October!

Autumn skies and pumpkin pies

October is such a gorgeous month. The golden light, the pumpkin picking, cozy sweaters, and the crisp air—plus the apple crisp! But October also hints at the season to come. As I write this, the East Coast is in the middle of a nor’easter. Heavy rain and winds are making life difficult for everyone, especially animals living outdoors, who must face the storm alone. And you know me: I always worry about the homeless ones.

But I’m happy to say that there’s a lot we can do besides worry. In fact, there are many effective actions we can take to help homeless cats weather the storms ahead. October 16 is National Feral Cat Day, a timely reminder that the best time to pitch in for ferals is now!

Each of us can make a difference for these scared and desperate cats. First, find a way to support your local Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) program. These programs use humane and effective methods to control community cat colonies. When you consider that experts estimate the number of stray and feral felines in the U.S. at between 60 and 100 million, you quickly realize how crucial TNVR is.

Reach out to community members involved in TNVR to see if they are prepared for winter. Consider making a financial donation if you can, and also think about volunteering your time. Education plays a crucial role in this effort. So why not write a letter to your local newspaper about this issue? Emphasize the importance of spay/neuter and keeping cats indoors. Many strays in managed colonies are “friendlies,” cats who once lived with people and were abandoned or slipped out through a loose screen or a half-opened door, never finding their way back home and tragically ending up on the street. These friendly cats often need foster care, so that’s another way to help.

If you have the time and energy, you can also create your own shelter for the ferals in your neighborhood. Animal League America provides many great ideas and resources on their website, including:

• SpayUSA’s Feral Cat Program: SpayUSA offers subsidy funding for stray and feral cat caretakers in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania area.
• Cold Weather Tips for Your Feral Friend: Helpful information on how to protect feral cats in your area from the harsh cold weather, including an easy-to-follow instructions to build feral houses from foam coolers.

A few years ago, Howard and I followed this advice, and with help from a friend, built a small “feral village” on our Long Island property. These setups feature a combination of cozy two-level structures that are heated and nestled among the shrubbery. I like placing some houses higher in case of snowfall, so we included ramps for the cats to reach the upper stories. Food and water are always available, which in the cold months means checking them often to ensure they aren’t frozen. Over the years, we’ve updated our village, and many cats have settled in and
benefited, including, most recently, our dear Bud, whom we lost in September, and his special friend, Rose.

Here are a few of the structures in our feral village, including a feeding station. It’s important to tuck the houses away from human activity as much as possible to help the kitties feel safe and protected. It’s a bit of work and each cat should be trapped and “fixed” to control the population, but it’s so satisfying to know you’re helping these animals survive on their own terms.

October also celebrates National Black Cat Month, with Black Cat Day on the 27th. This is mainly due to Halloween and the image of a screeching black cat that we associate with the holiday. But honestly, it makes me really angry thinking about all the superstitions about black cats that have developed over the centuries. In medieval Europe, black cats were associated with witches and so were considered evil. This nonsense has carried into modern times. Just ridiculous! Equally silly is the idea in Japan that black cats are considered good omens, bringing good luck and prosperity.

The fact is, black cats are just cats with black fur, no more or less powerful than any other cat. The problem is, these beliefs are so deeply ingrained that black cats…and black dogs…are often overlooked when it comes to adoption.

Our beloved Leon Bear could have been the poster cat for black felines. He was magnificent, sweet, noble, and very intelligent. It was our incredibly good luck that NSALA brought him north from Alabama, where a tornado had demolished the shelter he was living in. Howard and I consider ourselves very lucky to have known, loved, and cared for him until he died from cancer in 2018. Our Leon Bear was 18 pounds of pure love and joy.

Right now, I’m lucky to have an especially delicious black cat in my foster program. Her name is Blessa, and I am smitten! She’s a 7-year-old, 17-pound beauty who wants nothing more than to be with people who will rub her belly now and then. She’s so charming, with her bright eyes and that dusting of white on her chest. Poor girl, she recently lost her family and was always the only princess in her home — and she wants to keep it that way. When she first came to me, she was on a hunger strike, but she soon recovered her appetite and will to live. It’s so hard on them when they are removed from the comfort of their homes and surrendered. It breaks my heart!

