Oakland TNR Coalition

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Oakland TNR Coalition

Oakland TNR Coalition Visit our website for more information!

Oakland TNR Coalition is a volunteer-run, foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit cat rescue founded in 2019 with a focus on TNVR in Oakland, Pittsburgh and surrounding city neighborhoods.

27/02/2025

Earlier this week, we got an urgent call from Pittsburgh Hill District Cats about a group of cats belonging to an unhoused couple. The 10 cats had been living inside a rental moving truck while the couple stayed in a hotel, but with the van due for return, the cats had nowhere to go.

We don’t typically take in owned cats, but with no other options and space available in our intake kennels, we knew we had to step up.

Today, we welcomed two of these kitties, now named Pat and Bunny, into our rescue. They were described as a bonded pair, but Bunny doesn’t seem too fond of Pat at the moment. Given all they’ve been through, we’re giving them time to decompress before deciding whether they’ll go to a foster home together or separately. For now, they’re safe, warm, and cared for. They’ll get full medical workups next week, but they seem healthy and have already received flea treatment and dewormer in the meantime.

A huge shoutout to PHDC for coordinating this rescue and to Trash Cat Rescue, Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue, and Starlight Strays Sanctuary for stepping up to take in the rest of the cats.

How can you help? Consider donating to support Pat & Bunny’s care or better yet, become a foster! The more fosters we have, the more cats we can save, both street cats and urgent cases like this.

Donate:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/OaklandTNR
PayPal: paypal.me/oaklandtnrcoalition
Givebutter: bit.ly/otnrc_donate

Apply to foster: bit.ly/otnrc_foster

Pat & Bunny’s new least on life is just beginning, and we’re so grateful for your support in giving them the future they deserve!

27/02/2025

Meet Crouton. Crouton is a 10-year-old boy with a big personality and even bigger boundaries. Rescued south of the city, he endured a rough start—found with a severe, ulcerated mass on his paw due to advanced pillow paw. After surgery and a long healing process, Crouton made a full recovery, regaining not just his health but also his strong-willed spirit.

While he once tolerated human touch when he was sick, those days are long gone. Now, Crouton makes it very clear: pets are not on the menu. He’ll happily come down for mealtime, but any attempt to give him affection will earn you a swift smack. However, what he lacks in love for humans, he makes up for in beauty and his adoration of other cats. He’s still energetic and playful despite his age, and he would thrive in a home with a feline friend (or two) to keep him company.

Crouton is looking for an adopter who will respect his independence and let him live life on his own terms. If you’re okay with admiring your cat from afar and letting him be his true, untouchable self, Crouton might just be the perfect companion for your other cat!

Crouton is 10 years old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and tested negative for FIV/FeLV. Given his strong-willed personality, his adoption fee has been waived.

27/02/2025

Meet Fafnir. Fafnir is a 7.5-year-old, big, orange fluff ball with a heart as golden as his fur. Once a feral cat roaming the streets of South Oakland, we TNR’d him in 2021 and he spent years surviving on his own. But over time, Fafnir’s tough exterior melted away, revealing the sweet and affectionate kitty he truly is.

Though he’s still a bit unsure about indoor life, Fafnir adores pets, belly rubs, and being the center of attention when he feels safe. He’s looking for a patient and understanding adopter who will give him the time he needs to adjust. Having a friendly, confident cat or two in his new home would help him feel more secure and show him the ropes of being a pampered indoor kitty.

Fafnir is just a big, d***y lovable guy with a soft spot for human touch looking for the perfect indoor home to spend the rest of his life.

Fafnir is 7.5 years old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

25/02/2025

Late last week, we took Ira, a 9-month-old from the Carrick colony, for his pre-dental exam—and the news wasn’t great. Despite his young age, Ira has an extremely severe case of stomatitis, likely due to generations of inbreeding and poor genetics, and he needs a full mouth extraction to live pain-free.

Thankfully, this small colony has now almost been fully TNR’d or rescued with just one more kitty left, Ira’s sister, who we hope can also transition indoors!

Over the weekend, Ira and his brother George moved into their foster home, and Ira’s dental scheduled for the end of next month. His exam, steroid/antibiotic injections, and deposit already cost $203.61, and his surgery is estimated to be $700-$800. Meanwhile, we’re also preparing for Bruno’s internist appointment at Safe Haven Vet on March 21st.

