December 30, 2010 - Don't Miss Your Chance to Help Cats in 2010!

There are only two days left to help our nation's cats in 2010. Don't miss your chance to help Alley Cat Allies save even more cats in 2011!

We’ve done tremendous work to help protect our nation’s cats this year. With your support, we will do even more next year, leading important battles to protect cats, sharing our expert materials, bringing advocates, caregivers, and resources together through the Every Kitty – Every City program, and saving cats' lives.

Please be a part of this important work in 2011.

Make your tax-deductible year-end donation today. 

December 28, 2010 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats See Record Snowfall

This weekend much of the Northeast, including Atlantic City, New Jersey, experienced blizzard conditions with nearly 20 inches of snow. For the cats living under the Atlantic City Boardwalk, this meant their shelters and feeding stations were blocked or buried in snow.

Thanks to our Program Manager Amanda Casazza and some great volunteers, all 18 colony sites have been dug out! Thankfully the snow did not stretch that far under the boardwalk and there were NO cats trapped by snow. As usual, these smart and resourceful cats stayed safe in even these record-setting conditions. The Boardwalk Cats are already returning to their colony sites where food and water are waiting for them.

But our work isn't over yet! As the snow melts, the colonies will need to be cleaned up: we need to replace the current bedding in the shelters with dry straw and repair damaged feeding stations. The Boardwalk cats are an integral part of our Every Kitty – Every City program in Atlantic City. Help us help the cats by volunteering today!

Volunteer for the Boardwalk Cats Project in Atlantic City. 
Learn more about the Boardwalk Cats Project.

December 21, 2010 - Tune in to "Animal Concerns of Texas" for an interview with Becky Robinson

Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson will be interviewed for "Animal Concerns of Texas" on Sunday December 26 at 7:30pm Mountain Time on KTEP, National Public Radio for the Southwest.

Learn about Alley Cat Allies directly from our President and Founder!

Sunday, December 26 at 7:30pm MT: Listen online.

December 15, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Fires Back at the University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska published a report early this month which recommended shooting feral cats as a means of population control. This barbaric and utterly disturbing excuse for “science” blatantly ignores the real scientific research that proves TNR works and the anti-cruelty legislation that protects cats in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Alley Cat Allies responded both publicly and directly to the University to let the authors and publishers of this ignorant document know how dangerously wrong they are.

Read our response. 
See the scientific studies that prove TNR works.

December 10, 2010 - Spread the Cheer with our "Feral Cats are Home for the Holidays" Contest!

Feral cats have a home—outdoors! This year, celebrate the season and feral cats by festively decorating a feral cat shelter.

The winner of the contest will receive a Frank the Feral T-shirt.

To participate:

1. Come up with your inspiration.
2. Decorate your shelter.
3. Take a picture of your feral cat shelter all decked out for the holidays.
4. Share it with us by posting it on our Facebook wall.

*Note: Please keep the cats’ safety in mind when decorating—avoid thin ribbons and tinsel and ensure everything is fastened securely. If your cats won't use the the decorated shelter, remove the decorations. 

We will accept submissions from today until December 31st. The winner will be announced January 7th on Facebook.

If you haven't made a feral cat shelter yet, don't worry! Check out our shelter guidelines and options to get started.

We can't wait to see what you come up with!

December 10, 2010 - Share your love of cats with Alley Cat Allies’ special holiday offers

The holiday season is here! Don't forget to include our nation's cats in your celebrations by taking advantage of these special offers:

Share your holiday message with someone special by sending one of our festive cat-themed eCards!
Give a gift of $5 or more in honor of the cat lover in your life and send an eCard today.

Celebrate cats all 365 days of the year with Alley Cat Allies' 2011 Calendars.
For a donation of $50 or more, we will send you a set of two calendars—our 12 Great Ways to Get Involved calendar, and our Office Cats LOL It Up calendar.

Your generous support over the years has enabled Alley Cat Allies to protect and improve the lives of countless cats. Thanks to you, we are changing the world for cats.

Send a holiday eCard. 
Get a set of Alley Cat Allies' 2011 Calendars. 
Make a tribute donation and have a holiday card sent to you honoree.

December 7, 2010 - Winter Safety Tips for Feral and Stray Cats

It's that time of year, again! Our online winter weather guide is here to help feral cat caregivers and concerned individuals who want to help feral and stray cats this winter.

Our winter weather tips include simple instructions for building inexpensive feeding stations and shelters to keep cats safe from the winter elements, ways to keep food and drinking water from freezing, and more.

Prepare your feral cats colonies before big winter storms hit with our winter and severe weather tips.

Read the Press Release. 
Check out our Winter Weather Tips.

December 2, 2010 - Valuable Resource: Socializing Feral Kittens

Feral cats are not socialized to people—and can’t be adopted. With some time and attention, however, you can work with young feral kittens to help them become affection and loving companions.

Our Socializing Feral Kittens guide is here to help with that process! Topics covered include:

• How to decide if you should tame the kittens
• Do’s and don’ts of kitten socialization
• Guidelines for determining kitten age
• Ways to socialize kittens with food, touch, and play…and more!

Read “How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens” online.
Get the PDF version of Socializing Feral Kittens. 

December 1, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Condemns "Disturbing" University of Nebraska Feral Cat Management Report

A disturbing report released by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln—which proposes shooting feral cats as an acceptable means of control—is based on shoddy research, is scientifically unsupportable, and should be unequivocally rejected.

The report is a summary of previous studies, some inaccurately quoted and others extrapolated to reach exaggerated conclusions. It also ignores scientific research that shows the effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return and ignores the fact that feral cats are protected under state anti- cruelty laws.

“Time and again, the research shows that killing feral cats to manage the population is a cruel and useless exercise,” Alley Cat Allies president Becky Robinson said in a press release. “But to go a step further and actually advocate shooting cats is outrageous and in direct opposition to our values as a society.”

Read the Press Release. 
Read the article.

December 1, 2010 - Brevard County, FL: Say NO to the New Restrictions on Feral Cat Colonies!

Recently, Brevard County drafted new feral cat caregiving requirements that create harmful roadblocks for the volunteer caregivers working hard to spay and neuter feral cats living in the county.

These requirements were drafted without the input of the community. We have already contacted the Commissioners to let them know these requirements are a mistake, but we need your help to convince them.

Contact the Commissioners now; urge them to drop the new regulations and make sure any program for feral cats in Brevard County fully supports feral cat care.

Brevard County, FL Residents: Take Action!
Not in Brevard County? See how you can help cats in your community. 

December 1, 2010 - New Podcast: Legal Perspective on the Hayden Law

Alley Cat Allies interviews UCLA professor Taimie Bryant on her involvement in drafting California’s Hayden Law, the 1998 legislation that made animal shelters in California more accountable and made it possible for caregivers to reclaim feral cats from shelters.

Download the podcast. 
Check out more Alley Cat Allies Podcasts.

November 29, 2010 - Just Special Holiday Offer: Get Your 2011 Alley Cat Allies' Calendars Today!

Donate $50 or more today, and celebrate cats all 365 days of the years with a set of Alley Cat Allies' 2011 calendars.

November 23, 2010 - Just One More Day: Don't Miss Your Chance to Say "Thanks” to the Cats in Your Life

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, there is only one day left to express appreciation for the cats in your life in Alley Cat Allies’ Thanksgiving Gallery.

November 22, 2010 - Arlington County Residents—Subsidized spay/neuter for feral cats now available

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) kicked off their Trap-Neuter-Return program last week with a Helping Community Cats workshop presented by Alley Cat Allies. Now the shelter is ready to begin taking clinic reservations for feral cats!

