourself.

Supposedly, we have free speech, yet Meta's algorithm (on Facebook and Instagram) controls what content users see on the...
01/29/2025

Supposedly, we have free speech, yet Meta's algorithm (on Facebook and Instagram) controls what content users see on their feeds, and sometimes whether a post gets pushed out at all. 🤔

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter on our website. The signup is located at the bottom right corner. We’d share the direct url here, but that would hurt how many of you actually see this post. Instead, just head over to our "About" section , and you’ll find the url you need there! It's crazy that we even have to get crafty to not say specific words. 🤦‍♀️

Kitten season is coming and cats living on the streets are still waiting for their chance to come indoors. We need foste...
01/29/2025

Kitten season is coming and cats living on the streets are still waiting for their chance to come indoors. We need fosters. Please fill out a foster interest form to help save lives.

I’m Heartbroken and Angry! Yesterday, I found a dead cat lying in the street. This poor soul had been gruesomely hit by ...
01/28/2025

I’m Heartbroken and Angry! Yesterday, I found a dead cat lying in the street. This poor soul had been gruesomely hit by a car, and it broke me. I stood there, crying, knowing deep down that this was a new black cat who had been coming to my house nightly for food since Fall. He was just trying to survive.

I went home, got some plastic bags, and picked him up. I scanned him for a chip, placed him in a box, and gave him the dignity he always deserved, but never had in life. Was this gut-wrenching? Yes. But it was the least I could do.

This cat, like so many others, was out there battling every single day, the weather, cruel people, animal predators, hunger and thirst, untreated injuries and disease. It’s one endless game of survival. No breaks, no safe places, just a constant struggle to live another day. And for what? So they can end up like this? Broken and left on the street like they didn’t matter?

We try our best to make feral cats’ lives better through TNR, providing outdoor housing and feedings, vet care, and finding caretakers to care for them. We’re taking in as many friendly strays as we can. But let’s be honest, we can only do so much. Without more resources, donations, volunteers, foster homes, and community action, this heartbreaking cycle will never end.

What angers me even more is that this feral cat didn’t choose this life, it was forced upon him. He didn’t have the luxury of an indoor warm home and the safety that brings. His life was dictated by survival. Meanwhile, there are people out there who willingly let their owned cats roam free and who dump their cats, the very people meant to protect them. What are you thinking?

When you adopt a pet, you make a commitment to love them, care for them, and keep them out of harm’s way. By letting them outside, you are knowingly putting their lives at risk. You are the one holding the gun in a game of Russian roulette with their lives. Would you do this with your kids? Would you hand their safety over to the unknown, to cars, predators, and the elements? No? Then why is it okay for your cat? You have the power to stop this.

To rescues and shelters that condone this, look up the definition of rescue. It means saving someone from danger. Not excusing it. That doesn’t happen when you normalize letting cats face the dangers of the outside world if they don’t have to.

I’m tired of picking up dead cats. I’m tired of holding their fragile, injured bodies. I didn’t put a trigger warning on this post because this is reality. It doesn’t go away because you look away. Ignoring it doesn’t fix it, it only ensures the suffering continues. So, if you’re reading this and feel uncomfortable, good. Use that discomfort to do something. Advocate for change, be that change. This isn’t just my fight, it’s all of ours. Let’s do better. because they deserve better.

Don't forget we are having a fun event coming up next Sunday, Feb 2nd, Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making...
01/26/2025

Don't forget we are having a fun event coming up next Sunday, Feb 2nd, Get Crafty for a Cause: Custom Pet Bandana Making Party! at Uncle Art Gallery! This is going to be a fun time. So if you love crafting and love animals, this fun little event is for you. We are keeping the workshop only to 15 people to keep it small and personable. Our events are super welcoming to all, so feel free to come alone or with a friend!!! Get your tickets now. We hope you can join us!

What do you do for your feral cats that’s extra special?One of the things I do is provide my feral with a dog Kuranda be...
01/24/2025

What do you do for your feral cats that’s extra special?

One of the things I do is provide my feral with a dog Kuranda bed, and let me tell you, they absolutely love it! In the summer, it keeps him off the grass while allowing airflow underneath to keep him cool. In the winter, it’s a game-changer, he can soak up the sun on a sunny day without sitting on the cold, snowy concrete. The material is charcoal-colored, so it attracts warmth, adding an extra layer of coziness during those chilly months.

Even in this cold weather, you can find him sunning himself every single day, completely content. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference for him!

What’s something special you do for your ferals?

Life may be a whirlwind, but cats remind us to pause and embrace the little joys, like a cozy nap in the sun or the perf...
01/24/2025

Life may be a whirlwind, but cats remind us to pause and embrace the little joys, like a cozy nap in the sun or the perfect head scratch. Take a moment today to channel your inner feline and find some peace amidst the chaos.

