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There are a myriad of ways that everyday people can help the cats of Baltimore. You can do something as simple as donate money, or something as hands-on as helping to trap feral cats in inner-city neighborhoods. Every little bit helps!
If you'd like to help out, please fill out this brief survey to let us know where your interests lie. We'll get back to you with some ideas. Thank you! We appreciate any help you can offer, big or small. :-)
Here are some ways you can get involved right away:
Foster a rescued cat
The number of cats any group can rescue is limited by the amount of space it has to house those cats. Many groups rely exclusively on foster homes, while others use them for overflow from shelter facilities. Some cats with special needs (shy cats, mothers nursing kittens, orphan kittens) might need to spend time in a foster home until they're ready to be adopted. The rescue group covers the cost of any veterinary care the cat needs, and may also provide supplies like food and litter. All cats placed in foster homes are healthy, have been spayed/neutered, are current on vaccinations, have tested negative for feline leukemia and FIV, and have been treated for parasites and fleas.
Rescue a cat yourself
Is there a stray cat who's always hanging out around your neighborhood? You're probably hesitant to take it to a shelter, and may have tried calling various rescues only to find out that they're all full. If you're not able to adopt the cat yourself, you might feel as if there's nothing you can do -- but you don't need to be an official "rescue" in order to rescue a cat! Here's some information explaining how to take in and rehome a cat on your own, which frees up valuable space in shelters and rescues.
Assist with a local TNR project
TNR projects can be very intensive efforts, requiring a lot of organization and plenty of helping hands. Extra bodies are always appreciated! No special knowledge or training is required, and it can be a good way to learn about TNR if you're considering doing it yourself.
Help a friend or neighbor get their cat spayed or neutered
Sadly, many Baltimoreans are uneducated about the benefits of spaying and neutering -- not only does it help reduce pet overpopulation, but spayed/neutered cats are healthier and make better pets. If a friend or neighbor has a cat who isn't "fixed," direct them toward a good local veterinarian or low-cost spay/neuter clinic. (See Resources for a list.) If you have to, take the cat in yourself.
"Sponsor" one or more cats in a feral colony so they can be spayed/neutered
Often the people who care for outdoor cats are of very limited means -- elderly people on fixed incomes, or working families with a limited budget. They want to get the cats spayed or neutered, but even at a reduced cost, it's simply beyond their reach to pay for spay/neuter for 10 or 20 (or more) cats. Rescue groups can sometimes help, but their funds are limited also. When we come across one of these situations, we'll put out a call for sponsors. Any amount you contribute will be tax-deductible and the entirety will go toward spay/neuter for a cat in that particular colony.
Volunteer at a spay/neuter clinic
Low-cost spay/neuter clinics are vitally important to TNR programs, and the only way they can remain "low-cost" is by relying upon volunteers. Clinics are held at the Maryland SPCA (contact Marie Mackamul at (410) 235-8826 ext. 121 or by e-mail) and at BARCS (contact the Maryland Feline Society by e-mail). Animal Rescue Inc. is also seeking S/N clinic volunteers. Volunteers can help feed and care for the cats before surgery, assist with surgery prep (like shaving bellies) or aftercare (cleaning ears, administering Frontline, etc.), or help with paperwork.
Manage a feral cat colony
You might already be putting food out for alley cats -- while this is a kind gesture, the absolute best thing you can do for free-roaming cats is ensure they're spayed or neutered. You can attend a free "Helping Community Cats" workshop at the SPCA or BARCS to learn how to trap the cats, get them to a clinic, and care for them once they're released.
Adopt a "city kitty"
If you're looking to add a cat to your family, consider adopting a cat rescued from the streets of Baltimore -- perhaps even your own neighborhood! Many of these cats have had a very rough time of it, and there's nothing quite so rewarding as seeing them warm, happy, and safe in a new home. They also tend to be VERY appreciative! Many of the cats at the SPCA and BARCS are rescued city strays, as are almost all of the cats available for adoption from the Feline Rescue Association.
If you'd like to learn more about volunteer opportunities helping Baltimore's cats, please visit the discussion forum. You can also sign up for our mailing list to be alerted about future volunteer opportunities:
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