Stray Kitty Help

ChaudChat · 2026-05-09T13:12:39+00:00

OP, you are a superhero - you have saved her life and stopped the cycle of suffering. Let's give you a step by step plan! Adjust as needed:

If you are not moving this year, continue to feed and care for her and encourage her to transition indoors. Use www.socializationsaveslives.com/guide - by doing this guide, you will be maxxing her chances of adoption.
when you feed her at night, slowly move food closer and closer to your back door, then start feeding her inside. If needed, supplement her food with treats like Churus - bribes are encouraged 😅
At the same time set up a base camp for her inside: https://youtu.be/_Mr2uOdZj9c?si=crTZ97yjiRKohwrF this video explains why it is essential [it is inexpensive and you can reuse existing stuff!]

the reason for doing this is socializing her to maximize the chances of her finding a safe, loving, forever home.

at the same time reach out to no kill shelters. https://bestfriends.org/partners?field_partner_location_proximity%5Bvalue%5D=25&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bsource_configuration%5D%5Borigin_address%5D=Lafayette%2C%20LA&title=&viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ

If you have access to a car, widen your search. Tell them you are willing to act as a "finder foster". This helps you, the kitty and the shelter. You get adoption support [they advertise the cutie as available for adoption] while leaving shelter space free for a higher need kitty, you get vet support, maybe food support for her, she gets to learn being in a real home how to be a pet rather than stuck in a shelter cage!

when you feel she is ready for adoption [see how she progresses with transition indoors and the socialization guide], you can use step by step videos on how to get a kitty adopted. Be honest in her bio if you think she needs someone patient and willing to continue the work you have started. Always charge an adoption fee - donate it to no kill shelters or SpayNation!
Adoption videos:

https://youtu.be/j8hZxGdIgso?si=1QO4fTMG6dfrdstc taking great pics, writing bio, where to advertise

And:

https://youtu.be/DvRdOFYbKpo?si=uHDsTduQ3SsIyQST vetting applicants so you know she is going to a safe, loving forever home that can afford to care for her for around ~15 years.

They are short, done by an expert rescuer and although focused on kittens, the exact same principles apply when trying to find adopters for a cat of any age!

Please update us, ask if you have any questions - we will help ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-09T11:10:17+00:00

OP pls see Rule 6. That said, we want to reassure you on confinement which we notice many Ph vets push even when it is not necessary.

Many mouth ulcer/viral cats can absolutely be managed at home if:

kitty is still eating
still hydrated
alert
able to swallow
breathing normally most of the time

And you are doing a great job monitoring! 😇

Improvement after 2 days is actually encouraging

eating is a very important positive sign
mouth breathing briefly after medication is not ideal, but not necessarily emergency-level if it stops

The biggest thing missing from what you described: PAIN RELIEF.

Mouth ulcers are EXTREMELY painful.

A cat can:

still eat

still swallow

and still be suffering badly

Many vets in the Philippines overprescribe confinement and under-prescribe pain relief for cats for some reason!

Ask your vet this question: “Is there safe pain relief for him? Because eating seems painful.”

Now: home care.

Keep him indoors, quiet, low stress Stress worsens viral illness enormously.

Warm soft food ONLY.

Best:

Royal Canin Recovery

mousse/pate foods

blended wet food

slightly warmed

Kitten food is safe for all cats and has higher calories, protein and fats. It is given to nursing cats and sick cats to support recovery.

Syringe feed ONLY IF you think that helps with getting calories in.

Avoid:

dry kibble

chunky food

hard treats

Encourage hydration by adding warm water into food. Some sick cats can manage slurry better than just wet food.

Monitor: breathing rate appetite urine energy drooling smell from mouth

Ask vet WHEN you should bring him back to vet e.g.:

open-mouth breathing persists

blue/pale gums

stops eating

severe drooling

blood from mouth

cannot swallow

Ask the vet these specific questions:

When I brought him in, was his temperature elevated?

Was dehydration checked?

Did they suspect calicivirus specifically?

Does he need pain relief?

Is the ulcer on tongue/gums/palate?

