December 17, 2011 - Save Cats' Lives with a Gift from Our Cat-a-log

When it comes to keeping our feline friends safe and healthy a little bit goes a long way.

December 16, 2011 - Share your love of cats with an Alley Cat Allies Holiday eCard

Can you believe that the holidays are only a few days away?

December 15, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Responds to Sentencing of Former Smithsonian Bird Researcher

December 8, 2011 - Fort Worth, TX Residents: Attend Meetings to Support TNR

December 2, 2011 - Virginia Residents: Call on Officials to Dismiss Police Office for Beating Injured Cat to Death

November 30, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Condemns Violent Death of Cat by Harrisonburg, Virginia Police Officer

November 21, 2011 - This Thanksgiving, give "Thanks" for the cats in your life!

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only three days away?

November 18, 2011 - Win for the cats: Judge Rules Feeding Feral Cats Legal in Maryland

November 17, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Responds to American Bird Conservancy's Call for Mayors to Oppose TNR

November 16, 2011 - A Celebration of National Feral Cat Day in Pictures

This year we had the biggest and best National Feral Cat Day ever, with 351 events covering all 50 states.

November 8, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Groups to Stop Pitting Species Against Species

November 7, 2011 - Did you host a National Feral Cat Day event? Share Your Stories and Photos with Us!

November 4, 2011 - DC Metro Area residents: Protect Cat Lives—Call on Battery Heights to Stop Trapping Cats

November 4, 2011 - Update: Charles County Commissioners Considering Harmful Cat Provisions

November 2, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Smithsonian to Prohibit Accused Cat Poisoner from Research

Nico Dauphine, a researcher at the Smithsonian Institution’s Migratory Bird Center, was found guilty of misdemeanor cruelty after an investigation last spring showed her in video surveillance placing rat poison around the food of feral cats left out by caregivers in her Washington, D.C. neighborhood.

We are happy to hear she resigned her position on Monday, and the Smithsonian accepted her resignation effective immediately.

Today we're calling on the Smithsonian Institution to halt any research of Nico Dauphine’s and commit to never hiring her again in any capacity, in light of the guilty verdict in her attempted cruelty towards animals case.

A person convicted of attempted animal cruelty should never be allowed to work at an organization whose stated mission includes ‘demonstrating leadership in animal care.’ We hope the Smithsonian will never employ her again in any capacity.

Read the Press Release. 

October 31, 2011 - Guilty Verdict in Washington, DC Cat-Poisoning Case

The verdict is in: the Smithsonian researched charged with attempting to poison a colony of feral cats in a Washington, DC neighborhood has been found guilty.

We are satisfied with the verdict and we are grateful to law enforcement and to the prosecutors for treating this crime with the seriousness it deserved. We call on the Smithsonian to immediately dismiss Ms. Dauphine from her position, and cancel any research projects in which she was involved. In light of her conviction, history of bias and condemning cats in research, her work should be discredited and disregarded by the scientific community.

Anti-cruelty laws protect all cats—pet, stray, or feral—in every state and the District of Columbia. Americans who are demanding humane approaches for feral cats are not going to allow this kind of cruelty to go unpunished.

Read the Press Release.

October 27, 2011 - Trial Opens in Washington, DC Case of Attempted Cat Poisoning

Alley Cat Allies is closely monitoring the case of Nico Dauphine, the researcher at the National Zoo charged in May of this year with attempted cruelty to animals living near her Columbia Heights home.

Ms. Dauphine is alleged to have spiked food left out for feral cats by their caregivers with rat poison. If convicted, Ms. Dauphine faces punishment that could include a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days incarceration

All cats—pet, stray, and feral—are protected by anti-cruelty laws that exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Read the Press Release.
Read the article.
Learn more about anti-cruelty laws and cats.

October 24, 2011 - Citation Stands for Feral Cat Caregiver in Henrico County, Virginia

October 20, 2011 - Charles County, Maryland Residents: Oppose a Deadly Ordinance Threatening Cats' Lives

A new animal control ordinance is threatening the lives of outdoor cats in Charles County, as well as residents' right to care for them. We need your help to make sure the County Commissioners don’t vote in favor of the dangerous, inhumane provisions in this law!

The proposed policies we oppose would:

• Require all cat owners and caregivers to purchase a license for each cat--an unnecessary and unenforceable tax that wastes money caregivers and pet owners could be spending neutering and vaccinating the cats.
• Make all feral cats and other outdoor cats “at large” subject to impoundment, and caregivers could be subjected to hefty fines. Since nearly all feral cats entering shelters are killed there, Charles County's feral cats would likely meet a similar fate.

The Charles County Commissioners will hold a hearing on the bill on November 1. Contact your county commissioners today and tell them not to support this ordinance.

Charles County, MD residents: Take Action! 
Not in Charles County, MD? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

October 16, 2011 - One day. 345 events. Happy National Feral Cat Day!

The big day is finally here—Happy National Feral Cat Day!

We started this day 11 years ago to raise awareness about feral cats and Trap- Neuter-Return. Today, thousands of Americans are showing their compassion for cats at more than 345 events in communities from coast to coast! Thank you for making this the most successful National Feral Cat Day to date.

The amazing outpouring of enthusiasm, support, and compassion from around the country demonstrates loudly and clearly that Americans want humane treatment for cats. With your help, we far exceeded our goal of 250 events this year, making National Feral Cat Day 2011 the biggest in history.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of cats this National Feral Cat Day, and every day of the year!

Learn more about National Feral Cat Day.
See all the events going on nationwide.
Follow the National Feral Cat Day conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

October 12, 2011 - USA Today highlights Alley Cat Allies and National Feral Cat Day

USA Today featured Alley Cat Allies and National Feral Cat Day in their Pet Talk column this week!

The article talks about this year’s incredible National Feral Cat Day while noting at how far we’ve come as a country in our approach to humane care for cats. It also highlights some of the 325 creative and amazing events going on nationwide in celebration of National Feral Cat Day, from spay/neuter clinics to community and education outreach.

Read the article.

October 3, 2011 - We did it! Over 250 events in 50 states for National Feral Cat Day 2011

September 22, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Condemns Bird Group's Alarmist Tactics on Rabies

This week the American Bird Conservancy issued a wildly inaccurate press release that grossly mischaracterizes the health of feral cats and the practice of Trap- Neuter-Return.

Rabies vaccination and prevention efforts in America are a true public health victory, and Trap-Neuter-Return only helps to boost these successes, because vaccination is part of the standard protocol of Trap-Neuter- Return.

Here are the facts:

• Cats are not considered a major rabies threat by public health officials.
• There have been no confirmed cases of cat to human rabies transmission for over 30 years.
• Vaccination and other public health efforts over the last half century have made any rabies cases in humans extremely rare.
• A number of scientific studies on feral cat colonies show these colonies overall to be healthy.

The American Bird Conservancy persists in spreading fiction about feral cats that is not supported by scientific facts. Studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane, effective approach to feral cats and that feral cats are safe members of our communities.

Read the Press Release. 
Learn more about feral cats and rabies.

September 22, 2011 - National Feral Cat Day is Next Month! Help Us Spread the Word!

National Feral Cat Day is only four weeks away—October 16—and we’re getting closer to our goal of 250 events nationwide. We want to make sure this National Feral Cat Day is the biggest yet, and you can help us make it happen:

• Get inspired. Want to host an event but not sure where to start? We've got lots of ideas to help get you going.
• Register your event. Publicize your event on nationalferalcatday.org and show the world peole have Compassion for Cats Coast to Coast.
• Get the word out. Take advantage of our free—and handy—National Feral Cat Day downloads. Print the official National Feral Cat Day 2011 poster, brochures, and more to tell the world about National Feral Cat Day.

