Vinnie's Story The call came in the middle of a blizzard. A small colony of cats - no shelter, no food, no protection from the storm bearing down on them. That very night, Neighborhood Cats Network didn’t wait. We loaded up warm cabins and headed out into the howling dark, refusing to let another living creature face the cold alone. That’s when we met Vinnie. Meet Vinnie While other cats scrambled and scattered, Vinnie moved with quiet, unshakeable authority - an old soul who had survived things most cats never would. The younger cats orbited him instinctively. And yet Vinnie remained untouchable, always waiting until the last human footstep faded before approaching the food. We didn’t push. We never do. Then came one bitter morning that changed everything. Vinnie walked toward the food while the feeder was still there. She didn’t move a muscle. Because anyone who has earned the trust of a feral cat knows this truth: moments like this cannot be rushed, and they cannot be faked. Vinnie had chosen to give it. What followed was breathtaking. Day by day, he closed the distance - not because we pulled him closer, but because he decided to come. First treats from an outstretched hand. Then gentle touch. The cat who had once been a shadow became a cherished heartbeat at the center of the colony. In his later years, the transformation was complete. The cat who once vanished at the sight of a human now eagerly waited to be scratched and petted, soaking up every moment of affection. He could often be found stretched out atop his shelter, eyes half- closed, completely at peace - watching over the cats he protected and the humans he learned to trust. In 2021, Vinnie passed away quietly in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, patience, and the astonishing bond that can grow between a human heart and even the most guarded of souls. This is why we go out in the storms. Why we wait, and stay still, and let trust arrive on its own terms. And why every cat - no matter how guarded, no matter how wild - deserves the chance to find their way home.

Daphne Vice President Elegance and Majesty Daphne's Story Daphne doesn’t just show up, she arrives. Slowly. Deliberately. With the unmistakable air of someone who expects a trumpet fanfare that, frankly, the rest of the colony has failed to arrange. The other cats know it, the humans know it, and Daphne absolutely knows it: this is her kingdom. She glides into view with quiet authority, the kind that says, “Yes, this is my spot. Yes, I own it. No, you may not touch it. Please step away from the royal walkway.” Every movement is calm, controlled, and mildly judgmental, as though she’s constantly evaluating whether the staff (that’s you) is meeting palace standards. Daphne is also completely convinced she is royalty. Not “acts like royalty.” Not “thinks she’s important.” No - royalty. In Daphne’s mind there is simply no other explanation for her presence. Somewhere there must be a crown with her name on it, because the way she carries herself suggests she’s one decree away from announcing new snack laws for the entire colony. Mealtime is a formal event. It must be punctual. It must be orderly. Chaos, scrambling, and bowl crowding are behaviors for lesser citizens. Daphne approaches the food dish the way a queen approaches a banquet table—calmly, regally, and fully expecting everyone else to understand their place in the line. She demands respect, appropriate admiration, and meals served promptly, ideally from a dignified distance. Too close and you may receive The Look, a powerful expression that clearly translates to, “The staff is getting bold.” Though her throne is technically outdoors and her court is mostly made up of other cats who did not vote for this arrangement, Daphne wears her community cat crown with total confidence. It’s invisible, but make no mistake - it’s there. Recognition is mandatory. Adoration is optional, but strongly encouraged. Daphne: ruler, dignitary, and undisputed queen of perfectly timed snacks. Back

Ben Senior Director of New Cat Orientation & TNVRM Affairs A Brief Tale by Ben Hi folks, Benjamim here... So yesterday, this new guy rolls into the colony — chest puffed out, tail high, walking like he owns the zip code. You know the type. Strut level: Olympic. Eyes scanning: “Where the ladies at?” Talking loud, saying nothing: “What’s up, queens? I’m new in town.” Then he sees me — a seasoned, ear-tipped legend sunning myself on my favorite rock — and says: “Yo, Benjamin! The humans said I’m on some TNR list! Sounds elite. Do I need to RSVP? Bring a date? Should I wear something sharp, or just go full whisker-fluff?” Oh, Romeo. Sit down. I said, “Kid, TNR ain’t a dinner party. It’s not a gala. There’s no buffet. It stands for Trap-Neuter-Return. It’s more like… "a surprise intervention meets a spa day… with vibes" Let me break it down for you: Step 1: Sardine bait. You fall for it. Every time. Step 2: The trap snaps. You panic. We nod. Step 3: You take the ride of shame to the Snip Spa. Step 4: Lights out. Step 5: You wake up lighter, confused, and permanently excused from the kitten-making business. And yes — you come back with a left ear-tip. Not because you lost a fight. Because you joined the club. That little ear-tip? Around here, it’s a badge of honor. It says: “I’ve been through it.” “I’m not part of the problem.” “I don’t make kittens anymore — I make wise choices.” In fact, in this colony, that ear-tip is your membership card. No tip? No credibility. You can’t sit with us at the food dish if you’re still out here yowling for girlfriends and spraying like a frat boy. Romeo blinked at me and said, “So... it’s not… like… summer camp?” No. It’s not a retreat. There’s no campfire. Just paperwork and enlightenment. But you know what? After it’s done — You get naps. You get respect. You get to keep your tail and your chill. So yeah, hotshot — you’re on the list. But it’s not VIP. It’s VIC: Very Important Cat. We’ll see you when you return — not as Romeo... …but as Respectable Reginald, Ear-Tip Edition. Back

