Neighborhood Cats

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Neighborhood Cats

Feral cats are too-often forgotten. Our goal is to make life better for community cats locally and throughout the United States. Help us help more cats!

Neighborhood Cats is a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charity. Using the method known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), our mission is to improve the lives of the millions of cats living on our streets and support the compassionate people caring for them. Check out our campaign: donate.neighborhoodcats.org/givingmewsday

09/22/2025

Ripley's on the mend... thanks to YOU! 🩷
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/campaign/721734/donate
A few weeks ago we introduced you to Ripley, a senior feral with the heart of a joyful kitten. At ten years old Ripley still galloped through his Staten Island backyard, swatting at rustling leaves and flinging his teddy bear-shaped body at the tree trunks and fence posts he loved to climb. When a mom and litter of new kittens appeared on his block, he quickly became their unlikely babysitter. Silly and full of surprises, Ripley looks like a plush toy come to life - but this grand old guy is no softie.

Last month when Neighborhood Cats went to trap the kittens, we found Ripley suffering from advanced, excruciatingly painful dental disease. Though he was struggling to eat and drink, our brave boy never complained and the warning signs of illness slipped by his elderly caretaker. By the time we stepped in, poor Ripley was in trouble. We had to move fast, so we turned to you, our friends, to save him. And you did!

Your generous donations paid for the lengthy surgery Ripley needed to drain abscesses, remove broken, decaying teeth and end his suffering. In all, he had fifteen extractions, leaving him mostly toothless (he’s still got a row of incisors, those cute, teeny-tiny teeth, up front). Complications from an infected cyst under his right ear required more treatment, which is ongoing. The whole ordeal exhausted the little fellow but now he’s on the mend. He’s eating again, purring again and even starting to wash his whiskers after meals. His kittenish, can-do spirit is coming back! Before long we’ll have Ripley up and running on his perpetual-motion paws - all because you cared. Thank you!

Missed Ripley's original story? Check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/neighborhoodcats/ripley?e=5b70ad143d

09/17/2025

Learn about Return-to-Field this Saturday, 9/20!
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/697580098798777176
RETURN-TO-FIELD:
SAVING THE LIVES OF COMMUNITY CATS
Sat, Sept 20, 2025, 2 - 4pm ET

In the past, feral cats had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after they entered. But over the past decade, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. With RTF, impounded community cats are spayed or neutered and then returned back to their original locations. Dramatic drops in cat euthanasia are a common result.

This webinar will discuss the policies behind RTF and why it's growing more popular. We'll also describe the mechanics of running a program and explore current controversies, like returning friendly cats back outdoors. In addition, we'll show how a return-to-field program can be combined with targeted TNR to reduce intake as well as euthanasia.

Presented by Bryan Kortis and Susan Richmond of Neighborhood Cats, co-authors of The Return-to-Field Handbook published by Humane World for Animals.

Can't make it live? Register anyway and a link for the recording will be emailed to you as soon as it's ready. This webinar is hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and sponsored by Tomahawk Live Trap. $10 fee. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

09/12/2025

READY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW?
Take advantage of scholarship opportunities at the Community Cats Podcast!
https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/event-scholarships/
The Community Cats Podcast has a limited number of scholarships granting complimentary access to these upcoming events:

UNITED SPAY ALLIANCE ONLINE CONFERENCE
October 11 - 12, 2025 / 10:00 am - 5.00 pm ET

RETURN-TO-HOME CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
November 12, 2025 / 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET

Follow the link above for information about the presentations and to submit your scholarship application(s) (applying is quick and easy!)

08/17/2025

Sal's great comeback!
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/campaign/709070/donate
At first glance, Sal doesn’t look much different than he did a couple of weeks ago. The old black and white cat from Brooklyn is still too skinny. His fur is still a bit unkempt, as though he overslept and had to dash out the door to work. But appearances can be deceiving because - thanks to you - Sal is growing happier, healthier and stronger every day!