We launched National Feral Cat Day in 2001 to raise awareness about feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and recognize the millions of compassionate American who care for them. With your help, we know we can help improve the lives of cats everywhere!

September 21, 2011 - Defending the Right to Care for Cats in Henrico County, VA

In March, a feral cat caregiver in Henrico County, Virginia, received a citation for feeding feral cats on her property. According to the violation notice, caring for feral cats is not specifically allowed on residential property. Already the case has been thrown out by the Board of Zoning Appeals once, but the county issued another citation almost immediately, trapping this citizen in an ongoing loop of legal battles simply for caring for cats on her own property.

Tomorrow morning, she will again go before the Board of Zoning Appeals to appeal her case and defend her right to care for cats. If the citation sticks, it could lead not only to the seven cats that she has cared for out of her own pocket being caught and killed by animal control, but also the killing of countless cats in any county that follows this dangerous precedent.

This case is indicative of a much larger problem—elected officials who oppose Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats and target the compassionate people who care for them.

Learn more and attend the meeting in Henrico County, VA.
Find out how to improve the lives of cats in your community. 
Get help with citations.

September 16, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Announces National Feral Cat Day Award Winners

This year Alley Cat Allies offered our inaugural awards program to support the success of organizational events.

• The Trailblazer Award was awarded to events in states that did not have an event in 2010—winners received $500 toward their event.
• Our Superstar Award was given to events demonstrating innovative and effectiveness in any state—winners received $1,000 and runners-up received $500.

Our winners and runners-up targeted areas where they will make the most impact. Their innovative ideas reached across cultural and creative boundaries to help and inspire communities to care for cats. Congratulations to all of our award winners!

See a complete list of winners and learn how you can attend one of these inspiring, lifesaving events. 
Read the Press Release.

September 14, 2011 - New Resource: “Why Trap-Neuter-Return Feral Cats? The Case for TNR”

Our latest fact sheet makes the case for Trap-Neuter-Return by explaining how TNR benefits everyone. This resource covers in detail the many reasons to embrace and promote Trap-Neuter-Return:

• Stabilizing feral cat colonies
• Improving cats lives
• Answering the needs of the community
• Protecting cats’ lives
• Effectiveness—other methods just don’t work

Read “Why Trap-Neuter-Return Feral Cats? The Case for TNR.”

September 6, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Launches Monthly Workshop on Trap-Neuter-Return and Humane Care for Cats

Alley Cat Allies will be hosting a series of workshops at our Bethesda headquarters for Greater Washington, DC residents looking for education and hands-on training on humane programs for stray and feral cats.

The Helping Community Cats workshops will be held every third Thursday of the month, starting Thursday September 15.

The workshop will cover:

• Basic protocols for Trap-Neuter-Return
• Videos and demonstrations
• Instructions for specific techniques for trapping and humane deterrents
• Training on colony care, and community relations

Reservations are required. RSVP via phone: 240-482-2587 or email: rsvp@alleycat.org

Learn more about this workshop.
View our events calendar. 
Learn more about Helping Community Cats Workshops.

September 2, 2011 - Jamesburg, NJ Residents: Oppose a Feeding Ban in Your Community

The Jamesburg Borough Council is considering instituting a feeding ban against feral cats. We need your help to convince the borough council that a feeding ban is the wrong move, and that citizens want humane, effective methods like Trap-Neuter- Return.

Feeding bans are cruel and ineffective. They deprive cats of their regular food source, while doing nothing to stabilize the population. Further, these pointless ordinances waste tax payer money on punishing the volunteer caregivers who spend their time and money making the community a better place for cats and people.

Jamesburg, NJ Residents: Take Action!
Not in Jamesburg? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

September 1, 2011 - Good News! Harmful Amendments to San Antonio Animal Code to be Reconsidered

Thanks to the efforts of our supporters and other animal advocates in San Antonio, the City Council dropped consideration of harmful amendments to the City’s animal control code at today’s Council hearing. The potential changes would have made Trap- Neuter-Return more difficult and threatened any cat outside with impoundment into the city animal shelter.

The City Council will work with animal advocates and other stakeholders, and it will reconsider the amendments at a Council meeting in two weeks. Alley Cat Allies will monitor the developments and we will let you know if further action is needed.

Thanks to all who made their voices heard!

August 31, 2011 - San Antonio, Texas Residents: Take Action to Protect Cats by Opposing Lethal Policies for Cats

Tomorrow, the San Antonio city council intends to vote on changes to the city’s animal code that would outlaw outdoor cats, and threaten any cat found “at large” with impoundment into the city animal shelter. These proposed changes mean all cats outdoors are at a grave risk—last year, nearly 80% of all cats entering the San Antonio City shelter were killed.

These misguided measures have been proposed as a helpful way to expand Trap-Neuter-Return, but they are not necessary for TNR to succeed and will only result in more cats being killed in San Antonio’s shelters.

Help us convince your San Antonio city councilmembers that these changes will not accomplish their goals.

San Antonio, TX Residents: Take Action!
Not in San Antonio? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

August 29, 2011 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats are Safe After Hurricane Irene

We are happy to report that The Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats weathered the storm this weekend and are doing great!

Staff and volunteers prepared all colonies prior to the hurricane's arrival and checked on the cats once the storm cleared. Apart from a little flooding, the colony sites held up fine and the cats were happy to see their regular caregivers.

Because the impact of the storm was minimal, emergency volunteers will not be needed to clean up the colonies. THANK YOU to everyone who offered to help!

Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by Hurricane Irene. We are grateful that there appears to be no major damage in Atlantic City, and that The Boardwalk Cats are all safe.

Learn more about The Boardwalk Cats Project.
Watch Fox 29 news footage of the cats.

August 26, 2011 - Be Prepared for Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene is heading up the east coast of the United States, bringing with it the dangers associated with rain and high winds. Authorities are urging everyone in the path of this storm to be prepared--that goes for people and for the animals we care for!

First, it’s important to know that feral cats are resourceful. The outdoors are their home, so they know how to deal with weather. Many times animals can "sense" when bad weather is coming, and in the case of hurricanes, they often move to higher ground and safe places instinctually. However, there are things you can do to help keep you and the cats you care for safe:

Things you should do ahead of time...

• Have a list of local shelters and their contact information. You will need this information in case you need their help or resources.
• Have descriptions of the cats in your colony, along with photos. If you need to look for displaced cats in shelters or other rescue areas this will help accurately identify them.
• Turn all openings for shelters and feeding stations away from the storm surge, and if possible, move them to slightly higher, protected ground nearby.
• Fill food and water bowls in case you can't return immediately

If you need to evacuate...

• Bring your pets with you, but do not try to trap and contain unsocialized feral cats.
• Have a list of pet friendly hotels outside the evacuation zone. La Quinta and Motel 6 are two consistently pet friendly chains. Also check with family and friends for a place to stay with your pets.
• Bring food and bottled water for yourself and your animals, as well as additional provisions to provide the feral colony, upon your return.

After the storm...

• Begin cleaning up the colony area to remove any potential hazards for the cats.
• Look for the cats in your colony. If any are missing, immediately:
  • Determine which agencies, if any, are on the ground in your area assisting animals. Contact those organizations directly to find out how they’re helping feral cats. Provide a description of the cats you are missing, and determine how you can claim these cats.
  • Contact your local shelters. Ask if they are trapping cats in your area, and determine how long they will hold feral cats. Shelters may be experiencing a high volume of calls and influx of animals. For this reason, we advise that caregivers go to the shelters in person to find missing cats. Determine from shelter staff how you can claim your cats.