With kitten season creeping up fast, we could really use your support! Every donation helps us continue saving cats like Ira.

How to donate:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/OaklandTNR
Paypal: paypal.me/oaklandtnrcoalition
Givebutter: bit.ly/otnrc_donate

21/02/2025

Meet Pickles! This sweet girl was brought inside from a kind person’s home due to some eye issues, but once she was inside, it was clear she was too sweet and friendly to go back outside.

Pickles is very chatty and will meow for attention and treats. Despite her serious RBF (resting bitch face), she is soft and loves pets, it's like her head gets magnetized to your hand when it gets close. She's still not sure about sitting on laps, but I'm sure once she learns that that's where she'll get lots of attention, she'll warm up to it! Pickles very much needs a cat friend and seems ok with dogs, given proper introductions.

Her eye issue, eosinophilic keratitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a build up of eosinophils on the eye appearing as a white or pink chalky raised plaques. It can be caused by an allergic reaction or following a Feline Herpes Virus flare-up, which can be triggered by stress. Treatment response is often good but may require lifelong treatment intermittently, as recurrence is common. While Pickles doesn't enjoy getting eye drops, she tolerates getting wrapped up and medicated.

Pickles is around 3 years old, spayed, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped and tested FIV/FELV negative.

21/02/2025

Meet Spumoni. If you’re looking for one cat with many flavors, look no further than Spumoni! This gentle little guy will always keep you guessing. Is he grumpy or does he actually love you so much? Does he want pets, or does he just want to gather intel from afar? Who knows!

Before adjusting to indoor life, Spumoni was an accomplished hunter. He loves to show off his superb toy-catching skills with a near 100% accuracy rate. He’s a big fan of both bird watching and people watching, and he’s been known to silently teleport to your ankles whenever you hold any kind of chicken. He’s a very polite and mindful roommate; he has no interest in cables, curtains, or dangerous objects.

Truly a work of art in himself, Spumoni loves contorting into odd sleeping positions. When in his relaxation mode, he loves chin scritches and gentle belly rubs. When he’s had enough, he’ll put his paw on your hand and stare into your eyes. He’s very tolerant to handling, and won’t necessarily try to kill you if you trim his nails! His siren song (his teeny tiny babygirl meow) will completely transfix you and you won’t be able to stop giving him exactly the food he wants (any food).

Though wary at first, Spumoni is a social, playful fellow who would do well with a cat companion to help him boost his confidence. He’s currently being fostered with one other cat his same age. They love to jump each other and chirp softly. Spumoni would thrive in a quiet home with older children who will respect his quirks.

Spumoni is about a year old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

14/02/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day from the kitties at Oakland TNR Coalition!🫶🏻❤️

Don’t forget to send one of our annual Meowlentine’s Day cards to your Valentine! 😻

13/02/2025

🚨 Donations Needed for Sweet Bruno! 🚨

Our senior boys just can’t catch a break 💔 On Monday evening , Bruno wasn’t feeling well—he threw up, lost his appetite, and by Tuesday, his fosters found him lethargic and hiding in an unusual spot. We rushed him to Blue Pearl North, where he was thankfully stable and sent home with fluids and anti-nausea meds, to be seen by Rivers for further testing on Wednesday morning.

Bloodwork and x-rays revealed gallbladder stones, a rare and serious condition in cats. Because this is uncommon, Bruno was given a referral to see an internal medicine specialist at Safe Haven Vet in Wexford to determine if medication can help or if emergency surgery will be necessary. He was sent him with more anti-nausea meds and a medication to protect his liver while we wait to hear from the internist.

So far, between Blue Pearl and Rivers we’ve spent $811.35, and his upcoming ultrasound alone will be at least $400—not including exam fee, additional diagnostics, meds, or potential $1,000-2,000 surgery. This is an unexpected and urgent expense, and we need your help to give Bruno the best care possible!

How to donate:
Venmo: venmo.com/u/OaklandTNR
Paypal: paypal.me/oaklandtnrcoalition
Givebutter: bit.ly/otnrc_donate

We’re so grateful this happened while Bruno is back in our care, knowing he’s getting the medical attention he needs instead of suffering in silence. Please share & donate if you can—every dollar helps get Bruno back on track towards adoption!

