Bideawee's Feral Cat Initiative

08/07/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 When it comes to weaning kittens, slow and steady wins the race! Remember to go at each kitten's pace.

Some kittens try their first slurry — a mixture of formula and kitten pate — and are delighted, while others refuse any meat-based products the first few tries. Continue to bottle-feed around the clock every 5 hours until kittens can readily eat — not "nurse" — slurry independently. Once they meet this milestone, they can be left overnight with ample wet food and/or slurry.

Some kittens finish the transition to solid food within a few days, but some take longer, depending on their condition. Underweight or sick kittens may need the bottle longer, while some hardy kittens want to jump right into eating plain wet food, or even dry kitten kibble. For extra picky eaters, try a variety of kitten food options.

Most importantly, remember that weighing your kittens before and after every meal is critical during weaning as you can no longer control each milliliter they consume. Failure to gain at least 10 grams per day is a sign that you should slow the weaning pace.

Once your kittens are eating confidently and gaining steady weight, great news! They can graduate from bottle-babyhood and can be left with ample wet food overnight — leaving you to get some sleep. Continue to monitor weights closely to make sure your kittens are making steady progress towards reaching their spay/neuter weight requirement!

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

08/07/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 At 5 weeks old, bottle baby kittens' premolar teeth start emerging, a sign that their bodies are preparing to eat meat. If their condition is stable, it's time to help them begin a gradual transition from bottle-feeding to eating solid food — weaning. Just remember, each kitten will wean on their own timeline!

To begin this process, first add a very shallow dish of water in your kittens' enclosure for hydration and to let them practice the motor skills they'll need to eat independently.

Your next job is to offer choices and supervise every meal. A useful entry-level food is "kitten slurry," a soupy mix of formula and pate kitten food. Serve slurry in a shallow dish to make it easier for kittens to practice lapping it up, and monitor them carefully. If they're just pushing their faces around in the slurry, they're trying to "nurse" it. Kittens who do this will need slow and patient practice. Again, use a shallow dish, as "nursing" behavior increases the risk of your kittens inhaling it into their lungs, which can be life-threatening.

A good first "weaning meal" is to offer your kitten ½ their normal formula in a bottle, then carefully introduce slurry, and end by offering the bottle again. Over the course of 1 week, slowly increase the number of meals where you offer slurry. You can adjust the ratio of kitten food to formula to make slurry wetter or meatier, to each kitten's liking.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

08/07/2024

Yeiko (Yeicow?😸🐄) is in foster care and would LOVE to meet his permanent adopter! Learn more and apply: https://www.bideawee.org/adopt-pet/yeiko/85441779

07/31/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Weaning is a major transition in a kitten's life, and it's crucial to know how to tell when they're ready. Normally, kittens can begin the weaning process at 5 weeks of age when their premolar teeth start to emerge. These teeth are for chewing meat, so they're a sign that a kitten's body is preparing for a diet of solid food. But don't just go by their teeth!

A kitten's overall condition should be stable before you start adding meat to their diet because that change is challenging for their little body. Ideally, kittens should weigh at least 550 grams at 5 weeks (we use Kitten Lady's weight/feeding chart). However, many orphaned kittens found during this critical growth period may be underweight and would benefit greatly from sticking with bottle-feeding (amount and timing according to their weight) for a few days until their weight begins to increase and they are stable. Illness, dehydration, and upper respiratory infections can create additional weaning complications.

Even if you have robust kittens who are at least 5 weeks old and are meeting all their developmental milestones, remember that weaning is a journey, not a destination! In the same way you wouldn't move a human baby from a bottle one day to a slice of pizza the next day, weaning should be a gradual process, with you letting each kitten take the lead. Next week we'll give specific tips on how to help kittens wean on their own timeline.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

07/24/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Knowing an orphaned kitten's age will help you make faster life-saving decisions for them. Newborn kittens' abilities and needs change quickly over the first weeks of life, and the changes aren't all obvious. So let's look at the most conspicuous milestones of each stage of babyhood:

6 Weeks Old (43–49 Days Old): Eyes are still blue, all of their baby teeth have emerged, and most have gotten the hang of eating solid food. If with their mom, kittens at this age will still nurse as the mom allows, but they'll tend to rely more and more on solid food for their meals. We'll talk more in depth about the weaning process next week.

