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Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash While walking through our neighborhoods, it's common to see cats outdoors. Some of these cats are pets enjoying a leisurely stroll, while others might be missing the comfort and security of their homes. Then there are the community cats that neighbors collectively care for. Cue the obligatory Lord of the Rings nod: "Not all who wander are lost." When it comes to helping community cats, animal shelters are not always the best solution. Truly feral cats, with little or no socialization to people, are often considered unadoptable. For this reason, most shelters do not place community cats up for public adoption. Education and advocacy can make a real difference. By promoting the benefits of keeping pet cats indoors, we can help protect both their health and the wildlife that shares our neighborhoods. The Action Plan: What to Do When You Find a Cat Collar Check : Do you spot a collar? Look for an ID tag and reach out to the owner immediately. Neighborhood Engagement : Engage in conversations with your neighbors, mail carriers, and fellow local walkers. Photo Documentation and Found Reports : Capture and share a photo with local animal shelters. Flyer Campaign : Get creative with old-fashioned flyers in your area. Remember, a picture can convey a thousand meows! Social Media Sleuthing : Use platforms like Facebook, NextDoor, and others to broaden your search. Microchip Magic : If the cat is approachable, consider visiting the vet or shelter to check for a microchip. Alternatively, create a DIY collar with your contact information using the  paper collar trick . Cat Mapping : Assist owners by guiding them to the cat's last known location. Rethink Free-Roaming : Suggest indoor living for the cat's safety and to protect small mammals and birds. Sterilized Community Cat : Help caretakers by offering food and shelter. Unsterilized Community Cat : Get involved with trap-neuter-return programs. Visit humanesociety.org/TNRindividuals  for more information. Nursing Mom and Kittens: Seek specialized care and advice at https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-find-kittens The Reality of Missing Cats Did you know that 1 in 3 pets in America will go missing at some point in their lives? According to the American Humane Association, the reality is even more heartbreaking for cats: less than 5% of lost cats are ever reunited with their owners through shelters. This staggering statistic emphasizes the importance of microchipping, safe outdoor practices, and community awareness to help bring more cats back home. Specialized Resources for Lost and Found Cats PawBoost : This handy database alerts local pet finders and shelters about lost and found pets. PetFBI (Pet Finders Bureau, Inc.) : A comprehensive platform for lost and found pets across the U.S. Tabby Tracker : A network for matching lost and found cats. Lost My Kitty : Services include flyer generation and alerts to local vets and shelters. Petfinder : A searchable directory of animals needing homes, including a feature for found pets. ASPCA : Provides a tool to search for local animal shelters and rescue organizations. AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool : Check a pet's microchip number across different databases. Your efforts can make a life-changing difference by reuniting lost cats with their families or by offering care and compassion to the community cats that need it most.