12/02/2025

Meet Toaster Oven! Rescued as a semi-feral catten from South Oakland, this spicy, lovable diva is ready to find her perfect forever home!

When you enter a room, Toaster Oven will run up to you to make sure you give her attention and pets. She loves to play with cat scratchers, string toys, and springs. She also loves playing with other cats! Coming from the streets, she is still hesitant to trust easily but once you gain her trust, she will show you the most lovable side to her! Because of where she came from, she does not like to be picked up. She will lay in your lap but will squirm out of your grasp if you try to grab her! With time in her forever home I have no doubt that she will become attached and let her human love her in anyway, including being picked up.

Toaster Oven needs a patient and understanding home that will give her time to adjust to her settings and be willing to build trust with her. She would do best in home with other confident cats who can help her come out of her shell. Overall if you adopt her; you will never feel unloved!

Toast Oven is 9 months old, spayed, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

12/02/2025

Meet Kevin. This sweet tabby boy came to rescue after a good Samaritan brought him inside before the polar vortex last month after he was kicked out by his old “family.”

Kevin is very affectionate and enjoys attention, especially head scratches. He warms up quickly and loves to sit in your lap, often meowing to get your attention or express his gratitude. Kevin is full of energy and loves to play, particularly with wand toys. He’s a sweet, friendly cat looking for a love home of his own.

Kevin is about a year old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and test FIV/FeLV negative.

06/02/2025

✨Gorgeous Gravy is ready for her modeling career!✨

Check out these glamor shots of Gravy, captured by one of our amazing volunteers! Somehow, this sweet and sassy queen is STILL waiting for her forever home — could it be yours?

Rescued in the fall from Swissvale after popping out babies all her short life, Gravy is totally thriving. The stress of street life likely led to her Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, but with a proper diet and prescription food, she’s had zero issues and is a happy, healthy girl.

Gravy is just 2-years-old and would love to be the queen of the castle, but she can coexist with other calm, cat-friendly kitties. However, dogs are a big no for her!

Come meet this gorgeous lady at the Waterfront (Homestead) Petco Adoption Center and see if she’s the purrfect match for you! Apply to adopt today!

Adoption Application —> bit.ly/otnrcadoption

05/02/2025

Meet Junk Mail & Beer Bottle!

These two adorable sisters had a rough start in life—they were rescued from a recycling bin in the city! Now safe and thriving, they’re ready to find their forever home together.

Junk Mail (white spot) is a cuddly, outgoing lovebug who adores playing with toys and snuggling up with her humans. Beer Bottle (all black) is a bit more reserved, but with her sister by her side, she gains the confidence to explore and play! Their bond is unbreakable, and they’d love nothing more than to stay together in a home filled with love, toys, and cozy spots for naps.

Junk Mail and Beer Bottle are about 4 months old, spayed, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

05/02/2025

Meet Bruno & Toby – The Ultimate Senior Duo!

Bruno and Toby are a bonded pair of senior brothers who are as sweet as they come! These two lovebugs thrive on attention and cuddles, always wanting to be near their people. When they’re not wrestling or playing, you’ll find them curled up together, enjoying each other’s company.

Toby (orange) is the chatty one, especially when it’s mealtime! He adores his foster parents and will happily snuggle up next to them. He’s also got a soft spot for dogs—he’s even been known to boop noses with his canine friend! Bruno (grey) is the more independent and adventurous of the two. He loves to explore, jump on counters, and greet every visitor like an old friend. Both boys are laser pointer fanatics and highly food-motivated—they’ll even sit for a treat!

These brothers were originally rescued from a home with many cats after their owner passed away. After receiving much-needed medical care—including a full-mouth dental for Toby—they found a home but were returned due to a child’s allergies. They were adopted again but came back recently, having not received any vet care in their time away. Now, Toby is on a special C/D diet for feline lower urinary tract disease, and Bruno receives an asthma injection every three months.

Despite their journey, Bruno and Toby are still loving, playful, and eager to find their true forever home.

Toby and Bruno are about 9.5 years old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

31/01/2025

🚨 Urgent: We Need Fosters! 🚨

This week, we started helping a dedicated caretaker with a cat colony in Carrick. She’s already fixed a few and brought two inside, but there are still several left who need our help!

Most of these cats are super friendly—including a bonded pair of brothers and 3-4 others, all around a year old. We’d love to find foster homes for every one of them!