7 Weeks Old (50–56 Days Old): The most obvious change that happens at this stage is that the kitten's eyes are changing from blue to their adult color. If you see a little kitten with green, yellow, or gray eyes, they're at least 7 weeks old.

During these weeks of life, kittens are very playful. Play among littermates hones their hunting skills and aids their social development. They're also learning independence from their mom, though they'll stay with her until at least 8 weeks of age in the wild. Feral kittens in this age range can be humanely trapped and brought indoors for easy socialization to people and eventual adoption.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

07/17/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Knowing an orphaned kitten's age will help you make faster life-saving decisions for them. Newborn kittens' abilities and needs change quickly over the first weeks of life, and the changes aren't all obvious. So let's look at the most conspicuous milestones of each stage of babyhood:

4 Weeks Old (29–35 Days Old): Canine teeth (fangs) are emerging, and they're needle-sharp! Kittens are also becoming able to retract and show their claws at will. They're steady on their feet, can toilet on their own, and begin to engage actively in play. Kittens will use their canines and claws in catching prey and defending themselves, and playtime helps them learn when and how to use — and not use — these formidable weapons.

5 Weeks Old (36–42 Days Old): Premolar teeth are emerging, a milestone that means healthy kittens can begin the weaning process. Weaned kittens use their premolars to cut meat into chunks that they can swallow. Kittens at this age become more active in play and can bury their waste in the litterbox.

These little ninjas-in-training are in transition from nursing to hunting and eating solid food, so continue to offer them formula alongside diluted solid food. Next month we will offer specific weaning tips and tricks to help you guide your little ones toward eating like big kitties, so stay tuned!

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

07/12/2024

It's ! Newborn kittens are too vulnerable to safely stay in the shelter, so relies on our network of amazing foster caretakers to give mama cats and their nursing litters the TLC they need for a successful start. We are SO thankful to our foster volunteers for helping us save — and launch — these precious lives!

2024 is well underway, and Bideawee foster homes are FULL of little feline families. With more new moms with kittens needing our help all summer, we'll need even more foster volunteers ready to provide in-home care.

Interested in fostering a feline family? Learn more and apply: https://bideawee.org/foster

07/12/2024

It's ! Orphaned newborn kittens are too vulnerable to safely stay in the shelter, so relies on our network of amazing foster caretakers to give bottle babies the specialized, around-the-clock TLC they need for a successful start. We are SO thankful to our foster volunteers for helping us save — and launch — these precious lives!

2024 is well underway, and Bideawee foster homes are FULL of teeny felines. With lots more kittens needing our help all summer, we'll need even more foster volunteers ready to bottle-feed and prepare these little ones for adoption.

Interested in fostering neonate kittens? Learn more and apply: https://bideawee.org/foster

07/11/2024

Help put an end to ! Want to learn how to decrease the number of kittens being born in "the wild" and improve the lives of in your area? Register now for the online Trap-Neuter-Return ( ) certification workshop from Neighborhood Cats / Community Cats Podcast, coming up on Sunday, July 14, 2024! This online workshop will also be offered on September 7 and October 5.
Register: https://bit.ly/LearnTNRNC

07/11/2024

Flower was found outdoors as a friendly stray, and she's now waiting to meet YOU at Bideawee's Westhampton location! Learn more and apply to adopt sweet Flower: https://www.bideawee.org/adopt-pet/flower/85827043

Flower is a one-and-a-half-year-old total sweetheart, and sadly, we’ve just passed the 100-day mark for how long she’s been with us.

Flower came to us from a municipal shelter as a stray, but due to her friendly nature and affection towards people, it was apparent that she’d most likely been someone’s pet who may have been abandoned. Luckily, she ended up with us where she now spends her days in Westhampton with some kitty friends.

Flower is very affectionate and is always happy to get pets and show off her biscuit-making skills. She’s a mild-mannered and gentle girl who enjoys quiet afternoons, being brushed, watching birds out the window, and curling up in her cozy bed.