Mary Delton Secretary Mary Delton got her first cat when she started her academic career at Mount Holyoke College because she thought it would be nice to have "someone" to come home to. That was cat #1. While at MHC, Mary adopted a stray, Jellybean, Cat # 2. After marrying Bob Boeckman, and moving to Oakland U in Michigan, Mary would bring Cat #2 into the lab on weekends. Cat #3 was an abandoned cat that wandered the college campus and eventually into Mary's office where he ate some of the cat food that she kept for the weekend. He then went to sleep under her desk. A quick phone call to Bob and that cat came home. After moving to Rochester, NY; Bob and Mary continued to accrue cats. Some were adopted from shelters, and some were strays that found their horse barn. Many of those strays started out as barn cats but became beloved house cats. The number of cats that have been in the family since 1971 now totals 43. Bob has passed but Mary still has 5 loving felines ages 11 - 21 (all of whom were initially strays). Mary finished her career at Kodak where she did research in the Biosciences, Color Negative, and Color Paper divisions. While Bob was the President of Pet Pride of NY Inc, Mary designed and maintained their website. Back

Tribute Gifts Honor a life, celebrate a love, or mark a special milestone with a tribute gift to Neighborhood Cats Network. Click Here A tribute donation is a heartfelt way to give in honor or memory of someone special - person or pet - or to celebrate an anniversary, wedding, birthday, or other joyful occasion. Your gift helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and hope to community cats and kittens in need, while also honoring the ones who have touched your heart. If you wish, we can send a notification to the honoree or their family acknowledging your thoughtful gift. A tribute gift is love in action - a meaningful way to transform remembrance and celebration into lifesaving care. Back

Adoption Event Locations Thanks to our incredible partnership with Pet Supplies Plus in Brighton and Fairport, we’re proud to have welcoming, dedicated spaces to host our adoption events. These events are more than just meet-and-greets—they’re a chance to connect with our adoptable cats and kittens, spend meaningful time getting to know them, and talk one-on-one with our experienced adoption team. Whether you’re ready to adopt, have questions, or simply want to share some love with our cats, we’d love to see you. Adoption Event Schedule: Brighton: 2947 Monroe Ave 1st & 4th Saturdays of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM Fairport: 585 Moseley Road 2nd & 3rd Saturdays of each month, 1:00–3:00 PM Come meet your future best friend—and help give a cat or kitten the fresh start they deserve.

Testimonials "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 “The Neighborhood Cats Network deserves our greatest appreciation for their invaluable assistance with our resident feral cat colony. Through their tireless, caring efforts, we have safe, well-fed, and comfortably housed cats. The Network spayed and neutered the cats and built a splendid outdoor insulated cat house and feeding station. They continue to support us with regular feeding, even supplying canned food. These cats are flourishing only because of the compassionate work the Network is doing, and we couldn’t be more grateful.” Dr. Dawn Pisello Business Owner "I am incredibly grateful for our Neighborhood Cats Network and the lifesaving work they do for community cats. What I’ve learned is just how common it is for cats to be dumped. So many go from a warm home one day to being outside, confused and alone, the next. That’s what happened to the cat I’ve been feeding, and with severe cold and a major snowstorm coming, I was terrified this cat wouldn’t survive. I reached out for help, and they responded immediately. Marlies provided an insulated shelter and even helped me get it to my house - giving this cat warmth and safety when it mattered most. Marlies Sullivan, is incredibly kind, knowledgeable and compassionate. I can call or text her anytime with questions or concerns, and she always offers guidance and genuine care. This group runs on donations, and I’ve seen firsthand how those donations turn into real, lifesaving help for abandoned cats. And If you’re able to donate or support them, please do- it truly makes a difference." Juliane Shafer