November 19, 2010 - Tune in to Becky Talking Stray and Feral Cats on Saturday

Tune in Saturday, November 20 between 9 to 10 am to Family Pet Time with Dr. Joe on Hudson Valley Talk Radio to hear Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson talk about stray and feral cats.

November 15, 2010 - Save cats' lives by saying "Thanks" to the special cats in your life

This Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the cats in your life will mean protecting the lives of outdoor cats.

November 12, 2010 - National Feral Cat Day Sweeps the Nation

This year’s National Feral Cat Day was our most successful yet. With nearly 170 registered events in 36 states, news coverage online and in print, and thousands working to get the message out about feral cats, the 10th annual National Feral Cat Day pushed the movement to humanely care for cats further than ever before. From a feral cat clinic in Nevada to proclamations recognizing October 16th as National Feral Cat Day in Pennsylvania and Delaware, the welfare of feral cats was celebrated coast to coast.

November 9, 2010 - Unanimous Support for TNR in Riverbank, California

Last week, we learned that the city council in Riverbank, California, was considering an ordinance that would interfere with Trap-Neuter-Return and put cats’ lives at risk. We rallied local supporters and contacted the city council to encourage them not to waste time and money on cruel ordinances and to choose the humane option instead—and we succeeded!

November 4, 2010 - Be an Alley Cat Ally Full-Time: Join our Team as an Executive Assistant

Working directly with the President/Founder of Alley Cat Allies, the Executive Assistant will manage the workflow and communications into and out of the President’s Office and support the President/Founder in all aspects of her work. The ideal candidate will be a highly professional individual with strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication, a demonstrated ability to juggle multiple projects and prioritize work, and the ability to anticipate and address the needs of the President.

November 2, 2010 - Yuma, AZ: Say No to Ordinances, Yes to TNR!

City Council Members in Yuma, Arizona are considering harmful policies that would interfere with Trap-Neuter-Return, putting feral cats' lives at risk.

November 1, 2010 - Riverbank, CA: Tell the City Council You Want TNR in Your Community

Recently, the Riverbank, California City Council began considering policies that could prevent people from caring for outdoor cats. We need your help to convince them that Trap-Neuter-Return is the way to go!

November 1, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Tells Brevard County, Florida to Keep Successful Trap-Neuter-Return Program in Place

Alley Cat Allies urged the Brevard County Commissioner to reconsider new guidelines for feral cat colonies, noting that the guidelines may jeopardize extremely successful Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the county.

October 27, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Response to PETA: Feral Cats Deserve to Live

Recently, PETA posted a blog promoting myths and misconceptions about feral cats, basically declaring them "better off dead." This promotion of the mass killing of cats by one of the nation's largest animal rights groups is disgraceful.

October 18, 2010 - Tell us how YOU celebrated National Feral Cat Day

We want to hear how you celebrated National Feral Cat Day this year. Your story could be featured in the winter edition of Alley Cat Action.

October 15, 2010 - National Feral Cat Day is TOMORROW - October 16!

Saturday is the big day—National Feral Cat Day is here!

October 14, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Represents at No More Homeless Pets Conference

Alley Cat Allies will share our expertise with more than 1,000 animal advocates at the Best Friends Animal Society No More Homeless Pets Conference in Las Vegas from October 15-17.

October 8, 2010 - These Stats are for the Birds

Recently the Washington Post posted an article addressing the debate about cats outdoors. Let’s set the record straight—there is no credible evidence to show cats have any significant impact on bird populations.

October 6, 2010 - Get the Word Out About National Feral Cat Day!

National Feral Cat Day is less than two weeks away! Tell the world what you are doing to celebrate feral cats.

October 4, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Marks National Feral Cat Day with Spay/Neuter Funds for New Orleans

Alley Cat Allies has granted $10,000 to the Neuter Scooter Campaign, which is supported by a group of shelters and animal protection agencies in the Greater New Orleans area. The grant will allow the program to offer low-cost spay/neuter services for stray and feral cats during the entire month of October.

October 1, 2010 - New Resource: "Faux Ferals: How to Soothe a Scared Stray to Increase Her Chances of Adoption"

Stray cats and feral cats are different: stray cats can be adopted, feral cats can’t. But in a stressful situation like a trap or a shelter, frightened stray cats often exhibit signs of anxiety that get them mixed up with feral cats and marked as poor candidates for adoption.

September 30, 2010 - New Resource: "Feral and Stray Cats – An Important Difference"

Stray and feral cats may look the same at first glance, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. What’s best for one is sometimes bad for the other, so in order to help cats most effectively, you need to know how to tell them apart. Unfortunately, that’s not always easy.

September 22, 2010 - National Feral Cat Day is October 16 – How will you celebrate?

Mark your calendar—National Feral Cat Day is coming up! On October 16, cat advocates across the country will reach out to their communities to spread the word about feral cats and how Trap-Neuter-Return improves their lives. How will you participate?

Now is the time to start planning your part and thinking about what you can do this year to get your community onboard and protect the lives of cats. We’ve got the resources to help!

Check out our list of event ideas and suggestions.
Register your National Feral Cat Day event to get the word out.
See a list of events going on around the country.

September 20, 2010 - Florida: Help the Cats of Fishermen's Village Keep their Home!

The cats at Fishermen’s Village mall and resort in Punta Gorda have made their home there since before the resort was developed. Local volunteers feed and care for the cats, and most of the cats have already been sterilized as part of an ongoing Trap-Neuter-Return program—a program which Fishermen’s Village management previously agreed to, and which costs them nothing.

But last week, resort management ditched this agreement and made a deal to have the cats relocated by EARS Animal Rescue Sanctuary.

Relocating these cats is unnecessary and inhumane, and it won’t keep cats out of Fishermen’s Village. Cats choose to live where there is a food source, intended or not. If cats are removed from the resort, any remaining cats will breed to capacity or new cats will move in. This vacuum effect is well documented.

Take action: tell all parties involved that relocation is not the answer for feral cats and request that Fishermen’s Village work with us and local groups to find a solution that works for everyone—cats and caregivers included.

Florida Residents: Take Action!
Not in Florida? Learn how to organize your community for strategic change for cats.

September 17, 2010 - Fishermen's Village Feral Cats Under Threat of Catch-and-Kill

The cats of Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda, Florida are scheduled to be trapped and killed beginning Monday.

For the last two years the cats have been cared for by local volunteers who implemented a Trap-Neuter-Return program approved by the management.

Despite the work of these dedicated volunteers and their history of cooperation, the Fishermen's Village management is moving ahead with their plan.

“Fishermen’s Village’s cats are part of their history,” caretaker Christine Hill noted. “They were there before the shopping mall.”

Alley Cat Allies has contacted the General Manager of Fishermen's Village asking that they abandon their plan to have these cats trapped and killed, and instead allow us the opportunity to address any concerns. We will keep you updated on their response!

Read the article. 

September 13, 2010 - All this week ModernCat.net highlights Trap-Neuter-Return

This week—September 12-18—ModernCat.net is taking a break from blogging about cat products with a modern aesthetic and is instead devoting its posts to all things Trap-Neuter-Return.

They’ve already gotten the week started with an introduction to TNR, featuring our "What is Trap-Neuter-Return?" video.

Keep an eye out for the contribution of our President, Becky Robinson, to Modern Cat's celebration of Trap-Neuter-Return!

Visit ModernCat.net
Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return.

