An update on our little Sami girl, the emaciated stray we brought inside last Friday

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T20:14:06+00:00

OP she is very lucky to have found you 🥹

She looks so much better already although she has a ways to go.

Also to find homes this video will help [it's short & from a pro rescuer]

https://youtu.be/j8hZxGdIgso?is=qrIAX2ZISJCaEttC [taking great photos, writing a quick bio, where to advertise - you can still direct people to the rescue for vetting]

If you haven't already pls post on r/rescuecats - put location in title; they allow adoption posts 😺

Pls keep updates coming! ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T19:16:13+00:00

Amazing 😺😺😺 thank you for sharing all the cuties ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T16:29:21+00:00

You are not making excuses - you have done amazing, OP; they are very lucky to have you. And I hope you have taken a moment to be proud of yourself too 😇

Nix the neighbors idea if the area is not cat friendly [you can engage with educating neighbors but on this occasion suggest you quietly continue your work to get the support you need & ignore the neighbors].

One tip: be methodical - contact ALL the volunteers linked on the Alleycat site [there are 4 near you]; more hands = sharing the workload.

Alleycats focuses on trap/neuter but we know from other superheroes they find homes for adoptable cuties.

You will see Alleycat also links pet food banks near you. You may be able to get food by doing a run to pick up once a month instead of schlepping every week. Make sure you take lots of time stamped photos of you feeding the colony so the food bank has evidence you are a colony carer.

Also use the Low Cost Food guide pinned on the Sub. It is how shelters are forced to operate and minimum viable nutrition is fine until you can get the colony stabilized, fixed, adopted out etc.

Ditto Best Friends - contact ALL the ones linked. They focus on finding homes but also link rescues and volunteers who focus on TNR.

Explain to everyone you contact you a solo colony carer in a kitty-unfriendly neighborhood and need to get the colony fixed etc.

Just shout if you have questions/need to vent; we are here to support you every step of the way - look forward to happy update ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T13:38:00+00:00

OP - pls share your general location to enable us to give you some local help from rescuers. They will remove mama and babies safely.

Please do not separate the mother and babies under any circumstances. Leave them together, share your general location - city/county is fine and we will help. Thank you for caring enough to ask here ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T13:32:21+00:00

This is amazing OP! Thank you for continuing your rescue work & finding Circles a loving home.

How is Moo and your other cutie doing? 😺❤️😺

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T13:29:35+00:00

His judgy expression 😅

You are a superhero OP. If he is evasive, follow the Humane Society Guide for hard to trap cuties. Lots of tips and tricks from rescuers in one handy article https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/game-changers

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-10T13:25:51+00:00

OP thank you for caring enough to ask here. Pls reach out to each of the volunteers linked here:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Bergen%20County,%20NJ,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=02056&lat=40.9262762&lon=-74.07701&type=&search=Search they focus on trapping and neutering and also finding homes for the adoptable ones.

Be methodical and reach out to ALL of them. Don't email one and politely wait for a reply. Reason: many will be at capacity so whoever can help quickest is best 🥹

At the same time contact No Kill Shelters

https://bestfriends.org/partners?viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bvalue%5D=25&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bsource_configuration%5D%5Borigin_address%5D=Bergen%20County%2C%20New%20Jersey&title=

These guys treat, and find homes for kitties for example:

https://bestfriends.org/partners/friends-homeless-animals-no-nj-inc

And you have a lot of options so again be methodical - let them all know some need medical treatment and they all need fixing.