Adoption Resources Each adopter from Neighborhood Cats Network receives a comprehensive adoption packet designed to make the transition smooth and stress-free. Inside, you’ll find your cat or kitten’s complete health record, veterinary records, foster history, and microchip information, along with important emergency contact numbers. We also include a detailed guide to bringing your new family member home and our latest newsletter, so you can start your journey with helpful tips, resources, and updates from the NCN community. Neighborhood Cats Network – Adoption FAQs How do I adopt a cat or kitten from NCN? To begin, you’ll complete our adoption application online. Once submitted, applications are carefully reviewed to ensure the best possible match between you and the cat or kitten. An NCN team member will reach out if your application is approved or if additional information is needed. Are all adoption applications required to be approved? Yes. All adoption applications must be approved by Neighborhood Cats Network before an adoption can be finalized. This process helps ensure our cats are placed in safe, loving, and permanent homes. What does the approval process include? Our approval process is designed to thoughtfully match each cat or kitten with the right home. Depending on your situation, the review may include: A veterinarian screening if you have current or previous pets (we ask that you provide your veterinarian’s contact information and permission for them to speak with us) A phone conversation to discuss your application and answer any questions A landlord check for renters to confirm pet approval A possible home check, conducted virtually or in person A meet-and-greet with the cat or kitten to help ensure a great fit for everyone Not every step applies to every adoption, but all are intended to support successful, lifelong placements. How long does the application review process take? Our review process typically takes a few days, though timing may vary depending on volume. We appreciate your patience—each application is reviewed thoughtfully and with care. What is included in the adoption fee? Adoption fees help cover spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment and microchip. Are the cats and kittens spayed or neutered before adoption? Yes. All cats and kittens adopted through NCN are spayed or neutered prior to adoption (or will have a scheduled surgery if age-appropriate). Can I place a hold on a cat or kitten? In some cases, approved adopters may request a temporary hold. Holds are time-limited and subject to approval. Please contact us for current hold policies. Do you adopt out of state? At this time, NCN primarily adopts within our region to ensure proper follow-up and support. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. What if I rent my home? Renters are welcome to apply, but landlord approval is required before adoption can be finalized. What if the adoption doesn’t work out? Our goal is lifelong placements, but if circumstances change, NCN requires that adopted cats be returned to us rather than rehomed independently. We are always here to help. Do you offer post-adoption support? Absolutely. We are committed to supporting our adopters and their new family members. If you have questions or need guidance after adoption, we’re just a message away.

Join Our Volunteer Team Foster Save Lives, Change Futures Become a Kitten Foster – Save Lives, Change Futures. Every year, kittens are born in abandoned buildings, barns, under sheds, or on the streets - tiny lives in need of care. By fostering with Neighborhood Cats Network, you give them a safe, loving space to grow into healthy, happy cats ready for forever homes. All you need is a spare room and a big heart. We cover all supplies and veterinary care - including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, parasite treatment, and microchipping - and provide training and full support every step of the way. Fostering has never been easier or more rewarding. Every kitten you foster not only gets a second chance - it creates room for NCN to rescue more lives. Your love, your home, your time: it’s all it takes to save lives and change the future for kittens who need you. Email Us at: foster@neighborhoodcatsnetwork.org , or fill out the application and our foster coordinator will be in touch. Foster Application Volunteer The Heartbeat of NCN Volunteers are the heartbeat of Neighborhood Cats Network. Everything we do - every life saved, every kitten nurtured, every community cat protected - is made possible because compassionate people choose to show up for cats who need them most. When you volunteer with us, you become part of a mission that rescues, heals, and transforms lives. Whether you have a few hours a month or time to give regularly, there is a place for you here. You might help at adoption events, transport cats to veterinary or spay/neuter clinics, foster vulnerable kittens, build warm cat cabins, support our TNVRM efforts, or contribute your tech, administrative, or organizational skills behind the scenes. Each role matters. Each act of kindness creates a ripple effect. From the first bowl of food to a forever home, volunteers are the reason cats are given safety, dignity, and a second chance. By joining Neighborhood Cats Network, you’re not just volunteering- you’re becoming part of a community that believes every cat deserves care, compassion, and hope. Volunteer Application Become A Cat Cabin Builder Do you have a knack for building and a heart for animals? We need handy volunteers willing to work as Cat Comfort Builders to help us build insulated cat cabins and feeding stations. It’s an opportunity for you to: Use your building skills to construct cozy, weather-resistant cabins for cats. Create feeding stations to ensure neighborhood cats have access to food and water. Work with a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare. Make a tangible difference in the lives of homeless cats. No previous experience with animal shelters is required; just a willingness to help and basic building skills are required. We provide all the necessary materials and instructions. If you’re interested in joining our efforts and making a positive impact in your community, please contact us. We can create a safer, warmer environment for our neighborhood cats. Thank you for your support! Contact Us at: info@neighborhoodcatsnetwork.org or 315.584.1374 Back

