Neighborhood Cats

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?

06/19/2024

Free webinar! - The Drop Trap: A Trapper's Best Friend
Sat, June 22, 2024, 2 - 4pm ET
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4676636804079928662
Trying to catch the last unfixed cat in your colony? Got a tough feral who just won’t go into a regular trap no matter how much you spend on roasted chicken? Can't get all the feeders to stop putting out food before your big trapping? How about catching a litter of kittens all at once—with their mom? All these tough trapping situations and more can be solved if you know how to use a drop trap.

Join this free webinar presented by Neighborhood Cats, co-designers of the first commercially available drop trap. We'll cover the basics for beginners and then get into advanced techniques like drop-trapping on rough surfaces, catching multiple cats with multiple traps, and using a remote control. We'll also go over our new "auto-drop" trap, designed while rescuing the last, toughest cats in the Maui Wildlfire burn zone.

Can't make it live? Register and a link for the recording will be emailed to you. Hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

06/17/2024

Look who "graduated" from his e-collar today!

Percy is feeling waaay better since his recent dental surgery. Today he started grooming as soon as the dreaded e-collar was removed. Thanks again to everyone who gave generously to save this sweet boy! ❤️

06/12/2024

Feed a hungry NYC cat today 😻
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2HLO9ZH1BWVHI?ref_=wl_share
Caretakers of feral and stray cats in New York City face many challenges, but one of the biggest is being able to afford their colony's food. Now you can help by donating an item off the Neighborhood Cats wish list on Amazon.

Just log into your Amazon account, then go to the Neighborhood Cats Kibble wish list. There you'll find a selection of cat food you can donate with a few clicks. Amazon will ship your gift directly to us and we'll distribute it to local colony caretakers.

Whether it’s a bag of crunchies or a case of canned food, your donation will keep community cats in New York City healthy, happy and well-fed. And bring a smile to their caretakers' faces. Thank you for making their wishes come true!

06/11/2024

Percy is on the mend - thanks to YOU! ❤️
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/give/591728/ #!/donation/checkout
The other night, Percy did something amazing. He ate every bit of his dinner!

OK, that might not sound like front page news. But just twelve days ago, when we introduced you to Percy, the brown and white feral from Queens couldn’t eat at all. He was suffering from advanced dental disease, so severe even lapping water made him cry out in pain. His condition was declining rapidly and his longtime guardian, Dana, was distraught. Unable to afford extensive veterinary care, she turned to Neighborhood Cats. With no time to lose, we shared Percy’s story with you. And like the cat heroes you are, you saved him!

Last week Percy had the dental surgery he needed so desperately. The poor tabby had to have 22 extractions and came out of the operating room nearly toothless (he still has some incisors, those cute, tiny teeth up front). The day after surgery, he was drowsy and quiet in his recovery kennel. Then, Dana gave him a plate of mush. Percy sniffed it...lapped it up...and asked for more.

Since then, our big boy hasn’t looked back! He’s eating, drinking and getting stronger every day. Like any self-respecting cat he considers e-collars flat-out insulting, but with many sutures in his mouth, he’ll have to wear one a little longer. In about two weeks, when he’s fully healed, he’ll return to his beloved home in Dana’s yard. His colony mates, including his BFF, Paddy, are waiting for him.

It took a lot of kind-hearted folks, from near and far, to give Percy his happy ending. Whether you’re a New Yorker (like Percy!), or call someplace else home, please know you’ve made a world of difference. Thank you for caring.

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

06/05/2024

ALERT - COMMUNITY CATS AT RISK IN EAST BRUNSWICK!

Community cats are under attack in East Brunswick, New Jersey. To help protect them from harm and years of hostile government policies, local nonprofit East Brunswick TNR & Rescue and residents have been urging the Town Council to pass a TNR-enabling ordinance. But they refuse to even consider it!

If you're in the area, please attend the Monday, June 10 meeting of the East Brunswick Town Council at 7:30pm at 1 Jean Walling Civic Center Drive, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816. Let the Council know (respectfully) that Trap-Neuter-Return is the only humane and effective method for managing community cats and it's time they got with the program.

If you plan to attend, please email Brian Hackett, Director of Government and Community Relations for Associated Humane Societies, at [email protected]. If you have any questions or need further information about the proposed ordinance or the town council meeting, please email Brian at the same address.

Thanks for caring!

05/31/2024

TNR Workshop: Transform Lives this Saturday (tomorrow, 6/1!)
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Sat, June 1, 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 June 1 session and view the recording by June 8. There's still time...follow the link above to reserve your spot!

05/20/2024

***LOST CAT ALERT***
https://www.pawboost.com/landing/pet/_PyBN1zvA8b1woILnO2Op-qsPH2Sxxsq/lost-cookie-brooklyn-ny-11207
COOKIE, a 5-year-old tortoiseshell, went missing from her home on 5/4. She was last seen on Pennsylvania Ave. and Blake Ave. in the East New York section of Brooklyn. A $100 reward is being offered for her safe return.

If you have ANY information about Cookie's whereabouts please call (561) 802-7702. Follow the link above to view her PawBoost page for more info.

Please crosspost!

05/17/2024

AT LAST!!! FIP treatment will be legally available in the US starting June 1st. Read the announcement from Stokes Pharmacy:
https://www.stokespharmacy.com/

05/15/2024

TAKE YOUR TNR TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/536874370433480542
Targeted TNR & Getting the most bang for your buck
Sat, May 18, 2024, 2 - 4pm ET

You just need to spay/neuter more cats if you want your TNR program to have more impact, right? Wrong! That's because fixing a lot of cats is rarely enough by itself to reduce community cat numbers. You also need to achieve high sterilization rates within the area you're working, whether you're talking about TNR'ing a colony, a neighborhood or an entire zip code. In other words, you need to target!

In this webinar, we'll discuss what targeting is, why it works and how to do it. Learn how to identify areas of high need, measure progress, and micro-target. No matter how large or small your program is, targeted TNR can make it more effective and efficient, which is especially now when surgeries are in short supply.

This free webinar is presented by Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats. Bryan has helped pioneer targeting while at Neighborhood Cats and during a stint as a grants manager for PetSmart Charities. Hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trapand the Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy.

Follow the link above to reserve your spot today!

05/03/2024

Lucky's Recovery: All Thanks to YOU!
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/give/579520/ #!/donation/checkout
Two weeks ago, we learned about a gentle, gray and white cat named Lucky. This little one was suffering from dental disease so severe, he couldn’t eat or wash or even close his mouth without crying in distress. X-rays showed one side of his jaw was riddled with broken teeth and decaying roots. Lucky needed extensive surgery including several difficult extractions. His operation was a success and now he’s on the mend. You can see in his little face that he’s already feeling so much better.

We were able to help Lucky because of another cat who was not as fortunate. Garfield, an orange tabby and one of the sweetest cats we've ever known, was badly hurt. We reached out to you, our caring friends, and you generously gave to help him. But sadly he was diagnosed with an incurable cancer, so we had to tell Garfield we loved him and say goodbye.

When we asked if you wanted your gift returned, every one of you opted to honor Garfield’s memory by having your donations used to save the next cat in urgent need. Who turned out to be Lucky.

It took a village of compassionate folks (as well as his guardian angel) to make Lucky well and strong again. Happy as can be and friendly, he's heading for his new indoor home where he will be loved and cherished. He is a very lucky boy - thanks to you.

See Lucky at home! Click the link above to view a short video.