If you’re looking for a very sweet and affectionate best friend, Flower is your girl, and she’s been waiting a very long time to meet you! Head to Westhampton to meet Flower, and we know you’ll fall in love with her just as we have. 🌸

07/10/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Knowing an orphaned kitten's age will help you make faster life-saving decisions for them. Newborn kittens' abilities and needs change quickly over the first weeks of life, and the changes aren't all obvious. So let's look at the most conspicuous milestones of each stage of babyhood:

2 Weeks Old (15–21 Days Old): Kittens' eyes are open and blue, though their vision is very basic at this point and will continue to develop for several more weeks. They still have no teeth. Their ears are still unfolding and appear round, and they're starting to crawl and wobble around the nest.

3 Weeks Old (22–28 Days Old): Kittens' incisors (front teeth) are emerging. Kittens and cats use these teeth to groom, not to eat; these babies are still surviving solely on mother's milk or formula. But they're looking more and more like cats, now that their ears have unfolded and show pointed tips. They begin the transition to toileting on their own at this stage. They're also starting to walk with clumsy steps and they engage in floppy play-wrestling with littermates.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

07/03/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Knowing an orphaned kitten's age will help you make faster life-saving decisions for them. Newborn kittens' abilities and needs change quickly over the first weeks of life, and the changes aren't all obvious. So let's look at the most conspicuous milestones of each stage of babyhood:

Just Born (0–7 Days Old): At birth, kittens' eyes are closed, their ears are folded, and their umbilical cord is still attached. They can't see, hear, or keep themselves warm. Virtually all they can do for themselves is wriggle toward their mom's body for warmth and food, and cry out in distress when they're hungry or cold. Their umbilical cord is still wet for the first 24 hours after birth, then it dries and falls off on its own around Day 4 or 5.

1 Week Old (8–14 Days Old): By now there's no umbilical cord, and kittens' ears are slowly unfolding, giving them a more catlike appearance. Their eyes gradually begin to open around Day 8 to Day 12. Their senses of hearing and sight are beginning to develop, but they still can't regulate their own body temperature and they're completely dependent on a mother figure for food and toileting.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

07/02/2024

Beauty queen Fleur somehow found herself living on the streets, but it was immediately apparent to her rescuer that she really wanted to return to life indoors. Learn more about Fleur and apply to adopt her: https://www.bideawee.org/adopt-pet/fleur/86038016

Meet Fleur, the girl with the gorgeous eyes and most adorable blerp. 😍

After a while too long waiting for her adopter at Bideawee’s Manhattan location, Fleur is enjoying a break in an incredible foster home! She has made herself right at home, proving that when you give an animal a chance, their personalities shine ☀️

Fleur is looking for an active house where she can play the day away with her favorite laser pointer. She is a true huntress, providing plenty of energy and entertainment 🤸🏻‍♀️ (She may think feet under covers are toys, so a studio apartment may not be her ideal destination.) Fleur also enjoys pets, as long as treats are given in return. She is a transactional type of gal. We’re willing to give a little to get a lotta Fleur-y love!

Some cats require a particular approach to suit their preferences - as long as you are willing to listen to their needs, they will show SO much love in return! Fleur is looking for her match ❤️ At only 11 months old, Fleur is looking for her forever home who can be attentive to her sensitivities. She also prefers to be the only animal and around adults.

Learn more about Fleur and our other available cats and dogs at www.bideawee.org!

06/28/2024

It's ! Newborn kittens are too vulnerable to safely stay in the shelter, so Bideawee relies on our network of amazing foster caretakers to give mama cats and their nursing litters the TLC they need for a successful start. We are SO thankful to our foster volunteers for helping us save — and launch — these precious lives!

2024 is well underway, and Bideawee foster homes are FULL of little feline families. With more new moms with kittens needing our help all summer, we'll need even more foster volunteers ready to provide in-home care.

Interested in fostering a feline family? Learn more and apply: https://bideawee.org/foster

06/27/2024

Meowzers…the FIREWORKS sure are intense around NYC and Long Island! And they will only get more frequent over the next week as we approach the 4th of July!

As many people who live with pet cats know, fireworks can frighten your feline friends into hiding under the bed or in the closet. Closing windows and curtains and turning on the TV and air conditioner can help reduce the flashes and noise. But what can cats who live outdoors do, and how can you help them?

