r/ColonyCats • • Dec 19 '25

👋Welcome to r/ColonyCats - START HERE!

20 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Welcome to the r/ColonyCats subreddit! This is a place for past, present, and prospective cat caretakers to learn more about how to better care for outdoor colonies of cats, kittens, and the communities they live in.

The term “colony cats” describes a group of outdoor cats living together. These cats may be feral, stray, or otherwise unsocialized to humans.

Please read through our community guidelines before posting or commenting, and again…welcome to the community! We're excited to have you join us!

WHAT TO POST:

Here, caretakers can feel free to ask for and offer advice, share TNR strategies, provide helpful tips and ideas for colony management, and share photos of their colony cats.

After reading the rules, you may post anything that you think the community would find interesting, helpful, or inspiring. Don’t hesitate to comment on posts, and share your thoughts, advice, or questions relevant to the topic of discussion.

THE CATS YOU CARE FOR MAY BE FERAL, BUT YOU SHOULD NOT BE:

We're all about being friendly, constructive, inclusive, and kind. Let's build a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing and connecting.

The vast majority of cat caretakers have pure intentions, and are trying their best to provide the best care possible for their colonies. Constructive criticism is ok (some people may need some guidance and it’s ok to provide that), but please refrain from rude, unhelpful comments, harsh judgments, shaming, and personal attacks.

Thanks for being part of this community and thank you for all you do to help the cats you care for. 🩶🐾🩵🐈‍⬛🫶🖤🐈💙


r/ColonyCats • • Aug 21 '21

Meta discussion such as questions or suggestions on rules or discussions about why you don't like TNR can go here.

15 Upvotes

Please note all other rules other than rule 2 still apply.


r/ColonyCats • • 8h ago

Weakened by coryza, we found an old surgical rod emerging from her leg — it's infected and she needs urgent surgery to save her leg

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123 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

This sweet little cat fought bravely against a severe respiratory infection — coryza completely drained her strength. Just as she was beginning to recover, I noticed something terrible: an old surgical rod from a past injury was slowly working its way out of her leg.

We don't know her full story. Someone once tried to help her, but that rod stayed inside her all this time. Now it has shifted, the skin broke open, and infection set in. Her leg is rotting. The vet says this cannot wait — the rod must be removed immediately. If we delay even a little longer, we risk losing her leg entirely.

She has already lost so much. She survived on the streets, she fought through a terrible illness, and now she needs one more chance to be whole again. I cannot face this cost alone. Every amount, every share, and every kind word brings her closer to surgery — and to walking freely once more.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for helping her keep her leg 🙏🐾


r/ColonyCats • • 3h ago

Daily post: Cookie, Leo & 50+ Community Cats ❤️🙏FL USA

47 Upvotes

I’m a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue, EIN #39-5083963, and I’m approved for verification in r/rescuecats.
I’m reaching out to ask for a little help with my rescue, especially with Cookie’s ongoing medical needs.
Cookie has been dealing with a severe eye infection, a bacterial infection, and a yeast infection in his ears. When his condition became concerning, I had to rush him to the emergency vet. He still needs medication, close monitoring, continued care, and follow-up vet visits to help him recover. His treatment is ongoing, and the expenses continue to add up.
I’m also caring for Leo, who has been struggling with ongoing stool problems and now needs special prescription food recommended by his vet.
On top of their medical expenses, I feed more than 50 community cats every single day. They depend on me for their daily meals, and I go through a tremendous amount of dry food just to keep their little bellies full.
It’s becoming difficult to keep up with everything, but I don’t want these cats to go without the food and care they need. Any help, whether it’s food from my Amazon wishlist or a donation toward their veterinary expenses, would mean so much to my rescue.
Rescue expenses:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rR5YLv8-WPqGOAA0SQjDiQ_KJkaPdpjt
Amazon wishlist:
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1YACR9XBR6T0G?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_ggr-subnav-share_92DTGEHN62QV7YPSZ0H8&language=en-US
Cash App: https://cash.app/$sam61987
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sam61987
PayPal: https://paypal.me/samanthac687
If you’re unable to donate, an upvote or share would also help us reach more people. Thank you to everyone who has supported Luna & Nala Rescue Inc. and helped me continue caring for these little lives.
Luna & Nala Rescue Inc.
501(c)(3) nonprofit | Florida, USA


r/ColonyCats • • 1h ago

Neighbor passed away. Taking care of his stray cat in his honor and she had kittens.