We just wanted to remind everyone that our "Get Crafty for a Cause: Make your own Custom Pet Bandana Party" is just 11 d...
01/22/2025

We just wanted to remind everyone that our "Get Crafty for a Cause: Make your own Custom Pet Bandana Party" is just 11 days away (Sunday, Feb 2nd). This is your chance to create a one-of-a-kind bandana for your furry friend or a pet you love. You’ll get to pick the size and color, and we’ll have all the supplies ready for you to unleash your creativity.

To keep things quaint and fun, we’re limiting the workshop to just 15 people. Whether you come solo or bring a friend, you’ll find a warm, welcoming vibe. We’ve seen so many great friendships blossom at our events, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

It will definitely be a Sunday Funday and we hope to see you there. This event is for ages 18 and up. Details and to get your passes, go to our website or the event section on our social media

Date & Time: Sunday, Feb 2nd 12pm - 2pm
Where: Uncle Art Gallery 1359 N. Maplewood Chicago, IL 60622

T​oday's temperatures are deadly​ at -30°F with windchill. Unfortunately, animals will lose their lives in this extreme ...
01/21/2025

T​oday's temperatures are deadly​ at -30°F with windchill. Unfortunately, animals will lose their lives in this extreme cold. ​If you see an animal outside or in distress, here are ​​some important steps you can take to help ensure their safety:

✅ Assess the situation: ​Evaluate the animal's behavior and condition to determine if they are a stray, feral, or lost pet. Look for signs like a collar, approachable demeanor, or visible distress.
​✅ Approach with caution: Move slowly to avoid scaring them. Animals in distress may act out of fear.
✅ Secure the animal if possible: Use food, a calm voice, and slow movements to coax them into a warm area like a garage, basement, or enclosed porch.
✅ Call 911: Report the situation immediately, especially if the animal appears injured, sick, or is left outside by an owner.
✅ Take note of details: Record the animal’s location, physical condition, and any identifying details like collars or tags.​ Photos will help.
✅ Provide temporary shelter: Use a plastic bin, Styrofoam cooler, or wooden box lined with straw or ​wool blankets to create a safe, insulated space.
✅ Check for tags or microchips: If the animal allows, check for ID tags. If safe, bring them to a vet​, police station, or shelter to scan for a microchip.
✅ Spread the word locally: Post about the found animal on neighborhood apps or social media to locate the owner or seek help.
✅ Leave a clear trail to shelter: Scatter treats or food leading to the temporary shelter you’ve set up to encourage them to enter.
✅ Monitor the animal: If the animal is skittish or runs away, observe from a distance to keep track of their location.
✅ Use humane traps if necessary: Set up a humane trap to safely catch feral or frightened animals if you have access to one.
✅ ​Report neglect or abuse: If you notice pets left outside by neighbors, ​Call 911 and report it to authorities​. This is considered animal abuse and winter neglect.
✅ Provide insulation for outdoor areas: Place straw in places where animals may hide, like under porches or in sheds. Avoid using blankets or towels outdoors, as they can retain moisture and freeze.​ Last resort, you can use wool blankets if on hand.
✅ Watch for frostbite or hypothermia: Look for signs like shivering, lethargy, or discolored skin, and seek immediate veterinary care if noticed.​ The 24/7 Emergency Pet ER, VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group), will take injured strays.
✅ Keep yourself safe: Use gloves and approach cautiously to avoid being scratched or bitten by a frightened animal.
✅ Follow up: Check back on the animal or shelter you’ve set up to ensure they remain safe and warm.

Every action counts in saving lives during extreme weather, whether it’s offering temporary shelter, making a call to authorities, or providing food and water. Even the smallest effort can make a world of difference to an animal in need.

With today's dangerously cold weather, we’re reminded how lucky our indoor kitties are to have warm beds, full bellies, ...
01/20/2025

With today's dangerously cold weather, we’re reminded how lucky our indoor kitties are to have warm beds, full bellies, and loving homes. But for so many cats still out in the cold, every day is a fight for survival.

You can make a difference. By fostering, you give a homeless cat a second chance at life, a warm, safe place to call home. Right now, we have a list of cats who need foster now. If fostering isn’t an option right now, please help spread the word! Every share, like, and comment brings us closer to saving lives.

Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s work together to ensure every cat is seen and treated humanely.

Calling all craft-loving people! If you love to craft, we’ve got the purr-fect event for you! Join us on Sunday, Februar...
01/18/2025

Calling all craft-loving people!

If you love to craft, we’ve got the purr-fect event for you! Join us on Sunday, February 2 for our DIY Custom Pet Bandana Workshop! Let’s get crafty and make your pet the most stylish one on the block. Whether you’re into polka dots, paw prints, or something totally unique, this is your chance to let your creativity shine.

