Meeow Chicago

09/01/2025

PSA from the Stray Cat Project….. TIA!

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: "the vacuum effect"
👉 Why "catch and kill" doesn't work.

A vacuum occurs when a population is removed from an area, opening the territory for outsiders to take advantage of it's resources. Some people believe that if you remove cats from an area (catch and kill), you will solve the problem. What they don't realize is that the resources in that area (food and shelter, for example) remain and will attract other cats from neighboring areas to take advantage of those resources.

Why don't we just catch and euthanize the cats in an area rather than TNR them? Because "catch and kill" doesn't work to solve the community cat population problem. Plus, killing otherwise healthy cats is inhumane.

Cats are territorial, so when you remove cats from a territory (when you "catch and kill"), new cats will move in to take advantage of the resources available in that territory. Those cats will also need to be captured, and the cycle will continue to no end. The better solution is to TNR the cats already in the area and let them defend their space against newcomers.

Exterminating community cats does not work to control the cat population. The only proven method is TNR -- and it happens to be the only HUMANE way as well. The attached link leads to a short article from Alley Cat Allies with more details about "the vacuum effect." Support TNR in your community!

https://www.alleycat.org/.../the-vacuum-effect-why-catch.../

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project. Graphic by Alley Cat Allies.

02/01/2025

Education is key!

📚 Our BACK TO BASICS SERIES: feral vs. stray
What's the difference between a feral cat and a stray cat? 🤔

👉 A FERAL cat is an outdoor cat that is not socialized with people. These cats are fearful and want nothing to do with humans. They are not suited to be indoor pets and are considered unadoptable. There are varying degrees of feral, so "once a feral, always a feral" is not the rule. Some ferals can be socialized over time; it depends on the cat and the person working with the animal.

👉 A STRAY cat is a cat that lives outdoors and has been socialized to some degree with humans. This cat may have once had an indoor home but now finds itself outside, perhaps abandoned or lost. Or, it could be a cat born outside with a feeder whom it trusts. Strays are more open to relationships with humans whereas ferals are not. When one describes a cat as a stray, it is implied that the cat is friendly to some degree.

💡 "Community cat" is an all-encompassing term to include all unowned outdoor cats, regardless of whether they are stray or feral.

Knowing whether a cat is feral or stray is important as the answer will determine your course of action. All cats should be spayed or neutered. A feral cat should go through the TNR process whereas a stray cat might go into foster care after vetting in search of an indoor forever home. Generally, strays are candidates for adoption; ferals are generally not.

👉How can you tell if a cat is feral or stray?
➡ A feral cat won't come close. A stray will come close and might let you pet it.
➡A feral will assume a crouched, tense body position and not make eye contact. A stray will act more like a house cat: standing, tail up, making eye contact.
➡A feral will not make a sound. A stray might purr or meow.
➡Ferals are more active at night. Strays are active during the day.
➡Ferals tend to be well-groomed; strays might be disheveled.
➡When trapped, ferals move to the back of the trap. Strays come to the front.
➡A scared feral will lash out; a scared stray may simply hiss.
➡A feral won't recognize or play with a toy. A stray probably will.

Original content provided by Stray Cat Project.

29/12/2024

Thanks Stray Cat Project for the Purrfect reminders for the upcoming holiday! 💥— we will be blasting meeow tunes & TVs At midnight … while bringing in the Mew Year! 🎉🥂🥳

🎇 Planning a purr-fect New Year's Eve bash? 🎉 Ensure your celebration doesn't turn into a CAT-astrophe by taking these feline-friendly measures! 🐱💕

1️⃣ Create a safe haven to minimize stress: Set up a cozy retreat for your kitties away from the party buzz. A spare room with their favorite toys and comforts works wonders and lets them relax and feel secure. 🏡🐾 Keep doors closed to prevent escapes, and shield your furry friends from the hustle and bustle. 🚪😺

2️⃣ Firework precautions: If fireworks are part of the festivities, ease your kitty's nerves with calming methods. Provide a comfy hideaway and consider using calming aids if needed. 🎆🐈

3️⃣ Bring cats indoors (if possible): feral cats know where to hide, but friendly indoor/outdoor cats may become startled, run away and get lost when the loud booms of fireworks start to sound. Bring your kitty indoors so you don't lose them! 🎇






(🌟 Original content provided by Stray Cat Project 🐾)

26/12/2024

PLEASE READ!!

