Feral Cat Friends

12/06/2025

This is a very good example of what microchips can do, and an example of why microchipping stray cats is a good idea.

A simple trip to the vet was all it took to uncover the surprising truth about a rescued stray cat.

For years, his new owners believed they had rescued a stray cat. It wasn't until a routine vet visit that the truth came out: the cat was microchipped and already had a family. The phone call made by vet Krista Magnifico, owner of the Jarrettsville Veterinary Center in Maryland, USA, then took a completely unexpected turn.

The story was shared in a video posted on her Instagram account, , on 7th September. As she explains, her team calls the numbers linked to microchips "almost every week" in the hope of reuniting a pet with its family. It's a step she considers essential.

Upon scanning the microchip of the cat recently brought in for a check-up, Magnifico discovered he was once named Prince. She immediately called his former owners to share the good news: their companion had been found, alive and well.

The person on the other end of the line was emotional. But very quickly, something surprised the vet. Instead of asking for Prince to be returned, the family explained that the cat seemed happy where he was... and that the people who had taken him in could keep him.

On Instagram, the reactions came thick and fast. Many were outraged: why wouldn't they want to take back a cat they had searched for for months? And why had his new owners never thought to check for a microchip before?

In a follow-up comment, Magnifico clarified a few things that helped to calm the debate. Prince had originally been found as a stray by his first family. They had him vaccinated and neutered, and tried to get him used to life indoors. But the cat felt safer outside and would often slip away. One day, he never came back. His family spent months searching for him.

In reality, the feline had found shelter in a barn several miles away. It took his future adopters a long time to get close to him and then to earn his trust. Gradually, Prince began to let them care for him, feed him, and shower him with affection.

Magnifico explained that the cat had actually been to her clinic years before for an illness, but the microchip hadn't been detected at the time. During this latest appointment, however, the chip showed up loud and clear. True to her principles, the vet contacted the first family. But they, reassured to know that Prince was doing well, felt it was best not to disrupt his new life. In the meantime, they had adopted other cats, convinced he would never return.

"They understood that he was happier there," explains Magnifico. For her, it's a true happy ending. The former owners no longer have to worry, and the new ones, who put so much effort into taming this cat, get to keep him.

11/30/2025

With the weather turning cold, it’s time for our annual reminder about providing the proper insulating material for outside cat shelters.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

11/23/2025

FCF's mission isn't rehoming or relocation, it's Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). But that doesn't mean we don't get asked about rehoming. And we want to provide good guidance for the good of the cats.

You just want a good home for your cat or kitten. But, there are people with ill intentions looking for owners just like you who are desperate to find a new home for their kitties. You owe it to these pets to do a little research before handing over them over to a stranger.

🔺 Be sure the cat is spayed or neutered and vaccinated. I know this is easier said than done, but it's THE MOST IMPORTANT THING for them. No matter where they end up in the future, they won't be reproducing. They won't get testicular or ovarian cancer. They go through heat cycles or yowling and spraying everywhere. It just needs to be done. Make it happen.

🔺 Charge a rehoming fee. It can be small. But a rehoming fee can deter the wrong kinds of people. You want a potential adopter who is going to put a little thought into this lifelong commitment, not someone who is going to grab a kitten on whim and stick him outside once the newness wears off. The fee can even be waived later if you feel the adopter is the right adopter for you.

🔺 Ask about living arrangements, they matter! The person interested in your pet may rent. Does their rental agreement allow pets? Will they have to pay an extra fee to add a pet and are they prepared to pay that fee? It is perfectly reasonable to ask to see a copy of the lease agreement. We have seen many instances where someone thinks they can sneak a cat in. Once the landlord finds out, that cat is usually put outside or rehomed yet again.

🔺 Ask about other pets in the home. Perhaps a senior cat should not be paired with an energetic kitten. Maybe it's fine. You need to be aware of the behaviors you're placing together to hopefully have a smooth transition and not a cat they need to return shortly after adoption.

These are just the high points, but there are lots of other things you could choose to do to help ensure the safety of your pet: Can they currently afford a pet? Can they afford an unforeseen emergency vet visit? Will the cat be indoors or outdoors? How do they plan to acclimate the new cat with their other animals and what is the plan if it doesn't go well? Request to visit for a home check. Check vet references. Etc., etc., etc.

Safe rehoming is possible if the cat is already vetted and you ask the right questions! Otherwise, ask for guidance from a shelter or rescue.

11/14/2025

How can this admin fully convey the hard work the volunteers do every week for community cats? On Monday of this week alone, our founder and another volunteer took in 21 cats for spay/neuter and vaccinations. That is allot of cats in one day! And allot of cats not reproducing or getting sick from being intact. And another cat that had already been TNR'd needed medical care, which meant extra time and money spent at a vet clinic. FCF does not receive funding from any municipality or other source besides the occasional grant or vouchers and our own fund raising, a large majority of which comes via more hard work operating a concession stand at IU football games. Every time someone asks for our help and asks, "What is the charge?" we say, "There is no charge for our services." We know everyone is feeling pinched right now, but if you can spare even a few dollars for FCF, it will go right back into our TNR work for the cats.

11/12/2025

If you or someone you know needs pet food assistance, this is a local resource.

🐾 No pet should go hungry. No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pets.

📦 The MCHA Emergency Pet Food & Supply Pantry is here for families in our community who are struggling. Our shelves helped distribute more than 28,000 pounds (or 14 tons) of pet food in 2024— keeping pets fed, loved, and home where they belong. 💚 💙

We’ve seen a significant increase in need this year. Whether it's food or urgently needed pet supplies, our pantry's mission is to support families experiencing temporary financial difficulties while ensuring no pet goes hungry. By keeping pets with their families and out of the region’s shelters, we’re helping build a community where every pet is valued, cared for, and safe.

📦 Need assistance or want to learn more?
Find program details, hours, and how to apply at monroehumane.org/pantry

11/10/2025

This is very important and helpful information to keep handy.

11/09/2025

Yes, those with food needs will need help feeding their pets.

With SNAP benefits going out late, nonprofits are begging for pet food donations to prevent desperate owners from surrendering their dogs and cats to animal shelters

11/01/2025

Do you oversee a colony of outside cats? This workshop might be very helpful. Its only $10 and its online, and if you can't attend on the stated date and time, you can watch it later if you register.

Join expert instructors to master TNR and colony management. Learn how to trap, communicate with neighbors, manage colonies, and provide shelter. Includes real-life videos, handouts, certificate of attendance, and access to a dedicated networking group.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 🎃🐈‍⬛

10/29/2025

🐱 National Cat Day Tip: Spay & neuter! Healthy cats + fewer homeless kittens = happy communities. Celebrate your kitty and make a difference today! 💛

10/27/2025

It’s National Black Cat Day! From the panther seeds to the full size panthers, show your love 🖤 of black cats by sharing photos of your panthers.