Neighborhood Cats

11/14/2024

FREE WEBINAR! Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3241265061741053781
Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks
Saturday, Nov 16, 2024, 2 - 4pm ET
(or watch the recording)

It's not easy caring for community cats! One day it might be ants getting into the food bowls, the next day slugs making mealtime into a slimy mess or pigeons invading your feeding station. Perhaps raccoons are making themselves at home in your colony. Or lots of fleas. How do you keep the water from freezing in the middle of winter? Or calm the irate neighbor whose flower bed has been turned into a litter box? Find out how to deal with these and many more caretaking challenges from Neighborhood Cats. With our 25 years of experience dealing with all things community cat, we've got lots of ideas.

We'll cover feeding, shelter, neighbor relations, health care hacks and more. Plus don't miss another exciting round of Cat Trivia! This webinar is presented by Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast, sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap and approved for continuing education credit by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It's free to attend, all you have to do is follow the link above and sign up!

Can't make it live? Register and a link to the recording will be emailed to you.

11/14/2024

Maybe your candidate(s) of choice came out on top in the recent elections. Maybe not. Win or lose, though, they probably left a whole lot of campaign signs in their wake. These signs usually end up in the trash - but Kelly Boodry, a retired engineer, has come up with a way to transform discarded corrugated plastic sheets into snug winter cat shelters. Learn more and find step-by-step instructions at https://www.popsci.com/diy/how-make-campaign-sign-cat-shelters/ Now that's a win-win!

11/13/2024

Check out the latest episode of the Community Cats Podcast!

This week Bryan Kortis, Neighborhood Cats' National Programs Director, explores aspects of Return-to-Field programs in "SAVING LIVES WITH RETURN-TO-FIELD: THE FUTURE OF HUMANE CAT MANAGEMENT". You can find the two-part presentation at the links below, or on most other podcasting apps just by searching "Community Cats Podcast".

Community Cats Podcast Website - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg2zd-M2m3w
ApplePodcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-community-cats-podcast/id1125752101
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5GvnhxyA30HgalUAEi1BGJ?si=0f035e7127784df3

10/31/2024

Learn TNR online this Saturday, 11/2!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, 2 - 4:30pm ET
(or watch the recording)

Become part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your community! Learn how to do Trap-Neuter-Return at our popular virtual training. We'll teach you what TNR is, why it's a great idea and how to do it. Topics include dealing with neighbors, all aspects of trapping, and basic colony care. By the end, you'll know how to safely and effectively get your colony cats fixed.

Instructed by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and animal control officers are eligible for Continuing Education Units from the National Animal Care & Control Association. $10 course fee.

Can't make it live? To become certified, register for the November 2 session and view the recording by November 9. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

10/03/2024

Learn TNR online this Saturday, 10/5!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Saturday, Oct 5, 2024, 2 - 4:30pm ET
(or watch the recording)

Become part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your community! Learn how to do Trap-Neuter-Return at our popular virtual training. We'll teach you what TNR is, why it's a great idea and how to do it. Topics include dealing with neighbors, all aspects of trapping, and basic colony care. By the end, you'll know how to safely and effectively get your colony cats fixed.

Instructed by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and animal control officers are eligible for Continuing Education Units from the National Animal Care & Control Association. $10 course fee.

Can't make it live? To become certified, register for the October 5 session and view the recording by October 12. Follow the link above to reserve your spot today!

10/02/2024

Sasha is doing so well - thanks to you!
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/give/620528/ #!/donation/checkout
Ready for some great news? Here goes... a few days ago, Sasha had her life-saving surgery, all went well and she hasn’t looked back since!

For those who may have missed her original story, Sasha is a young feral from a colony in Midwood, Brooklyn. We don’t know how she got hurt, but somehow her right foreleg was mangled. When Nadia, Sasha’s longtime caretaker, realized the poor cat needed far more care than she could afford, she turned to Neighborhood Cats. And with your amazing support, we pulled her through!

Thanks to your outpouring of love and generosity, we swiftly got Sasha into surgery, ending her pain and the risk of dangerous, systemic infection. Now she’s relaxing in her recovery kennel and you can see in the photo how much calmer her little face is already. Sure, she hates her e-collar but she’s being a pretty good sport. She’s eating well, napping peacefully and even starting to talk back to her foster mom. All happy little miracles that happened because you cared.

Sasha needs just one more miracle - a forever home of her own. She’s still a bit wary of strangers but she’s also kind-hearted, funny and bursting with personality. She loves Nadia and we know she’ll learn to love a new best friend too. Nadia will be caring for Sasha until the right home can be found so if you have room in your home and heart for this baby, please email [email protected]. Thank you and purrs from Sasha!

09/20/2024

FREE WEBINAR! - Return to Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6768252067249421664
Sat, Sept 21, 2024, 2 - 4pm ET

In the past, feral cats had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after they entered. But in recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. With RTF, impounded feral cats - as well as some friendlies - are spayed or neutered and then returned back to their original locations. Dramatic drops in euthanasia and increases in live release rates are typical once the program is begun.