Be diligent about looking for your colony cats, but don't panic. Cats can hide for days after severe weather before returning to their colonies. Please keep yourself, your animals, and the rest of your families safe in the coming days.

August 26, 2011 - We Did it! Governor Vetoes Deadly Change to NJ Shelter Policies

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie heard our voices loud and clear last week when we asked him to protect New Jersey’s animals by conditionally vetoing S 2923. Thanks to you, yesterday, all the language we objected to was stricken from the bill.

Now that the dangerous language is removed, this bill is a beneficial step toward expanding accessible spay and neuter in New Jersey. Thank you for helping protect New Jersey's cats!

August 23, 2011 - Emergency Response Volunteers Needed at the Atlantic City Boardwalk

Hurricane Irene is rapidly approaching the New Jersey coast and the cats of the Atlantic City Boardwalk may need your help after the storm!

Alley Cat Allies staff and volunteers are currently readying the colonies for the impending harsh weather. But we still need “standby” volunteers who can help us clean up after the storm. If you are available for a few hours on Monday, 8/29, or Tuesday, 8/30, we would love to have your help:

• Drying out and re-bedding cat shelters
• Repairing feeding stations
• Cleaning out debris from colony areas
• Feeding and refilling water dishes for the cats

As soon as the storm subsides, we will check the beach and the colony sites. If we need help, our Atlantic City Program Manager, Amanda, will email volunteers with the location and time to meet her at the Boardwalk.

To sign up, call Amanda at 609-892- 6235 or email her at acasazza@alleycat.org.

August 23, 2011 - Be Prepared in the Event of an Emergency

On Tuesday a 5.8 magnitude earthquake originating in Virginia was felt up and down the eastern seaboard. While destruction was minimal, the East Coast is also preparing for Hurricane Irene later this week, as we head in the height of hurricane season.

These are both sobering reminders to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Establish a disaster plan for your family, companion animals, and feral cat colonies.

Read Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Preparedness Tips.

August 18, 2011 - New Jersey Residents: Take Action to Stop a Bill that Would Allow More Cats to be Killed in Shelters

A deadly provision in an otherwise positive bill could result in cats in New Jersey being killed at animal pounds and shelters before owners or caregivers even know they’re missing. Alley Cat Allies has reached out to Governor Christie to ask him to conditionally veto the bill, and we need your help to convince him!

Current New Jersey law requires animal pounds and shelters to hold cats and dogs for at least seven days to allow owners to reclaim their pets. But language in S 2923:

• Allows shelters to kill animals based on their “age, health, or behavior” before the required seven-day holding period is up. That’s a death sentence for old, ill, frightened, or feral cats.
• Threatens impoundment for virtually any cat outdoors.

A part of the bill does benefit cats by expanding spay and neuter availability, but the language in this bill that could lead to the death of cats must be removed. Respectfully request Governor Christie conditionally veto S 2923 to save cats’ lives.

All cats deserve a chance to live and all caregivers and owners deserve a chance to save them.

New Jersey Residents: Take Action! 
Not in NJ? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

August 15, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Sponsors Monessen Neuter Clinic

A total of 78 cats were neutered on Sunday in Monessen, Pennsylvania at a day-long veterinary clinic sponsored by Alley Cat Allies. The services were provided at no cost to residents of Monessen, many of whom brought their house cats to be spayed or neutered.

“There is an enormous need for accessible and affordable spay and neuter services for the cats in Monessen, both owned house cats and feral cats in colonies” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies. “We stepped in to help fill this tremendous need.”

Monessen was the subject of much controversy last March after city leaders hired a private trapper to trap cats and bring them to a local shelter where most were immediately killed. The trapping, which was carried out with no prior notice to town residents, resulted in the deaths of dozens of cats.

“The big turnout for services we saw on Sunday is yet more indication that residents of Monessen don’t support killing—they want humane care for the city’s cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats and affordable spay and neuter for all cats,” said Robinson.

Read the Press Release.

August 12, 2011 - TODAY is the deadline for National Feral Cat Day Awards applications!

If your organization needs a little help bringing your National Feral Cat Day event from good to PURRfect, August 12 (that’s TODAY!) is your last chance to apply for our inaugural awards program.

This year we’re offering two kinds of awards:

Trailblazer Award: Applications must be in one of the 14 states that did not have a registered event in 2010. Events must fall into one of five types. Learn more.Superstar Award: Applications must demonstrate how their event will be innovative or have the greatest impact on the lives of community cats. Learn more.

Winners will be notified by August 31, but you must apply TODAY!

Don’t worry, though. Whether you apply for an award or not, you can register your event for National Feral Cat Day anytime, up until October 16.

Apply for an award TODAY.
Register your National Feral Cat Day event anytime.

August 11, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Offers Guidance for "Kabul Cats"

Alley Cat Allies reached out to the leadership of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan with materials and guidance on putting in place humane programs for feral cats, following news reports that embassy staff were grappling over the fate of a colony of cats who make their home on the grounds of the embassy.

Like many feral cat colonies, these cats are providing comfort to the men and women who staff this embassy, far from home, working in a highly stressful and combative atmosphere. The companionship and sense of normalcy these cats provide is extremely important to them, and Alley Cat Allies hopes the embassy leadership continues to respect that.

Read the press release.

August 9, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies calls on Davidson County, North Carolina to Stop the Killing

Today, Alley Cat Allies learned about a cruel and illegal killing of a cat, her kitten, and a raccoon allegedly perpetrated by Davidson County, North Carolina shelter employees in 2009. The tragedy at Davidson County Animal Shelter is reflective of a broken shelter system nationwide—a system that lacks transparency and humane values, and is killing millions of animals every year. Alley Cat Allies called on the Davidson County Commissioners to stop the killing of animals in their county and put animals’ lives first.

Read the letter. 

August 1, 2011 - NEW featured presentation video: The R-Cats Program in Rome, New York

Check out our latest video about the R-Cats program in Rome, New York. It’s a story of how a concerned citizen stepped forward when a feeding ban was proposed in her town, and worked to bring about a humane outcome for the cats. By educating her local government and building understanding, Allison Nickerson gave Rome, New York an answer to their feral cat concerns. And now Rome has joined the hundreds of communities across the country providing leadership in the humane care movement for cats. 

Watch the video online!

July 22, 2011 - New Resource: “Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic Study”

For ten years, from 1998 to 2007, Alley Cat Allies founded, funded, and operated a subsidized, monthly spay/neuter clinic in Northern Virginia for feral cats all over the region.

Now we've translated the findings from this spay/neuter clinic into accessible, easy-to-read (and explain!) graphs that illustrate what a high-quality clinic model can do for cats in your community. Our results matched published findings from clinics nationwide—feral cats are healthy, and more than 98% of cats entering clinics can be safely returned to their homes outdoors.

Read Alley Cat Allies' Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic Study. 

July 21, 2011 - Keep Cats Cool with Alley Cat Allies' Summer Tips

The weather forecast this week: heat, heat, and more heat. Please take measures to stay cool yourself! And, be sure to keep your outdoor cats in mind too. Put out extra water, provide shade, and take special care if trapping.

Read more summer weather tips.

July 20, 2011 - Start Planning Now for National Feral Cat Day 2011!

National Feral Cat Day is just three months away on October 16, 2011—time to start planning for the big day!

Show the world that Americans have Compassion for Cats: Coast to Coast by holding events in your community. Our goal is to have 250 events, and at least one in each state. We've got the resources to help you make this year's National Feral Cat Day great for cats nationwide:

• Get inspired with our event suggestions.
• See what others are doing to support cats on National Feral Cat Day.
• Register your own event for NFCD.
• Learn how you can win an award to help fund your event.
• Download materials to help educate, promote, and celebrate NFCD.

