Charles River Alleycats

Charles River Alleycats CRA is the only organization exclusively working on the streets in Eastern MA to humanely control the community cat population. TNR = TRAP, NEUTER, RETURN

Since our founding in 2002, we have helped more than 20,000 cats. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization focusing on humane solutions for street cats in the Boston area. Our priorities include Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts for feral (wild) cats as well as helping to get homeless, friendly cats off the streets and into partnered shelters. Our core volunteers help feral colonies needing assistance

and link up low income cat owners with reduced fee spay/neuter services. We have strong relationships with rescue facilities across the Greater Boston Area to place friendly and adoptable stray cats and kittens.

TRIGGER WARNING!! SENSITIVE CONTENT — Animal suffering/injuryCharles River Alleycats Rescue was alerted to a mom cat and...
05/07/2026

TRIGGER WARNING!! SENSITIVE CONTENT — Animal suffering/injury

Charles River Alleycats Rescue was alerted to a mom cat and kittens living in a yard after residents heard kittens crying throughout the night and reached out for help. Knowing it was an emergency, CRA responded ASAP.

At first, there was relief when rescuers found mama and her kittens still there safe together. But upon closer inspection, they discovered something heartbreaking — one of the kittens was stuck in a cruel glue trap.

The tiny kitten was terrified and struggling to free himself, only becoming more trapped as the adhesive pulled at his fur and skin. CRA immediately tried to help using olive oil, but the glue was too strong and the frightened kitten panicked as rescuers worked carefully to free him.

Once gently covered with a towel, he calmed down enough to be rushed to MSPCA for emergency care.

With mineral oil, patience, and incredible care, the veterinary team was finally able to free him from the trap.

The care team named him Gorilla — after Gorilla Glue.

Thankfully, Gorilla’s story had a happy ending. But most animals caught in glue traps are not so lucky.

Glue traps cause unimaginable suffering. Animals can tear off fur, skin, nails, and even limbs trying to escape. Many die slowly from dehydration, starvation, exhaustion, or shock. These traps don’t just harm rodents — kittens, birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even pets can become victims.

GLUE TRAPS should be outlawed. They are cruel, unnecessary, and inhumane.

If you or someone you know uses glue traps, please throw them away and help educate others about the suffering they cause. Humane alternatives exist.

Thanks to Charles River Alleycats Rescue and the MSPCA, Gorilla got the second chance he deserved.

Donate: https://givebutter.com/CRA-2025

A kind woman who had worked with Charles River Alleycats a few months ago reached out to us again—and just in time.While...
04/11/2026

A kind woman who had worked with Charles River Alleycats a few months ago reached out to us again—and just in time.

While feeding her TNRed colony, she discovered a mama cat and her newborn kittens inside one of the shelters. Knowing how important it was to act quickly and quietly before mama moved them, she contacted us right away.

The rescue wasn’t easy. Mama refused to leave the shelter—even for tuna—and after an hour of trying, we had to switch plans. The trapper carefully secured the trap directly up against the shelter opening, while the caretaker gently nudged the shelter—hoping mama would run straight into the trap. It was risky. Very risky. So many things could have gone wrong. With everyone in position and hearts pounding… the plan was executed and IT WORKED!

Mama was safely trapped, and her two tiny kittens were rescued.

Now the family is safe indoors and reunited. Mama will stay with her babies until they’re old enough, then she’ll be spayed and returned to the caretaker who watches over her.

Charles River Alleycats is already on track to rescue more cats this year than ever before. We already have an unprecedented number of Mama and kitten rescues which is unusual for this time of year. For this reason, we would like to remind you that we rely on your donations to rescue these poor helpless creatures who are homeless due to human's irresponsibility.

Please consider donating : https://givebutter.com/CRA-2025

An amazing volunteer from South Shore Humane Society was told about a mama cat and her tiny kittens living in a basement...
03/17/2026

An amazing volunteer from South Shore Humane Society was told about a mama cat and her tiny kittens living in a basement in Roxbury. Knowing time was of the essence, she quickly reached out to her friend who just happened to be a trapper with Charles River Alleycats—and together, a plan was set in motion.

With care and quick thinking, the tenant who had been looking out for the little family safely scooped up the kittens and placed them into a carrier. They had entered the basement through a hole in the door to be safe from predators and the cold. Then the smart mama hid the family under a tarp inside for even more safety. Meanwhile, Charles River Alleycats successfully trapped the cautious but friendly mama cat, ensuring the whole family could stay together.