25/12/2024

Wishing all of our friends, family, clients the Happiest of Holidays, Peace On Earth, Good will towards Cats...We are thankful of the families we are caring for this holiday & LOVE meeting the new faces & seeing the old.... May your holiday be peaceful & PURRRfect.. - Jennifer & Meeow Chicago Family

03/12/2024

To all our MEEOW FANS! Today is GIVING TUESDAY! We are caring for a handful of Shelter cats from Heartland Animal Shelter. ❤️They are adoptable❤️ also but could we ask for CLUMPING CLAY CAT LITTER & CANNED FRISKIES or FANCY FEAST donations so we don’t tap into the shelter supply? We also feed several feral colonies! They would be so happy as well!! Addresses to ship! - MEEOW CHICAGO-Ohare—4936 N. RIVER RD-Schiller Park IL 60176 —🙏 & THANK MEW!!

30/11/2024

'Tis the season to save a life! 💚❤️

BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters™ is back from Dec. 1 - 17 at 390+ shelters in 45 states! Adopt a vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered pet for just $50 or less. Join us as we help every shelter pet find a loving home in time for the holidays.

Get ready to adopt by viewing participating shelters: https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org/programs/empty-the-shelters/

18/11/2024

PSA!

📢 How to encourage an outdoor cat to use a shelter...

In most cases, cats will figure out how to use shelters on their own. Here are a few things you can do to attract them if it doesn't seem like your cats are using the shelter:

▪️ Be patient. Some cats need a lot of time to get comfortable with a new shelter.
▪️ Loosely fill the shelter ½ to ¾ full of straw, NOT HAY. Replace the straw every year.
▪️ Remove any door flaps on the shelter. While doorway flaps help keep cold air out and warm air in, they should not be added until after your cats are used to going in and out of the shelter.
▪️ Do not place food in or near the shelter. Cats instinctively avoid sleeping near food as it attracts other cats and wildlife (predators).
▪️ Location is important. Place the shelter where your cats are already hanging out. More feral/less social cats typically want to shelter farther away from humans. The more secluded the shelter, the more likely cats are to use it.
▪️ Place the shelter near natural cover, as opposed to out in the open where your cats may not feel safe. Cats prefer to move along walls, hedges, or other natural barriers and boundaries. Place the shelter under or up against a building, fence, tree, porch, bush, or some type of overhang.
▪️ Place the shelter with the entrance facing away from the wind, rain, and snow.
▪️ Make sure the shelter is on a flat surface. A wobbly shelter could discourage cats from entering.
▪️ It’s possible that your cats have another shelter where they feel safe. They may already have a shed, crawlspace, or some other shelter they prefer.
▪️ When all else fails, try a new location, but only after giving your cats plenty of time to explore and get used to the current location.

(We thank FeralVilla.com for this great advice!)

💛 THANK YOU to the caregivers who have taken the time to build a feral cat shelter. Protection from the elements is critical, especially during the cold months, and your thoughtfulness will no doubt save many lives this winter. 🐾❄️









(source of photo unknown)

17/11/2024

😭😥😫

🚨 CACC Update 🚨

As of this morning, we are caring for 355 animals at Chicago Animal Care and Control. In just the first two weeks of November, 564 animals entered through our doors — 345 of them were dogs.

🐾 Adopt and Make a Difference 🐾

Adoption fees are waived for long-term animals who have been here 30 days or longer. We are open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM, and if you're planning to adopt, please arrive by 5:30 PM to allow enough time to complete paperwork.

📌 Responsible Pet Ownership Tips

✅Microchip your pets and make sure your contact information is up-to-date!

✅Keep a collar and tags with current information on your pets at all times.

✅If your pet is at CACC, please redeem them immediately. Delays mean they’re occupying space needed for another animal in need.

🙏 Thank You

To everyone who continues to choose adoption as their first option: we see you, and we appreciate you. 💙 A heartfelt thank you to our rescue partners and incredible volunteers who stand beside us every single day, working tirelessly during these times which have been overwhelming for many.

Let's work toward responsible pet ownership and help as many pets as possible find loving homes as we all push toward a brighter tomorrow.

📍 Chicago Animal Care and Control
📍 2741 S Western Ave, Chicago
📆 Open daily: 12 PM - 7 PM
⏳ Last adoption entry: 5:30 PM

29/10/2024

Happy National Cat day to all the kitties we care for and the ones we love Feral, client pets…highlighting the group of kitties currently Meeow Chicago looking for their FUREVER homes…. Prayers to all the homeless cats out there at the mercy of humans….Anyone have some spare ❤️ strings to share with a sweet fur all? Reach out to adopt Sheri Berliner Heartland Animal Shelter — PLEASE SHARE!

24/10/2024

Times are tough! Thank you SPAY ILLINOIS for this pawsome program! Please share, help a neighbor or senior transport their pets to keep them healthy and up to date on vaccines! It takes a VILLAGE!