At Alley Cat Allies, we believe that all cats are community members—and nobody should feel pressured to choose between caring for cats and caring for themselves. That’s why in this time of great economic uncertainty for so many people, coupled with a well-documented veterinarian shortage, we are more committed than ever to strengthening access to critical resources for cats. And we’re collaborating with some amazing advocates and organizations to keep the ball rolling!
It’s all part of our Cats Are Family Too program, which provides no-cost food, veterinary care, and other needed supplies in communities across the country to support people caring for animal companions at home and community cats outdoors. In doing so, we are Keeping Families Together™ (ask any caregiver: community cats are definitely family, too!). With our steadfast supporters by our side, whose generosity and compassion power all we do, Alley Cat Allies is bringing affordable, accessible resources to cats and caregivers when it is most needed. The following is just a small example of our ongoing, lifesaving impact this season.
Relief for North Carolina Communities Hard-Hit by Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene first tore a devastating path up the U.S. southeast, Alley Cat Allies connected with local organizations rescuing animals amid the chaos and fast-tracked the emergency supplies needed to save lives.
But though the disaster has mostly fallen out of headlines, recovery is a long and winding road. Many people from Georgia to North Carolina are still trying to rebuild what was lost. Caring for the cats they love at the same time is now a significant financial challenge.
Through Cats Are Family Too, Alley Cat Allies is bolstering the local resources that are a lifeline for cats. In Asheville, North Carolina, we’re teaming up with nonprofit organization Friends2Ferals on a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiative and proudly covering costs of veterinary services including spay and neuter and vaccination. And, to meet everyday needs, we’re funding a no-cost cat food bank to help caregivers keep cats’ bowls full.
“To get this funding from Alley Cat Allies so we can work with different vets every week to help these cats…we can’t even explain how important it is. People have had their lives changed [by Hurricane Helene], and going to a private vet is out of the question,” said Nancy Schneiter, director of Friends2Ferals. “The food is also fantastic because we provide food to a lot of people who are willing to care for the animals and love the animals, but can’t afford the expense.”
Georgia Cats Receive Critical Care
Down in Georgia, Alley Cat Allies’ work with the veterinarians at Community Cat Clinic in Duluth began at just the right time for three cat siblings. Still working through Hurricane Helene flood damage to their home, the family of Mew, Rowdy, and Ceviche struggled to afford complex emergency treatment for their cats.
Cats Are Family Too took that burden off their hands, and covered costs of all three cats’ care. Rowdy, who is so sweet that she melted immediately in the hands of her veterinarians, needed emergency surgery as well as bloodwork, pain management, and more. Ceviche, who came in to be spayed, was discovered to have swollen lymph nodes and anemia.
Her surgery had to be put off for further treatment, but took place a few weeks later. Mew just needed neuter surgery and vaccination—and got it right away!
“All three kitties are doing well and have a much better outlook now, thanks to Alley Cat Allies,” said Rick DuCharme, managing partner of the Community Cat Clinic. “Your assistance with this family made a world of difference for them, and has a positive impact on our team as well!”
Year 25 of Saving Lives in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Alley Cat Allies has been on the ground in the county for a quarter of a century, and we’re still finding new and exciting ways to save cats’ lives. Our ongoing TNR and community cat food bank program with the Humane Society of Atlantic County (HSAC) is just our most recent initiative in the area—and has already reached thousands of cats in the span of a couple years!
Multiple times a week, cats like Thadius, Chadwick, and Bear are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped at HSAC. If a cat comes in with a medical issue that requires further care, we cover that, too.
What’s more, our community cat food bank, the first of its kind in the area, helps more than 800 cats daily.
“Together with Alley Cat Allies, we are doing more TNR than ever before and providing a level of support for community cats that is unprecedented in our county. This is life-changing work,” said Steve Dash, executive director of HSAC.
Thank You for Making it all Possible
These stories are just a small sample of the lifesaving work your generosity makes possible. Learn more at alleycat.org/KeepingFamiliesTogether.