Sal’s story began in 2020 when Trina, a local rescuer, trapped him, had him fixed and returned the feisty feral to his feeder. She waved goodbye as she watched him speed into the bushes. Sometime after that, we don’t know when or why, his caretaker vanished and Sal was alone. By the time Trina spotted him last month at his old, abandoned colony site, he was a shadow of the cat she remembered. Time had mellowed him and Trina felt a mingling of wonder and sadness as he ran to her, letting her gather his frail body in her arms. A trip to the vet confirmed he was malnourished and suffering from severe, long-neglected dental disease.

When Neighborhood Cats learned of Sal’s plight, we jumped in to help. And we turned to you, our friends, to save him. It took 18 extractions and multiple courses of antibiotics to end his pain. We also had to battle an aggressive bacterial infection that had spread through Sal’s body, inflaming his intestines and making it hard for him to digest his food. But with you in his corner, we won! His last round of treatment has been completed and he’s already starting to gain weight. He’s begun grooming after each meal, too. And - big news! - Sal’s just been adopted! His new family includes a doting mom and another senior cat who’s eager to be friends.

The best is yet to come for our sweet, brave boy. It’s all because you came to Sal’s rescue when he needed you most. Thank you for caring!

Missed Sal's original story? Check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/neighborhoodcats/sal?e=5b70ad143d

08/01/2025

Near Long Island, NY? Free spay/neuter vouchers available!
https://www.theladewcatsanctuary.org/sweeties-spay-and-neuter-squad
The Patricia H Ladew Foundation is currently providing up to 5 free spay/neuter vouchers per caretaker to the TNR community. These vouchers cover spay or neuter surgery, eartip and vaccines, and can be redeemed at these Long Island veterinary clinics:

⦿ Helping Paw (East Meadow)
⦿ Island Rescue (Bay Shore)
⦿ All About Cats (Freeport)
⦿ Integrated Veterinary Therapies (Ridge)

For more information and to apply, follow the link above to Sweetie's Spay (and neuter) Squad on the foundation's website.

07/28/2025

Scholarships available - Return to Home Certification Workshop
https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-home-certification-workshop-july-2025
July 30, 2025 2-3:30pm EDT
RETURN TO HOME CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP
$10/Scholarships available

The MSPCA in Boston, MA has an impressive 30% return to owner rate for cats! In this session Corinne Bourgoin of the MSPCA will explore straightforward, effective strategies and processes you can implement to support the owners of lost cats, become a valuable resource for those who find stray cats, and boost the rates at which cats in our shelters are joyfully reunited with their families. This session is not to be missed. At the end of the workshop attendees have a week to take a test to get Return to Home Certified and they have access to the handouts and the recording for up to a year.

For more information and registration follow the link above.

To complete the scholarship application please go to https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/event-scholarships/

for this opportunity.

07/25/2025

SPECIAL SUNDAY TNR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP - 7/27! 🐱
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160
Neighborhood Cats
TNR Certification Workshop
Sunday, July 27, 2025, 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. In this session, you’ll learn:

•What TNR is and why it works
•Prepare for trapping and handle challenges
•Communicate effectively with neighbors whether they like the cats or don't want them around
•Manage feeding stations and provide winter shelter
•Organize and conduct large-scale trapping operations

What’s included:

•Interactive training format with real-life video footage
•Extensive handouts and resources
•Certificate of attendance upon passing a short quiz
•Access to a dedicated TNR networking group on Facebook
•Optional live Q&A with our instructors

Instructed by Elizabeth Finch and Lori Trahan, 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 July 27 session and view the recording by August 3. Follow the link above to reserve your spot!

07/20/2025

HIGGINS IS FEELING SO MUCH BETTER NOW!
https://donate.neighborhoodcats.org/campaign/700473/donate
Three weeks ago Higgins was a very sad little cat - with good reason. The young tuxedo from Saint Albans, Queens, had just been diagnosed with stomatitis, a terrible autoimmune disease. He was in agony as worsening infection attacked his gums and the roof of his mouth. With no money and unsure where to turn, Sasha, his caretaker could only watch as Higgins grew weaker. By the time she found her way to Neighborhood Cats, he was glassy-eyed from pain and nearly unable to eat. We quickly shared Higgins’ story with you, our dedicated friends, and asked for your help. That’s when everything changed.