This webinar will discuss the policies behind RTF and why its popularity is growing, describe the mechanics of implementing a RTF program, and explore current controversies over the method. In addition, we'll show how a return-to-field program can be combined with targeted TNR to reduce intake as well as euthanasia.

Instructed by Neighborhood Cats, co-authors of The Return-to-Field Handbook published by the The Humane Society of the United States, and co-participants in two RTF programs.

Can't make it live? Register and a link for the recording will be emailed to you. This webinar is hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap.

Follow the link above to register. To download a copy of The Return to Field Handbook go to https://humanepro.org/return-to-field

09/05/2024

Learn TNR online this Saturday, 9/7!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Saturday, Sept 7, 2024, 2 - 4:30pm ET
(or watch the recording

Become part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood! Learn how to do Trap-Neuter-Return at our popular virtual training. We'll teach you what TNR is, why it's a great idea and how to do it. Topics include dealing with neighbors, all aspects of trapping, and basic colony care. By the end, you'll know how to safely and effectively get your colony cats fixed.

Instructed by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and animal control officers are eligible for Continuing Education Units from the National Animal Care & Control Association. $10 course fee.

Extra info on local TNR resources will be available to residents of New York City, Washington DC and Iowa. (Please note: availability of discount spay/neuter in NYC is limited at this time, but we'll help you find and pay for a vet!)

Can't make it live? To become certified, register for the September 7 session and view the recording by September 14. Follow the link above to reserve your spot today!

09/05/2024

Do you want better access to affordable veterinary care in New York City? If your answer is "Yes", here's your chance to let the NYC Council know!

On Friday, September 13, be a part of the first-ever hearing urging NYC elected officials to fund affordable veterinary care city-wide. You can participate in-person, via Zoom or by submitting written testimony. For more information and to register please scan the QR code on the flyer below, or go to www.nyccatalliance.com/register

09/03/2024

Deadline extended! Register your colony today!
https://www.catstats.org/nyc
Register or update your colony in Cat Stats NYC by the end of this Friday, September 6, 2024, and become eligible to win one of ten $50 Chewy gift cards. Cat Stats NYC is is an online database of community cat colonies in New York City administered by Neighborhood Cats.

If you're registering for the first time: go to Cat Stats NYC and click on "Go" under "First Time User?" and follow the instructions.

If you're updating your colony: go to Cat Stats NYC and enter your username and password under "Already Have an Account?" (If it's been a while, click on "Forgot username?" and/or "Forgot password?") Once you've logged in, click on My Colonies, then on Edit to review or change any info.

When you're done registering or updating, be sure to click SAVE at the bottom of the page before you exit.

Over the years, the info in Cat Stats NYC has helped us return many cats back to their homes after they were turned into local shelters. We've used the data to issue rabies alerts in affected areas and let caretakers know about complaints or or other issues at their locations. By registering or updating your colony, you help us protect your cats. Click the link above to get started!

Questions? Please email [email protected].

08/20/2024

MEET COCONUT, a little cat who packs a big surprise!

Last week, Neighborhood Cats' trappers found Coconut living in a feral colony in Jersey City during one of our ongoing TNR projects there. Right away our team noticed two things. First, he's SUPER friendly; all he wants is to cuddle and play. And second, his handsome black coat is lightly marked with orange sprinkles and patches...making Coconut a genuine male tortie!

Coconut is a young domestic shorthair. We've had him fixed and vaccinated and he's now ready to find his forever home. Interested? He's currently in the care of The Lucky Cat Rescue in Weehawken, NJ so to learn more and inquire about adopting this good boy, please visit his Petfinder page, https://www.petfinder.com/cat/coconut-72849000/nj/weehawken/the-lucky-cat-rescue-nj829/ (note: Coconut's color on the page is listed as black).

08/02/2024

REGISTER OR UPDATE YOUR COLONY IN CAT STATS NYC!
https://www.catstats.org/nyc
Cat Stats NYC is an online database of community cat colonies in New York City. All information is held in strict confidence by Neighborhood Cats. Register or update your colony by September 1, 2024, and you'll be eligible to win one of ten $50 Chewy gift cards!

If you are registering for the first time: go to Cat Stats NYC and click on "Go" under "First Time User?" and follow the instructions.

If you are updating your colony: go to Cat Stats NYC and enter your username and password under "Already Have an Account?" If it's been a while, click on "Forgot username?" and/or "Forgot password?" Once you've logged in, click on My Colonies, then on Edit to review or change any info.

When you're done registering or updating, BE SURE TO CLICK SAVE at the bottom of the page before you leave the form.