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• Upvotes

Accidentally deleted my post before. My neighbor and I were best friends. He was 75 and I’m 34. He taught me a lot about life. He passed away in April and it’s been very hard to deal with to be completely honest. I still cry about it often. Listen to voicemails he left me. I miss him.

When he passed, I began taking care of his stray cat that came on his porch every single night. I didn’t want them to lose a food source if they were strays like he said. I watch them eat from a far. Helping this cat has been helping me grieve even though it won’t come near me. I think it might be helping me more than I’m helping it.

Two days ago, I saw the cat come by with two kittens and another large black cat. So I saw four cats at once. I have suspected that I’ve been feeding a colony for awhile but this confirmed it. Naturally, I put more food out. I have been feeding them friskies and they seem to like that. I don’t feel comfortable sharing my address for Amazon and I’m not very technically savvy so I’m just going to post my Venmo. Also don’t want cat food piled up on my front porch as I live in a. Condo and they have a strict pet policy. Ive been buying it at the store and putting it in a grocery bag so they cannot see. I’ve been feeding this cat outside in the woods nearby. Anything will help. Thank you.

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/daniellei0516


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

🐾💔 ONE PERSON. NO FUNDING. SO MANY LIVES THAT NEED HELP. 💔🐾

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358 Upvotes

​

Imagine trying to save lives when you have no funding, no organization backing you, and no steady source of help. Imagine paying for everything out of your own pocket because you simply cannot turn your back on an animal in need. ❤️🐾

This is the reality for a solo animal rescuer who desperately needs our support.

There are no big donations guaranteed to come in. No rescue organization covering the bills. No endless supply of food, litter, or medical care. Just one person with a huge heart, doing everything possible to give vulnerable animals a chance at life.

🐶🐱 But compassion doesn't pay vet bills. Love doesn't fill empty food bowls. And one person cannot do it all alone.

The costs of rescuing animals never stop. Food, litter, medications, vaccinations, spay and neuter procedures, emergency veterinary care, and everyday supplies are constant needs. Every animal deserves proper care, safety, and a chance to be loved.

🙏 PLEASE, if you can spare even a few dollars, consider donating. What may seem like a small amount to one person could help provide food, supplies, or care for an animal who desperately needs it.

If money is tight, you can still help by sharing this post. You never know who might see it and be able to make a difference.

❤️ These animals didn't ask to be abandoned, neglected, or left without help. They deserve a chance, and this rescuer deserves a helping hand, too.

Please don't scroll past without considering what you can do. One donation, one share, one act of kindness can mean more than you realize.

🐾 Let's remind this rescuer that they are not alone. Let's come together for the animals who have no voice and depend on caring people to speak up for them.

🙏 DONATE IF YOU CAN. SHARE IF YOU CAN'T. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS.

Because every life matters. Every paw deserves a chance. And no rescuer should have to carry the entire burden alone. ❤️🐾

🛒 Help with much-needed supplies:

Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/12PLF1LC9LBBP?ref_=wl_share

Walmart Wishlist: https://www.walmart.com/lists/wishlist/f24dcff4-156e-4978-9492-64ca9feefe7

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every donation, every share, and every bit of kindness. ❤️🐾


r/ColonyCats • • 22h ago

In need of a little help with flea meds & dewormer for the cats that have horrible flea bite allergies & some that are prone to anemia. Amazon has great one time use coupons at the moment. Please help if you can! Thank you! ❤🐾

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105 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I'm an independent cat rescuer from Texas that cares for close to 50 cats & I noticed Amazon has a one time use coupon for the flea meds & dewormer I use. I already used it on the Advantage 2 for 5-9 lbs. & for one pack of dewormer.