With your generous support Higgins was able to have the surgery that stopped the disease in its tracks. He slept for nearly twenty-four hours after the grueling operation to remove all his teeth and when he woke up, he was a new cat! Now the sadness is gone from his face. His amber eyes are clear and bright and he can eat soft food to his heart’s content (his gums still need to heal a bit more before he can tackle crunchies). And in a sure sign that he’s feeling so much better, his sweet personality is starting to shine through. Higgins is fascinated by a pair of fuzzy foster kittens in the kennel next to his and he watches them keenly. Sometimes he stretches a paw through his cage door towards the babies, or mews at them like a reassuring uncle. He keeps his own toy-filled kennel spotless and falls asleep at night with his head propped on his favorite plush sunflower.

It will take time for Higgins to fully recover from the devastating effects of his ordeal - but thanks to you he’s getting stronger every day. Your kindness saved his life. He’s a lucky boy to have you as a friend!

Missed Higgins' original story? You can check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/neighborhoodcats/higgins?e=5b70ad143d

07/18/2025

FRIENDLY FRIDAY - MEET RILEY! ❤️

If you're searching for a fun, friendly, well-behaved companion (who also happens to be super-handsome), look no further. Riley is a one year old ginger & white domestic shorthair who's ready to be your new BFF!

This boy LOVES people (kids too) and is always up for playime together or, if you're busy, amusing himself solo with his toys. He is not used to other cats and will be happiest as your one and only. Riley is healthy, neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. He is now in Sunnyside, Queens and hoping someone special will soon give him the forever home he's dreaming of. Might that be you? To learn more, or to meet sweet Riley please call or text Kristen at (917) 599-7039.

07/09/2025

CELEBRATE OUR 25TH WITH A CAT FOOD GIFT!
Your donation will go straight to the streets
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2KY0BDPPXK9BU?type=wishlist&filter=all&sort=price-asc&viewType=list
This Friday, July 11, marks 25 years of Neighborhood Cats helping street cats in New York City and beyond. What better way to help celebrate than donating food to NYC cats and caretakers! Wet food is a particular need right now so we're asking just for canned.

To donate, go to the Neighborhood Cats 25TH BIRTHDAY WISH LIST. Log into your Amazon account first and then make your selection by clicking "Add to Cart." When you check out, be sure to choose Neighborhood Cats Gift Registry Address for where to ship. Amazon will send your gift directly to us (for free if you have Amazon Prime) and we'll distribute it to local colony caretakers.

Your gift will keep the cats healthy, happy and well-fed, and launch our next 25 years of making their lives better. Thanks for being part of this community of compassion!

07/02/2025

EXCITING NEW GRANT FOR TNR GROUPS AND PROGRAMS
https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/summerlee-grant/
United Spay Alliance has launched the Summerlee Sustainable Solutions Grant Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen and expand humane community cat programs across the United States. With generous support from the Summerlee Foundation, the grants offer a holistic approach that combines targeted financial support with expert training, mentorship, and practical tools to help organizations build sustainable, high-impact TNR programs.

The application period runs from July 1 through July 15, 2025, and awards will be announced in early August. Starting September 15, a representative from each organization accepted will attend (tuition-free!) the 8-week Community Cats Program Management course offered by the University of Pacific, Bernerd College. Following the course, funding around the range of $4,000 to $8,000 will be provided for a community cat related project designed in cooperation with United Spay Alliance mentors. Implementation of the project along with regular virtual meetings with fellow grantees will complete the program.

Organizations that could benefit include:

TNR groups wanting to grow and increase the impact of their efforts
Shelters looking to start or improve a TNR program
Cat rescues looking to expand into TNR
Animal control agencies wanting to get actively involved with community cat management

The application period is short and already open, so if you're interested, don't delay! Follow the link above to learn more.

07/01/2025

Poor Spooky! The senior feral from Staten island somehow got a piece of PVC piping stuck tightly around her neck. A local rescuer drop-trapped her this morning, then Neighborhood Cats hurried her to a nearby vet. She was sedated and freed from the pipe, treated for an infected wound on her back and started on a course of antibiotics.

Tonight Spooky is feeling much happier! 😸 We've got her settled with an experienced foster mom so she can rest and fully recover before she returns to her colony.

Address

244 Fifth Avenue Ste 2222
New York, NY
10001

Telephone

+12126625761

Website

https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/

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