Riley’s Giving Circle

Riley’s Story

It all began with a majestic, longhaired Siamese cat we christened Riley. One tranquil evening in 2016, during a leisurely stroll through a nearby office park, we encountered a feral cat scavenging from a dumpster. Driven by an overwhelming sense of compassion, we rushed home to fetch food and water, marking the beginning of our profound journey into the world of feral cats.

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We had always cherished our house cats but had never truly pondered the harsh reality faced by their wild counterparts—those forgotten, homeless felines navigating a life fraught with uncertainty. For them, every meal is a question mark, and a warm place to sleep is a rare luxury.

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With the business owner's blessing, we began daily feedings. Riley, though aloof, would always await our arrival by the dumpster, and it became clear we were his lifeline. Recognizing his need for medical attention, we borrowed a trap from a local shelter. After successfully capturing him, we sought the expertise of a compassionate veterinarian who neutered, vaccinated, and treated him for parasites.

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We discovered the universal sign of neutered and spayed cats: a left ear tip, a badge of honor in the feral world that plays a crucial role in curbing the overpopulation of these resilient yet neglected creatures.

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Within days, Riley returned with three new companions, and thus, our first "colony" by the dumpster was born. More trapping ensued, followed by numerous trips to the vet. As winter approached, we realized these cats needed proper shelter, prompting us to design our first insulated wooden cat house and, shortly after, a feeding station.

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Riley and his furry family are still thriving in their colony! Riley's story inspired us to dive deeper into this mission, and to date, we have donated over 150 cat cabins to help community cats in Western NY and providing food and medical care for many more colonies.