September 7, 2010 - S.B. 250 is defeated—a win for cats and their caregivers in California

Your voices were heard! California’s S.B. 250 was finally defeated at the end of August. Because the bill would have cited anyone helping cats who had not yet spayed or neutered their cat, regardless of their ability to pay for surgeries or trap a cat, S.B. 250 would have discouraged care for cats.

What California—and the rest of America—needs is a game changing bill that will support volunteer caregivers who donate their own time and money to help cats. Punitive laws like S.B. 250 only serve to discourage those activities.

Good laws help good people do more good. S.B. 250 was just the opposite. Thank you for speaking up, and for all you do on behalf of cats.

Read more about why S.B. 250 would have been bad for cats. 

August 26, 2010 - UPDATE: Ravenswood cats are saved

In response to the public outcry, the New York City Mayor’s Office intervened yesterday and ordered that local rescue group SaveKitty Foundation be granted access to the cats trapped under Ravenswood Houses. Already one cat has been rescued from under the buildings.

Alley Cat Allies extends a special thank you to the SaveKitty Foundation, which has advocated tirelessly for the cats of Ravenswood Houses. Although NYCHA has not allowed them to perform TNR, SaveKitty has managed to remove dozens of adoptable cats and kittens from the property, many of whom are looking for new homes. If you can foster or adopt any of these cats, please contact the SaveKitty Foundation.

Even as we celebrate, we continue to work with public officials, advocating for a Trap-Neuter-Return program that will benefit both the cats and the community.

Thank you for taking action on behalf of cats trapped under the Ravenswood Houses community— your voice helped save their lives.

August 24, 2010 - New York: Tell New York City Housing Authority to Allow Access to Cats

Join Alley Cat Allies in urging the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to allow access to the cats who have been trapped in crawlspaces at the Ravenswood Houses community and to institute a humane Trap-Neuter-Return program.

Cruelty like this cannot be tolerated, least of all from authoritative bodies like NYCHA, who have the opportunity to set a standard of humanity and compassion by embracing Trap-Neuter-Return.

Contact NYCHA and help us fight to protect these cats’ lives.

New York Residents: Take Action! 
Not in New York? Learn how to organize your community for strategic change for cats.

August 24, 2010 - Ravenswood Cats in Danger

The New York City Housing Authority recently covered crawlspaces with locked grates at Ravenswood Houses, trapping cats under the buildings in 150 degree temperatures, with no food or water.

Alley Cat Allies has asked New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Chairman John B. Rhea that the grates be unlocked immediately so local groups can access the crawl spaces to assess the situation and rescue any cats trapped under the building. We also asked that NYCHA re-evaluate their feral cat policy and allow local volunteers and feral cat groups to start a Trap-Neuter-Return program at Ravenswood Houses.

Alley Cat Allies is in contact with local groups and will give updates on the situation as soon as possible.

Read the article. 
Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return—the humane, effective approach to feral cats.

August 19, 2010 - California Residents – Ask Assemblymembers to AGAIN stop a bill harmful to cats

As early as tomorrow, the California Assembly will vote on S.B. 250, a bill harmful to cats. Thanks to your calls and emails, we successfully urged the Assembly to vote this bill down last summer. But the bill is back up for consideration, and it is just as bad now as it was last year. We need you to urge the California Assembly to stop this bill once again.

S.B. 250 is bad for cats:

• It targets people who care for stray and feral cats. Any caregiver unable to trap and neuter a cat would be labeled a lawbreaker under the bill.
• It targets low-income families and their pets. The bill does nothing to lower the cost or expand the availability of spay/neuter services.
• According to the California Department of Finance, the bill would cause more owners to surrender their animals.

California Residents – Take Action! 
Learn more about the neuter status of the U.S. cat population. 
Not in California? Learn how to organize your community for strategic change for cats.

August 18, 2010 - Update: BYU’s Cats Receive Reprieve

Thanks to our advocacy and education efforts, and your support, The Provo City Council voted 6-0 in Tuesday's council meeting for a change to the town’s ordinance that would allow for Trap-Neuter-Return of the feral cats on Brigham Young University (BYU) campus—instead of the cats being trapped and killed at the end of a proposed research study. Alley Cat Allies reached out to city council members over email and phone, sent informational packets in the mail, and coordinated a statement to be read at the August 17th meeting to make sure our message was heard. Multiple council members even expressed interest in a pilot program for the city.

We are now in contact with BYU administration, consulting with faculty on the logistics of a Cats on Campus program. This is promising progress in Provo.

Read the article. 

August 11, 2010 - Be Prepared with Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Readiness Tips

Whether it's flooding, earthquakes, tornados, or hurricanes it pays to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Make sure you've got a plan in place for your family, companion animals, and feral cat colonies in the case of an unexpected emergency.

Get ready before the unthinkable happens. Disaster planning can save lives!

Read Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Preparedness Tips. 

August 6, 2010 - Brigham Young University Has Some Learning To Do

In Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University and the Provo City Council are promoting some unpopular and cruel policies—policies which are killing cats. Disregarding the wishes of the community, they are charging blindly down an inhumane, costly path that also discounts years of successful Trap-Neuter-Return programs on college campuses.

The Daily Herald reported that students are currently feeding the cats—indicating interest in caring for a campus colony—and that they are “willing to spay and neuter the cats to help stabilize the population.” Clearly, members of the BYU community value these cats’ lives. They are offering BYU and the city of Provo an effective approach that will benefit the community and can offer a valuable learning experience that will actually improve the cats’ lives—not end them.

Please voice your disapproval by contacting BYU and Provo on Facebook and joining Alley Cat Allies in encouraging them to put a stop to this cruel, costly, and misguided program and embrace a humane, effective Trap-Neuter-Return program, both on campus and citywide.

Read the article.
Speak out on BYU's Facebook Page.
Speak out on Provo's Facebook Page.

August 2, 2010 - Summer 2010 edition of Alley Cat Action now available

The summer edition of the Alley Cat Action is all new! Included are articles highlighting: celebrities using their fame to raise awareness on behalf of cats, 10-years of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project, and cat care facts on determining whether a cat is stray or feral along with our regular In Your Backyard and Face of the Movement columns.

Read the newsletter. 

July 15, 2010 - Angela Kinsey Joins Campaign to Help Feral Cats—and the People Who Care for Them

Angela Kinsey portrays the feisty, tightly-wound head of accounting "Angela Martin" at Dunder Mifflin on NBC's critically acclaimed show The Office.

Her character exemplifies a stereotype sometimes associated with cat lovers—but the truth is millions of Americans have opened their hearts to stray and feral cats.

Read the Press Release. 
Learn more about the "I'm an Alley Cat Ally" Campaign.
Support the campaign by taking the photo pledge or by purchasing "I'm an Alley Cat Ally" products.

July 14, 2010 - The Boardwalk Cats Project 10-Year Anniversary Event was a Success!

On Saturday, July 10, Alley Cat Allies celebrated 10 years of protecting cats on the Atlantic City Boardwalk! The project would be nothing without the dedication of our supporters and local volunteers—who demonstrated their commitment further by sticking with us even in the pouring rain.

At the event, President Becky Robinson recognized the efforts of the dozens of people over the years who have helped to make the Boardwalk Cats Project one of the oldest and most successful city-supported Trap-Neuter-Return programs in the country—one that serves as a model for other city TNR programs.

Learn more about the Boardwalk Cats Project. 
Get the details on the event, and see what else we're up to in Altantic City.

July 1, 2010 - NEW Products Commemorate The Boardwalk Cats Project 10-Year Anniversary

Alley Cat Allies has cared for the feral cat colonies along the boardwalk as part of a city-supported Trap-Neuter-Return program since 2000. These famous cats draw visitors and admirers from all over the country. Part of our Every Kitty - Every City: Atlantic City program, the Boardwalk Cats Project serves as a model for similar programs nationwide.