With your help this National Feral Cat Day can be the best yet!

Visit the National Feral Cat Day Resource Center.

July 14, 2011 - Start Alley Cat Allies Joins with Monessen Citizens to Press for Humane Policies for Cats

Today (July 14) Alley Cat Allies is meeting with citizens and local animal protection groups in Monessen to help with humane solutions for cats and to provide direct support for cats and their caregivers.

The meeting is part of a grassroots organizing effort to rally like-minded citizens and establish humane approaches for the cats of Monessen. In March, the city of Monessen, PA hired a private trapper to trap outdoor cats and bring them to a local shelter to be immediately killed. The trapping, which was carried out with no prior notice to town residents, resulted in the deaths of dozens of cats.

Read the Press Release. 

July 12, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Represents Cats on The Daily Show

Last night, Alley Cat Allies appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. While we knew there would be some good-natured ribbing, we definitely had a lot of fun with Aasif Mandvi and The Daily Show producers. As the cats’ leading advocate, we represented our important issue—the protection of cats—on national television.

Thanks to The Daily Show, millions of viewers heard our message that humans are the true cause of wildlife decline, and that cats are a natural part of the environment. Now more of America knows that there is an advocate out there for cats.

Watch our Daily Show segment. 

July 8, 2011 - Columbia, Missouri Residents: Voice Your Disapproval for the New Ordinance Derailing Cat Care!

Last week, we asked for your help to stop an ordinance that threatens the lives of cats of Columbia, Missouri. This dangerous law discourages Trap-Neuter-Return and places unnecessary burdens on volunteer caregivers. Unfortunately, despite community activists turning out to show their opposition, the ordinance was passed by the city council.

Columbia, Missouri Residents: contact your city council members to voice your disapproval over this detrimental law. 

Instead of rewarding the responsible community members who care for cats out of their own pockets and embracing humane care for cats, your city council has decided to waste funds throwing up roadblocks to Trap-Neuter-Return—a valuable community service.

Columbia, Missouri Residents: Take Action! 
Not in MO? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

July 5, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies helping cats and community in Buenos Aires

Stray and feral cats are everywhere, and so is Alley Cat Allies! We recently collaborated with dedicated volunteers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and donated humane box traps to help in their Trap-Neuter-Return efforts.

So far 50 cats have been trapped, spayed or neutered, eartipped, and returned to their outdoor home!

Yvette Pina, spearheaded the Trap-Neuter-Return effort, flying out from Chicago to Buenos Aires to help. She shared some photos with us including the trapping of Garfield—a big male cat who has eluded them for four years. Yvette tells us there was a huge celebration when he was trapped! Though Yvette is back in Chicago, volunteers continue the work in Buenos Aires.

Thanks to our friends around the globe who are doing their part to protect and improve the lives of stray and feral cats.

June 28, 2011 - Feral Friend Saves the Day! Piper the Kitten Rescued from a Storm Drain

Thanks to the help of our Feral Friends Network and a Good Samaritan, a kitten is safe after being stuck in a storm drain.

Alley Cat Allies Feral Friend Toby Franks got a call June 13th from veterinarian Dr. Kim Carter, asking for his help to rescue a kitten who was stuck in a storm drain. A concerned citizen had been keeping vigil over the kitten from her wheelchair for four days. When Dr. Carter wasn’t able to coax the kitten out, Toby climbed down into the drain. The kitten was too afraid to approach Toby, so they set a trap and kept watch. The next morning, the kitten was safely in the trap!

The little kitten is currently at Dr. Carter’s clinic and doing great! They’ve named her Piper in honor of her dramatic storm drain rescue.

Our Feral Friends are true heroes to cats! If you have hands-on experience doing Trap-Neuter-Return, please consider joining the Feral Friends Network, too.

June 22, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies’ President Becky Robinson is this week’s Petfinder Expert

Alley Cat Allies’ President Becky Robinson is this week’s expert at Petfinder’s Ask the Experts Forum. As the cat’s leading advocate, we’re proud to share our expertise on feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return with the Petfinder community. As President and co-founder of Alley Cat Allies, Becky has over 20 years of experience and has advised veterinarians, communities, and feral cat organizations on the domestic cat species and its relationship to humans.

Stop by the Petfinder forum this week (6/20-26) for Becky’s answers to questions about feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return!

Visit Petfinder’s Ask the Experts Form. 

June 21, 2011 - New York Residents: Save Animal Lives—Support CAARA Now!

The Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA) is a groundbreaking bill designed to overhaul New York's pound and shelter system to make killing impounded animals a last resort; improve the standards of care for animals in shelters across the state; and help establish New York as a leader in humane animal care.

Under CAARA:

• No animal is to be killed if an animal rescue or Trap-Neuter-Return group is willing to take her.
• High standards of care for animals are established for pounds and shelters.
• Specific steps are to be taken to reunite lost animals with their owners and caregivers are required.
• Shelters must disclose information about how animals fared under their care.

We need your help to bring this lifesaving bill to a vote. Contact your senator and assemblymember today to let them know you support CAARA!

New York Residents: Take Action! 
Not in NY? Learn how you can help cats in your community.
Learn the truth about cat fatalities in shelters.

June 20, 2011 - Non-Surgical Sterilization for Cats? Not Yet.

Non-surgical sterilization—that is, sterilizing animals by feeding, darting, or otherwise giving them medication—has been in the news recently. While there are groups working to make this a viable option for addressing the need to spay and neuter animals, the science is still some years away from creating reliable, distributable non-surgical sterilization.

Fortunately we don't have to wait for non-surgical sterilization to help cats. There is a proven, successful solution right now—Trap-Neuter-Return.

We support approaches that are best for cats, and right now that option is Trap-Neuter-Return. At this time there is no safe, tested, and approved method of sterilizing cats without surgery. What’s more, eartipping a cat is the best way to see—even from a distance—that a cat has been spayed or neutered, and the only way to do that is under anesthesia during surgery.

Trap-Neuter-Return continues to be the best method of helping stray and feral cats.

Learn more about non-surgical sterilization and Trap-Neuter-Return.

June 10, 2011 - Alabama tornado cats need new homes or to be reunited with their caregivers

We’ve relocated most of the cats whose homes were destroyed by the tornadoes, but we still have a few needing new permanent homes—farms or other suitable outdoor homes—or to be reunited with their caregivers. A few of the cats might be missing pets.

These cats have been held for several weeks now, and we’re anxious to get them placed or returned because of the stress they’re enduring.

Please help us spread the word and find new homes for them or get them reunited with their caregivers. If you can help, contact Laura at alleycat@alleycat.org or call 866-271-5534.

View and share photos of the cats on Facebook.

June 6, 2011 - Be Prepared for Hurricane Season with Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Readiness Tips

This year the nation has already experienced devastating tornados, flooding and fires. Now hurricane season is on the horizon. 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. 

May 31, 2011 - Helping the people and animals affected by the tornado in Joplin, MO

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.

Alley Cat Allies is in touch with a number of organizations in the tornado devastated area of Joplin, MO and will be providing details on how people can help as soon as we have them available.

Please wait to send supplies to the rescue efforts in Joplin until there is a list of specific items that are needed. Many rescuers in the area are overwhelmed with donations of supplies that they can’t store. Unsolicited supplies need to be opened, sorted and stored which takes time away from the critical efforts to find and rescue animals.

Meanwhile, if you or someone you know in Joplin, MO needs supplies or financial assistance for feral cat colonies or veterinary care for injured cats please get in touch with us. Call Laura Ramos, National Cat Help Desk Specialist, at 866-271-5534 or email alleycat@alleycat.org

May 27, 2011 - Do you know a caregiver who needs help in Joplin, MO?