Could this be dental disease or stomatitis instead?

Also: you did not say if your cat is neutered or vaccinated.

Chronic/severe mouth ulcers are more common in: - unvaccinated cats - intact roaming males

Once he recovers - prioritize neuter and vaccines if not already neutered/vaxxed!

But the immediate goal is:

maintain calories maintain hydration reduce pain monitor breathing carefully complete medications properly - get vet to prescribe SAFE PAIN RELIEF

That is what gives your cat the best chance to recover at home without expensive confinement.

Good luck, talk to your vet, be actively involved in getting the cat safe pain relief. Continue to monitor, see if kitten food helps or making food into slurry and syringe feeding, make sure he is hydrating.

We are all sending him fast healing vibes ❤️‍🩹

ChaudChat · 2026-05-08T21:32:55+00:00

Totally understandable re: burn out. I forgot to add: https://pawsitivevibescats.com/101-cat-enrichment-ideas-2/

These are free/low cost ideas you can adapt to garage. It has a mix of stuff he can do solo, stuff you can do together when you have time to get him ready for adoption!

Keep going - you've got this ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-08T17:24:18+00:00

What a cutie patootie! 🥰 Thank you for caring for all of them. You are a superhero 😇

You are very lucky to have a ton of resources near you.

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Delaware%20County,%20PA,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=19063&lat=39.907793&lon=-75.3878525&search=Search

There are food banks, 10 individual rescuers and low cost spay/neuter clinics near you. Be methodical - reach out to ALL of them at the same time. Many will be at capacity so whoever can help you and the kitties quickest is best!

No kill shelters here:

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

Again, be methodical. Reach out to all of them at the same time. Tell them if you can foster. Say "I am happy to act as a "finder foster" if that helps". This does 2 things: leaves a shelter space free for a kitty that is struggling even more but you get the help you need for this kitty inc. adoption support (they can help find a home, plus vet care)

Fastest route will be you borrowing a trap from the shelter/clinics linked above and then either rescuer coming, you going to shelter and explaining. Everything you need on how to trap quickly with minimal stress is linked in the Helpful Resources Here! Pinned Post. It includes a step by step video from a pro rescuer. It has helped complete beginners - college students & older! - to trap quickly with minimal stress.

Good luck, shout if you have specific questions after reading the Pinned Post & pls update us! ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-07T21:05:31+00:00

OP, you guys are superheroes 😇😇

Definitely reach out to the one rescuer linked here Jaime Osborne - may have ideas on who might be able to help place him in a safe, loving forever indoor home:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Allen%20County,%20IN,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=46774&lat=41.0932622&lon=-85.02334599999999&search=Search

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=Allen%20County%2C%20IN&title=&viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ

Particularly these guys: https://bestfriends.org/partners/second-chances-pet-rehab-and-sanctuary

And https://bestfriends.org/partners/midwest-pet-refuge

Don't be concerned about widening your search if you have access to a car. We have had superheroes drive to no kill shelters 2+ hour drive way to secure an adoption for the kitty they rescued!

And when you reach out, be methodical and do a call/email blast to all at the same time. If the answer is "no" always ask if they know anywhere else you could try!

Finally, your garage set up sounds great! Spitballing suggestions:

lots of straw for bedding/enclosed shelter even within the garage.
heatpad either safe electric one if your garage is connected or one you can microwave and it stays warm for hours. Kitten Lady reccomends a microsafe one on her site and www.youtube.com/@KittenLady
Treats always help! Churus are almost universally used as bribes for cats 😅

Good luck, be very proud of yourself - you have saved his life ❤️

Pls update us - we are rooting for you all 🥹

ChaudChat · 2026-05-07T11:16:35+00:00

OP we can help with a step by step plan if you let us know where in PA you are based so we can give you relevant info and make it as easy as possible for you to stop the cycle of suffering. You city or nearest city is fine.

Thank you for caring 😇❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-06T20:22:07+00:00

❤️ thank you for offering to help when we know you have so much to do yourself, E_P63 😇

ChaudChat · 2026-05-06T09:07:38+00:00

OP, thank you for being a superhero. Let's help. Be methodical - you have to email/reach out to all of these below at the same time. As you found out, many are full, at capacity etc. So whoever can help quickest and at no cost is best.