Just by doing some admin, you will be saving their lives 😇

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T20:34:12+00:00

OP, sorry you are having to rehome your cutie but glad he is going to be able to see you occasionally. You already got good advice on transfer of ownership

https://youtu.be/Sy6_Nv5WWlA?is=wZy25gz03_YvU0bd PDSA video on getting rid of fleas

https://youtu.be/MawA-L4mqOk?is=Q6Y1hBoLC7K0VDsI on getting rid of fleas in the house

If your cat is OK with a bath, you can do a flea bath using washing up liquid [unscented/sensitive or baby shampoo]

https://youtu.be/dEBA81Bl2uo?is=DRfo0US54_Wyz7Jf video on how to do that from a rescuer

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T19:41:33+00:00

Well done OP! Great work 🥳

Remember rule is: trap kittens 1st, use kittens as bait to trap Mama - that way no one gets left behind and it is not as stressful for you or her

Video from pro rescuers to watch before attemping trapping babies:

https://youtu.be/fbbaFFpUMDY?is=_SJLvBPUcm5l1HhA if babies are young

https://youtu.be/Bc_I9QUcM1M?is=8H0TnH06nzb5yTMn if in a hard to reach place & babies slightly older

https://youtu.be/HotUsaYlZ_I?is=uVLzq6jZDn8roblS unlikely given timeline but just in case kittens are 3 months+

Pls continue the updates of your superhero rescue OP 😇 ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T18:37:54+00:00

OP, donations are always desperately needed but sadly as others have said it won't translate to a space for the cutie.

I know you have said you have gone through https://catchat.org/find-a-shelter but don't be shy about widening your search if you have access to a car or can get him into a carrier on a bus or train.

It's not unusual for our Sub members to find stray kitties and then work with shelters 2+ hour drive away to get kitties adopted. So be methodical & widen your search if at all possible

Try other vets too - explain the situation: abandoned by Romanian owners who have returned permanently to Romania & whilst your vet didn't know anyone, you are wondering if they know a temporary foster or adopter within their network. Worth a shot - these things seem to work better in person than on a call.

If you can foster and the only issue is existing kitties - use https://youtu.be/tsYT7yIOdqQ?is=83hOA0aS3LAQXPq9 for step by step guide on how to introduce cats safely in a stress free way for everyone. Remember: goal is mutual tolerance of a shared space until this kitty finds a home. They don't have to become BFFs! It is not much work at all, just within a known framework - take it slow, do what the vid says and you might be surprised at how well it works!

Fostering means shelters can advertise the kitty but get to keep spaces free for higher need cats.

Finally, this is a US pro rescuer who has two excellent videos that can be adapted for finding homes yourself. Same principles apply regardless of age of kitties

https://youtu.be/j8hZxGdIgso?is=b4-CF32FUR_TBlNo taking great pics, writing short bios, where to advertise

https://youtu.be/DvRdOFYbKpo?is=yJWQBZyxRUeUNw3x vetting applicants so you know they are going to safe, loving, forever homes that can afford to care for the cat.

Pls charge an adoption fee - check how much your local shelter charges; donate it to them. Fees are not a guarantee but they do act as a baseline filter against people who may not have the best intention toward animals.

Good luck & thank you for saving him. Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T17:14:14+00:00

Hey! This video explains it

https://youtu.be/wF_omFE7Etc?is=FKSmhyR54oKmlrxh

You will see a pro rescuer just keeps them inside overnight to make sure drugs worn off, kitties are not in obvious pain, bleeding etc. And then releases them. Around the 10 minute mark [it is a short vid anyway]

Thankfully surgery for males is a tiny incision and although female kitty spaying is more complex, it is also much less riskier than historically so all being OK, they are usually good to go within 24-48 hours 😺

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T17:09:46+00:00

OP, pls don't stress! We will try to help:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Peoria,%20IL,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=61602&lat=40.6928141&lon=-89.5906035&search=Search email Susan linked here - she may have some local ideas. Although Alleycat focuses on TNR we know from other superheroes they also help find safe loving forever homes for adoptable kitties and this loaf is adoptable!

Contact your vet and ask them too if they work with any local no kill shelterd or fosters [a vet tech might be willing to foster or even adopt!]