A tabby cat opens its mouth in a wide yawn. Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Because cats instinctively hide pain, oral discomfort can be difficult to detect. Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and at-home care are imperative in preventing serious dental issues. One of the earliest signs of dental pain is excessive drooling, sometimes tinged with blood, which may indicate gum disease or infection. A strong, unpleasant odor can signal periodontal disease, decay, or another problem . Eating habits may change as well. A cat struggling with oral pain might chew on one side, drop food, or avoid harder foods altogether. Some may paw at their mouth or rub their face against objects in an attempt to relieve discomfort. Over time, a reduced appetite can lead to gradual weight loss. Red, swollen gums and yellow-brown tartar buildup are further signs that dental disease may be developing . If these signs go unnoticed or untreated, the discomfort can worsen, making it harder for your cat to eat and affecting their overall well-being. A veterinary visit is the best way to assess the severity of any dental issues and determine the right treatment to relieve their pain. Because stress can make vet visits challenging, a mild sedative may help anxious cats relax during an exam. Lowering stress levels can lead to a more thorough evaluation and a better understanding of any dental issues that need to be addressed. Practical Tips for At-Home Dental Care At-home dental care can help slow tartar buildup and reduce the risk of infection. Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective way to support oral health, but dental treats and water additives can provide additional benefits. While not all cats will tolerate brushing, introducing it gradually can make a difference in their long-term oral health. Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: Start by using a pet-specific toothbrush or a soft finger brush designed for cats. Choose a veterinary-approved toothpaste in a cat-friendly flavor, such as poultry or seafood. Never use human toothpaste , as it contains ingredients that can be toxic to cats . Begin by letting your cat taste the toothpaste, then gently rub it on their teeth with your finger. Once your cat is comfortable, transition to a brush. Short, gentle sessions a few times a week are more effective than trying to force a complete brushing in one attempt. Oral Checks:  Check your cat’s mouth at least once a month. Look for signs of redness, swelling, or a foul odor. If your cat resists, try lifting its lip briefly while offering a treat to build positive associations. If you notice significant tartar buildup, loose teeth, or bleeding, schedule a veterinary visit. Dental Treats and Water Additives: If brushing isn’t an option, dental treats and veterinarian-recommended water additives can help reduce plaque and freshen breath. Choose products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal proven to support oral hygiene. Diet Considerations:  A balanced diet supporting overall health can also improve dental outcomes. Specialized dry foods are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar. Wet food, while beneficial in other ways, does not provide the same mechanical cleaning effect. A balanced diet supporting overall health can also improve dental outcomes. Chew Toys for Oral Health: Some cats enjoy chewing on rubber or textured dental toys designed to help clean their teeth. Regular at-home maintenance, combined with proper veterinary care, can keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy for years to come!

A happy dog enjoys the safety Washington State's new animal cruelty law is meant to protect. Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash Governor Bob Ferguson has ushered through a bipartisan law that fortifies Washington’s animal cruelty statutes and wipes away the red tape that once kept officers from stepping in when animals were suffering. Lawmakers cited several recent failures as motivation for the changes. In King County , officers were unable to take action against a repeat offender with a history of animal fighting who was found in possession of multiple dogs. A delay in Pierce County stalled an animal neglect investigation long enough for several animals to die before help arrived. After repeated complaints about a Snohomish County backyard breeder went unanswered, authorities finally entered the property and found animals malnourished and suffering from untreated illnesses. House Bill 1149 , sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland , was signed into law on May 12 and will take effect July 27. The measure eliminates the 36-hour waiting period that officers were once required to observe before acting on reports of animal neglect, even when animals were visibly suffering. Officers will now be able to intervene immediately if there is probable cause to believe an animal’s health or safety is at risk. The law also broadens the definition of second-degree animal cruelty to include the failure to provide food, water, shelter, or medical care, not just overt physical abuse. Penalties for animal fighting have also been expanded. The law now applies not only to participants but also to organizers, promoters, and anyone who profits from the activity. Those convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting will face new restrictions. Offenders are barred from owning, living with, or serving in any custodial role involving animals. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, starting as a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor for a second offense, and rising to a Class C felony for subsequent violations.

HB 217 makes selling puppies in public spaces illegal across Georgia. Photo by Steve Sewell on Unsplash Georgia has outlawed the roadside sale of pets. On May 9, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a new law banning the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in public outdoor spaces such as parking lots, parks, flea markets, fairs, and roadsides across the state. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025, and targets unlicensed breeders and sellers who operate without oversight, often in substandard conditions. Supporters say the law will also ease pressure on overcrowded animal shelters statewide. “These individuals do not allow people to come to where these dogs live because they don’t want anyone to see where these animals live,” said state Rep. Beth Camp , a sponsor of the bill. “They’re living in deplorable, substandard conditions for anything that’s alive.” Penalties for violating the new law are tiered. Individuals can be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for each additional violation. Corporations may face steeper consequences under Georgia Code § 4-11 , which outlines the state’s animal protection laws. Licensed breeders may still sell animals from private residences, businesses, veterinary clinics, agricultural exhibitions, and law enforcement facilities, as long as they follow Georgia Department of Agriculture regulations . Camp said the goal is to prevent impulse pet purchases in public spaces where animals are often sold without proper documentation or care. “I backed the roadside sales element because every Georgian’s pet deserves a safe and loving home,” Camp said. “By ending roadside and parking lot sales, we’re protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community’s most vulnerable animals.”

