The Cat Posse

08/24/2026

Plastic is not a good choice as a food bowl. Plastic easily scratches and bacteria can build up. Badly scratched plastic bowls can irritate a cats tongue. Also, if your cat develops feline acne on the chin, the plastic may be the cause. Acne looks like little blackheads. In some cases, the acne can become very inflamed.

Plastic bowls are also very light and they often end up sliding around the floor when the cat is trying to eat.

A better choice is stainless steel, glass, or ceramic. If using ceramic though, make sure it's totally smooth. If using glass, routinely check for chips.

08/22/2026

Releasing Cats After TNR
In good weather, most male and female cats can be released the following day. Because feral cats experience significant stress while in captivity, they should not be held longer than necessary.

During extreme cold weather, or if there have been surgical complications, a cat may need to be held for an additional day or two before release.

One important note about cold temperatures: The longer a cat is held in colder temperatures, the more their body may respond by shedding its winter coat, similar to the natural shedding that occurs in spring.

Returning the Cat to the Trapping Location
When you are ready to release the cat at the same location where they were trapped, position the carrier or trap so the exit is facing an area the cat will recognize.

Uncover the exit door. Most cats will immediately recognize their surroundings and be ready to go home. Others may need a little more time to become aware of where they are. In those cases, uncover a little more gradually and allow the cat to take in the surroundings.

Whenever possible, position the opening toward a hole in a fence, bushes, a shelter, or another protected area. This helps prevent the cat from bolting into an unsafe area or toward traffic. Every situation is different, and you should use your best judgment based on the location.

Give Them Time
Release the cat gently. Do not shake the trap, rush the cat, or create unnecessary agitation. Extra stress can cause a cat to make a poor decision when exiting.

Back away and quietly wait for the cat to come out on their own. Keep an eye on the surrounding area, particularly for street traffic.

When a Cat Refuses to Leave
Occasionally, a cat simply will not get out.

In my experience, this can be an important clue that the cat may not actually be a feral cat accustomed to living outdoors. The cat could be lost, abandoned, or otherwise unfamiliar with life on the streets.

Pay attention to that behavior. Sometimes the cat is telling you something.

TNR is not just about trapping, surgery, and return. It is about observing the individual cat and making the safest decision possible for that cat.

08/22/2026

Everyone knows that when your cat plays, it's fun and good physical exercise, but it's also beneficial for so many other reasons. Regular playtime can help combat boredom, reduce stress, help with behavior issues, and can strengthen bonds. Interactive play sessions should take place at least twice a day. Solo playtime should be encouraged as well by strategically placing safe solo toys around for your cat to discover during the day.

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

Adopt Clementine! Remember this loyal calico who was abandoned and waited a month at her prior family's doorstep? Her foster says she's getting sweeter every day, even waiting at the window for her to come home.

If her foster pats the seat beside her, Clementine happily jumps up to settle in - though she's not a lap cat yet! Once her foster yielded to temptation and scooped her up into her lap, and Clementine politely left as soon as she sat down. This 2 year old beauty has been friendly with visitors too. Clementine is looking for a quiet adult home where she can be your one-and-only pet, so you too can see just how sweet and loyal she'll become.

To meet Clementine in Los Angeles, please apply at https://catposse.org/adoption-application/

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

We have WONDERFUL news about Phoebe! Every single result of her post-radioactive thyroid treatment tests came back normal. She is officially CANCER FREE! We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to make Phoebe's treatment possible. Your generosity gave this sweet girl the chance to get the care she needed and be available again for adoption -- with her BFF Elsie of course! Thank you!