I’m thrilled to update the story of another black cat, Russ. I met this special boy at NSALA several months ago, and was shocked and saddened recently to see that he was still waiting. He’s lost his “forever home” not only once…but twice, and never through any fault of his own. So, I posted his story on my IG, and — abracadabra! — one of my followers recognized the sweetness in his eyes and adopted him.

Russ, above, at NSALA, and below, in his loving new home.

Like black cats, Pit Bull mixes suffer from unfair, unwarranted stereotypes. The myths surrounding Pitties are just that: myths! Their jaws don’t lock; they are not inherently aggressive (behavior is a result of training, socialization, and experience, which is true of any breed), and Pitties consistently score high on temperament tests. Like any dog, regardless of breed or size, they can make great family pets if they’re cared for, trained, and respected.

In honor of October being National Pitbull Awareness Month, here are four long-term Pitties at NSALA who have been clearly overlooked because of myths about their breed.

Seven-year-old Bobby (Adopt ID G27993) has been in our shelter since shortly after Christmas 2022. I featured him a while back, but he deserves to be highlighted again. Maybe this time will do the trick.

“Bobby is a big dog with an even bigger personality. This handsome Blue Nose Pittie mix is as clever as he is charming, always eager to learn and engage with the world around him. Bobby thrives in an environment where he can show off his smarts and soak up new experiences. He’s looking for an adopter who can provide consistent structure and guidance, helping him continue to grow into the incredible companion he’s meant to be. With his size and energy, Bobby would do best with someone experienced and ready to embrace all the love and loyalty he has to offer.” To learn more, visit Bobby’s adoption profile.

Alice, who is 6 years old, has been at NSALA since April 2021. Isn’t she lovely?

“Beautiful Alice (Adopt ID G25956) is a sweet Pittie mix looking for her forever home. This cuddly girl loves to spend time with her trusted handlers in the sun. Alice prefers to be the only pet to get all of the attention! Alice has a good amount of energy and is looking for an adopter experienced with larger breeds who can continue on with her training journey to become the best dog ever! Alice is looking for someone who will take their time with her, so if you’re ready for a lifetime of unconditional love, Alice is your dog!” To learn more, visit Alice’s adoption profile.

Buckie (Adopt ID G28416) is three years old and has been at our shelter since March 2024. What a handsome guy!

“Buckie is a playful youngster looking for a home of his own. Buckie is a very smart boy and would benefit from an experienced adopter to help him continue his training to become the best dog he can be. Buckie would love to be in an active household with kids over 10 who can keep up with his energy!” To learn more, visit Buckie’s adoption profile.

Kevin (Adopt ID G28623), who is about two years old, has been hoping for a forever family since February 2024. He looks like so much fun!

“Meet Kevin, a lively young Terrier mix bursting with energy! This spirited pup is looking for an active household where he can enjoy outdoor adventures with his new family. Kevin thrives on attention and absolutely loves a good game of fetch. He would do best in a home with older kids who can match his energy and keep up with his playful antics. Kevin gets along well with other dogs and would love to meet any potential canine siblings before joining the family. If your family is ready for an energetic and loving companion, visit Kevin today.” To learn more, visit Kevin’s adoption profile.

And, of course, I must not forget to mention Halloween, the ultimate October holiday. My colleagues at NSALA have put together a list of Halloween pet tips to help you and your four-legged goblins enjoy the festivities safely.

One thing I want to emphasize is this: Please, do not force your pet to wear a Halloween costume! We do this for ourselves, not for them. While we might think they look adorable — and they probably do — we’re causing them stress. Costumes can affect body temperature, balance, and irritate the skin. Even worse, it can make your pet feel trapped and overwhelmed. Some pets might be so tolerant that they can handle a few minutes in costume, which is fine for a quick social media photo, but then take the costume off and give them a pet-appropriate treat.

Happy Trick or Treat!

xo
Beth

P.S. October 12-18 is National Vet Tech Appreciation Week. I can’t count how many times vet techs have stepped up to help save, heal, and comfort my frightened fosters. They are the unsung heroes of rescue, and I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to each one.

P.P.S. On Sunday, November 2, a group of dedicated animal lovers will join more than 55,000 runners in the iconic five-borough New York City Marathon. As members of Team Animal League, these athletes will experience the thrill of a lifetime as they cross the finish line, knowing they’ve saved lives by raising tens of thousands of dollars to support our no-kill mission. I was a member of Team Animal League in 2008, and I still count those four hours, 15 minutes, and 36 seconds as some of the most impactful moments of my life.