Happy National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Keeping furry best friends happy and healthy is a lifelong responsibility. The right balance of nutrition, exercise, and love helps them live longer and more comfortably. More pet owners now see helping their pets maintain a healthy weight as a sign of responsible care. A 2024 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that more Americans are recognizing weight issues in their animal companions. Among participants, 35% of dog owners and 33% of cat owners said their animals were overweight or obese, up from 17% and 28% the previous year. Extra weight can limit a cat's mobility and shorten their lifespan. Photo courtesy of Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock Pet owners can struggle to recognize when their animals are overweight. Familiarity and bias can conceal small changes that gradually emerge over time. About 45% of dog guardians and 40% of cat guardians said they knew how to use a body condition score , a tool for evaluating an animal’s physical state. Only 27% of dog owners and 19% of cat owners recalled their veterinarian providing one. Obesity can’t dim the spirit of a good dog, but it can make the journey harder. Photo courtesy of Kirill Rahcheev / Unsplash While 86% of respondents said they believe their veterinarian would feel comfortable discussing obesity, some recalled hearing terms like “fluffy” or “well-fed” instead of clinical language. The survey notes that such phrasing, though often well-intentioned, can minimize the medical seriousness of obesity and make it harder to begin open, stigma-free conversations about a pet’s health. The survey showed that pet owners are acting on their concerns. 62% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners have tried to help their pets lose weight . 16% of dog owners and 25% of cat owners reported using therapeutic foods , and about one-third said they would consider medications if proven safe and affordable. Small, simple changes like measuring meals or adding a few extra minutes of play can make a difference over time. Obesity Resources for Pet Owners : The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention offers annual pet weight surveys, calorie calculators, and pet obesity data for dog and cat owners. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on maintaining pets at a healthy weight and tips for discussing care and diet with veterinarians. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Body Condition Score Tool features illustrated charts and step-by-step instructions for assessing your dog or cat .

A 17-year-old Shih Tzu mix named Meatball, who is both blind and deaf, was rescued after being trapped for nearly 30 hours in a storm drain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana . Because of Meatball's advanced age and physical limitations, there were, of course, very real fears about his ability to make his way back home. Senior pets like Meatball can become disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings, which increases the risk of them becoming lost. That fear became reality when Meatball vanished from his home on September 1. Meatball's AirTag pinged from a road near his house. His family searched the area without success. The next day, Meatball's owners heard barking from a drain, which thankfully confirmed he was alive but unable to escape. The dark storm drain where 17-year-old Meatball was trapped for nearly 30 hours before being rescued. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook Crews from St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 and the parish Department of Public Works responded, along with neighbors. The firefighters crawled through culverts , while the public works team opened sections of the drainage system from above. Rescuers with Meatball after removing him from the storm drain. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook After more than three hours navigating the drainage system that connects to the bayou , the rescue team found Meatball deep inside and brought him out safely. Tired and covered in mud but unharmed, he was reunited with his family. Meatball’s owner, Chuck Gorney, visits with the rescuers to thank them for their dedication and compassion. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook Grateful for their efforts, Meatball's owner, Chuck Gorney, later visited with the rescuers to express his thanks to the team for their dedication and compassion.