These items are essential to keep the cats healthy. Smokey has a terrible flea bite allergy & sensitivity to touch on his back. When he feels a flea bite him he jumps & falls. Smokey has had 2 surgeries for a prolapsed rectum & is on a prescribed diet of Royal Canin gastrointestinal food. The first vet I took him to wanted to put him down but I wasn't going to let that happen! Now his severe diarrhea is under control & he is a happy guy! I almost lost Daisy to Calicivirus, Stomatitis, & severe anemia from fleas. She was in need of a blood transfusion but thankfully I was able to nurse her back to health. Gigi is just fluffy & attracts fleas. Gummy Bear has entropion & has had 3 eye surgeries. I'm saving for his 4th. & hopefully last eye surgery. He also has a horrible flea bite allergy & will get scabs all over from scratching. He has also got a few abcesses on his tummy from scratching. Ivy is also just super fluffy & attracts fleas. Cinnamon, Benjamin Buttons & Buttercup just attract them for some reason. Harley Boo is super fluffy too so she attracts them & Romeo is a fluffy kitten who was very sick & infested with fleas & tapeworms when I found him. I definitely can't afford it for almost 50 cats but I try to keep up with these few cats monthly flea meds since they are more prone to getting fleas than some of the others for some reason but it gets costly & it's been raining quite a bit here lately so there are more fleas popping up! 😫

If anyone would like to help these kitties with some flea & parasite relief before these Amazon coupons dissapear it would be much appreciated! Thank you so much! ❤🐾

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1JRE2A4ED8OFL?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_ggr-subnav-share_REW7QC5VGF09CQ8D6JYQ&language=en-US


r/ColonyCats • • 13h ago

Hungry Stray/Outside Kitties

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14 Upvotes

These are the two kitties that come to my backdoor every day to eat, the one in the back his name is Apricot, he's feral, and the one closest to me is Ginger. Ginger doesn't want to come inside so she is still an outside cat even though she isn't really feral anymore, but still comes over every day to eat along with Apricot. The food I get them lasts a while but it ran out and I can't afford to get them food at the moment. I'm trying to get myself back on my feet financially while dealing with personal loss and grief, so it's a lot going on right now. I'm asking for help because I don't want them to go hungry.


r/ColonyCats • • 21h ago

Adoption

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70 Upvotes

🐾 ZAKARIA IS LOOKING FOR HER FOREVER HOME! 🏡
Meet Zakaria, a sweet and gentle girl ready to find her loving forever family.
Details:
Female | Approx. 4 kg
💉 Spayed & Vaccinated
🪱 Dewormed
🔬 Microchipped
📘 Passport Ready
Personality:
🐾 Playful
🤗 Loves cuddles
🌿 Gentle & Calm
🐱 Sweet and affectionate
Zakaria is ready for adoption and looking for a beautiful forever home where she can be loved and cherished.
📩 Interested in adopting? Please DM for details.
#AdoptDontShop #CatAdoption #AdoptZakaria #DubaiCats #UAEAdoption #RescueCat #ForeverHome


r/ColonyCats • • 24m ago

Greetings from the other side of the world!

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• Upvotes

Hello everyone,

It's unfortunate that donation and support requests require you to be a resident of the United States, but I still wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.

I live in Türkiye. In 2024, a law was passed that aimed to remove stray dogs from our streets. Since then, street dogs have largely disappeared from the areas around us. Many were taken to overcrowded and inadequately equipped municipal shelters, where many reportedly lost their lives. As volunteers, we managed to rescue some of them.

Now, I'm afraid cats may be next. On X (formerly Twitter), I've seen many accounts actively pushing for similar measures to be taken against stray cats.

