I am thrilled to share that I just rescued a kitten from a dangerous situation where a woman was pouring a soapy liquid and screaming at the cats and neighbors. I currently have 2 momma cats and 6 kittens (with the possibility of more arrivals tomorrow) who need urgent care in the Rockaways.

The first set had babies in my apartment and the second set I was able to rescue one baby so far, and I’ll be returning tomorrow to trap the mother and search for the rest of her litter. Currently, it appears that one leg is either broken or deformed on one of the kittens from the litter I attempted to rescue today. Moreover, 2 of the kittens from the first litter were born with umbilical cord strangulation on their back feet; they’ve been under veterinarian care and receiving medication, but ongoing care for these cats is going to be very expensive.

This situation with feral cats in NYC is heartbreaking, yet it fuels my determination to make a difference. I wish there were more resources offered for these poor cats through the city, but it’s clear that community efforts are crucial. The ASPCA offers low-cost spay and neutering, but currently, they’re overcapacity, with no openings available, not even on the waitlist. Even if you do get lucky enough to get on the list, their website states only 2 cats per household, leaving me wondering what an animal rescuer is supposed to do when there are thousands of feral cats on the streets of NYC.

The problem seems to only be getting worse, as people are unable to feed their pets and are sadly abandoning them. We must come together as a community and take action to help them. They cannot be outside, suffering, and being tortured by cruel people; we must work together to make this situation better. I’ve traveled to many countries where they have “wild” street cats, and nowhere I’ve been have these feral cats been terrified of humans. Communities are coming together to help, and these cats are fed and cared for by the people living in the neighborhood. Why can’t we have the same humanity and do the same? I believe we can if we work together and continue to fight for lawmakers to provide assistance for these poor, helpless animals.

I’m working with Second Chance Rescue to get them the care they need, and I will foster them all until they are adopted out through them. In the meantime, I am asking for any donations or help I can get with supplies for them.