Over the years, the info in Cat Stats NYC has helped us return many cats back to their homes after they were turned into local shelters. We've used the data to issue rabies alerts in affected areas and let caretakers know about complaints or or other issues at their locations. By registering or updating your colony, you help us protect your cats.

Follow the link above to get started. Questions? Please email [email protected].

07/31/2024

University Course on Community Cat Management!
https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103
Now available! An innovative eight-week online certificate course, starting September 9, 2024, designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to manage a community cat program effectively. The Community Cat Program Management Certificate Course is offered by the University of the Pacific, Benerd College, and led by experts Stacy LeBaron from the Community Cats Podcast and Elizabeth Finch.

Aimed at animal welfare professionals, veterinary students, animal control officers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, this course combines theory with practical applications to cover all aspects of community cat welfare. Through a blend of online lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world assignments, students will learn how to implement humane and effective strategies for managing community cat populations.

Modules include:
Introduction to Community Cats
Fundamentals of TNR
Community Engagement and Education (AKA “Marketing Module”)
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Volunteer Management and Community Involvement
Ongoing Management for Community Cats
Conflict Resolution and Community Relations (AKA “Customer Service Module”)
Funding and Sustainability

Neighborhood Cats' Bryan Kortis is featured in Module 4 (Legal and Ethical Considerations). Approved for Continuing Education credit by the National Animal Care & Control Association. The course fee is $429. Space is limited. Follow the link above to learn more and enroll.

07/29/2024

Leave it to Beaver - he's doing great!
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/give/601673/ #!/donation/checkout
A few weeks ago Beaver was in sad shape. The six-year-old feral from Brooklyn had severe dental disease and was in constant pain. Barely able to eat or wash, he’d grown gaunt and weak, his rich, black coat in tatters. Though Ruthie and Gene, Beaver’s longtime caretakers, love him, both husband and wife are in their 90’s and have limited vision. They didn’t realize their old friend was struggling. By the time Neighborhood Cats was called in, poor Beaver was in trouble.

Things could have gone badly for this boy. As soon as our vet confirmed Beaver’s diagnosis, we shared his story and compassionate friends like you came to the rescue! Your gifts paid for the surgery that finally ended his terrible pain. The operation was grueling; all of Beaver’s remaining teeth had to be extracted, and he needed treatment for festering abscesses in his gums. The snarled mats pulling his sensitive skin had to be painstakingly shaved away, too.

After surgery was over, an exhausted Beaver slept for 24 hours. Then he woke up, tottered to the dish of soupy food that was waiting for him... and cleaned his plate! That day, for the first time in months, Beaver ate a meal without hurting.

Today our little patient is resting comfortably. With his soft new buzz cut and a look of stern disapproval on his face (he is not pleased with the e-collar he still has to wear), he looks like a grumpy teddy bear in his recovery kennel. But he has lots to be happy about. He’s gaining weight and getting stronger every day. Soon he’ll be ready to return to his beloved home where, from now on, Ruthie and Gene’s children will help look after him and his colony mates. For Beaver, life is good again - all because of you. Thank you for saving him!

Missed Beaver's original story? You can read it here: https://mailchi.mp/neighborhoodcats/save-beaver?e=5b70ad143d

07/26/2024

CatVideoFest - a compilation of the latest and best cat videos out there - is back in theaters this August! It's your chance to enjoy a unique, family-friendly experience while raising money for local shelters. Get your tickets early, and tell your friends! Learn more and find tickets, showtimes and theaters at catvideofest.com.

07/12/2024

SUNDAY SPECIAL! TNR online workshop 7/14
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Sunday, July 14, 2024, 2 - 4:30pm ET
(or watch the recording)

Become part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your community! Learn how to do Trap-Neuter-Return at our popular virtual training. We'll teach you what TNR is, why it's a great idea and how to do it. Topics include dealing with neighbors, all aspects of trapping, and basic colony care. By the end, you'll know how to safely and effectively get your colony cats fixed.

Instructed by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance and animal control officers are eligible for Continuing Education Units from the National Animal Care & Control Association. $10 course fee.

Extra info on local TNR resources will be available to residents of New York City, Washington DC and Iowa. (Please note: availability of discount spay/neuter in NYC is limited at this time, but we'll help you find and pay for a vet!)

Can't make it live? To become certified, register for the July 14 session and view the recording by July 21. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

07/10/2024

***LOST CAT ALERT***
Tuxy is a black & white tuxedo who went missing from his Staten Island colony on 4/19/24. He is feral, seven years old and neutered. Tuxy's colony is located in the Tottenville section of SI near Ellis Ave. (zip code 10307).

Searches to date have not turned up any leads. His caretaker thinks he may have migrated to another colony in the area. If you've seen Tuxy or have information as to his whereabouts please contact Celeste at (718) 809-8864.

Please crosspost!

07/08/2024

Think you've got a lot of cat hair to deal with? Try picking up after Atchoum, a fuzzball with rare "Cousin It" syndrome

Cat or mad scientist?