From there, everyone made their way to South Shore Humane, where this sweet little family is now safe, warm, and being lovingly cared for in foster.

The family will remain together in foster care until the kittens are old enough to be spayed/neutered and adopted into forever homes.

We’re so grateful for the compassion of the caretaker, the dedication of the volunteers and partnership between and . Because of all of you, this family has a second chance. 🐾💕

Looking for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser with impact *and* humor?Well, you’re in luck. Because for just $20, we will neu...
02/05/2026

Looking for a Valentine’s Day fundraiser with impact *and* humor?

Well, you’re in luck. Because for just $20, we will neuter your ex! Stopping reproduction is our specialty, after all. ✂️🙀

Science is powerful, and so is closure.

Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Donate $20 to our Valentine’s Fundraiser
2️⃣ Include your ex’s name (first names only, please—c’mon… we’re petty, not reckless!)
3️⃣ We’ll match their name to a feral cat we trap this month
4️⃣ That cat will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated at a local clinic through our humane TNR program

Don’t let heartbreak go to waste. Your romantic suffering could help stop the breeding cycle and protect community cats around Eastern Massachusetts!

Married to your high school sweetheart? Lucky you. Surely you know *someone* who deserves this recognition. 😏 Or just support TNR because it’s one of the most effective, humane ways to reduce homelessness and euthanasia.

👉 Donate here: https://givebutter.com/neuter-your-ex

It Takes a Village 🐾When we say rescue is a team sport, this is exactly what we mean.Multiple people from Charles River ...
02/02/2026

It Takes a Village 🐾

When we say rescue is a team sport, this is exactly what we mean.

Multiple people from Charles River Alleycats were alerted to a mama cat and her five tiny kittens in Roxbury. The temperatures were dropping fast, and time was absolutely not on our side.

Two trappers headed out ASAP during the day. They carefully set traps and were able to catch four of the kittens—making sure not to trap mom yet, because the babies were too little to survive without her especially in the cold weather. That left mama and one kitten still outside, with even colder nights ahead.

Because mom and the remaining kitten weren’t showing themselves during the day, another trapper jumped in to help. Night shifts began. After a couple of long, cold nights… success.
First, the kitten was trapped. And just hours later, mama followed. 💙

Along the way, two adult males were also trapped, helping the whole colony in the process.

Thanks to persistence, coordination, sleepless nights, and a whole lot of heart, everyone is now safe, warm, and in the care of Coastal Cat Rescue

This is what happens when people show up for animals who can’t ask for help themselves.
This is rescue.
This is community.
This is why it takes a village. 🐱❤️

01/15/2026

💔🐾 Emergency Kitten Rescue in Brockton 🐾💔

Earlier this week, a dedicated feeder in Brockton—someone Charles River Alleycats has worked with in the past—heard the unmistakable sound of a kitten crying in distress in his backyard. With frigid temperatures outside and knowing how fragile kittens can be, he didn’t hesitate. He quickly secured the tiny kitten in a carrier and rushed him to the home of a CRA trapper.

Once there, the kitten was warmed as best as possible and assessed. What we found was heartbreaking. The kitten was lethargic, freezing cold, heavily infested with fleas, and had a massive chunk of p**p stuck to his backside—larger than a golf ball. It was clear this baby was in serious trouble and needed emergency medical care immediately.

Another CRA volunteer stepped in and rushed the kitten to Tufts Emergency Veterinary Hospital. There, he was treated for hypothermia, flea infestation, and flea-related anemia, and placed in an incubator to safely warm up. Soon, he was flea-free and even started to eat—phew. It was determined he needed to stay overnight in the E/R for continued monitoring, warmth, and treatment.

This little one has a long road to recovery ahead, but Charles River Alleycats is absolutely up for the challenge. 💪 The emergency vet bill is close to $1,000, and we could really use your help. If you’re able, please consider donating to help cover the cost of this lifesaving care.

https://www.charlesriveralleycats.org/donate

Thank you for supporting CRA and for being part of the village that makes rescues like this possible. ❤️

01/05/2026

THOR Part 2 - RESCUED!

Thor had always been an indoor cat. So when the front door was left slightly ajar for just a second one freezing day, no...
01/05/2026

Thor had always been an indoor cat. So when the front door was left slightly ajar for just a second one freezing day, no one expected him to notice.