Alley Cat Allies is reaching out to help feral cat caregivers in and around in Joplin, Missouri impacted by the devastating tornadoes.

If you need supplies or financial assistance for your colonies or veterinary care for injured cats in Joplin, please get in touch!

Call Laura Ramos, Case Management Associate, at 866-271-5534 or email alleycat@alleycat.org  

May 27, 2011 - Alabama: we want to hear from you!

Alley Cat Allies wants to hear from people who were caring for outdoor cats in the tornado-affected areas of Alabama.

Were you displaced by the storms and wondering what has become of your feral cat colony? Are you heading back home and ready to pick up feeding again? Do you know anyone who falls into these categories?

We want to help you and the cats your care for so please call Laura Ramos, Case Management Associate, at 866-271-5534 or email alleycat@alleycat.org  

May 26, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies and Supporters Call for Suspension of Accused Cat Poisoner from Job at National Zoo

Today Alley Cat Allies called on the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo to suspend Nico Dauphine, a wildlife researcher accused of attempting to poison cats at a park near her home in Washington, D.C., until the criminal charges against her have been resolved.

In a letter to the zoo’s director, Dennis Kelly, Alley Cat Allies president Becky Robinson says the zoo’s decision to keep Dauphine in her position despite the serious allegations of animal cruelty against her “sends a message to the Washington, D.C. community and all of America that the lives of cats have no value.”

Alley Cat Allies also asked supporters to sign a petition calling on the zoo to suspend Dauphine from her duties until the matter is resolved. The petition has so far garnered more than 7,000 signatures.

Read the Press Release. 
Read the full text of the letter to the National Zoo. 

May 25, 2011 - Ask Smithsonian to Suspend Researcher Accused of Animal Cruelty

This week, ABCnews and the Washington Post reported that a researcher at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center was observed via video surveillance attempting to poison cats in Washington, DC—and charged with attempted animal cruelty.

Sign our petition to request that they suspend this employee until this matter is resolved. 

The accused researcher—Dr. Nico Dauphine—faces up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted on charges of animal cruelty. Despite the charges, the Smithsonian has stated they are “perfectly comfortable” allowing her to continue working, saying that her work “would in no way jeopardize our animal collection at the National Zoo or jeopardize wildlife.”

We find this extremely disturbing. All animals deserve to be protected from cruelty, and it is illegal to intentionally harm any cat in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Alley Cat Allies has sent a letter to the Smithsonian calling for Dr. Dauphine’s suspension until the case is concluded.

Take Action: Sign our petition! 

May 24, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Praises DC Authorities for Upholding the Law in Columbia Heights Cat-Poisoning Case

In early May, Nico Dauphine, a researcher at the National Zoo’s Migratory Bird Center was charged with attempted animal cruelty for allegedly poisoning feral cats in Washington, DC’s Columbia Heights Neighborhood.

Dauphine has published numerous papers scapegoating cats for the loss of bird species, using unreliable data and misrepresenting research to condemn cats.

“This troubling story underlines the importance of what we have been doing for over 20 years,” said Alley Cat Allies president Becky Robinson. “Alley Cat Allies supports humane and effective policies that take into account the best interests of all animals. Intentionally killing cats is illegal and cruel. Criminal charges in this case are appropriate and necessary.”

Killing cats is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia—and that applies to all cats, pet, stray or feral.

Get involved! This story has appeared in various media outlets, and we need you to comment on these articles to make sure your support for all animals and for upholding cruelty laws is noted!

Comment on the articles: On the Washington Post and ABC News. 
Read the Press Release.

May 20, 2011 - Call for Volunteers in Alabama

Since tornadoes devastated Alabama several weeks ago and left thousands of people and animals homeless, we’ve been coordinating assistance for residents struggling to care for their cats. Alley Cat Allies has donated traps and cat food, and our focus now is on finding barn homes and other safe relocation sites for a number of feral cats. Do you have a suitable location that some of these cats can call home? Daily food, water and long term care required. Volunteers with feral cat experience are also urgently needed to house the cats until relocation sites are found.

Additionally, Alley Cat Allies is hoping to connect with caregivers on the ground. We want to talk with you if you care for outdoor cats in the Tuscaloosa area and may be looking for them, or if you are in a position to start caring for some again.

To contact Alley Cat Allies to volunteer or to get help, please email Laura; alleycat@alleycat.org or call 866-271-5534.

May 20, 2011 - NEW expert presentation video: Cultivating Cool Cats with Joan Miller

Check out our NEW expert presentation video: Cultivating Cool Cats: Handling Felines in the Shelter so they Look and Feel Their Best.

Joan Miller, renowned cat expert, presents tips for how to put the cat in your care at ease and bring out her best qualities to help her get adopted. Using volunteer kitties, Miller demonstrates simple techniques to help assess cats’ temperaments and sooth them to bring about remarkable, immediate results.

Watch the video now. 

May 19, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Continues to Advocate for the Cats of Monessen, Pennsylvania

Last night, at the Monessen City Council meeting, local cat advocates addressed the City Council and showed their commitment to humane policies for outdoor cats. For the first time, the Council engaged with the advocates in a dialogue. However, the Council remains steadfast in its outdated thinking that the outdoor cats can be taken elsewhere.

Also, this week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette printed a Letter to the Editor written by Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson in response to an article written about the situation in Monessen. In the original article, the author demonstrated a lack of understanding about outdoor cats. In our response, Becky sets the record straight and advocates for the humane, effective approach for feral cats.

Read Becky's Letter to the Editor. 
Read the article.

May 16, 2011 - Emergency Volunteers Needed to Shelter Cats in Alabama!

Volunteers with feral cat experience are urgently needed to temporarily house cats trapped during the emergency response to the recent tornadoes in Tuscaloosa.

The cats need to be housed for a minimum of a week, while the damage to the feral cat colonies' neighborhoods is being assessed. Then the cats will be neutered and safely relocated or returned to their colony location.

Can you or someone you know help these cats? Please call Alley Cat Allies National Cat Help Desk Specialist Laura Ramos at 1-866-271-5534 or email alleycat@alleycat.org immediately.

The cats of Tuscaloosa need your help!

May 6, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Supports Feral Cat Caregivers Affected by Alabama Tornados

We are coordinating efforts to assist local Trap-Neuter-Return groups and animal shelters in their efforts to help residents in areas affected by the devastating tornados in Alabama.

Feral cat caregivers who need supplies or financial assistance for rebuilding their colonies or for veterinary care of injured cats can contact us at alleycat@alleycat.org or 240-482-1980 ext. 330

We're donating humane box traps, cat carriers, cat food, and other supplies to aid in cat recovery and care to MomaKat Rescue in Birmingham, Alabama and Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter.

Local groups are in need of volunteers and supplies:

• Gently used or new large towels/sheets to be used as trap covers
• Cat food – wet and dry
• Metal food and water dishes
• Humane box traps
• Large cat carriers (large enough to hold a small litter pan and serve as temporary housing)
• Cat shelters
• Other animal care supplies

If you are able to provide this local support please contact:

MomaKat Rescue
Contact: Tina Fitzpatrick
2012 Knollwood Pl
Birmingham, AL 25242-2470
205-821-5401
support@momakat.org

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter
Contact: Judy Hill
3140 35th St
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
205-349-9438

Together we can help the cats and caregivers affected by this disaster!

Read the Press Release. 

May 2, 2011 - Remember Mom with an Alley Cat Allies eCard Today!

Remember all the times you got a hug and a kiss just when you needed them? This year you can return the love by sending your Mom (or another special woman in your life) an Alley Cat Allies eCard that says “Thanks for everything” at the same time it helps to protect the beautiful animals you both cherish.