A female bottlenose dolphin stranded in a shallow lagoon in Bluffton, South Carolina , has been safely rescued and returned to her natural habitat, thanks to a coordinated effort involving marine biologists, local firefighters, and a few helpful neighbors. The dolphin, identified as Lucky, became trapped on Saturday, July 12, after heavy rainfall and high tides pushed her through a culvert and into a residential lagoon in the Hampton Lake community. As the tide receded, she was left stranded in only a few feet of water in a tidal drainage area surrounded by debris and fallen trees. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network , authorized to respond to marine mammal incidents under federal guidelines, led the rescue with help from longtime volunteer Amber Kuehn , the Bluffton Township Fire District , and several local residents. The incident marked the first known dolphin rescue of its kind for both the marine network and the fire department. Rescuers carry Lucky, a stranded dolphin, through shallow water during a relocation effort. Photo credit: Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab at USCB's Facebook page When the responders arrived, Lucky initially swam deeper into the lagoon. The team guided her onto a marine rescue tarp equipped with stabilizing poles. They then carefully transported her about 75 yards over rough terrain to a utility trailer, using a partially inflated inner tube for cushioning during the journey to the release site. After a brief health check, Lucky, measuring approximately 7 feet 10 inches and weighing an estimated 400 to 500 pounds, was driven to a private dock and released back into the May River just before 6 p.m. On the morning of July 25, researchers from the Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab at the University of South Carolina Beaufort observed Lucky during a routine survey near the headwaters of the May River. In a post shared on the lab’s official Facebook page , they reported that she was swimming normally and appeared to be in good health. Minor scarring was visible on her dorsal fin and is believed to have been present before her rescue. Since 2012, researchers have been monitoring Lucky, frequently seen in the May River. Their extensive study has turned her into one of the most recognized and well-documented dolphins in the region!

On the evening of June 17, 2025, in Bladen County, North Carolina , a curious dog named Koopa got his head stuck in a tire, prompting a coordinated rescue involving local firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterinary staff. According to Lumberton Rescue and EMS , Koopa managed to wedge his head through the center of a tire and became trapped. Emergency crews first brought him to the Bladenboro Fire Department , where responders were able to remove most of the tire. A stubborn metal lug ring, however, remained fastened tightly around his neck. Koopa waits calmly as rescuers work to free him from a tire rim in Bladen County, North Carolina. Photo: Lumberton Rescue and EMS’ Facebook page. With no safe way to remove the remaining piece at the station, Koopa was taken to Southeastern Veterinary Clinic in Lumberton . There, he was sedated so the team could complete the rescue. Working alongside EMS personnel, veterinary staff carefully removed the lug ring. Koopa rests on the tailgate of a rescue vehicle after being sedated so crews could remove the remaining piece of the tire rim. Photo: Lumberton Rescue and EMS’ Facebook page. Koopa did not suffer any injuries. He was alert and in good spirits once the tire was removed. He may not have known what all the fuss was about, but he sure felt the love.

Frankie, the rescued tan kitten found by Pennsylvania Senator Frank Farry, sits nestled inside the engine of his SUV. Photo courtesy of Senator Frank Farry via Facebook On the morning of May 9, 2025 Pennsylvania State Senator Frank Farry was driving to the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association convention in Bethlehem when a strange noise coming from under the hood of his SUV made him pull over in Middletown Township . “ I thought, what is that? So I turned the radio down ,” he said. “ It sounded like a cat was inside the car. ” Lifting the hood, Farry spotted a small tan kitten curled up near the engine. When he tried to approach, she slipped deeper into the vehicle’s frame. With no way to safely reach her, he called Middletown Township Animal Control . Officer Cheyenne Keen responded. She used food and a calm approach to slowly guide the kitten out from the tight space. The kitten was taken to the Women’s Animal Center in Bensalem , where she was treated for fleas and examined by veterinary staff. They named her Frankie, after the senator who found her. State Senator Frank Farry has officially adopted the kitten discovered earlier this month nestled under the hood of his SUV. Photo courtesy of Senator Frank Farry via Facebook " She wasn’t malnourished, just dirty ,” Farry said after visiting the shelter. Not long after, he and his family officially adopted her. A routine drive turned into something unexpected, and one stray kitten ended up with a home.