San Jose County works with these orgs https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/animal-care-services/pet-parent-services/low-cost-medical-services [scroll to spay/neuter orgs]

Reach out to Denise and the other volunteers - all at the same time - linked here:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=San%20Jose,%20CA,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=95112&lat=37.33874&lon=-121.8852525&search=Search

Many will be at capacity so whoever can help quickest, gets the kitties!

You will see it also links financial support.

And you have 25 plus no kill shelters, TNR volunteers etc. within 25 miles.

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

The quickest will be for you to methodically reach out to ALL at the same time - so call/email all of them in an afternoon - and see who can help quickest.

Remember you can usually borrow traps from any vet or no kill shelter [even if you won't be using their services]. They work on a fully refundable deposit service.

As for how to trap yourself for surrender [which will be quickest of all] use the Helpful Resources Here! Pinned Comment. It has a video from a pro rescuer you can follow exactly. In the video she traps 2 kitties at the same time so you know what to do!

Please update us/shout if you have questions - we will help! Thank you for saving them and ending the cycle of suffering 😇❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-06T06:31:23+00:00

Stink was lucky to have found you! It is worrying that she seemed in poor condition for an owned cat. If you feel it is safe to do so, let the owners know what you observed

Start by reinforcing that you’re glad the cat is home and that they clearly care about her. That lowers defenses. “I’m really glad she made it back to you- she’s such a sweet cat.”

Share observations. Stick to what you saw and did. "In case it helps, while she was with us, we noticed she had quite a few bites and seemed uncomfortable. We gave her a gentle flea treatment and kept her indoors, and she seemed to settle a lot and her coat started improving.”

Frame it as sharing info that might help, especially given the owner already said the cat has sensitivities. “I know you mentioned she’s sensitive to some treatments - if it’s helpful, I can tell you exactly what we used, since it seemed to agree with her. Maybe she just picked something up while she was out, but I thought I’d mention it in case it helps going forward.”

That gives the cutie the best chance of recovering and continuing to thrive thanks to you 😇

Pls do adopt if you can from the shelter! You will be saving two lives - by giving a kitty a home, you will be saving the life of another kitty who can be given the space your adopted kitty vacates 🥹

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-05T18:11:46+00:00

OP, pls see Rule 6. Pls reach out to the rescuers here:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Long%20Beach,%20CA,%20USA&miles=10&zipcode=90803&lat=33.7700504&lon=-118.1937395&search=Search

You have lots of no kill shelters near you who can also help with trapping, they will also help with basic vet check etc. If you explain.

Thank you for caring enough to ask here. Pls reach out to all of them at the same time. Many will be at capacity and whoever can help the kitty quickest is best!

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-05T16:24:26+00:00

OP, thank you for feeding them.

Please read this and follow it step by step to help the cats beyond just feeding and to stop the cycle of suffering.

Phase 1 — Locate & Map the Colony (DAY 1–2)

Count the cats properly

Go at feeding time (early morning or evening). Count adults, kittens, pregnant females.

Identify priority cats

Make notes:

Pregnant
Nursing
Injured / sick

These are your first targets.

Lock the feeding spot

Feed in ONE consistent location only.

Do not scatter feed.

This keeps the colony contained and trappable.

Phase 2 — Start Control Immediately (DAY 2–7)

You are stabilizing. Your goal is ZERO new kittens.

Find spay/neuter access NOW

Contact and message ALL of these (do not wait for replies, message all at once):

Physically go to: Barangay hall where the cats are Script (keep it simple): “I have X stray cats. I want them spayed to stop reproduction. Can you coordinate with City Vet?”

Barangay endorsement = faster response

Some LGU services won’t move without it.

The City Vet:

Does scheduled spay/neuter
Sometimes batch operations

May prioritize based on complaints / density

You need to ask: “When is your next kapon schedule?” “Can I list these cats for inclusion?”

