11/15/2025
The vast majority of kittens entering shelters come from community cats or from irresponsible people who think they’re “helping” by dropping off litters. Many of those kittens end up sitting for months, growing out of their kittenhood while waiting for homes.
Meanwhile, countless community-born kittens never even get that chance, left to survive on the streets, scavenging for food, braving the weather, catching/spreading diseases and avoiding predators because shelters are full.
Euthanasia rates are rising nationwide. Why? Because many people are barely getting by, and taking on the responsibility of a cat becomes impossible when you’re struggling to keep a roof over your head. It’s not fair to the cats or to the overwhelmed rescues that try to pick up the pieces. Cats are being surrendered, domestic and community, aside from the cats just being abandoned, this has to change!
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) doesn’t just make sense, it has been proven to be the only humane solution to an overwhelming situation throughout the world.
Less kittens born means less kittens born in the wild and less kittens entering a system with an uncertain outcome, the uncertain outcome when too many are surrendered.
Want to help?
Find your local TNR program or start one if your area doesn’t have one. Contact alleycat.org for more information.
There is a solution, TNR. But we need to be vigilant. The world shutting down during COVID showed us what a difference we were making when we were forced to stop. Those in rescue are still recovering from these consequences and can use any assistance you can provide.
Answering calls, monitoring emails, educating, making trap covers, fostering, keeping logs, providing transportation to/from clinic, dispatching and trapping are many of the categories needing assistance.
Also, by donating fabric, thread, yarn, sheets, towels, potty pads or sanitizing items you may have laying around or may find at yard sales makes a difference.
Make plans now to volunteer on your own, with friends or family, make it a weekly/monthly outing to help your local rescues and make a difference the lives of cats.