Marlies Sullivan President Marlies Sullivan is the Executive Director of Leadership Initiatives at the University of Rochester, with a focus on professional fundraising. Since 1990, she has been passionately involved in animal rescue, beginning as a volunteer at the Bridgeport Animal Shelter in Connecticut. She later served as the town-appointed chair of the Oxford Animal Shelter in Oxford, CT, where she led the Dog Days of Oxford Event, a major tri-state fundraiser dedicated to helping homeless cats and dogs and rebuilding the shelter (2000-2011). From 2018 to 2023, Marlies served as Vice-President and Director of Fundraising at Pet Pride of NY, a no-kill cat sanctuary in Victor, NY. During her tenure, she successfully raised over $1.2 million and managed an expansion project that tripled the sanctuary's capacity, resulting in a dramatic increase in cat adoptions from 125 in 2018 to 850 in 2023. In addition to having five cats and two dogs of their own, Marlies and her husband Chris manage eight cat colonies in Victor, NY. Over the past seven years, they have constructed and donated over 150 insulated wooden cat houses to various cat rescue organizations and colony managers. They have extended their impact by conducting Zoom training sessions on building insulated cat houses for out-of-state rescues and training local rescues to build emergency shelters. Back

Meg Corbett Director Feline Health & Foster Programs With 37 years of dedicated nursing experience, Meg has spent her life caring for others with compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to community well-being. After six years of traveling as a nurse, she has now settled into the Pittsford community, a place where her love for service and connection continues to thrive. Today, that same spirit of care guides her passion for helping cats and animals in need. Her healthcare background shaped her gentle approach, her steady presence, and her unwavering dedication to supporting those who are vulnerable whether human or feline. Meg brings a unique blend of medical insight, empathy, and hands-on care to her work with rescue animals. Her devotion to community wellness now extends beyond people to include the cats she fosters, supports, and advocates for, ensuring they receive the safety, comfort, and second chances they deserve. Meg shares her home with her spouse Dayna, their 12 year old energetic daughter Alexandria, their dog Callie, and rescue cats/foster failures Tink, Tip, Tucker, Louie, Francisco in addition to medical foster kitten Tillie. Back

Cat Food Wish Lists Caring for community cats starts with kindness and is sustained by reliable, nourishing meals. Every day, Neighborhood Cats Network caregivers head out in all kinds of weather to make sure cats who have no one else are fed, healthy, and safe. By donating cat food directly through our Chewy and Amazon wish lists, you’re helping make that possible in the most immediate, tangible way. Wishlist donations go straight to supporting community cats. Your gift keeps feeding stations stocked, ensures cats don’t go hungry during harsh weather, and allows our organization to focus limited funds on spay/neuter, medical care, and emergency needs. One simple donation becomes a lifeline—offering consistency, stability, and care to cats who depend on us. Act now. Visit our Chewy or Amazon wish list and send food directly to community cats today. Every bag you donate fills bowls, supports caregivers, and immediately helps community cats survive and thrive. Don’t wait—your support today means full bowls tonight. Please include your name and contact information, or email those details to info@neighborhoodcatsnetwork.org , so we may properly acknowledge your gift. AMAZON.COM CHEWY.COM Back Host a Food Drive Cat food drives are a fantastic way to support local non-profit organizations dedicated to feline welfare, such as the Neighborhood Cats Network. By organizing a cat food drive, you can contribute to the essential work of rescuing, feeding, and caring for stray and feral cats in your community. Our helpful guide will walk you through the steps to plan and execute a successful cat food drive, ensuring that the Neighborhood Cats Network receives the supplies they need to continue their mission. Whether you are an individual, a community group, or a business, your efforts can make a significant impact on the lives of countless cats in need. Let's embark on this rewarding journey of helping our furry friends by providing them with the nourishment they require to thrive. NCN CAT FOOD DRIVE GUIDE