Journey to Forever Foster & Adoption Program At Neighborhood Cats Network, most people know us for our work helping community cats survive and thrive. But there is another side of our mission that touches our hearts deeply: the kittens born in newly discovered colonies. Despite our best efforts to spay and neuter every cat as quickly as possible, sometimes litters arrive before we can intervene. When that happens, we don’t turn away. We watch closely, waiting patiently for the kittens to wean from their mother’s care. Then we carefully trap these fragile little lives and bring them into a safe and nurturing environment. Through gentle socialization, we help these kittens learn to trust humans and blossom into loving companions. Every day, we receive calls from desperate voices—people pleading for help for tiny, helpless kittens found alone in backyards, barns, or tucked under porches. These kittens are born into hardship, but they don’t have to stay there—not if we can reach them in time. We also come across friendly adult cats who have been abandoned and somehow find their way to us. These cats, too, are given a second chance at a safe, loving home through our program. The Journey to Forever Foster and Adoption Program exists to give all cats—whether tiny kittens or abandoned adults—a chance at the loving homes they deserve. From the moment they are rescued, through careful care, socialization, and veterinary attention, our foster families guide them on a journey toward a forever home. Each cat’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of compassion, and every adoption is a celebration of a new beginning. Back

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.

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

You can make a difference with a donation for community cats today Your gift goes directly toward saving the lives of community cats supporting humane programs like TNVRM, caregiver assistance, and emergency care in our neighborhoods and beyond. Your support helps cats heal, stabilize, and live safer, healthier lives. Make a One Time Donation Your gift today helps transform the lives of homeless and at-risk cats and kittens in our community. By giving to Neighborhood Cats Network, you provide food, shelter, medical care, and the chance for a safer, healthier future. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an immediate and meaningful difference for the cats who need us most. Donate Now Name a Cat Cabin Your named cabin becomes a place of safety and comfort for homeless community cats, offering protection from harsh weather and a chance to survive and thrive. We create a personalized plaque for each dedication, and once your cabin is installed- usually within 2–3 weeks - we’ll email you a photo of the finished cabin in place. Read More Make A Donation in Memory or Gift in Honor Honor a life, celebrate a love, or mark a special milestone with a tribute gift to Neighborhood Cats Network. 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. Learn More Support our 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. Learn More Let your legacy carry forward Donate Through the United Way When you give through your workplace United Way campaign, you have the power to change the lives of vulnerable cats and kittens in our community. By designating Neighborhood Cats Network as your charity of choice, your gift directly supports lifesaving care, protection, and second chances for cats who need us most. Make A Planned Gift Your Generosity. Their Future Planned giving is a meaningful way to ensure your compassion for cats lives on well into the future. By including Neighborhood Cats Network in your estate plans, such as through a bequest or beneficiary designation or other legacy gift, you help provide lasting care, safety, and second chances for cats and kittens in need. Your legacy gift strengthens NCN’s mission and ensures that generations of vulnerable cats will continue to receive lifesaving support. Start A Conversation Tax Smart Giving There are many meaningful ways to support Neighborhood Cats Network beyond a traditional cash donation. Options like Qualified Charitable Distributions, Donor-Advised Funds, and gifts of appreciated stock allow you to make a powerful impact for community cats while potentially offering financial or tax advantages for you. These thoughtful giving options can help your generosity go further and support life-saving care, spay/neuter services, and safe shelter for cats and kittens in our community. Learn More Corporate and Community Giving Corporate and community partners play a vital role in helping Neighborhood Cats Network save lives. By working together, businesses, schools, and local organizations can make a meaningful impact on cats and kittens in need - while strengthening their connection to the community they serve. For more information, please email info@neighborhoodcatsnetwork.org or call/text (315) 584-1374 Learn More

Who We Are Neighborhood Cats Network is a passionate, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless community cats across Western New York, with a focus on Monroe and Ontario Counties. Our work is guided by five key programs that together create a compassionate, sustainable approach to community cat care. Through TNVRM in Action (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return-Manage), we humanely reduce stray cat populations by preventing reproduction while ensuring cats receive essential veterinary care and ongoing colony management. Our Journey to Forever Foster and Adoption Program provides a lifesaving path for kittens and socialized cats who can thrive indoors, placing them into loving foster homes and guiding them toward permanent families. Our Cat Cabin Program supplies insulated winter shelters and secure feeding stations to keep cats safe and warm through harsh weather. The Food Pantry Program supports dedicated caregivers with vital food resources, ensuring cats receive consistent, reliable nutrition. Finally, our Education Initiative empowers caregivers and the public with the knowledge and tools needed to care for community cats responsibly and effectively. From building cabins to strengthening community partnerships, we’re not just helping cats - we’re leading a compassionate revolution in how they are cared for. We believe every cat deserves to be healthy, warm, and valued, even in the harshest winters, and that every community has the power to be part of the solution. Become part of the solution When you adopt, donate, volunteer, foster, or use your voice for community cats, you provide lifesaving care, humane solutions, and hope for cats who would otherwise be forgotten. Together, we can change their future—one cat, one action at a time. See How You Can Help

