Neighborhood Cats Network
Here to help communities care for and live in harmony with feral cats.
Neighborhood cats need our attention and advocacy.
If you encounter feral cats in your vicinity and need clarification on the next steps, contact the Neighborhood Cats Network. We have the knowledge and experience to handle the situation! If you’re already involved in managing a community cat colony or are considering taking on this fulfilling role, consider becoming an NCN Colony Ambassador. This role comes with unique benefits that can enhance your experience and effectiveness in cat colony management. As an NCN Colony Ambassador, you’ll be part of a supportive community that provides personalized guidance and advice on all aspects of caring for and maintaining community cat colonies. Our comprehensive support covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources you need to succeed in your role. Proper Feeding Practices: Learn the best ways to ensure your cats receive the proper nutrition. Effective Colony Management Strategies: Discover techniques to responsibly manage your colony. Routine Cabin Maintenance: Get tips on keeping cat cabins in excellent condition for the comfort and safety of the cats. Handling Health Emergencies: Be prepared to respond effectively to any health issues in your colony. In addition to expert advice, our NCN Ambassadors can benefit from tangible resources to support their efforts. As we continue to grow our resources, we will endeavor to provide subsidized access to cat cabins and access to our food pantry. ​As a member of the Neighborhood Cats Network, you play a crucial role in our mission. We would like your help spreading the word about our cause by sharing our mission on social media, participating in food drives, or making a small donation to our food pantry. Your involvement helps us continue to support community cat colonies and ensures the success and sustainability of our collective efforts. Join us as an NCN Colony Ambassador and make a meaningful impact on the lives of community cats while receiving the support and resources you need to succeed!
"I can't express enough how grateful I am to Neighborhood Cats Network for their incredible support. When a feral cat showed up at my house, I felt helpless and didn't know how to provide for him. I reached out to Neighborhood Cats Network, and they immediately provided me with a feeding station and a cozy cat cabin.
To my amazement, the feral cat, who was neutered, took to the setup right away! It was heartwarming to see him finally have a safe and comfortable place to eat and rest. The team at Neighborhood Cats Network was responsive, compassionate, and so efficient in addressing my concerns. Their dedication to the well-being of community cats is truly inspiring.
Thank you, Neighborhood Cats Network, for making a difference in the lives of these precious cats and the people who care for them. You've made a world of difference for me and my new feline friend!"
Ann Charlebois
A heartwarming moment between a Colony Ambassador and Cassie, a resident.
The Story of Seven Cats
The story of seven cats began in March 2020 when a concerned citizen reported feral cats living at her office complex. Neighborhood Cats Network responded immediately and found the cats in dire straits: emaciated, huddling in the snow amidst the freezing temperatures of Western New York. Their lack of ear tips indicated they were not spayed or neutered.
Knowing that a female cat can get pregnant two to three times a year, we began securing vet appointments for spaying and neutering and starting the trapping process. We placed emergency cat shelters with the property manager's permission—fortunately, he liked cats and understood the situation's urgency. We also established a daily feeding schedule.
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Initially, we trapped three cats—two males and a female—who were spayed and neutered. But then, the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 hit, shutting down everything, including vet services. To our dismay, over the following months, three of the unspayed cats had litters, resulting in 22 kittens.
Despite these challenges, the story has a happy ending. Neighborhood Cats Network managed to catch every kitten, socialize them, secure vet appointments, and find them a path to a loving forever home. However, this situation highlights a common scenario for feral, or as we prefer to call them, neighborhood cats. If left unchecked, those 22 kittens—11 of which were female—would have continued the cycle, leading to an additional 55+ kittens in 6–7 months. In just over half a year, there would have been 80 to 100 homeless cats and kittens, perpetuating the cycle.