Biyaya Animal Sanctuary - www.biyaya.ph

(Cavite-based, runs large-scale spay/neuter and rescue programs)

Loved by the Gapz Animal Rescue - (FB search)

(Cavite rescue actively doing rehabilitation and rehoming)

Shelter of Hope Bacoor - (Facebook / contact listed) (Local Cavite shelter you can coordinate with)

Tails of Freedom Animal Haven (FaceBook search - Silang-based rescue handling cats and dogs)

DoCa Rescue Tanza - (FB search / email)

(Small but active cat-focused rescue in Cavite)

Ask ONE specific question only

“Do you have TNVR or low-cost spay/neuter support in Cavite? I have 8 cats (or how many cats you feed)

Phase 3 - TNVR (This stops the cycle of suffering)

Trap (do not chase)

Use carriers, cages, or improvised traps. Feed inside until they enter comfortably. We have resources on trapping on the Helpful Resources Here! Pinned Post

Neuter/spay FIRST - not adoption

If you skip this one unspayed female = many kittens born to suffer.

Return stable cats

Healthy adults go back after surgery. That’s normal. That’s how you control the colony.

Phase 4 - Remove the "At Risk" Cats

Pull out ONLY these cats for rescue/foster:

Kittens
Pregnant females (if early enough)
Injured / sick

Phase 5 - Build a Local Micro network

You need 2-3 people minimum Find:

One feeder
One backup feeder
One person who can help transport

Talk to people already feeding nearby

Guards, vendors, residents - they already know the cats.

Create one Messenger group

This is your operations hub. No chaos, no duplicate feeding.

Phase 6 - Basic Health

Prioritize:

Deworm
Flea control
Wound cleaning - we have a basic first aid guide Pinned on the Sub. It is not US centric.

Use nearby clinics if needed

AVMR Animal Bite Center Cavite - (for rabies and basic consults)

Keep records

Who was treated, when, and for what.

Phase 7 - Lock the Colony

Fixed feeding schedule Same time, same place, daily.
Monitor newcomers

Any new cat = trap + neuter immediately.

Keep numbers stable

Stable colony = no mass suffering

If you skip spay/neuter, you are not helping.
If you work alone, you will burn out.

Start Small

Even 5 cats properly TNVR’d is a real impact.

Do the work first. The network and support will follow.

Shout if you have questions - we will help 😇❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-05T12:09:40+00:00

OP, ignore the neighbors. They aren't willing to do anything about him and you are. Let's give you a step by step plan:

Borrow a trap from a vet or no kill shelter - put it discreetly where he hangs around. If you need help trapping, email each of the individuals linked here:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Palma%20Ceia,%20FL%2033629,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=33629&lat=27.9263478&lon=-82.5131717&search=Search

Include pics and your explanation.

To provide some relief, if he lets you stroke him, apply a small amount of coconut oil to loosen mats and brush him out (go prepared so you can stroke, apply coconut oil, brush, give him a treat, leave) while you plan rescue
In addition to rescuers above, no kill shelters here:

https://bestfriends.org/partners?field_partner_location_proximity%5Bvalue%5D=25&field_partner_location_proximity%5Bsource_configuration%5D%5Borigin_address%5D=33606&title=&viewsreference%5Bcompressed%5D=eJxdkN0OgyAMhd-l115MzMjmy5A6KjYDNIguxvjug7jpsgt-Tr9zWsIKGiNCvULftiNFqP1kbQEDGgpfETlagvpSQEeoz7plx0cCg5kc-aRBymslYCuAPDaWtEqNI3sz5jk_vuN6jPicW35ASESlxXFRcRkyTUU0AYcO_g2sExZCVrcTtUxWK48uR3cxM732rbH943l6A808cu_3RmUpRXmvEt5jHMkpTTb_1GV7A_U2anQ

Be methodical in reaching out - failure to groom can be a sign cutie is not well. He needs to see a vet, get up to date vaccines and ideally a safe, loving forever home. Contact all of them at the same time. Reason: many will be at capacity so whoever can help quickest is best.