Cat and Kitten Adoption Fee Form Congratulations on Your New Family Member! Welcome to the beginning of a beautiful new chapter - and thank you for choosing to adopt through Neighborhood Cats Network. By opening your heart and home to a cat or kitten in need, you’ve given them something truly life-changing: safety, love, and a place to belong. Your adoption fee helps make moments like this possible. It directly supports the rescue, medical care, foster support, and ongoing programs that allow us to save more cats and kittens in our community—so others can find their way home, just like yours did. Please select :* Kitten Adoption Fee (3-6 mos) $225 Kitten Adoption Fee (6- 9mos) $175 Cat Adoption Fee (9mos+) $100 Senior Cat Adoption Fee $75 Help Us Save More Cats and Kittens Donation $25 $50 $100 $225 First name* Last name* Full Address(include state and zip)* Email* Continue to Payment Page

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

Kati Ozminkowski Director Data Management Kati Ozminkowski is a Finance Director at a local software company. She lives with her husband Jeff and their many pets. Kati has loved cats and dogs her entire life and currently lives with her 3 cats Bean, Ivy, Junie, and her golden retriever, Jake. Back

Jean Bidlack Treasurer Dr. Jean Bidlack is Professor and Associate Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her biomedical research focuses on medications development for treating drug abuse. Jean has held leadership roles in non-profit scientific societies. In 2004-2005, Jean was President of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Inc. From 2004 to 2012, she was Treasurer of the International Narcotics Research Conference, Inc. Jean is a lifetime cat owner and treasures helping all cats. She is a former Treasurer at Pet Pride of New York, Inc. Jean and her husband, Carl, are proud parents of Tux, a brilliant and friendly tuxedo cat. Back

Horton Director of Security and Surveillance Horton's Story Horton fancies himself a cat of distinguished English descent—though the evidence is mostly in his impeccably groomed whiskers, perfectly arched tail, and an air of authority that could make even a Buckingham guard pause. As the colony’s self-appointed Director of Security and Surveillance, he patrols his domain with the poise of a lord and the precision of a secret agent, ever alert to rogue squirrels, overzealous dogs, and any minor infractions of protocol. His ginger coat gleams like polished mahogany under the sun, catching the light with all the drama of a spotlight on a clandestine operation. Each stride is deliberate, each gaze calculated, as he monitors the colony’s every nook and cranny. No sunbeam goes unclaimed, no alley escapes scrutiny, and no human passes without at least one long, measured, disapproving stare—often accompanied by a slow, deliberate tail flick that says, “I see everything.” Though Horton conducts his duties with the seriousness of a spy on a mission, he is not without subtle charm. A well-timed purr, a gentle nuzzle, or the occasional strategic head-butt reminds the colony that even the most refined gentleman of “English lineage” can appreciate loyalty, companionship, and the occasional alliance… preferably one that involves treats or the perfect nap spot. He commands respect effortlessly—though he prefers it served with quiet ceremony, a sunbeam nap, and the tacit acknowledgment that the security and order of the colony are, naturally, his sole responsibility. And should anyone doubt his vigilance, Horton is known to demonstrate the occasional dramatic flourish: a leap onto a fence post, a careful survey of the rooftops, or a slow, deliberate prow along the garden path—all perfectly calculated to remind the colony that their sophisticated orange guardian is both ever-watchful and entirely unflappable. Back

Meet Our Board Members Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Neighborhood Cats Network is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors whose compassion and experience ensure responsible governance and support lifesaving programs for cats and kittens in our community. President Marlies Sullivan Treasurer Jean Bidlack Secretary Mary Delton Director Data Management Kati Ozminkowski Director Feline Health & Foster Programs Meg Corbett Director Marketing & Engagement Dayna Corbett

TNVRM in Action Through our signature TNVRM in Action Program, community cats are humanely Trapped, Neutered (or Spayed), Vaccinated, Returned and Managed at the outdoor homes they already know and rely on. TNVRM is essential because it works. Spaying and neutering stops the cycle of endless litters, stabilizes colonies, and reduces behaviors associated with mating such as fighting, roaming, and noise. Vaccinations protect cats from preventable diseases, improving both feline health and public safety. Returning cats to their original territory ensures they continue to thrive in familiar environments while preventing new, unaltered cats from moving in. The final and often overlooked piece—“M” for Manage—is what makes TNVRM truly sustainable. Management means ongoing care: consistent feeding, access to appropriate shelter, and regular monitoring of each cat’s health and wellbeing. This long-term commitment keeps colonies stable, healthy, and safe for both the cats and the surrounding community. To remove financial barriers, we offer spay/neuter and vaccination services at reduced cost or, when eligible, completely free for individuals who need assistance. If you are caring for community cats and need support, please complete our TNVRM Request Form so we can help you protect the cats in your care—today and for the future. TNVRM REQUEST FORM Back