This year we're celebrating by throwing a 10-Year Anniversary bash on July 10 in Atlantic City. Celebrate with us by showing your support with our NEW Boardwalk Cats products in our Cafe Press Shop.

Get the NEW Boardwalk Cats Project stuff! 
Learn more about the Boardwalk Cats Project.

June 25, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies’ Office Dogs Lend a Paw to their Feline Friends – Celebrating “Take Your Dog To Work Day” Everyday.

June 25 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, but at Alley Cat Allies’ downtown Bethesda office, visitors are greeted at the door every day by two pleasant pooches.  Locksley and Stackhouse spend their days with the six permanent resident felines and 20 human staff members who work diligently to advocate on behalf of stray and feral cats nationwide.
 
Both dogs make regular appearances on Alley Cat Allies’ Facebook photo series of Office LOLcats, and their own T-shirts and mugs for sale—proceeds benefiting Alley Cat Allies.

Vote for Locksley and Stackhouse in the Take Your Dog to Work Day photo contest.
Learn more about what the Office Dogs do at work.

June 23, 2010 - Keep Outdoor Cats Cool with Alley Cat Allies’ Summer Weather Tips

Warmer weather means special considerations for feral cat colony care. Alley Cat Allies has tips on feeding, providing water, and performing Trap-Neuter-Return during the summer months.

Read Alley Cat Allies’ summer weather tips for cat care. 

June 18, 2010 - Cat Leash Laws Are Lethal – Alley Cat Allies Speaks Up for the Cats of Barre, VT.

The City of Barre, Vermont is reportedly thinking about either rewriting their current leash law or instituting a new license law that would impact all animals.

As the cats’ leading advocate, Alley Cat Allies wants to set the record straight about both of these dangerous ordinances. Leash and licensing laws and other ordinances that try to “legislate” cat behavior only result in a major increase in the number of cats entering animal pounds and shelters—where more than 70% of cats are already killed, nationwide.

For owned cats without a license tag or leash, these ordinances are extremely dangerous. For stray and feral cats, who do not have “owners” to license or leash them in the first place, these proposed ordinances could be a death sentence.

Mandatory cat licensing laws are, in reality, a license to kill. They often require animal control to pick up and impound any cat—owned or unowned, licensed or unlicensed, pet or feral— not wearing a license tag.

And, since cat licensing depends on punitive measures and forced compliance, these programs divert valuable resources away from activities that actually benefit cats, like Trap-Neuter- Return and affordable, available spay/neuter services. Cat licensing isn’t even cost-effective: licensing programs often cost more to administer than the revenue they bring in.

Cat leash laws operate on the same principal—that any cat found loose outdoors should be impounded in an animal pound or shelter. All cats, whether indoor or outdoor pet cat or a feral cat, whose natural habitat is the outdoors, are targets for animal control.

Licensing and leash laws place all cats at risk, but the consequences for feral cats are especially dire. And so, in the coming week as Barre considers next steps, Alley Cat Allies will be making sure they have all of the facts. Check back for updates.

Read the article. 
Learn more about cat leash laws.

June 15, 2010 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project to Celebrate 10 Years of Changing Cats’ Lives

In 2000, Alley Cat Allies launched a city-endorsed Trap- Neuter-Return program and has continued caring for the cats over the last ten years with the help of volunteers and services from the Humane Society of Atlantic County. The Boardwalk Cats Project serves as a model for similar programs across the country.

On July 10th we will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Boardwalk Cats Project. Come join us for an event featuring games, door prizes, snacks and more.

Learn more about the event.
Read about the Boardwalk Cats Project.
Learn more about Every Kitty - Every City: Atlantic City.

June 14, 2010 - New Podcast: Community Relations with Dawn Kua

Learn from the people who have been there! Community Relations is the latest addition to our podcast series.

Listen to Dawn Kua, the former Director of Operations of The Cat Welfare Society in Singapore, discuss mediation, easy and effective deterrents, and how to prevent situations from escalating.

Download the podcast. 
Learn more at our Community Relations Center.

June 3, 2010 - Alley Cat Ally and ‘Golden Girl’ Rue McClanahan has died

We are very sad to hear that Rue McClanahan, cat lover and animal advocate, has passed away at the age of 76. Rue’s celebrity made her a famous advocate, and her heart made her a champion for all felines, including stray and feral cats. She will be truly missed.

Read the article.
Learn more about Rue's involvement with Alley Cat Allies.

June 3, 2010 - Spring 2010 edition of Alley Cat Action now available

The spring edition of the Alley Cat Action is all new! Included are articles highlighting: our successful TNR collaboration in Alabama, an introduction to our new office cat, and an overview of the TNR crises in Los Angeles along with our regular In Your Backyard and Face of the Movement columns.

Read the newsletter.

June 2, 2010 - Brookhaven, NY, Says ‘No’ To Feeding Ban!

On June 1, the Town of Brookhaven, New York, rejected a proposed ordinance that would have banned the feeding of feral cats on town land.

Feeding bans are cruel, ineffective and have negative effects on both the cats and the community.

After hearing feedback from some of the 300 cat advocates in attendance— including a statement from Alley Cat Allies— the town board unanimously voted against the ban. Going forward, Brookhaven’s feral cat committee will incorporate the advice of animal protection advocates, including Alley Cat Allies.

Learn more about our position on feeding bans. 
Take Action! Sign our petition against feline feeding bans.
Donate! Help us continue this important work around the country.

June 1, 2010 - Vote to donate kitty litter to Every Kitty – Every City: Washington, DC shelter!

Alley Cat Allies has joined The World's Best Cat Litter™ Charity to help donate kitty litter to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, a partner in our Every Kitty – Every City: Washington, DC program.

It's easy to help us earn litter! Just become a fan of The World's Best Cat Litter™ on Facebook and vote for Alley Cat Allies.

You can vote once a day every day until 7/16, and each time you'll be donating 1/10th of a pound of cat litter. That can really add up!

Vote for Alley Cat Allies today! 
Learn more about our Every Kitty – Every City program. 
Check out our other Social Networking activities.

May 27, 2010 - Take a Stand Against Feline Feeding Bans!

In our ongoing monitoring of communities and cities across the country, Alley Cat Allies is tracking a disturbing and increasing trend of feeding ban proposals as a way to "eradicate" cats from their outdoor homes.

Whether it's Brookhaven, New York, Wheaton, Illinois, or Benzie County, Michigan — elected officials and community leaders have it all wrong.

Feeding bans are cruel, ineffective, and foolish. It's time to put a stop to this practice once and for all.

Take Action! Sign our petition against feline feeding bans.
Learn more about our position on feeding bans.

May 17, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Urges Lacon, IL to Drop Lethal Ordinance.

A proposed ordinance for Lacon, IL would manadate that cats found outdoors without "proper identification" would be "humanely disposed of without delay." This lethal ordinance would effect any cat found outdoors without a collar – feral, stray or pet.

This catch-and-kill approach for Lacon cats is being opposed by local cat lovers and Alley Cat Allies.

Catch-and-kill is cruel, endless and costly. Not only is Trap-Neuter-Return effective, it is also a responsible, humane method of care for outdoor cats.

Read the article. 

May 10, 2010 - Research Shows Feral Cats Live Healthy, Content Lives Outdoors

Alley Cat Allies has compiled research showing that feral cats lead healthy, happy lives outdoors—they do not suffer harsh lives or pose a health risk to other cats.

The science supports the opinion held by most Americans: it is more humane to leave a cat outside where it is than to have the cat caught and killed.

Read "Feral Cats Health Analysis: Living Healthy Lives Outdoors." 
Share this research with your friends.

May 5, 2010 - Disaster Preparedness Tips Save Lives

Do you have a plan for your family—animals and people—in the event of a disaster? With the recent flooding in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi Alley Cat Allies is reminding Americans of the importance of establishing a disaster plan for their family, their companion animals, and their feral cat colonies.

While the flood waters are receding, local people, their pets, and their colonies still need help. Take the time to formulate your own disaster preparedness plan, and consider helping the human and animal victims of the recent disaster.

Four ways to help flood victims now.
Alley Cat Allies’ Disaster Preparedness Tips.

May 5, 2010 - NEW Alley Cat Allies Trapping Kit Available Online

Found a feral cat and ready to try your hand at Trap-Neuter-Return? Been doing TNR for awhile, but need a refresher? Relax and know that you can take Alley Cat Allies along for the ride using our new Trapping Kit!

Arm yourself with every material you’ll need to learn and teach others about TNR. Ideal for new and seasoned trappers alike, our Trapping kit provides you with the tools and know-how to get to the rewarding work of improving cats’ lives.

Includes:

• How to Help Feral Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trap-Neuter-Return
• Alley Cat Allies Educational Video Library, which includes “Trapping Cats: How to Trap an Entire Colony”
• “Trap-Neuter-Return for Stray and Feral Cats: The Basics” truth cards to help you explain the nuts and bolts of TNR
• “We're Helping Outdoor Cats” doorhangers to announce your next neighborhood trapping.

Individually these items would cost you $18, but you can get it all for $15!

Order your Trapping Kit today!

May 3, 2010 - Got Cats on Campus? New resources are here to help!

As part of Alley Cat Allies’ longstanding goal of promoting humane care for outdoor cats, we created a program just for people helping cats who have made their home on or near educational institutions.

The Alley Cat Allies Cats on Campus Program provides caregivers with the tools they need to create a Trap-Neuter-Return program in conjunction with administration and other departments.

Now there’s more to love with the addition of new resources:

TNR is Effective on College Campuses
Trying to implement a Trap-Neuter-Return program on campus grounds? These studies of successful cats on campus programs could give you an edge.

Cats on Campus Podcast 
Hear from Towson University’s Cats on Campus program founders, Dr. Meg Algren and Professor Lisa Turkowski on how they got community support and buy-in from administration as well as how they formed a Cats on Campus student group.

April 28, 2010 - This Mother’s Day, Say “I love you” with a Kitten eCard

This Mother’s Day, let the kittens do the talking! Say “Thanks for everything” by giving your mom a gift that protects the beautiful animals you both love, and sending her a special "Mother and Kitten" eCard from Alley Cat Allies.

Make a gift of at least $5 to Alley Cat Allies at our online Tribute Center and select any of our special “Mother and Kitten” eCards to send to your mother. You’ll be telling your mom (or another special woman in your life) that you care for her while helping safeguard cats nationwide.

Send your eCard Today!

April 26, 2010 - New and Improved Alley Cat Allies Collapsible Drop Trap Available Online

Have a hard-to-trap cat? The Alley Cat Allies Drop Trap is completely collapsible and fits easily in the trunks of cars and closets for easy storage. This drop trap is a useful tool when conducting Trap-Neuter-Return—it allows you to selectively trap a specific member of a colony, since you determine when to spring the manually-operated trap; and it is designed to help you trap cats who have caught on to the ins and outs of the humane box trap.

The Alley Cat Allies Drop Trap is new and improved, with soft cords handles for easy carrying, new nylon netting, a light hollow frame, a double-pronged prop stick, and rubber bumpers to prevent tails and paws from getting caught.

Buy the drop trap online now. 
Learn more about how to conduct Trap-Neuter-Return.

April 23, 2010 - Broken Agreement Won’t End Community Care of Cats in Baltimore

Northside Baptist Church in Baltimore recently ended its agreement with Alley Cat Allies that permitted caregivers to continue feeding a feral cat colony on church grounds that has been living near the church for years.

Although we regret the congregation’s decision to cease support of Trap-Neuter-Return and “evict” the feeding station and shelters, we are working with the church to remove them. More importantly, the impact on the cats is minimal. Since Trap-Neuter-Return remains the effective and successful official policy to care for feral cats in the city of Baltimore, the cats are part of the community and will still be cared for by neighbors and volunteers.

Learn more.
Find out what we’ve been up to in Baltimore.
Read the article.

April 22, 2010 - Paula Poundstone Joins Campaign to Help Feral Cats—and The People Who Care For Them

Paula Poundstone is the first women to win the cable ACE for best standup comedy special, and the first women to be invited to entertain at the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner. In 2007 Random House published her first book, “There Is Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say” (with foreword by Mary Tyler Moore) and Paula is hard at work to give them her second. A star of over six standup comedy specials, Paula tours regularly across the country. She is famous for her spontaneous wit and off-kilter comedy, immortalized in her first comedy CD: “I Heart Jokes: Paula Tells Them in Maine.” Follow Paula on Twitter and Facebook, or visit www.paulapoundstone.com.

“Cats aren't so swift at family planning, and they don't even wait until they fall in love,” said Poundstone. “Let's help humanely reduce the feral cat population.”

Read the Press Release. 
Join Paula and declare “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” with our photo pledge.
Buy “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” merchandise and support the campaign.

April 20, 2010 - On World Veterinary Day, Alley Cat Allies Highlights Availability of Online Tools

As we approach World Veterinary Day (April 24), Alley Cat Allies reminds veterinarians and veterinary technicians to visit the feral cat online resource center (www.alleycat.org/Veterinarian), which offers a wealth of multimedia tools for members of the veterinary community on feral cat health and behavior, as well as veterinary protocol for Trap-Neuter-Return and other clinical information about treating feral cats.

Veterinary offices are often the first place caring individuals turn to with questions, and of course, the participation of vet offices and clinics are fundamental to Trap-Neuter-Return.

Read the Press Release.
Visit the Veterinary Resource Center. 
Share this "tip" with your vet!

April 19, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies' Office Cats Bring Awareness with New Cafe Press Products

Our six office cats remind us day-in and day-out of the reasons we are all here and committed to the cause of protecting and improving the lives of cats. Now, with the addition of new products to our Cafe Press Shop, our furry office companions are helping to get the word out about feral cats across the nation.

Choose your favorite or collect them all!

Check out the NEW items in our Cafe Press Store. 
Learn more about our Office Cats.

April 14, 2010 - Rue McClanahan Joins Campaign to Help Feral Cats—and The People Who Care for Them

Rue McClanahan is known for her roles as Vivian Cavender Harmon on Maude, Fran Crowley on Mama's Family, and Blanche Devereaux on The Golden Girls. Rue was nominated four times as best actress in a comedy series for her role in The Golden Girls, for which she won an Emmy in 1987.

Rue has appeared in numerous feature films and appeared on Broadway in multiple productions, most recently in “Wicked.” Rue is a breast cancer survivor and was awarded the Gilda Radner Award for her dedication to the cause.  She is a lifelong animal welfare supporter.

“Cats have always been a part of my life; ever since I was a little girl in Oklahoma,” said McClanahan. “In fact, my most recent cat, Kate, was a stray that just showed up at my backdoor in Manhattan, walked right in and has been in charge ever since.”

Read the Press Release.
Support the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign.