I care for 30 rescued cats in my home. I also feed and look after many stray animals in the surrounding neighborhood, covering an area of about four streets around my home.

Apart from my rent, almost all of my income goes toward caring for them, and I would never complain about that. As long as none of them ever comes to harm, that's all that matters to me.

I did start a fundraising campaign, but I'm not going to share it here. I simply wanted to introduce myself and share a few of my beautiful cats with you.

Sending love to you all. ❤️🐾


r/ColonyCats • • 1h ago

Need help getting kitten food

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• Upvotes

Hello i just recently picked up a stray 2 month off the street and is in dire need of some kitten food i have a Amazon wish list or if anyone can do a target pick up id be greatly appreciative


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

I desperately need atleast 2 of these little houses donated to provide safety to colony cats we have intaken to rescue. We are a 501c3 nonprofit and I have 3+ mama cats and over 90+ in rescue. Shelters, food and toys are desperately needed!

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215 Upvotes

r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Daily update🙏Please Help Cookie Heal ,Leo and 50+ Community Cats 🙏FL USA

259 Upvotes

Hi everyone
I’m approved in [r/rescuecats](r/rescuecats) for verification

I’m a 501(c)c3) non profit solo rescuer
EIN # 39-5083963

I wanted to share an update on little Cookie

Cookie was seen by the vet yesterday. Thankfully, his left eye has cleared up, but his right eye is still swollen and has discharge. He is also still congested and sneezing.

The vet collected swabs from his eye and throat and sent them to a lab for testing. Now we have to wait about 1–4 days for the results to find out what might be causing his symptoms and what medication he may need. The vet also found bacteria in one ear and yeast in both ears, so Cookie is continuing his prescribed ear treatment.

Depending on the test results, Cookie may need additional medication and follow-up visits, which means more veterinary expenses. I just want to make sure he gets the care he needs.

During the visit, the vet also gave me a prescription for Leo, who has been struggling with ongoing stool problems. She prescribed a special hydrolyzed diet to help investigate whether a food sensitivity might be contributing to his digestive issues. I’m hoping this food will help him, but it’s another expense to manage along with Cookie’s care.

I’ve included the link below so you can see Cookie’s vet bill and the expenses involved in my rescue.

On top of caring for these little ones, I’m still feeding more than 50 community cats every single day. They depend on me for food and water, and I continue working on TNR/TNVR to help prevent more kittens from being born outside.

Between veterinary visits, tests, medications, special prescription food, regular cat food, litter, and supplies, the costs add up quickly. I do my best to keep going because the cats depend on me, but it can be overwhelming trying to cover everything.

This year alone, my rescue’s medical expenses have exceeded $15,000, and that doesn’t even include food, litter, and other supplies needed to care for more than 50 community cats every day. Between emergency vet visits, tests, medications, and ongoing treatments for the cats and kittens I help, the costs continue to add up. I pay so much out of pocket and rely on my credit cards to keep up with their needs.

If anyone is able to help, any donation toward Cookie’s care,Leo or the community cats would mean so much.. Even sharing or upvoting this post can help it reach someone who may be able to support.

Thank you to everyone who has been following their stories and showing kindness. I’m hoping Cookie’s test results come back soon and that Leo’s new food helps him feel better.

Rescue expenses:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rR5YLv8-WPqGOAA0SQjDiQ_KJkaPdpjt

Ways to donate:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$sam61987

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sam61987

PayPal: https://paypal.me/samanthac687

Luna & Nala Rescue Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Florida, USA


r/ColonyCats • • 21h ago

RESCUED ANIMALS: FOOD AND SUPPLIES: FUNDRAISING UPDATE❤️📍

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30 Upvotes

r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Fighting 4 Finn, Colony cats, and Gratitude (Flint, Michigan)

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108 Upvotes

r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Choosing kindness is always the right thing.