The good news is that just like pet cats, community cats have an instinct to find a good hiding place and stay put during scary fireworks. Depending on what type of territory they have, your outdoor Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) colony cats may be able to get even farther away from the noise than your indoor pet cats. Some TNR caretakers help protect their colony cats by giving them an extra big meal early in the day well before evening fireworks, so if they need to hole up for an entire day, they won't be so hungry.

Stay safe, and happy 4th!

06/26/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Did you know that bottle-fed kittens must be burped after every feeding? Mother cats don't have to burp their kittens because their milk is naturally free of air bubbles. But in bottle-feeding, some air bubbles always get into the formula, no matter how skilled the feeder is. To burp a kitten like a pro, place her belly-down, with head elevated, on a soft surface such as your lap, your upper chest/shoulder, or a blanket on a table. Gently pat and rub her back and sides to bring those air bubbles up and out. You might hear the burp, feel it on your hand or chest, and/or see a slight twitch as the kitten burps.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition : https://kittencoalition.org

06/26/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Did you know that bottle-fed kittens must be burped after every feeding? Mother cats don't have to burp their kittens because their milk is naturally free of air bubbles. But in bottle-feeding, some air bubbles always get into the formula, no matter how skilled the feeder is. To burp a kitten like a pro, place her belly-down, with head elevated, on a soft surface such as your lap, your upper chest/shoulder, or a blanket on a table. Gently pat and rub her back and sides to bring those air bubbles up and out. You might hear the burp, feel it on your hand or chest, and/or see a slight twitch as the kitten burps.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

06/19/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 When bottle-feeding kittens, it's absolutely crucial that you position them correctly. Picture how kittens nurse on their mom: lying on their bellies, front paws resting against Mom's body, heads facing forward. NEVER feed a kitten on his back, NEVER hold a kitten in the air while feeding, and NEVER tip a kitten's head back while feeding. Any of these "don'ts" can cause aspiration — formula entering the lungs — which can quickly kill a kitten. "Do" imitate Mom by giving the kitten a level surface to lie on, belly-down, let him rest his paws on your hand, and hold the bottle at a level where he can suckle comfortably without tilting his head back.

Always monitor the kitten as you bottle-feed, and adjust positioning as needed. If your bottle-baby suckles aggressively to the point where his head starts tilting back, gently tug the bottle so he has to lean his head forward to continue suckling. Don't pull too hard or too far — let him continue to suckle as you correct his posture.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

06/18/2024

This adorable girl is one-year-old Ursula, and sadly, she is reaching her 100th day with us - such a long time, especially for a young kitty like her.

Ursula is a mix of mischief and sweetness all rolled into one. Sometimes sassy but always entertaining, Ursula loves to greet visitors in the kitty room and will happily snuggle up on your lap, purring away. When she’s done being all lovey-dovey, she’ll let you know (this is where the “sassy” part comes in). 🤣

Ursula is seeking a cat-savvy adopter and would do best as the only pet in a loving home where she can be the center of attention. She will need to go home with her BFF, a stuffed bunny, whom she hates to be away from.

🌟🐾Today is the perfect day to bring Ursula home, as we are wrapping up our kitty adoption promotion!!! For cats six months and older, there is no adoption fee, and for kittens, it's adopt two for one adoption fee. 🌟🐾

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make Ursula a part of your family! Visit her at our Chelsea location, and go to www.bideawee.org to learn more about our adoption process and to view our other available pets.

06/17/2024

🎉🎉🎉Congratulations to our 16th annual Love Your Pet Art Contest Grand Prize Winner – Teagan L. from East Moriches Middle School!

Thank you to our partner and friend, Loretta Swit, for supporting this year’s contest!

06/17/2024

06/15/2024

🐾🐱🌟 **Special Kitty Adoption Promo Alert!** 🌟🐱🐾

Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Bideawee has a purr-fect promotion just for you! Until the 16th, cats over 6 months old have NO adoption fee! And for those adorable kittens, it's adopt two and pay only one fee! 😻👯‍♂️

This weekend is the perfect time to open your heart and home to a sweet kitty companion. Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to give a loving home to a furry friend in need! 🐾💕 Spread the love and share this post with your friends who are looking to add some purrs and cuddles to their lives! Let's find these lovely kitties their forever homes!

Visit our website at www.bidewee.org to view our available pets and to learn about our adoption requirements.