April 13, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Spreads the Word with Bus Shelter Ads in Washington, DC and New Orleans

Through the Every Kitty – Every City program we raise awareness and educate the community in targeted cities about outdoor cats, feral cat colony care, Trap-Neuter-Return, and the importance of accessible, affordable neuter services through workshops, outreach and organizing.

For the month of April, 17 bus shelters in Washington, DC and New Orleans will display our advertisement – spreading the word about feral cats. Keep a look out for these beautiful ads!
 
Learn more about the Every Kitty – Every City program.
See the ad for Washington, DC.
See the ad for New Orleans.

April 12, 2010 - President Becky Robinson to Speak to Veterinary Students

To continue our outreach into the veterinary community, Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson will be at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medical College Urbana, Illinois campus, speaking to the Student Chapter of AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) on April 19, 2010.

Getting feral cat veterinary protocol and information into the hands of veterinary professionals as they begin their careers will help make the world better—and safer—for feral cats. Robinson will present “She’s Not Your Average Client: Veterinary Protocols for Feral Cats,” and will discuss feral cat health, feral cat behavior, Trap-Neuter-Return, the feral cat population, and everything else veterinarians need to know about feral cats.

Learn more about our Veterinary Awareness Campaign. 
Visit our Feral Cat Veterinary Resource Center. 
Check out other Alley Cat Allies Events happening soon.

April 7, 2010 - Make a Commitment to Safeguard Our Nation’s Cats – Join the Cat-a-lyst Society Today!

As cat lovers, we’re always looking for ways to protect and improve cats’ lives. We’re also busy people—so it’s not always easy! Fortunately, there’s something you can do to make a real difference for our nation’s cats–join Alley Cat Allies’ special monthly donor program, the Cat-alyst Society.

By committing to an automatic monthly gift of as little as $10 a month, you can provide the dependable support Alley Cat Allies needs to take action where cats’ lives are in danger, and to launch massive campaigns to transform the way our nation cares for cats.

As a Cat-alyst Society member you’ll receive a refrigerator magnet frame you can use to display a photo of the cat you love, and your name will be removed from our regular fundraising mailings. And of course, you’ll be helping to defend cats nationwide.

Signing up is easy: just fill out the online registration form to have your monthly donation charged to your credit card on the first business day of each month. And of course you can change, or cancel your monthly gift at any time.

March 30, 2010 - Disney XD Star Tania Gunadi Joins Campaign to Help Feral Cats—and The People Who Care for Them

Tania Gunadi plays girl next door Emma Lau a.k.a. world’s best weapons specialist Dark Tamara, in the action-adventure television series Aaron Stone on the new Disney XD television channel. Born in West Java, Indonesia, Gunadi’s television credits include guest starring roles in “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Boston Public,” “The Inside” and a recurring role in Disney Channel’s “Even Stevens.” Her film credits include lead roles in “The Magic of Ordinary Days,” “I Hoodlum” and “Lock Her Room,” and co-starring roles in the Disney Channel Original Movies “Pixel Perfect” and "Go Figure.” Gunadi currently resides in Los Angeles and is a volunteer at a local animal shelter.

“I truly appreciate Alley Cat Allies' dedication to create awareness about the importance of spay and neuter services,” said Gunadi. “I am proud to be the spokesperson for this campaign because it is very important to promote feral cats' health, improve their lives and stabilize the populations.”

Read the Press Release.
Support the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign.

March 30, 2010 - Cats and Caregivers are Feeling the Loss of City Support in L.A.

Now in the midst of kitten season, L.A. feral cat caregivers and advocates are feeling the full impact of a Los Angeles court’s decision to suspend all city funding and promotion of local Trap-Neuter-Return programs.

Without the city funding, L.A.’s tried-and-true system of humane cat care simply can’t carry on—residents don’t know where to turn to help the cats and even seasoned caregivers have had to scale back their Trap-Neuter-Return efforts. L.A.’s shelters have also been censored from educating residents about Trap-Neuter-Return. City employees are no longer allowed to acknowledge this life saving option, which means not giving out educational materials or flyers, referrals to organizations, or even discussing it.

Before this terrible ruling, Los Angeles had a thriving collaborative partnership between city and citizens to humanely care for cats for nearly 20 years. Los Angeles’ feral cats need the city government to rejoin this progressive partnership!

Learn more about the impact L.A.’s decision is having on cats and caregivers.
Sign the petition telling the City of Los Angeles to do what it takes to reinstate their support!

March 25, 2010 - New Hampshire Residents: Support S.B. 365 to Make Sure Animals are Neutered Before Adoption

A beneficial bill that would improve the lives of cats and all animals adopted from New Hampshire’s public or private pounds, shelters, and rescue groups recently passed the State Senate with strong support. To become law, S.B. 365 must next pass the Environment and Agriculture Committee, before moving on to the full New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Neutering does more than improve the physical health of cats. Neutered cats are less likely to be relinquished to shelters, where nationwide more than 70% of cats who enter are killed.

New Hampshire Residents—Take Action!
Don't live in New Hampshire? Find out how you can take action for cats in your community.

March 24, 2010 - Sign Our Petition to Restore Spay/Neuter Funding in L.A.

The national cat community is keeping a close eye on Los Angeles as the city reels from a judge's ruling that prevents it from funding spay/neuter for feral cats or even talking about Trap-Neuter-Return.

Alley Cat Allies continues to fight for the protection of L.A.'s cats, and you can help.

Sign on to our open letter asking Los Angeles to restore spay/neuter funding, go back to promoting Trap-Neuter-Return, and realign with its 20 year history of humane cat care. So far, eight local Trap-Neuter-Return and community groups have also signed on in support!

Sign our petition and show L.A. that you care about its cats!
Read our in-depth Q&A about the L.A. ruling.

March 22, 2010 - Art Icon Peter Max Signs On to the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign

Alley Cat Allies today launched a national print Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring Peter Max, one of the most successful artists in America, and his wife Mary Max, a full time animal rights activist in New York City. The couple is featured as part of the Alley Cat Allies “I’m An Ally Cat Ally” campaign to raise awareness of the national organization that advocates for and protects stray and feral cats.

“Peter and I share our home with seven rescued cats and we have a special place in our hearts for all felines,” said Mary Max. “We are proud to be supporting Alley Cat Allies and hope more Americans will join us in taking a stand for feral cats.”

Read the Press Release.
Support the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign.

March 17, 2010 - John Lehr Joins the "I’m an Alley Cat Ally" Campaign

Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for stray and feral cats, today launched a print Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign featuring John Lehr, co-creator and star of the TBS comedy “10 Items or Less” and stars as the Geico Caveman in the advertising phenomenon for Geico Insurance.

In the ad, Lehr declares himself an “Alley Cat Ally,” and a supporter of Alley Cat Allies’ major campaign to raise awareness about the millions of Americans who care for stray and feral cats in their communities.

“As a feral human I feel a deep connection with these animals,” Lehr joked. “Thank god some kind person trapped, neutered and returned me back to Hollywood where I belong. Let’s do the same for these kitties!”

Read the Press Release.
Support the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign.

March 16, 2010 - Animal Cruelty Still Only a Misdemeanor in Mississippi

Earlier this month we urged MS residents to sign our petition and join us in support of SB 2623, which would have brought Mississippi in line with the other 46 states that punish animal cruelty as a felony.

While the bill sailed through the Senate by an overwhelming margin of 47 to 1, a short deadline meant House committee members didn't manage to hold a hearing before the time expired - the bill never made it to a vote.

The bill will be reintroduced next year. Until then, Alley Cat Allies will keep you informed about when and how you can help.

March 15, 2010 - Portia de Rossi Kicks Off the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign to Help Feral Cats

Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for stray and feral cats, today launched a print Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign featuring Portia de Rossi, star of the ABC comedy “Better Off Ted.”

In the ad, De Rossi declares herself an “Alley Cat Ally,” and a supporter of Alley Cat Allies’ major campaign to raise awareness about the millions of Americans who care for stray and feral cats in their communities.

"I'm very happy to be involved with Alley Cat Allies and their efforts to help stray and feral cats," said De Rossi. "The Trap-Neuter-Return approach is the only way to help contain the populations and save their lives."

Read the Press Release.
Support the “I’m an Alley Cat Ally” Campaign.

March 2, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Helps Defeat Deadly Rhode Island Bill

With the help of Alley Cat Allies, the cats of Rhode Island dodged a bullet today– or rather, a needle. Under ACA’s watchful eye, Senator John J. Tassoni Jr. withdrew a dangerous, misinformed bill that would have required that all cats found roaming outdoors in Rhode Island be impounded and killed.

Cats are rarely adopted from pounds and shelters—nationwide, 70% of cats in shelters are killed. The bill, authored by the state’s veterinarian, would have been a death sentence for any cat caught outdoors—stray, feral, and companion alike.

Learn the truth about cat fatalities in shelters.
Read the Press Release.

March 2, 2010 - Maryland Residents: Show Your Support for a Bill that Strengthens Anti-Cruelty Laws

This Thursday, the Maryland House of Delegates will hear a bill (H.B. 265) that would increase the maximum prison sentence for misdemeanor animal cruelty crimes to one year. This bill would also allow judges to prohibit offenders from ever owning an animal again.

Currently, the maximum penalty for starving an animal or harming one unnecessarily is only 90 days in jail—a slap on the wrist compared to the seriousness of many animal cruelty crimes. Increasing penalties and allowing prosecutors to punish these crimes appropriately will protect more animals from suffering in the future—and they may not be the only ones. Research has shown that people who are violent toward animals are more likely to be violent toward people.

Maryland Residents—Take Action!
Don't live in Maryland? Find out how you can take action for cats in your community.

March 1, 2010 - Take our trapping Instructions on the road! New printable Trap-Neuter-Return booklet is your go-to resource

How to Help Feral Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trap-Neuter-Return
This concise guide to the humane method of trapping feral cats—the method that Alley Cat Allies introduced to the U.S. almost 20 years ago—follows a trapping endeavor from planning to completion. Ideal for new and seasoned trappers alike, this step-by-step handbook is a great reference to roll up and keep in your back pocket.

Stay tuned for the booklet to be available in our shop by April 15, individually and as a part of our trapping kit!

Registered Users – gain exclusive access to this resource NOW by logging in!
Not registered on our website? Sign up now!

February 25, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Launches NEW CafePress Store

Now you can show your dedication and promote awareness with any of our hip new products at CafePress.

Not only do we have a ton of brand new items to choose from (Pet shirts! Mugs! Onesies! Hoodies!) but we also have lots a cool new designs. Whether it’s professing your love for feral cats, calling out your support as an Alley Cat Ally, or just showing off some hilarious Alley Cat Allies LOLcats – our new CafePress store has got you covered!

Visit our NEW CafePress store now!

February 19, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Illinois Residents to Oppose Harmful Bill

The Illinois House of Representatives is currently considering a bill—H.B. 5689—that would eliminate the Illinois Pet Population Fund.

The Illinois Pet Population Fund makes spay/neuter more accessible to those who can’t afford it, by allowing low-income residents and feral cat caregivers to spay or neuter animals for just $15. 

 This disastrous reversal of current policy would:

• Endanger the lives of animals by sending them into the Illinois pound and shelter system, where half of admitted cats are killed.
• Deny spay/neuter funding to those who need it most—a recent study by Alley Cat Allies found that nearly 75% of all intact pet cats live in low-income households, and that one of the main barriers to neutering them is cost.
• Cut all support for neutering feral cats, by eliminating spay/neuter funds available for feral cat caregivers.
• Waste taxpayer money processing and killing more animals in pounds and shelters, costing the state more in the long run.

Alley Cat Allies is calling on supporters in Illinois to oppose this harmful bill.

Illinois residents—Take Action!
Read the Press Release.
Read our study on the spay/neuter status of the U.S. cat population. 

February 16, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Supports MS Lawmakers’ Anti-Cruelty Bill Felony Provision

The Mississippi State Senate recently approved legislation that would expand the state’s anti-cruelty law to make intentionally harming a cat or dog a felony crime—and the bill is now on its way to the state’s House of Representatives.

Punishing animal cruelty is seriously important—scientific research shows a strong link between aggression toward animals and violence toward people.

Alley Cat Allies is calling on supporters in Mississippi to press for swift passage of the legislation.

Mississippi residents—Take Action!
Read more about the link between violence to animals and violence to humans. 

February 12, 2010 - Last Chance! Send an Alley Cat Allies eValentine Today!

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and that means there’s only two days left to send an eValentine from Alley Cat Allies to the special person in your life.

Make a gift of $5 or more in our Valentine’s Day Tribute Center and select a cute, silly, or romantic eCard to share your message of love.

Send your eValentine today!

February 11, 2010 - Feral Cat Care in a Blizzard: Becky Robinson Shares Her Experience

Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson knows first hand that record breaking snowfall means special care for feral cats.

We're sharing Becky's experiences and want to hear your own, too!

Read Becky's tips and experiences providing care in record snowfall. 
Share your own experiences and tips on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. 
View Alley Cat Allies Severe Weather Tips.

February 9, 2010 - Disney XD Star Joins Forces with Alley Cat Allies for L.A.'s Feral Cats

Tania Gunadi—also known as weapons specialist Dark Tamara on Disney XD's Aaron Stone hit TV series—has joined our campaign to press the City of Los Angeles to restore spay/neuter funding for the city's feral cats and resume promotion of existing TNR programs.

We're grateful to have the support of Tania—a lifetime cat-lover and advocate for their humane care.

Read the Press Release. 
Visit Tania Gunadi's Facebook Page. 
Learn more about our Los Angeles Campaign.

February 5, 2010 - Feral Cats Targeted by Tennessee Valley Authority

The “Rock Pile Cats” in Muscle Shoals, Alabama are almost all gone. Threatened with a trap and kill order, these feral cats’ only crime was living on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) property.

A spokesperson for the nation’s largest public power company said TVA will start “removing” the cats—and any others in its over 80,000 square miles of land—if private citizens don’t get rid of them themselves. Alley Cat Allies is taking action to ensure TVA understands the gravity of their plans and asking them to put a moratorium on their policy, and we need your help.

We need information from caregivers on the ground to establish a record of all communication from TVA about their feral cat policy and report any violence to the cats. Please email us your contact information to alleycat@alleycat.org. We will keep all your information confidential.

We are contacting TVA Headquarters and are asking for a moratorium on their policy so we can establish a humane plan and policy for the cats on their property. Stay tuned—we will update you on developments of this campaign, and let you know how you can help!

Contact Alley Cat Allies with information on TVA cats. 
Read more about the Rock Pile Cats.

February 5, 2010 - UPDATE: No moratorium on trapping for the cats of Evanston, IL 

Thanks to all of our supporters who took action and spoke out on behalf of the cats in the city of Evanston.

Despite repeated requests from Alley Cat Allies for a moratorium, the city refused to stop trapping—and only a handful of cats remain. We know that a local group has volunteered to relocate the few remaining cats who, we believe, are being held by animal control—a move welcomed by the city. The vast majority of the cats have already been trapped were killed.