277 Upvotes

​

Hi everyone! ❤️ (approved on rescue cats)

I’m an independent cat rescuer caring for 12 outdoor cats at a farm sanctuary in Tennessee, where cats have repeatedly been dumped and left to fend for themselves.

I started learning TNR after one little cat changed my life, and since then, I’ve personally trapped, neutered, and returned 16 cats at my own expense. Today, 12 cats remain in my colony, and thanks to daily feeding, care, and patience, 9 of them have become completely friendly! They aren't just cats surviving outdoors anymore — they're little souls who are learning to trust and know they have someone looking out for them. 🥹🐈

Now, I'm working hard to prepare their sanctuary for another winter. Temperatures are already dropping, and I want to make sure every cat has access to warmth, dry shelter, food, and fresh water when freezing temperatures arrive.

Since I fund this rescue myself, I've put together a wishlist of supplies that would make a huge difference for these 12 sweet souls:

🐾 Wet Food & Kitten Food: Extra calories and nutrition to help keep their bellies full through the cold months.

🏠 Insulated & Heated Shelters: Warm, dry places for the cats to sleep, whether they cuddle together or prefer their own space.

🦝 A Second Raccoon-Resistant Feeding Station: Raccoons have been causing problems at our current feeding setup, including fights between the cats. Adding another station on the opposite side would help spread them out and give everyone a better chance to eat peacefully.

❄️ Winter Supplies & Preventive Care: Weatherproof cord protection and other essentials to help keep their heated shelters safe and their environment comfortable throughout the winter.

Every single item helps, whether it's a bag of food, a warm shelter, or a small contribution toward a larger item.

I can't stop people from dumping cats, but I can do my best to make sure the ones left behind have a safe place to call home. I may be just one person, but I'm doing everything I can for them. ❤️

If you're able to help with an item from our wishlist, we'd be incredibly grateful. Even sharing our post or sending a little encouragement means so much.

Thank you for caring about these often-overlooked cats and helping me give them the winter they deserve. 🐾❤️❄️

Check out this Gift List I just created. https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2IE7YMVDOFHUI?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_ggr-subnav-share_44MD4YJTTDG0JE648JB4&language=en-US

https://www.walmart.com/lists/wishlist/107c1f01-a543-431e-9ff4-800fcf6b6c39


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Tipped Ear? Tnr’d

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16 Upvotes

Just posting because my mom has been caring for TNR cats but didn’t know they’ve been neutered.

Here’s a guide on how to tell!.


r/ColonyCats • • 2d ago

Daily Update: Baby kitten needs to see the vet & a Little Help for the Community Cats🙏FL USA

292 Upvotes

I’m approved in r/rescuecats for verification

I’m a 501(c)c3) non profit solo rescuer
EIN # 39-5083963

Our little Cookie is going to the vet in about 2 hours. His eye is swollen, and he’s still congested. I’m worried about him and want to make sure he gets the care he needs. Please keep him in your thoughts. 🙏
At the same time, I’m asking for a little help for the 50+ community cats I feed every single day. They depend on me for their daily food and care, and there are always mouths to feed and needs to cover.
Between vet visits, medications, food, litter, and supplies, the expenses add up quickly. I do my best to keep going for all of them, but I can’t do it alone.
If you’re able to help, even a small donation would mean so much. Every bit of support makes a difference for these babies. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who cares, shares, and helps us continue this work. It truly means more than you know.

Rescue expenses:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1rR5YLv8-WPqGOAA0SQjDiQ_KJkaPdpjt

Ways to donate:
Cash App: https://cash.app/$sam61987

Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/sam61987

PayPal: https://paypal.me/samanthac687

Luna & Nala Rescue Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Florida, USA


r/ColonyCats • • 2d ago

Urgent help needed for surgery/food/meds. Algeria - Tizi ouezou

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123 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm the one taking care of this little kitty right now. I recently rescued him off the streets in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria. He's still really young, weighing only around 1kg.

His arm is detached from the shoulder blade and basically just hanging loose. The vet said reattaching it is a complicated, expensive procedure and putting him through surgery on both limbs at once might be too much for his tiny body, so amputating the arm is very likely the route we have to take. His back leg is also broken and currently healing wrong, but the vet confirmed it can still be saved if it gets operated on in time. He just made it through dental surgery and is stabilized on painkillers and antibiotics right now.

The vet was generous enough to offer 50% off the total surgery costs to help, but I've already completely drained my savings on his initial visits, dental surgery, and medications. I am broke right now and struggling to even buy him proper recovery food, let alone pay the remaining 50% for his orthopedic surgery. On top of that, I realistically cannot keep him forever as much as I wish I could, especially if he ends up as an amputee who needs special care, so I desperately need to find him a safe foster or permanent home.

100% of anything collected will go directly to this kitten's medical bills and food. I will post clear updates with the clinic's invoices, receipts, and exact cost breakdowns as soon as we have the final totals.

How you can help:

Bank transfer: DM for details

Crypto (USDT / BTC / ETH): DM for which specific network/coin you can send

Local payments (Algeria): I can give you the clinic's contact to pay them directly in Tizi Ouzou, or share BaridiMob/CCP.

If the top options aren't possible we'll see how to figure it out or find a close third party who has the necessary method

If you are located in Algeria (Tizi Ouzou or Algiers area) and are able to foster or adopt him, please message me directly. Even a few dollars helps give this little guy a fighting chance to recover. Thank you so much.


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Neighbors want me to get rid of feral colony

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4 Upvotes

r/ColonyCats • • 2d ago

Stray cats are starving and I have nothing left to give them please help save their lives! 💔🐈

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179 Upvotes

Stray cats are starving and I have nothing left to give them please help save their lives! 💔🐈

I am pleading with you in the name of mercy and humanity... The food for the stray cats has completely run out, and they are starving right in front of my eyes with nothing left to give them!

I urgently ask all kind-hearted people to reach out and help. Even the smallest contribution will buy food to fill hungry bellies and save innocent lives.

Please, don't scroll past this—share it with your friends and help us feed them. Every bit of support matters 🐈❤️

Donate via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/3aa3aff67

PayPal: Rhazal1@hotmail.fr


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

Cat wants me to pet him, but tries to grab and claw my hand

2 Upvotes

So i live in a society and my neighbor has many cats.I kind of befriended one of them and regularly go to meet him. He is really friendly and would come to me on his own, rub against my legs and follow me. He even stares and meows at me when i dont give him attention or not petting him.

But often times when i put my fist/hand in front of him or even not near him (he just stares and it and looks like hes gonna jump at it) he just starts to try to grab it with his claws and maybe try to bite it? I never gave in as the claws are really sharp and hurt.(i cant trim or tell the neighbors to get it trimmed as i dont know them).

He also grabs my legs and sometimes even slightly bite it and even jumping and rubbing his head on it. So i make sure to wear full jeans or trousers.

So today he was doing his usual jumping and rubbing his head on my trousers and when i put my hand down for a sec, BAM! claws straight to the hand and it started slightly bleeding.

I try to discourage these type of behavior by yelling and backing off but still no progress 😿 .

I want to know if im doing something wrong, the reason of the behavior and what i can do.


r/ColonyCats • • 1d ago

So heartbreaking

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48 Upvotes

r/ColonyCats • • 2d ago

Thank you /u/bluefj

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98 Upvotes

Thank you to bluefj. A northern NJ person who has bought a house for the TNR cats in the neighborhood.

Here’s a picture of my personal cat with it- but this will solely be for the TNR cats my mom has seen working with an elderly woman. The woman she cares for is a retired singer who cares for 6 indoor cats and 3 TNR.

The one with the messed up eye is feral so we’re in the processing of planning out a safe way to get him vetted.

Thank you bluefj and thank you fellow redditors.


r/ColonyCats • • 2d ago

Vet bill support for a stray kitty with severe gingivitis

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40 Upvotes