Protecting Community Cats Stories

Johnney Ehrlich beside a window with a kitten

A little ‘tush push’ is sometimes all it takes

The power of teamwork and a well-timed push can be unstoppable.
A little push helps shelter with TNVR and other lifesaving programs
Julie Castle Blog
Dr. Lisa Williams with a feline patient in the mobile spay/neuter trailer

Teaming up to revive an Illinois community cat program

Coles County embraces a new program to spay and neuter community cats with support from a Best Friends grant.
Mobile clinic has been a game changer
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Shepherd dog with a smiling animal control officer

Animal shelters embrace no-kill philosophy

A mindset to save lives means large animal shelters are maintaining no-kill even when the going gets tough.
They’ve maintained no-kill despite challenges
Best Friends Magazine
Small brown dog smiling with tongue out, outside on a leash held by a person

Progress for pets: Looking back at a year of advocacy

Best Friends and advocates nationwide are changing policies to create brighter futures for pets.
Some of the year's wins
Best Friends Magazine
Bongo the cat after the surgery on his eyes

Cat regains sight thanks to dedicated volunteers

When volunteers discovered Bongo had a dangerous eye condition, they went above and beyond to help this community cat.
His second chance at life
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Four people in front of a Fresh Step branded van with a live trap covered with tie-die material

117 cats spayed or neutered in surgery marathon

After receiving comprehensive vet care, these cats are ready to live their healthiest lives.
Single day event in Northwest Arkansas
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Dilute tortoiseshell community cat with tipped ear in front of a vehicle

Community cats: The Tweety vs. Sylvester debate

No-kill, TNVR, and finding common ground
Response to article in The New Yorker
Julie Castle Blog
Staff from the Inyo County Animal Shelter outside with a couple dogs

Helping a small rural animal shelter sustain no-kill

In Inyo County, California, ninth largest county in the nation, a small animal shelter is reorganizing for continued success.
Learn what they're doing
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Boots the gray and white cat outside on a rock

Rescued cat lands gig at garden center

Boots has perfect attendance, is a team player, and has a knack for making customers feel comfortable.
See how she improves morale
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Catman holding an orange tabby cat

‘Catman’ is a hero for homeless felines

A northern California husband-wife team is a shining example of how people can step up to help animals in their own communities.
See how they help
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Large black and white pit bull type dog smiling and out on a leashed walk

10 advocacy wins for the animals

Good news for dogs and cats across the country.
See some 2022 highlights
Best Friends Magazine
Mr. Business the cat getting scratching on his ear by a person and looking happy

A new kind of community to help community cats

Learn about the far-reaching effects of one woman caring about 30 unexpected tenants.
Kindness has no borders
Best Friends Magazine
Black and white medium-hair cat lying on a shelf

Vancouver area felines hit the jackpot

Cats of all kinds benefit from Rachael Ray Save Them All Grant to Humane Society of Southwest Washington
See how TNVR helps
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Luna the cat in a kennel

Transformative changes for cats at York County SPCA

Pennsylvania animal shelter revamps its approach to saving cats with assistance from Best Friends embed team.
Collaboration increases save rate
Best Friends Magazine
Smiling person holding a small black kitten, next to a mobile home

Community conversations help cats in a Louisiana parish

With guidance from the Best Friends national embed program, staff at St. Tammany Animal Shelter talked with neighbors to get them on board to help save cats.
Read about their lifesaving programs
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