The animal shelters chosen for our Future Five: Shelter Partners to Save Cats’ Lives program have already begun implementing policies and programs that will make them model shelters. Lee County Domestic Animal Services in Florida made a major change by beginning early-age spay/neuter services—safely neutering kittens as young as eight weeks. In Indiana, animal control officers attended a workshop about TNR, presented by Alley Cat Allies and supported by Johnson County Animal Control and the Humane Society of Johnson County. They have also purchased additional humane traps so they can serve even more cats. Find out how the Future Five are blazing the trail for humane cat care.

In New York, we are working to expand the state’s spay/neuter fund to cover TNR programs. A pair of bills, AB 9487 and SB 7290, are on the way to helping New York’s cats. The New York Assembly voted to approve AB 9487—so we need your support to help it pass the Senate.

New York residents, support AB 9487!

Thanks to our Maryland supporters taking action in February 2013, the Maryland state legislature created a fund that will award up to $1 million in grants each year to spay or neuter dogs and cats. Some of that money is ready to be awarded, and a grant application period has begun. Feral cats are explicitly included, allowing organizations to expand TNR efforts.

Maryland caregivers, apply for a spay/neuter grant!

Meet Marco! Marco loves to be loved, so he won’t be far from your side. As soon as you start petting him, he flops over for belly rubs, and he goes crazy for a good vigorous brushing. Marco’s a handsome cat with an athletic build and a distinctive white stripe down his nose that makes his face even sweeter. When he’s not getting attention from you, this goofy, playful cat enjoys batting around string and toy mice. Marco is ready to explore a whole new life with you! Find out how you can give Marco a forever home, and see more adoptable cats.

It’s impossible to fit all the work we’re doing into just one email. Our quarterly newsletter, Alley Cat Action, is packed with success stories from around the country, stories that will warm your heart and challenges that will motivate you to action. Current donors who have generously given $10 or more receive a copy of Alley Cat Action in their mailbox, as a reminder that their donations helps protect and improve the lives of cats nationwide. If you haven’t already, donate $10 to receive your copy of Alley Cat Action.

Several members of Alley Cat Allies’ staff, including President Becky Robinson, were featured speakers at the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection Conference in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. The conference was an opportunity for humane organizations and caregivers to come together to educate one another on improving the lives of cats in Dallas-Fort Worth. Alley Cat Allies’ presentations covered talking to community members about TNR, evolution of TNR in the US, and discussing cat policies with local officials. Staff members were also honored with an award in recognition of their dedication to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Check out the full story here.

Check out our Events Calendar and find out about upcoming webinars, workshops, and more! Mark your calendar!

Vaccinations save cats’ lives. Both feral and pet cats benefit from life-saving vaccinations. Click here to get the facts.

Take your cat protection efforts to the next level. Join the Feral Friends Network and become part of the largest cat support network in the world. It’s free to join! Apply today!