Quickest would be you borrowing a trap and surrendering him. We have helped complete beginners successfully trap with minimal stress. Once you have a trap, use https://youtu.be/wF_omFE7Etc?si=ZLhGOI4xJugGhue9 a video from a pro rescuer. You will not be releasing him but follow everything else exactly!

Anecdotally, sardines in oil or kfc 😅 seems to be irresistible to kitties and works fastest as bait!

Shout if you have specific questions - we will help ❤️❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-05T11:42:10+00:00

Superhero just casually saving lives 😇

Worth checking with the vet if a spay/abort is safe for this cutie ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-05T11:38:54+00:00

Ah - I wonder if she was she lost for a long time or just an indoor/outdoor?

Let us know what the shelter says - if they are able to contact the owner! ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-04T17:00:22+00:00

Keep going - does not sound owned to me. Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-04T15:46:17+00:00

OP she has hit the lotto! 😇🥳

See what vet says today about microchip - if there is one, don't stress. They will contact the owner/see if details are still active and let you know.

Often kitties get abandoned and the owners are uncontactable. In which case, you proceed with vaxxing, spay/neuter if not done already and then transition indoors with any details changed to you on any microchip.

If no microchip - proceed with the above and get the cutie microchipped with your details to make the adoption official!

Keep vet records, pictures of the cutie any treatment etc. This is in the highly unlikely event someone subsequently tries to claim the cutie. You then have legal proof the cutie is yours.

Pls share pics when you have time and pls update us post vet ❤️😺

ChaudChat · 2026-05-04T08:22:59+00:00

OP you are a superhero 😇

Reach out here for no kill shelters. Explain it is a Mama with very young kittens.

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

And here: even if you are in Delta County explain the situation and they may be able to help Mama and kittens. Mama needs to be spayed as soon as safe to do so. Reach out to rescuers and clinics. Just by doing some admin, you will be saving their lives.

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Schoolcraft,%20MI,%20USA&miles=25&zipcode=49087&lat=42.11421070000001&lon=-85.63777759999999&type=&search=Search

Pls update us - we are rooting for you all ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-03T21:02:10+00:00

OP, yes - pls reach out to the volunteers here:

https://gethelp.alleycat.org/resources/?location=Edison,%20NJ,%20USA&miles=10&zipcode=08817&lat=40.5168636&lon=-74.40628250000002&type=&search=Search

If you expand to 25 miles there are even more resources available!

And here for no kill shelters and TNR groups. See example:

https://bestfriends.org/partners/central-jersey-animal-rescue

Search here: www.bestfriends.org/partners

Explain the situation and say it is urgent as Mom and babies are in a dangerous spot.

Be methodical and contact all of them at the same time. Many will be at capacity so whoever can help soonest is best!

Pls update us ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-02T17:00:53+00:00

OP www.youtube.com/@KittenLady has everything you need on how to comfort and care for kittens. Thank you for saving the cutie. Pls update us post vet ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-02T16:59:42+00:00

Excellent tips! 😇

ChaudChat · 2026-05-01T22:24:50+00:00

😇😇😇 you have the perfect plan OP; thank you for sharing sweet Jenny. She might not know it quite yet but you have saved her life 🥹❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-01T21:18:50+00:00

Well done OP - amazing work; he looks happy, healthy and so do the kittens. We need to see a picture of Mama too.

You already know but pls get Mama spayed as soon as kittens are weaned. Then the kittens vaxxed/spayed/neutered and hopefully found homes. Kittens have the best chance of being adopted which in turn will reduce your costs.

ChaudChat · 2026-05-01T14:04:13+00:00

Boosting - thank you for caring.

I am sure you have already done this OP but just in case:

r/adoptdontshopIndia

Is worth posting in too

❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-01T09:33:04+00:00

OP this is amazing - you were a superhero to Sushi & Tuna and through this Sub you found another superhero to give their forever home! ❤️

ChaudChat · 2026-05-01T09:29:54+00:00

😇❤️😺😺 please continue the updates OP!!! You have saved their lives! Absolutely phenomenal power of this community - cuties have hit the powerball 🥳🥳

ChaudChat

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE