For Immediate Release: January 22, 2014

Contact: JOHNNIE SIMPSON, [email protected] or (240) 482-3895 or FRANCIE ISRAELI, [email protected] or (202) 207-1134

BETHESDA, MDAlley Cat Allies, the nation’s largest advocacy organization for cats, today reminds those who care about outdoor cats in their communities that even in the extreme cold, cats should never be taken to animal pounds or shelters.

“Feral cats (also known as “community cats”) may look like pet catsand in fact, they are the same speciesbut feral cats are not socialized to people, and can’t be adopted into homes,” says Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies.

“In animal pounds and shelters nationwide, seven out of every 10 cats are killed rather than adopted outand for unadoptable feral cats, that number is virtually 100 percent,” she says.

Robinson notes that feral cats are accustomed to life outdoors, and will instinctively seek warmth and shelter until the extreme cold passes.

Residents who want to help feral cats are encouraged to build simple shelters, provide food and water and follow Alley Cat Allies’ other winter weather tips at www.alleycat.org/WinterWeather.

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About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has nearly half a million supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities, and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens nationwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org.