An overnight search in Denver concluded in early May 2025 when Daisy, a missing dog, was rescued from a 20-foot-high ledge beneath a highway overpass after slipping away from a pet sitter. The incident began on the evening of May 2, when Denver Animal Protection received reports of a dog running along Interstate 25 near the 6th Avenue overpass. Officers responded and briefly spotted the dog but lost track due to heavy rain and poor visibility. A passerby reported seeing a dog stranded on a concrete ledge under the overpass the following morning. Officers returned and confirmed it was Daisy, who was alone and unable to climb down. Officer Jared Manke said they looked up from beneath the overpass and saw Daisy peering over the ledge, her brown eyes just visible. With the ledge inaccessible from the ground, officers called the Denver Fire Department for assistance. Firefighters arrived with a ladder truck and extended it to the ledge. Officer Manke ascended the ladder to where Daisy stood, visibly trembling. Daisy, a lost dog, was found on a ledge beneath 6th Avenue and above I-25. She had been missing for at least two days. (Courtesy of Denver Animal Protection) Manke said Daisy was visibly trembling on the ledge and watching them from above. He noted that dogs often widen their eyes when they’re frightened, and Daisy was showing all the signs of fear. Officer Manke gently slipped a leash over her head and coaxed her forward. Once she was secure, he carried her down the ladder to safety. Denver firefighters and Animal Protection officers teamed up to rescue Daisy, carrying her down from a 20-foot ledge beneath a highway overpass. The dog had gone missing overnight after slipping away from a pet sitter. (Photo courtesy of Denver Animal Protection) A microchip scan confirmed Daisy's identity. When contacted, her guardian, who had been out of town, immediately flew home. As seen in a Facebook reel from the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment , Daisy ran straight into his arms, tail wagging. It was the kind of outcome every first responder hopes for!

A curious Shorthair cat rests in a wicker basket. Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban the elective declawing of cats, positioning the state to follow New York , Maryland , and Washington, D.C. , and to join Massachusetts and Virginia , where similar legislation has been proposed, in restricting the controversial procedure. The proposals, filed as SF 1935 and HF 1857 , would permit declawing only when deemed medically necessary to treat illness or injury. Feline onychectomy , commonly referred to as declawing , is a surgical procedure that entails the amputation of the last bone of each toe, altering a cat’s anatomy and biomechanics. A peer-reviewed study published in 2023 in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery examined 86 declawed cats. Researchers documented the presence of retained bone fragments associated with clinical signs such as pain and lameness. The bills also include a prohibition on tendonectomy , a procedure in which the tendons controlling the claws are severed to impair claw function without requiring amputation. A 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association compared elective tendonectomy and declawing in cats, finding that both procedures resulted in similar complication rates, including pain, bleeding, lameness, and infection. If Minnesota passes its proposed legislation, HF 1857/SF 1935 , it would become one of the first states in the Midwest to implement such a ban. Humane alternatives to declawing : Regular Nail Trimming : Keeping your cat's nails trimmed reduces damage from scratching.​ Scratching Posts and Pads : Providing cats with appropriate outlets for scratching can help deter them from damaging furniture.​ Nail Caps : Soft, plastic caps can be glued over your cat's claws to prevent damage from scratching.​ Behavioral Training : Positive reinforcement can teach cats to use scratching posts instead of furniture.​

An unorthodox reunion took place in Boaz, Alabama , when a three-year-old Chihuahua mix named Emma reunited with her owner, Cheyenne Campbell, after being missing for five months. Emma had disappeared from Campbell's yard in late summer while she was outside for a bathroom break. A "Missing Dog" flyer with a photo and phone number sits beside a pink leash and collar on a worn wooden bench. Image source: Shutterstock Despite Campbell's extensive efforts to find Emma, which included going door-to-door and contacting local shelters, it wasn't until early February 2025 that a Good Samaritan discovered her. The Samaritan brought her to the 2nd Chance Shelter, located ten miles away. Upon arrival, Emma appeared nervous and timid, but her demeanor changed dramatically when she heard a familiar voice. It was Cheyenne! As luck would have it, Cheyenne was a staff member at the 2nd Chance Shelter. When she began speaking, Emma immediately recognized her voice, wagging her tail and jumping with excitement. That was the moment everyone realized Emma was Cheyenne's missing dog. After being lost for five months, Emma ended up at the shelter where her owner worked! Home at last! Emma, a small Chihuahua mix, is back in her family's arms. Photo courtesy of 2nd Chance Shelter via Facebook After the long-awaited reunion, Emma was adjusting well back home. "It was surely meant to be that Emma ended up at the shelter where her owner works," the shelter shared on Facebook .