The street they’re on isn’t a main road, but cars speed through — plus, we never return friendly cats to the streets!

Can you open your home to a foster? You provide the safe, temporary space—we cover all basic supplies and support!

Join our incredible foster network and help save a life today — we can’t do it without yinz!

bit.ly/otnrc_foster

25/01/2025

Meet Biscotti. Aka Scotty, aka Baby-Man. Rescued from the streets, he is the sweetest, most snuggly brown tabby you’ll ever meet! This handsome young guy has big, bright green eyes that will melt your heart, and a coat so soft you won’t want to stop petting him. He’s a little on the shy side at first, but once he warms up to you, he’s a total mush!

Biscotti is a playful, curious cat who loves to explore and chase after toys, but he’s also all about the cuddles. He’s not so sure about laps yet, but he loves to snuggle on the couch. This boy is a true purr machine! His patience and tolerance make him a delight to have around, and his silly antics are sure to bring some extra joy into your life.

Biscotti is about a year old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped, and tested FIV/FeLV negative.

25/01/2025

Meet Mr. Man. This 17-pound chonk was TNR’d by a good Samaritan last fall. Seeing how friendly he was, she reached out to us for help bringing him indoors last month and now he’s ready for his forever home.

Mr. Mahon, a.k.a. solstice, a.k.a. Saul, a.k.a. soul sister, is a Big Perfect Boy. He loves face skritches, scratches, and pets. He is quick not just to allow but also to ask for such warm interaction. As you get to know him, he’ll open his whole belly to you and insist on kitteh massages all over. While he really appreciates physical affection, Mr. Mahon is not needy. He rarely gives more than a light swap if he feels you’ve gone too far. Oh, and he never ever holds a grudge!

Mr. Man integrated bravely and thoughtfully. He’s very good at reading a room and is a quick study. He will take more time around other animals, particularly dogs, though he’s proven he can do it—and without a grudge.

Sol loves his kibble. LOVES IT. He doesn’t care what kind. He wants nothing to do with anything wet. He once ate some frisky shreds. Once. Don’t bother with cans, don’t bother with pouches, don’t bother with soups. He will eat treats! But he doesn’t need many because he has a strong relationship with Kibble. He has started to eat raw freeze-dried toppers. Given this love affair, we suggest using an automatic feeder.

He’s quite fit - a brick house really- and keeping that up will be great. Plus, you know, the kibble thing. Mr. Mahon just started really actively playing! He loves the wand with feathers on it in particular. Think hunting when you play with him and it will be marvelous.

Mr. Mahon loves the scratchers! And given how much he likes cuddles, having a scratcher around is key.

It’s becoming clear that Mr. Mahon is very happy to have alone time, but more and more he chooses fully chill out in shared spaces. Mr. Man is basically perfect.

Mr. Man is about 2 years old, neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, dewormed, microchipped and tested FIV+ and FeLV negative.

24/01/2025

🏠 Socialization Fosters Needed!

Just before the polar vortex, we rescued two cats from South Oakland after their feeder and source of shelter moved away. The first is a fluffy orange boy we TNR’d a few years ago, who has recently started allowing pets and even purring! Though he’s still spooked indoors, we’re confident he’ll quickly learn the joys of being a house cat. The second is an 11-year-old black female who has spent nearly a decade relying on the feeder’s outdoor shelters. While she doesn’t allow pets yet, she has meowed at us, doesn’t hiss or growl, and seems cautiously curious about people. With time, love, and patience, we believe she could adjust to indoor life and become a wonderful companion.

These two cats don’t need to be fostered together, but both would benefit greatly from understanding and patient fosters to help them transition. Socializing semi-feral cats is no easy task, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. Watching a once-nervous feral cat blossom into a loving house cat is truly magical.

We provide everything you’ll need, including supplies, ongoing support, and a detailed guide we’ve created for fostering semi-feral cats. All you need to provide is a safe space, love, and patience to help them feel secure and loved.

If you think you have what it takes to help these special cats, apply to foster today and be part of their transformation!

👉 bit.ly/otnrc_foster

18/01/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share heartbreaking news.

Brown Paper Bag, one of the trio of kittens we rescued from a recycling bin in Arlington, passed away in a tragic accident yesterday.