When: Sunday, Feb 2
Time: 12pm - 2pm
Where: Uncle Art Gallery

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on our Events Page, we’re updating it weekly with pawsome activities you won’t want to miss.

Space is limited to only 15 to keep it small and personable, so don’t pause, mark your calendars and get your ticket. Crafting + pets = the ultimate Sunday vibes. See you there!

For more details and to get your tickets

https://guestlist.co/events/793857

Throwback Thursday: Lilee Edition! Not much has changed in 4 years… she judged you then, and she’s still judging you now...
01/17/2025

Throwback Thursday: Lilee Edition!

Not much has changed in 4 years… she judged you then, and she’s still judging you now! We kid, We kid. Lilee has always been, and continues to be, the same cuddly, loving, and absolutely gorgeous girl we first met. She’s proof that the best things in life are truly timeless. Interested in meeting this wonderful gal? Fill out an adoption interest form today!

It’s bitterly cold outside, and this weather is not just uncomfortable, it’s deadly. Cats can get frostbite in any tempe...
01/16/2025

It’s bitterly cold outside, and this weather is not just uncomfortable, it’s deadly. Cats can get frostbite in any temperature below 32°F, and without proper shelter, they may suffer severe injuries or even die.

Here’s how you can help stray, lost, and feral cats survive this brutal winter:
- Provide insulated shelters: Use a Styrofoam cooler, wooden box, or old plastic tote bin to create a warm haven. (These quick & easy portable houses can be removed in spring.)
- Consider heated shelters: If you can, invest in a heated house or heating pad designed for outdoor use.
- Use straw, not blankets: Straw provides insulation, whereas blankets can get wet & freeze, making things worse.
- Use heated pet pads inside feral houses: If possible, use heated pet pads designed for outdoor use to provide warmth in the shelter (Pet pads can be used in conjunction with straw). Be sure to only use electrical pet safe heating pads!
- Place shelters out of the wind: Make sure they’re in a protected area, such as near a wall or under a porch.
- Keep food & water available: Place bowls of dry kitten food and water in sheltered feeding areas, but replace water frequently as it freezes. (Keep food at least 6 feet away from shelters to avoid attracting wildlife.)
- Volunteer and/or donate supplies: Consider checking with local animal rescues to see if they need volunteers or supplies for feral cat care.
- If you see something, do something: If you see an animal in distress, take action. Most people turn a blind eye when it comes to cats. Don’t be that person.
- Foster & rescue when possible: If the cat is friendly, consider fostering them to get them out of the cold and into a warm, safe environment. This could be lifesaving, especially for very young or sick cats. (Be sure to isolate them from your pets)

Remember, feral cats don’t have a choice, they must endure the harsh elements. But owned pets do have a choice & should never be outside in these conditions. Now, let’s be crystal clear, Pet parents should be keeping their cats indoors at all times. If you are allowing your cats outside in such brutal weather, you are not a responsible pet parent, and you shouldn’t own a cat. It’s not only irresponsible, it’s dangerous, and it can be deadly. Instead, we suggest that you buy a stuffed animal, because it’s clear that’s all you can handle. Don’t let your pet suffer in these conditions. Keep them safe inside, where they belong.

01/14/2025

Watch as Lilee executes her ultimate stealth move... lying perfectly still while her butterfly toy buzzes around. Is she truly dead or just plotting the purrfect strike?

One Good Thing About Snow - Cat Tracking!While the snow may be chilly, it’s also revealing a little secret... paw prints...
01/14/2025

One Good Thing About Snow - Cat Tracking!

While the snow may be chilly, it’s also revealing a little secret... paw prints in the snow! Those tiny tracks can lead you to the spots where community cats are hunkering down for warmth during these cold months.

Why is this important?
These tracks give you the perfect opportunity to locate colonies and identify where cats are staying. This info is invaluable because once the weather warms up, kitten season will be here before you know it. Knowing where the cats are now allows you to start planning for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) efforts early, helping reduce the number of kittens born on the streets.

Use the Snow to Make a Difference:
1️⃣ Track the paw prints to pinpoint colonies.
2️⃣ Note locations and plan for spring TNR.
3️⃣ Be ready to make an impact before kitten season starts!

A little snow can go a long way in helping us help them. Let's use this season to prepare for a brighter future for these cats and lessen the endless suffering of more kittens being born on our streets. Want to get involved with TNR in your community? Contact us!

This little lady insists on laying on my legs at all times, it’s her favorite spot in the whole world What about your ca...
01/12/2025

This little lady insists on laying on my legs at all times, it’s her favorite spot in the whole world

What about your cat? Where’s their go-to spot to cuddle up on you? Tell us in the comments below

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Chicago, IL
60622

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