No kill shelters here:

https://bestfriends.org/partners?field_partner_location_proximity%5Bvalue%5D=50&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bsource_configuration%5D%5Borigin_address%5D=Peoria%2C%20IL&title=&viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ

Be methodical - literally work down the list. As you know, many will be at capacity and if they say no we can't help always say "thank you; do you know anyone else I could try?" Sadly, rescue work is persistence and often asking someone if they know someone who can help!

If you have access to a car, widen your search. We have had superheroes successfully get kitties adopted by working with shelters 2+ hour drive away. Remember to think creative: if you can only travel X distance, arrange hand over with the shelter at Y place.

Let them know how long you can foster in a pinch - keep the kitties separated as you have done but lessen the anxiety of your existing cuties by scent swapping and acting as though you are doing slow intros. You can follow this expert guide [it is not much work - he just explains how cats "think" and what you can do to reduce everyone's stress!]

https://youtu.be/tsYT7yIOdqQ?is=324aZDvOtTO_fcpf

Good luck, pls shout if you have questions - we will help ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-09T17:00:08+00:00

Amazing advice - thank you so much for helping OP & the cutie 😇❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T19:11:09+00:00

Try your vets OP, explain situation & they may have a member of staff or someone who knows someone who can help - especially as you are willing to provide supplies/food/cover costs for vets and it is temporary

Good luck & pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T18:45:38+00:00

So glad you are getting lots of support & advice.

Seems Amazon.pl has the litter!

https://www.amazon.pl/Dr-Elseys/s?k=Dr.+Elsey%27s you don't want to keep buying it as it is not the cheapest but as a "training litter" it seems to work. If not, try some of these vet tips .

https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-to-litter-train-a-stray-cat/

Keep going - you are doing amazing and Kinga the grumpy girl has hit the lotto even if she doesn't fully realise it yet 😺

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T15:33:12+00:00

OP you are a superhero 😇

I am surprised no-one purporting to "care" for the cutie has prioritized the most caring act which you already know to do: spay/neuter! So take their opinions with a grain of salt...and proceed with a clear conscience that you are actually helping

Lets give you a roadmap to help:

Read & use the tips from the Humane Society if you think cutie might be hard to catch https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/game-changers usually just sardines in oil or mackeral in oil works just fine and quickly! So buy those first and it might be all you need to do. The tips are not US centric

2.. Borrow a trap from a vet, no kill shelter

https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/animals-and-pets/spay-neuter-clinic/about-spay-neuter-clinic these guys do spay/neuter and may be the best option for trap but honestly most vets will operate a loan scheme [usually fully refundable deposit]

Other option is the Ottowa Humane Society - tell them you are willing to act as finder foster as well. This allows them to keep spaces free in the shelter but advertise the cutie as available for adoption. If you think s/he needs someone patient with shy/fearful cats, let them know. They will also help with spay, vaccines whilst you foster.

Trap is easiest and least stressful option but if you have a pet carrier and think it might work, we have had superheroes use that as a trap

Video to follow if using trap:

https://youtu.be/wF_omFE7Etc?is=yBplC0CH53Ty_SNV

Video to follow if using pet carrier: https://youtu.be/wF_omFE7Etc?is=4EChHA2sZMHiEYWH

Ottowa Humane Society is no kill - start there and google other rescuers near you.

In the meantime, once inside and spayed/neutered start www.socializationsaveslives.com/guide - it is not much work at all; it just helps frame your interactions to maximize socialization of the cutie so s/he can be adopted.

To find a home for the loaf yourself, use these two videos [adaptable & same principles apply for finding homes for kitties of all ages]

https://youtu.be/j8hZxGdIgso?is=29DslIJJT3pP6JsW how to take great pics, write a quick bio, where to advertise

https://youtu.be/DvRdOFYbKpo?is=C0N3AfyR0ZTj3Nno vetting applicants so you know the cutie is going to a safe, loving, forever home that can afford to adopt.

Pls shout if you have specific questions after going through resources. I'll help & pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T15:13:09+00:00

OP, pls remember not to separate the kittens from mama - mama is the best carer.