But Thor noticed.

His parents quickly realized what had happened and their hearts dropped. Thor was gone. They rushed outside and there he was—so close, standing in the cold like he belonged to it. Relief lasted only a second, because the instant they called his name, Thor bolted. Again. And again.

This made no sense. The temperatures were brutally cold, the kind that send even the toughest animals searching for warmth. Yet Thor kept running, acting like the outdoors was suddenly the place he needed to be.

A post went up on Facebook, and that’s when Charles River Alleycats stepped in. That night, CRA spotted Thor in a neighbor’s garage—safe for the moment, but still very much uninterested in being rescued.

Traps were set. Cameras were installed. Posters were hung. And the cold? It only got worse.

Night after night, the cameras showed him clearly. Thor strutted past the traps, sniffed them, circled them, even stepped all around them—but absolutely refused to go inside.

Since he clearly did not like humane traps even though they were loaded with smelly tuna, his parents left doors to the house open, hoping he’d recognize the warmth and familiar smells. But no. Thor stood outside, looked in, and walked away.

Still, no one gave up.

One night, the trap was set just a little differently—same spot, same patience, one small change. And finally, after days of worry, cold, and stubborn determination… Thor went in.

He was not happy about it. Not even a little.

But his family was overjoyed. Their patience and persistence paid off! The process worked!

Finally, Thor was back where he belonged—safe, warm, and reunited with the people who never stopped trying to bring him home. And while Thor may never admit it, everyone knows the truth: He IS happy to be home. He even cuddled them, just a little 🐾

Happy Holidays from Charles River Alleycats! 🎄🐾As the year wraps up, we’re feeling extra grateful—for our amazing suppor...
12/26/2025

Happy Holidays from Charles River Alleycats! 🎄🐾

As the year wraps up, we’re feeling extra grateful—for our amazing supporters, dedicated fosters, generous donors, and of course, the incredible kitties who make everything we do worthwhile. From cozy naps to second chances, every rescue story is a reminder of what community and compassion can do.

Wishing everyone—two-legged and four-legged—a season filled with warmth, love, and plenty of purrs. Thank you for being part of our Alleycats family. 💚🐱✨

👉Looking to make a donation to a good cause? Through our Donate a Trap Program, you can purchase a humane trap that wil...
12/17/2025

👉Looking to make a donation to a good cause?

Through our Donate a Trap Program, you can purchase a humane trap that will be sent directly to Charles River Alleycats so we can save even more homeless cats.

👉Looking to purchase a gift for the person who has everything?

You can donate a trap in honor of a fellow cat lover, making it a truly special and impactful gift that saves lives. 🐱✨

Many times we are unable to help immediately because all of our traps are in use. Having more traps available helps us help more kitties in need.

👉 Click here: https://www.trucatchtraps.com/giftr/registry/view/uid/WV1YC/

🐾 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 #𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, the day the world pauses to celebrate generosity. ‎It’s been a big year for us at Charles River ...
12/02/2025

🐾 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 #𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, the day the world pauses to celebrate generosity.
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It’s been a big year for us at Charles River Alleycats. So far in 2025, we've already rescued 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝟭,𝟱𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘀—and 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟲𝟬𝟬 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀, born to abandoned or feral moms with nowhere safe to go.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟱 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀. They had been living in a rat‑infested basement stairwell in Roxbury. After a concerned landlord alerted us, we set up a camera + feeding station to identify them, and within four hours, we trapped all six.
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They were scared, and it was heartbreaking, but with round-the-clock TLC from one of our volunteers, every kitten grew strong and all five have now been adopted (thanks to our wonderful shelter partner, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society!), and mom continues to slowly warm up with one of our most patient fosters.
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Had no one stepped in, parasites, rats, or starvation would have likely claimed these babies—or they would have grown up outside, unspayed and continuing the cycle.
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🧡 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲.
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Together, we can break the cycle and prevent new generations of outdoor cats from being born into dangerous conditions. And on Giving Tuesday — 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 — we turn to our community to help us say “yes” to the next cats who need us.
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👉 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 via the link in our bio or at https://www.charlesriveralleycats.org/donate
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And if you can’t give today, please 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 or tag someone who loves animals — your share helps us reach the people who want to help.
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𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 for being part of this small but mighty community, and for helping us give vulnerable cats the safety and second chances they deserve. 🐱❤️
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Boston, MA

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+16179452430

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