This is an extremely disappointing turn of events.

Should the city accept the group’s offer, they will not be improving matters for their city or the cats. Trapping and killing is not a humane, or even realistic, way to care for feral cats. Relocation is equally unrealistic and ineffective. Alley Cat Allies does not support relocation as a viable solution because relocation is extremely difficult for the cats and does not act as a permanent solution.

We continue to reach out to Evanston city officials to put a new and humane policy in place that will benefit both the cats and the community so that this event is never repeated—and we hope you will too.

Evanston is “welcoming feedback” on this matter. Sound off about their horrible choices for feral cats.
On their blog: http://www.cityofevanston.org/blog/
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CityofEvanston
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CityofEvanston

Read why relocation is not the answer. 

February 4, 2010 - Share Your Love with a Fun and Festive eValentine!

Valentine's Day is almost here! This month, tell your friends and family you love them by sending an eValentine from Alley Cat Allies.

This is a great chance to tell your loved ones that you care, and that you share their compassion for cats. From cute, to romantic, to silly, we have eCards for all the special people in your life.

Simply make a gift of $5 or more in our Valentine's Day Tribute Center and select an eCard.

With your support, Alley Cat Allies will continue our vital work protecting and improving cats' lives throughout the country!

Get your Valentine's Day eCard Today! 

February 3, 2010 - Illinois: Ask Evanston, IL to Stop Killing Cats

The City of Evanston recently announced their plan to trap and kill a colony of feral cats. As soon as Alley Cat Allies heard of this decision we took action. Working with Tree House Humane Society, we called for an immediate moratorium on the trapping and killing and asked them to implement a humane plan.

We are still waiting for a moratorium on the trapping. Illinois: Help the feral cats of Evanston and tell city officials today that catch and kill must stop. The trapping has been ongoing and we know cats have been caught and killed.

Illinois: Take action on behalf of the remaining cats! Ask the city of Evanston to stop this senseless killing and work with Alley Cat Allies and local groups to put a humane plan in place for these cats.

Residents of Illinois—Take Action!
Learn more about Alley Cat Allies' work in Chicago.

February 2, 2010 - This is cruelty: FOUR feral cats fatally shot while peacefully eating

Four feral cats—two adults and two kittens—were brutally shot and killed while peacefully eating in Bridgetown, VA last Tuesday. They were well cared for and loved by their caregivers as part of a feral colony managed by the nonprofit Spay the Shore.

This shocking act of heartlessness and violence is animal cruelty. Though these cats were not pets, they are protected under anti-cruelty laws that apply to all cats—pet, stray and feral—in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Studies show a strong link between violence to animals and violence to humans. The cats and their caregivers deserve justice. The person responsible for killing these cats should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Alley Cat Allies is in touch with Spay the Shore and the caregiver, and has submitted a letter to the editor of Eastern Shore News expressing our position, and calling for the person responsible for these crimes to be tried.

Read the article.
Read more about the link between violence to animals and violence to humans.
Show support for the caregivers by posting a comment on our Facebook page. 

February 1, 2010 - As winter winds down, Alley Cat Allies Offers Tips for “Kitten Season.”

Springtime is prime breeding season for stray and feral cats, and it’s just around the corner. Get educated about what to do if you come across a litter of kittens outdoors with Alley Cat Allies’ tips and guidelines.

Read the Press Release.
View Sample Newsletter Article.
Learn How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens. 

January 29, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Calls for a Stop to Mass-Trapping and Killing of Cats in Evanston, IL

The city of Evanston has enacting a plan to trap and kill feral cats in a large, local colony. Despite the fact that Trap-Neuter-Return is well established in their county, and many local resources exist, Evanston has decided to round-up and kill the feral cats.

Alley Cat Allies has sent a letter to the city of Evanston offering our expert advice and assistance in establishing a humane and effective approach for Evanston's cats. We know Evanston's current plan of eradication is costly and will not work because of the vacuum effect.

Evanston should know that there are better and humane ways to address feral cat populations in their city.

Read a notice about Evanston's Plan.
Learn more about the resources available in the Chicago area.

January 29, 2010 - The votes are in! Meet OLIVER! 

It was a close vote, but the people have spoken! Our new office cat will be named Oliver. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

Thank you all for participating! Look forward to seeing Oliver in our Alley Cat Allies LOLcats, posted every Friday!

Visit Alley Cat Allies on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

January 27, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies is getting a new office cat – help us give him a name!

The national headquarters of Alley Cat Allies in Bethesda, MD is home to our beloved office cats. They enrich our lives with their antics (captured in our weekly LOLcats) and serve as a constant reminder of why we are here - to protect and improve the lives of cats.

We are excited to announce that we will be adding a new member to our office cat family. He was found during Trap-Neuter-Return efforts at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project, part of our Every Kitty - Every City program.

Help us give our new addition a name by take part in our naming contest. It’s easy: just visit our poll and vote for your favorite name. The winning name will be announced Friday, January 29th!

Vote Now!
Adopt a special kitty of your own from the Boardwalk Cats Project.

January 22, 2010 - Animals need our help in the Disaster in Haiti

UPDATE: Our friends at Animal Balance have been working with SODOPRECA to assemble a group to help rescue animals in Haiti. SODEOPRECA, which is located in the Dominican Republic, shares the same island as Haiti. Though they are facing obstacles, including crossing the border and limited supplies, they are working with an American veterinarian who is now a resident of the island.

Many thanks to Emma Clifford, Director of Animal Balance, for keeping us updated on these efforts and ways for us to help.

For more information to go www.animalbalance.net or www.sodopreca.com.

January 19, 2010: When disaster strikes it impacts not only humans, but animals as well. Team up with our friends at the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and find out what you can do for these special earthquake victims.

Learn how you can help at WSPA’s website.  

January 15, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Helping Atlantic City’s Cats in Need

Today, January 15th, Alley Cat Allies is hosting a low-cost neuter clinic for cats from two targeted neighborhoods: Buzby Village and Belfield Ave. Residents from these areas can take advantage of spay/neuter surgeries for the low fee of $10 per cat.

This event is part of our Every Kitty – Every City program in Atlantic City, continuing our commitment to promoting and providing accessible, low-cost neuter resources in the area.

Learn more about Every Kitty – Every City: Atlantic City. 

January 15, 2010 - Major recall on drugs used in feral cat spay/neuter surgeries

Ketamine and butorphanol - two drugs manufactured by Teva Animal Health, Inc.- have been recalled. These drugs are commonly used in spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs.

The FDA's recall of the drugs resulted from evidence that the drugs were associated with lack of effect, prolonged effect, and death.

Consult your veterinarian about this recall.

Read more.

January 8, 2010 - Los Angeles: Tell City Council "We Want Trap-Neuter-Return Back!"

A recent court order has suspended city funding and promotion for Trap-Neuter-Return programs in Los Angeles – and we need your help to get it back.

Before the court order, Los Angeles – like many progressive communities across the U.S. – embraced Trap-Neuter-Return. For the past fifteen years, the city provided significant funding for low-cost spay/neuter vouchers that helped to support and sustain many community Trap-Neuter-Return programs.

Please respectfully contact the city council and let them know you support Trap-Neuter-Return and want spay/neuter funding restored for L.A's feral cats.

Tell your representatives you want your tax dollars going toward spay/neuter – not killing cats!

Los Angeles residents – Take Action! 
Learn more about the issue and how you can help restore TNR funding in L.A.
Read the Press Release.