Simply make a gift of at least $5 to Alley Cat Allies, and select your favorite from among our five special Mother’s Day eCards. When you do, you’ll be helping cats all across the country.

Please don’t delay—Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th!

Send a Mother's Day eCard today.

April 29, 2011 - UPDATE: City-Sponsored Cat-Killings Protested in Pennsylvania Town
On Wednesday, feral cat supporters in Monessen, Pennsylvania rallied outside City Hall to protest a city ordinance that has already resulted in the deaths of nearly three dozen of the city's cats.

No notice was given to citizens when the trapping began in March. Despite frantically searching for their missing cats, most people did not discover the cats' fates for nearly a week.

Monessen officials have repeatedly ignored requests from citizens to stop trapping and killing and meet with local groups to discuss humane alternatives including education, low-cost spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return.

Alley Cat Allies and the Citizens for Humane Monessen will continue to press city officials to stop the trapping and killing.

Read the Press Release.
Get Involved - Take a poll voting for TNR in Monessen, Pennsylvania.
Learn more about the humane approach to feral cats in Monessen.

April 27, 2011 - Pay Tribute to a Cherished Cat and Help Another Cat Live

Have you ever loved—and lost—a cherished cat? You remember your cat’s rumbling purr of contentment and all the happy moments spent together. And the promise to keep your cat's memory alive.

Fulfill that promise by making a donation to Alley Cat Allies to stop the killing of cats in pounds and shelters.

Your gift will strengthen Alley Cat Allies’ respected work to change hearts and minds, until every cat is protected and shown the compassion and respect you so freely gave your feline friend. Helping to win that for all cats is the best way to keep the memory of your cat alive.

Donate in memory of your cherished cat today!

April 26, 2011 - Rally for Cats' Lives in Monessen, Pennsylvania

Dozens of cats have already been killed in Monessen, Pennsylvania, after the City Council recently instituted a deadly new ordinance with virtually no notification to citizens.

Repeated requests from us and local cat protection groups to the mayor and city administrator to meet and discuss Trap-Neuter-Return and an immediate moratorium on the trapping were ignored. The trapping in Monessen continues—and cats continue to die.

A rally for the cats is being held:

Wednesday, April 27
12 p.m. 1
8 Eastgate
Monessen, PA, 15062

Residents of Monessen, PA and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend to make your voices heard!

Read the Press Release. 

April 20, 2011 - Cat Supporters to Ask Monessen, PA City Council to Stop Trapping and Killing Cats

Opponents of an amendment to a city ordinance in Monessen, Pennsylvania regulating cats will address the City Council on Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. Local cat protection groups, including The Coalition for a Humane Monessen are expected to attend, and Alley Cat Allies is supporting their efforts. They will read a statement in opposition to the amendment at the meeting.

The amendment, approved February 16, states that animal control can "impound cats running at large." As a result of the amendment, the City of Monessen has begun trapping and killing outdoor cats.

Trapping and killing cats is not only cruel, but ineffective. Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane approach to stray and feral cats.

Read the media advisory. 
Learn why catch and kill doesn't work.

April 12, 2011 - Illinois Residents: Help Stop a Harmful Bill Threatening Cats and TNR

Illinois legislators may soon introduce a bill that could cause the death of countless cats, roll back the state’s support for low-cost spay/neuter, and discourage colony caregiving. This disastrous bill would be a major blow to humane cat care in Illinois. We can’t let it pass.

Under the proposed legislation, any cat found outdoors could be considered “at large” and impounded at a shelter. The bill would also gut the state’s spay/neuter fund, which is crucial to helping low-income pet owners neuter their cats, and impose restrictions on feral cat caregiving. Together, this double whammy discourages—instead of promotes—responsible pet ownership and Trap-Neuter-Return and puts more cats at risk.

Don't let Illinois take this step backwards.

Illinois Residents: Take Action! 
Not in IL? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

April 7, 2011 - New Resources! Troubleshooting with Community Members 

You may find yourself facing potential conflicts with neighbors or other local stakeholders. We've added some important new resources to our Community Relations Guide—Troubleshooting with Community Members that can help!

Troubleshooting with Community Members has the tools to help you when you are working through a challenge with a neighbor or community member. You will also find information about how to handle violent threats to cats.

This new section includes:

• How to Resolve Issues about Cats with Others
  • Bargaining Chips: How and What Services to Provide to Get What You Want When Negotiating on Behalf of Cats
• Conflicts and Threats to Feral Cat Colonies
  • Low Key Complaints and Concerns from the Community
  • Conflicts with Property Management or Animal Control
  • Violent Threats

Caring for cats outdoors also means being their voice in your community and our Community Relations Guide is here to help!

Check out Troubleshooting with Community Members.

April 7, 2011 - Texas Residents: Support H.B. 3450 to Improve Animal Shelters and Protect Cats!

The Texas House of Representatives Public Health Committee is currently considering H.B. 3450, a forward-thinking bill that would orient the animal pound and shelter system away from killing and towards saving animals.

The bill include provisions such as:

• Mandating recordkeeping and accountability.
• Promoting Trap-Neuter-Return.
• Allowing nonprofit groups to rescue any animal that would otherwise be killed.
• Exempting feral cat caregivers from feeding bans and limit laws.
• Requiring shelter animals to be neutered before adoption.
• Extending the minimum shelter holding period.
• Ending the use of gas chambers to kill animals.

Help match Texans’ love for animals with strong laws that promote lifesaving outcomes in pounds and shelters.

Texas Residents: Take Action!
Not in TX? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

April 5, 2011 - Monessen, Pennsylvania Residents: Tell Local Officials to Stop the Killing!

The City of Monessen has begun to trap and kill outdoor cats. Pet cats and feral cats from colonies who are lovingly cared for—including cats who are neutered and vaccinated—are being rounded up, brought to a local shelter, and killed.

Show your support by "liking" the Coalition for a Humane Monessen on Facebook and by contacting local officials to tell them to stop the killing and embrace Trap-Neuter-Return.

Monessen, PA Residents: Take Action!
"Like" the Coalition for a Humane Monessen on Facebook.
Read the op-ed by the Humane Coalition for Monessen.
Not in PA? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

April 4, 2011 - Spring is here—and soon kittens will be too!

Millions of stray and feral cats are getting ready to give birth to litters of kittens across the US. March is the peak pregnancy month for cats, and by the first week of May more kittens will be "born feral."

People everywhere will be turning to Alley Cat Allies for kitten advice and resources. We can deliver adoption and Trap-Neuter-Return resources to thousands of concerned citizens asking for support. With your help we can keep these tiny new lives out of shelters, where they would be killed.

Take action now and you can save the lives of countless kittens and support our mission to improve their futures.

Please make an Operation: Born Feral emergency donation today!

March 28, 2011 - Breaking Down the Bogus Smithsonian Catbird Study

As advocates for all animals, we were dismayed by the irresponsible and biased conclusions of a 2011 study on bird deaths from the Smithsonian Institution.

“Population demography of Gray Catbirds in the suburban matrix: sources, sinks and domestic cats,” published in the Journal of Ornithology, is a limited study that cannot be extrapolated to represent the complex cat-bird dynamic nationwide. Much more disturbing, however, is how this data has been manipulated to malign cats and used widely to dredge up a false and counterproductive debate.

The Smithsonian's conclusions exaggerate the facts and ignore the fact that humans are the true threat to birds.

Learn more about why this study is deceptive. 

March 23, 2011 - Now on NBC Nightly News: Feral cat caregivers (and Alley Cat Allies) video!