06/14/2024

It's ! Newborn kittens are too vulnerable to safely stay in the shelter, so Bideawee relies on our network of amazing foster caretakers to give mama cats and their nursing litters the TLC they need for a successful start. We are SO thankful to our foster volunteers for helping us save — and launch — these precious lives!

2024 is here, and Bideawee foster homes are FULL of little feline families. With more new moms with kittens needing our help in the coming months, we'll need even more foster volunteers ready to provide in-home care.

Interested in fostering a feline family? Learn more and apply: https://bideawee.org/foster

06/12/2024

June 11–16, adoption fees are waived on all cats 6 months or older, or BOGO for kitten adoptions at all Bideawee locations! Search for your purrrrfect cat or kittens: https://www.bideawee.org/programs/adoption/

In honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, Bideawee is waiving the adoption fee on all cats 6 months and older and offering a special BOGO deal for all kittens! Kittens are happiest in pairs anyway, so this is a great opportunity to bring home two kittens for the price of one, OR a sweet, loving adolescent or adult cat for free. We totally support you using that money to purchase a fabulous cat tree or a stockpile of yummy treats!

Offers runs from June 11th - 16th and is good at all sites!

06/12/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 Rancid formula is a deadly threat to nursing kittens. Kittens who are fed rancid formula will vomit and/or have diarrhea — either of those things can quickly dehydrate their tiny bodies and kill them. If it smells cheesy, sharp like bad cooking oil, or has a chemical smell, it's rancid. Even formula that smells "a little off" is no good. Throw bad formula away!

Bottle-feeders can easily avoid this threat by taking a few simple precautions. Always check your supply of powdered formula to make sure it smells slightly sweet, like milk. Check the expiration date, too, but don't skip the "smell test" because formula may have been improperly stored in transit from the factory to your nursery. Be sure that you follow label directions for proper storage and refrigeration of powder and mixed formula. When mixing a batch of formula, label it with the date and exact time. Mixed formula should be thrown out after 24 hours — no exceptions! We work so hard to keep these little ones alive, we can't afford to cut corners when it comes to their formula.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org

06/07/2024

It's ! Orphaned newborn kittens are too vulnerable to safely stay in the shelter, so Bideawee relies on our network of amazing foster caretakers to give bottle babies the specialized, around-the-clock TLC they need for a successful start. We are SO thankful to our foster volunteers for helping us save — and launch — these precious lives!

2024 is here, and Bideawee foster homes are FULL of teeny felines. With lots more kittens needing our help in the coming months, we'll need even more foster volunteers ready to bottle-feed and prepare these little ones for adoption.

Interested in fostering neonate kittens? Learn more and apply: https://bideawee.org/foster

06/05/2024

Now through June 10, visit www.bideawee.org/art-contest-2024/ and click on the Gallery tab to vote for your favorite entries in Bideawee's Love Your Pet Art Contest!

06/05/2024

It's ! 💙🐈🐈🐈💛 What kind of food should you give — or not give — to an orphaned kitten who's still nursing? Feeding kittens the wrong formula or milk can be deadly. Never feed cow's milk, or milk from any source that isn't a mother cat! Kittens can't properly digest milk from other animals, or plant-based milk. Any milk that isn't mother's milk will give kittens severe diarrhea, which can kill them.

Orphaned nursing-age kittens should be fed commercial kitten formula, but choose carefully — not all kitten formulas are created equal. Never feed canned liquid formula! It may seem convenient, but it gives kittens severe diarrhea. Always use powdered kitten formula and follow the directions for how to mix it for feeding. The only two U.S. brands we recommend are Breeder's Edge Foster Care™ Kitten Milk Replacer and Pet-Ag Pet Products KMR® Kitten Milk Replacer Powder. When mixed and fed appropriately, kittens digest these formulas well and thrive on them. Caution: Once you've picked a brand, stay with it! Switching formulas will give kittens diarrhea.

Learn more through our on-demand webinar, "Bottle-Feeding and Care of Orphaned Kittens":
Video: https://bit.ly/ViewBFK230628
Handouts: https://bit.ly/FCIBFKInfo

And for in-depth info on raising kittens:
Kitten Lady: https://kittenlady.org/kitten-care
National Kitten Coalition: https://kittencoalition.org