His foster noticed he had been missing since the previous night and, after an exhaustive search, feared he had escaped. Tragically, they found him in a sealed container used for litter. In a rare and devastating accident, he had managed to open the latch, crawl inside, and become trapped. Suffocation can happen in minutes, with little to no time to intervene.

The unimaginable loss of Brown Paper Bag reminds us how curiosity, one of the most lovable traits in our cats, can sometimes lead to unexpected and life-threatening accidents. These accidents are incredibly rare, and there are many things in the home that can present danger to your pets without even realizing.

In Brown Paper Bag’s memory, let’s take steps to minimize household risks:
1. Secure containers: Use pet-proof bins and store them in areas pets can’t access.
2. Cut or crush packaging: Snip or flatten cans, treat bags, and plastic tubs to prevent seals or traps.
3. Store packaging safely: Keep food packaging and bags well out of reach.
4. Dispose of waste properly: Ensure litter and other waste are safely sealed and discarded.

Other common household dangers include:
- Toxic plants like lilies, pothos, and snake plants
- Wires and exposed cords
- Candles, essential oil diffusers and salt lamps
- Medications, and human foods
- Window blind cords
- Open toilet bowls

While it’s impossible to eliminate every potential hazard, small changes can make a big difference.

While nothing can ease the pain of losing Brown Paper Bag to such a freak and tragic accident, we hope his story raises awareness and prevents similar tragedies.

Rest easy, sweet Brown Paper Bag. You were so loved and will never be forgotten.

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Fish Fry is loving his new toys! He’s still working through some tummy troubles but should be adoption-ready soon. Huge thanks to our former fosters, Wei and her husband Grant, for the amazing Amazon haul (including these toys) and generous donation! Despite moving all the way across the country, they’ve supported us for years—and even shared their recent wedding gifts with the kitties! We, Fish Fry and all the kitties are so grateful… Now, how about moving back to Pittsburgh? 😉 And to the rest of our amazing community: we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for always showing up for the kitties!

Momma is the best! 😻 Happy Mother’s Day to all the human and feline mommas out there, where would we be without you? 🌷🥰❤️

Just a big tough baby kitten to brighten your gloomy Tuesday🥰

We're closing out Giving Tuesday with this cute video. This isn't even half of the kitties we've helped this year — who all do you recognize? Consider sending a small donation our way to end the night so we can continue saving cats and kittens just like the ones in this video! Venmo: @OaklandTNR (https://www.venmo.com/u/OaklandTNRpaypal.me/oaklandtnrcoalition

In case anyone was wondering how Rigatoni is doing… he is loving his little foster buddy Leroy (and tolerating Stitch🤣). Toni is the perfect example of FIV+ kitties living with negative kitties. Sweet as can be and happy as a clam, as he should be after all he’s been through. All three boys will be available for adoption very soon, so keep an eye out!

We’re here at Pittsburgh VegFest for the second year in a row until 5 pm! We have shirts for humans, a nice raffle basket, and lots of goodies for kitties too — come say hi!

The three surviving South Park kittens are absolutely thriving! After a little scare from Reginold aka Reggie (the orange kitten), he’s finally on the up, gaining weight, chowing down, and acting like a normal kitten. He and his brothers Bartholomew (Bart) and Leopold (Leo) have graduated from their basement quarantine and are officially upstairs fosters! The super playful, sweet brothers should be fully vetted and available for adoption in about a month!

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How it started

Our journey began with Lydia Swanson, who spent her time volunteering at the Scratching Post - Lewisburg Cat Cafeand the Lycoming County SPCA. She first discovered a small colony of eight cats in Oakland less than a half mile from the core of the University of Pittsburgh's campus. With advice from her local organization, Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance, she began an interesting journey into TNR, taking care of that colony as well as a 45 cat colony.

Lydia then met fellow cat lover, Elizabeth Constantino, who had recently happened upon a litter of five in the backyard of her Oakland residence. Four were returned to mom, leaving her to bottle-raise the fifth, abandoned kitten. With newly opened eyes to the reality the ever-growing population of feral cats, the two founded Oakland TNR Coalition, focused on the scientifically proven humane method: Trap, Neuter, Release.

Today, our mission is to team up with the local residents of Oakland, Pittsburgh to work on population reduction, vetting, and homing of the feral/stray/homeless cats in the community. We hope that you will continue to follow our journey and support us!

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How it started