Over 40% of Americans have fed a stray or feral cat, and now NBC Nighty News is drawing even more awareness to the compassion of feral cat caregivers with a new video.

In the video, feral cat caregivers Bill and Peggy Shaw, and Mikee Dorsey, talk about the colony kitties they feed every day. And Becky Robinson, President of Alley Cat Allies, explains why Trap-Neuter- Return is so important.

This national new story is telling others what we already know—compassionate people everywhere are taking care of cats outdoors!

Watch the video.

March 21, 2011 - Nevada Residents: Protect Cats from Inhumane Traps—Support S.B. 226

The Nevada State Senate is currently considering a bill that would prohibit the use of cruel and dangerous leghold traps near homes in Washoe and Clark counties. These traps are extremely harmful to small animals—especially cats—who often suffer bone fractures and severe trauma when the trap jaws close, and can further injure themselves when trying to escape.

S.B. 226 would protect cats and dogs from being maimed by dangerous traps, while still allowing humane box traps to be used for Trap-Neuter-Return.

By supporting this bill, needless pain and suffering for Nevada animals can be prevented.

Nevada Residents: Take Action!
Not in Nevada? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

March 14, 2011 - Help cats affected by the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan!

The recent earthquake and tsunami have left Japan devastated, and Japan’s cats and caregivers need our help.

We have heard from a lot of you asking how you can help. Alley Cat Allies has been in touch with organizations on the ground, and we’ve learned what can help most. Japan Cat Network, along with HEART-Tokushima, and Animal Friends Niigata have teamed up to form Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support, and they’re looking for:

• Donations. Donate to this cause via ChipIn. (Once you've clicked the "ChipIn" button you can change the language from Japanese to English by clicking the arrow in the upper right hand corner.)
• Cat care products and other supplies. Send litter, pet beds, office supplies and more. See their wish list.

…and if you’re in Japan:

• Volunteers. If you or someone you know is able to help in Japan, please volunteer!
• Foster families. Many people were forced to leave their pets behind. If you're able to foster cats in Japan, let them know. Japan continues to be rocked by aftershocks.

The cats and people of Japan need our help NOW.

"Like" Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support on Facebook.
Join the Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support Facebook Group.
Learn more about Japan Cat Network.

March 8, 2011 - Get Ready for Spring Trapping with our Step-by-Step Instructional Booklet

How to Help Feral Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide to Trap-Neuter-Return is our concise guide to the humane method of trapping feral cats, following 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.

Discounted for spring! Get half off one guide for $1.50, or 25 for $28.

Purchase your step-by-step guide to Trap-Neuter-Return today!
Preview the guide before you buy.

March 7, 2011 - Utah Residents: Save cats' lives—support Utah S.B. 57!

An extremely beneficial bill that would save the lives of feral cats recently passed the Utah Senate, and it is now headed to the state House of Representatives. We need your help to make sure it becomes law!

S.B. 57 will save countless cats’ lives by:

• Allowing feral cats to be transferred from shelters—where nearly 100% of feral cats are killed—to Trap-Neuter-Return programs.
• Exempting cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs from licensing requirements and feeding bans—ordinances that often interfere with Trap-Neuter-Return.
• Clarifying that Trap-Neuter-Return is not abandonment, making sure that caregivers returning cats after neutering cannot be charged as such.

Together, these changes will encourage more community members to care for cats.

Utah Residents: Take Action!
Not in Utah? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

March 4, 2011 - Maryland Residents: Support Spay/Neuter Task Force Bill in the Maryland Senate

Last week legislators in Maryland considered H.B. 339, a bill that would create a task force to make recommendations about establishing a statewide spay/neuter fund in Maryland. Members of the House Environmental Matters Committee report receiving thousands of your letters, and they could vote on the bill as early as tonight.

Now we need your help to make sure state Senators hear the same strong support for the Senate companion bill, S.B. 639.

A statewide spay/neuter fund would vastly improve the lives of Maryland’s cats. Accessible, affordable spay/neuter is a key element of any successful Trap-Neuter-Return program—the best thing you can do to help feral cats!

Maryland Residents: Take Action.
Not in Maryland? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

March 4, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Grants $20,000 for Feral Cat Spay/Neuter and Education in New Orleans

As part of our long-standing commitment to improving the lives of cats in the Greater New Orleans area, Alley Cat Allies announced a grant of $20,000 to the Louisiana SPCA and the Southern Animal Foundation to offer fully subsidized neuter surgery for feral cats, while funds last.

Both facilities will also be offering free monthly Helping Community Cats workshops. To promote these exciting new resources, we’re launching a citywide “Spay Your Neighborhood Stray!” advertising campaign in New Orleans.

Read the press release. 
Learn more about our Every Kitty - Every City: New Orleans program. 
Find out how you can build Trap-Neuter-Return capacity in your community.

March 2, 2011 - 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.
Learn How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens.

February 28, 2011 - Utah Residents: Take action again to oppose animal cruelty in Utah

Last month, you voiced your outcry over H.B. 210, a dangerous bill that would repeal protections in the existing anti-cruelty law for cats and allow them to be shot and killed. While the Judiciary Committee rightfully struck that provision after it received no support in a public hearing, the Utah House of Representatives recently reinserted similarly dangerous language into the bill—and passed it.

The reintroduced bill still puts countless cats’ lives at risk and weakens anti-cruelty laws, by making it legal to shoot cats in rural areas. We must stop this dangerous bill from becoming law.

Utah Residents: Take Action! 
Not in Utah?  Learn how you can help cats in your community.

February 25, 2011 - Bay County, Florida Residents: Take action to support Trap-Neuter-Return in Bay County

The Commissioners of Bay County are meeting next Tuesday to discuss the county’s approach for feral cats. We’ve sent a letter to the County Commissioners to let them know why Trap-Neuter-Return is the only effective approach for feral cats—and why other approaches just don’t work. We've also authored an op-ed to the local newspaper to educate the community and prepared a statement that will be read at the meeting on Tuesday.

We've laid the groundwork—now we need back-up from the voters!

Bay County, Florida Residents: Take Action! 
Not in Bay County?  Learn how you can help cats in your community.

February 24, 2011 - New Mexico Residents: Support Stronger Anti-Cruelty Laws in New Mexico!

A bill that would strengthen New Mexico’s animal anti-cruelty laws recently passed the state’s Senate Public Affairs Committee. Now we need to make sure this crucial bill is approved by the Judiciary Committee, and gets to the full Senate for a vote!

The current wording of New Mexico’s current anti-cruelty statute has made it difficult to obtain convictions in some clear-cut cases of cruelty to animals. S.B. 348 will remedy this serious problem and make sure offenders convicted of extreme cruelty to animals receive felony punishments and undergo psychological counseling.

New Mexico Residents: Take Action! 
Not in New Mexico? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

February 22, 2011 - Maryland Residents: Speak up to support spay/neuter funding in Maryland!

Legislators in Maryland are considering H.B. 339, an important bill that would approve a task force to make recommendations about establishing a statewide spay/neuter fund.

A statewide spay/neuter fund would vastly improve the lives of Maryland’s cats. Neutering cats relieves them of the stresses of mating and pregnancy and also makes them better neighbors by reducing mating behaviors like yowling and fighting.

More than half of US states have already established statewide spay/neuter programs. Accessible, affordable spay/neuter is a key element of any successful Trap-Neuter-Return program—the best thing you can do to help feral cats!

Maryland Residents: Take Action!
Not in Maryland? Learn how you can help cats in your community.

February 16, 2011 - The Vacuum Effect: Why Catch and Kill Doesn't Work

Alley Cat Allies presents a new resource that adds to the growing research that supports Trap-Neuter-Return.