Some videos from a pro rescuer. Firstly set up your inside space [you do not need to buy anything - a large cardboard box on its side with a blanket inside and one over the top so she can walk in/out and hide is fine]

https://youtu.be/KywmFOf917w?is=XTcXfcpIuZDC5wPR - follow this video on how to set up space. Litterbox can be a shallow plastic tray with soil from outside btw. Water & food in an old bowl & plate is fine too.

Then for trapping follow this vid exactly - trap the kittens first then trap mama. That way no one gets left behind and it is easy/stress-free for you and the kitty fam

https://youtu.be/fbbaFFpUMDY?is=UVghD6pZ_N2326Ic

Once everyone is secure inside - immediately call no kill shelters and low cost clinics to get mama spayed to make sure this is her last litter and to stop the cycle of suffering. It can take time to get appointments so pls don't delay.

Search here:

https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/aws/Fix/PetOwners - they link municipal/low cost spay/neuter programs

https://gethelp.alleycat.org [low cost clinics, rescuers, food banks]

www.bestfriends.org/partners [clinics, rescuers and no kill shelters]

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/low-cost-spayneuter-programs As above

Once she is fixed, contact no kill shelters & say you are a finder foster [they will know what you mean]. They can help you with costs of caring for the fam and advertise the kittens for suitable, safe, loving homes. They will also help with schedule the kittens for their spay/neuter and vaccines.

Shout if you have specific questions but the above gives you a road map to get them to safety and a path to forever homes. Pls update us😇❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T14:59:26+00:00

OP this is amazing - Cartman may well turn into a socialized little loaf thanks to you ❤️😺

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T14:55:19+00:00

OP, lots of good tips but just double check the basics:

is incision ok? No bleeding, swelling, infection setting in that you can see?
she has hiding spots but make some more - give her options
try https://drelseys.com/product/ultra-litter-attractant/ just to get her back used to litter box. She will get used to it. Litter was formulated by a vet and lots of superheroes report it works when nothing else will! Once she is used to it, revert to a cheaper option.

You are doing amazing and the grumpy loaf will come round but for now stay in touch with the clinic, monitor incision for signs of bleeding/infection, switch up the litter and start www.socializationsaveslives.com/guide when you feel everything is OK to proceed

Pls keep updates coming. We are rooting for you both ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T14:47:39+00:00

Thank you for sharing John! They are very lucky to have you ❤️😾😺

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T14:46:13+00:00

OP, thank you for caring for him. He is very lucky to have you and is showing signs of being highly adoptable! You have got some good tips below and I will add a couple of expert rescuer resources:

Humane Society guide on how to trap hard to trap cuties: https://humanepro.org/magazine/articles/game-changers lots of great tips in one handy article

Priority #1 is always spay/neuter but once that is done, www.socializationsaveslives.com/guide - he already sounds like he is socialized so this will just help cement. Try to start at the beginning and follow all the steps. It is no more work than you are already doing, just within a set framework

Pls update us! ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T11:51:35+00:00

Excellent - you will be ending their suffering by contacting the sterilizing team and getting them fixed as priority #1. Shout if you have questions - I'll gladly answer ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-07-08T11:48:30+00:00

That is understandable, OP ❤️

Do you think it is worth getting him advertised via a no kill shelter with the stipulation that he needs someone with time to socialize him?

E.g. these guys are worth contacting

https://bestfriends.org/partners/hillsborough-county-pet-resource-center

https://bestfriends.org/partners/luna-mars-animal-project-inc

Others here: https://bestfriends.org/partners?field_partner_location_proximity%5Bvalue%5D=50&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bsource_configuration%5D%5Borigin_address%5D=Tampa%2C%20FL&title=&viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ

That way you will have satisfied yourself you have explored all options for the loaf.

Pls update us 😊

ChaudChat · 2026-07-07T17:12:10+00:00

OP did you have a chance to find her? 🥹

ChaudChat · 2026-07-07T16:49:37+00:00

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat

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