The Vacuum Effect: Why Catch and Kill Doesn't Work shows through scientific research and other evidence that removing cats from an area by killing or relocating them is not only cruel, but pointless.

It also includes the Marion Island case study which proves the vacuum effect and the impossibility of permanently clearing an area of cats.

Learn more. 

February 15, 2011 - Setting the Record Straight on Oreo's Law

This month, Bill 4480 (Oreo's Law) was reintroduced in the New York State Legislature, with revisions from last year's proposed legislation. Alley Cat Allies supports the bill and is confident it, if passed, will protect New York’s animals.

Read more. 

February 15, 2011 - PetSmart Charities is funding feral cat spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return programs

PetSmart Charities grant applications for stray and feral cat spay/neuter and Trap- Neuter-Return programs may be submitted starting February 15 through March 31.

Learn how to apply. 
Learn how to become start an organization to help cats.

February 14, 2011 - New Resource: Alley Cat Allies’ Frequently Asked Questions

You asked, and we answered!

We’ve taken your most commonly asked questions about donations, feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return, services provided by Alley Cat Allies, cat care, and advocacy and put the answers on our new Frequently Asked Questions page.

Check out our FAQ now!

February 11, 2011 - Bill That Would Allow Shooting Cats is Gutted by Utah House

We asked our supporters in Utah recently to take action against H.B. 210, a dangerous bill that would have repealed the protections afforded to all cats by these laws and allowed cats to be shot and killed. Yesterday, following a major public outcry, the deadly language was struck from this bill.

In defeating this bill as originally written, we have won an important victory in protecting all cats of Utah. Alley Cat Allies continues to monitor legislation relating to cats, including Utah’s S.B. 57, a recently-introduced bill which we are working on to ensure has the best language to serve the needs of cats. Keep an eye out for updates on this bill in the near future.

Thank you for advocating on behalf of cats!

February 7, 2011 - 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 everyone 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, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies Response to US Fish & Wildlife’s dangerous plan for the Florida Keys

The US Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) dangerous draft environmental assessment weighs the lives of select species against others in the Florida Keys—and would result in cats’ deaths.

Intended to protect local threatened and endangered wildlife species, the FWS plan misguidedly targets cats by misinterpreting and ignoring pertinent scientific research, disregarding Trap-Neuter- Return for feral cats as the approach that will protect the lives of all the Keys' animals, and wholly failing to address the human threat to these species.

As animal advocates, we must defend the best interest of all animals equally. That means taking a hard look at what the major threats to species are and evaluating what we as humans can do to change the way our choices impact our environment. It also means protecting animals—all animals—from being killed.

Alley Cat Allies’ expert comments on the plan have been submitted to FWS, and we will keep you up to date on any developments as the FWS reviews input from the public.

Read Alley Cat Allies’ comments.
Read the Press Release.

February 1, 2011 - Atlantic City: Alley Cat Allies has Volunteer Opportunities, Cats for Adoption

Alley Cat Allies has a number of volunteer opportunities available in Atlantic City. From feeding the Boardwalk Cats Project cats to assisting at adoption events, we need your help!

Consider volunteering or adopting today!

Volunteer in Atlantic City. 
See available cats for adoption.
Learn more about Every Kitty - Every City: Atlantic City.

January 28, 2011 - Winter 2011 edition of Alley Cat Action now available

The winter edition of Alley Cat Action is all new! Included are articles highlighting: cats finding allies all over America on National Feral Cat Day, Trap-Neuter-Return in Kansas City, Alley Cat Allies' 20th anniversary Milestones Project, reconsidering relocation for feral cats, and ways to use your talents on behalf of cats along with our regular In Your Backyard and Face of the Movement columns.

Read the newsletter. 

January 27, 2011 - Take Action Now to Save the Cats of the Florida Keys 

Now is your chance to comment and voice your disapproval on the dangerous plan proposed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service that would send cats in the Florida Keys to their deaths in shelters.

Intended to protect threatened endangered wildlife species, the draft management plan misguidedly targets cats instead of addressing the real threat to these species—humans.

• The plan does not address the impact of human activities.
• The plan wrongly dismisses Trap-Neuter-Return, the humane and effective approach that would stabilize the cat population.
• The plan misinterprets and disregards scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return.

The FWS plan cannot be allowed to move forward as written. You can comment on the plan, but only until February 3. Visit our action center now to tell the US Fish & Wildlife Service that killing is not a solution—and that you want one that values and protects the lives of all animals.

Take Action Now! 

FWS is a nation agency, so the outcome of this plan could affect cats nationwide. Tell your friends to take action!

January 24, 2011 - Alley Cat Allies 20th Anniversary Milestones Project

This year, Alley Cat Allies celebrates 20 years leading the movement for cats' humane care. To tell our story we created the Alley Cat Allies Milestones Project, a historical multimedia look at all that we've accomplished together with your help over the last two decades.

This history isn't just about us—it's about you and your stories, too! We want to hear from you. Tell us how Alley Cat Allies has influenced your life and your cats' lives. The first ten respondents will receive an Alley Cat Allies winter beanie hat and a copy of the book TNR: Past, Present, and Future; A History of the Trap-Neuter-Return movement.

Thank you for 20 years of helping cats, together!

Check out Alley Cat Allies' 20th Anniversary Milestones Project.
Tell us how Alley Cat Allies has influenced you.

January 21, 2011 - US Fish & Wildlife Service Targets Feral Cats in the Florida Keys

The US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) is again proposing the killing of outdoor cats in the Florida Keys. Meant to protect local threatened and endangered species, the proposed management plan is a death sentence for outdoor cats in the Keys and, if passed, it would set a dangerous precedent.

The plan is wrong for many reasons:

• It is a death sentence for outdoor cats in the Keys.
• It dismisses TNR, ignoring years of peer-reviewed research demonstrating its effectiveness.
• It ignores the real threat to animals—people.

As animal advocates, we want a plan that addresses the best interest of all animals, including endangered species. That means taking a hard look at what the major threats to species are, and protecting ALL animals from being killed.

Read the FWS draft management plan.

January 20, 2011 - Utah: Protect Utah's Cats from Cruelty—Tell Your Legislators to Oppose H.B. 210!

Utah legislators are currently considering a bill that would legalize "the humane shooting or killing of an animal if the person doing the shooting or killing has a reasonable belief that the animal is a feral animal."

We need your help to defeat this extremely dangerous bill currently under consideration in Utah. If passed, the bill would repeal protections in the existing anti-cruelty law for cats and allow them to be shot and killed. Under the bill, any cat could be shot if the shooter believed the cat was feral. H.B. 210 would put thousands of cats—pet and feral—in danger.

Tell your legislators today that you won't stand for leaglized animal cruelty!

Utah Residents: Take Action! 
Learn more about feral cats and anti-cruelty law.
Not in Utah? See how you can help cats in your community.

January 12, 2011 - With Gratitude: Alley Cat Allies’ 2010 Annual Report

Thanks to you, Alley Cat Allies protected more cats’ lives, supported more local caregivers and advocates, and recruited more Americans to the movement for cats’ humane care in 2010.

Read the 2010 Annual Report. 

January 5, 2011 - Setting the record straight on Oreo's Law

Recently Nathan Winograd, of the No Kill Advocacy Center, wrote a blog post accusing Alley Cat Allies of opposing Oreo's Law, a proposed New York state bill which would have required public shelters, humane societies, and SPCAs to release almost any animal in their care to any 501(c)3 animal rescue or adoption organization that requested possession of them.

Contrary to Winograd's assertion, Alley Cat Allies did not oppose Oreo's Law. We will continue to work with policymakers on this and other legislation beneficial to cats in 2011.

Read our response.