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The Rise in Community Cats: Why It Takes a Village

Across the nation, the number of community cats has been rising. Several factors have contributed to this increase, including a halt in spay/neuter surgeries during COVID, a shortage of veterinarians, and financial pressures that make pet care more challenging for many people. Shelters and rescue groups are stretched thin, doing their best to help but often unable to keep up with the growing demand. That’s why every effort from community members is invaluable—and why stories like Blackie’s are so important.

Blackie Finds a Guardian Family

This story began when a local family spotted Blackie and her six kittens hiding in the bushes near their home. Although Blackie was a feral cat, they felt compelled to help her and her kittens. As they explained: “Although they are not our pets, we felt a moral obligation to care for them as responsible individuals who value animal welfare.”

The family’s first goal was to bring Blackie and her kittens somewhere safe, so they carefully guided the little family into their garage. They worked diligently to socialize the kittens, giving them the best chance for adoption, while also respecting Blackie’s preference to stay wild and free.

The Challenges of Community Cat Care

The family knew that Blackie would need to be spayed to prevent future litters, but she wasn’t an easy catch. When the time came to trap her, Blackie resisted—smartly avoiding the trap despite the tastiest treats. After missing her first spay appointment, the family kept trying. With our support, they were able to secure another spot at the clinic, and on October 8, Blackie finally went in for her spay surgery.

Following her procedure, the family kept her in their garage a bit longer to give her time to recover fully. When she was ready, they released Blackie back into their yard, where she now roams, ear-tipped and healthy, marking her as a spayed community cat.

A Happy Future for Blackie’s Kittens

But the family’s efforts didn’t stop there. They worked tirelessly to find homes for each of Blackie’s six kittens. Soon, all the kittens will be coming in for their spay/neuter appointments, ensuring this entire family has a bright, healthy future.

The Power of Community

Blackie’s story is a beautiful reminder that it truly takes a village to care for community cats. With shelters facing unprecedented challenges, community members like this family play an essential role in helping animals in need. By taking in Blackie and her kittens, finding homes, and making sure each cat is spayed or neutered, this family made a lasting impact.  A huge THANK YOU goes out to the family!

On this National Cat Day, let’s celebrate the community members who make a difference and encourage others to help however they can. Whether it’s adopting, fostering, or even helping to trap and transport a community cat for spay/neuter, every action counts.

Thank you to the compassionate individuals who step up for animals in need—and here’s to a future where every cat can live a healthy and happy life.

The post Blackie and Her Kittens—How One Family Stepped Up for Community Cats appeared first on Napa Humane.

“I Have Your Pet” Scam

One of the most common scams involves a call, text, or social media message claiming that someone has found your pet. The scammer may describe a pet that matches yours, but as soon as you express interest, they demand a reward or payment to return your pet—without offering proof that they really have them.

How to Avoid It:

• Always ask for proof—request a photo or video of your pet. Scammers will often refuse or send generic images.
• Never wire money or provide personal information without confirming that the person truly has your pet.
• If you suspect a scam, cease communication and report the interaction to local authorities or animal control.

Phony Rescue or Shelter Calls

Some scammers pose as representatives of local animal shelters or rescues. They’ll claim that your pet has been found and is in their care, but they demand “impound fees” or other charges before you can retrieve your pet. They might even provide fake credentials to seem legitimate.

How to Avoid It:

• Verify the legitimacy of the organization by looking up their contact information independently and calling them directly.
• Reputable shelters will never ask for payment upfront without giving you the opportunity to visit their facility and see your pet.

Pet Recovery Service Scams

While some companies legitimately help recover lost pets, scam services promise results they never deliver. These scammers may charge you high fees to post your pet’s information on websites or distribute flyers, but the websites are often obscure, and the efforts are minimal.

How to Avoid It:

• Stick with well-known, reputable services such as Petco Love Lost which offers support for finding lost pets.
• Check reviews or ask for recommendations from trusted sources before paying for any pet recovery service.

Emotional Blackmail Scams

Scammers sometimes play on your emotions, telling you that they have found your pet but that the animal is injured or sick. They’ll demand money for veterinary bills or medical care before they “release” your pet to you. In reality, they don’t have your pet at all.

How to Avoid It:

• Stay calm and collected, even though it’s a stressful situation.
• Insist on verification through clear communication or visual proof before discussing any payments.

Fake Social Media Profiles

Asking for help through social media is a popular method for spreading the word about a missing pet. Unfortunately, scammers may create fake profiles that claim to have found your pet. They will often ask for personal information or money for “safe return” but provide little to no evidence that they have found your pet.

How to Avoid It:

• Be cautious when interacting with strangers online.
• Look for warning signs like poor grammar, lack of details, or unwillingness to provide proof.
• Never share personal details like your address, bank account, or phone number unless you’ve verified the person’s credibility.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

While scams are upsetting, staying informed is your best defense. Here are some proactive steps you can take to avoid falling victim to pet-related scams:

Microchip Your Pet: A microchip is a permanent form of identification that can be scanned at any shelter or vet clinic to verify your pet’s ownership. It’s one of the best ways to ensure a safe return.  Napa Humane offers a drop-in microchip clinic every Friday, from 9:30am – 1:00pm.  Learn more HERE.

Use Reputable Lost Pet Resources: Stick to trusted lost pet databases, like Petco Love Lost and PawBoost. Many animal control services and shelters have lost-and-found pet sections on their websites as well. When posting in Missing Pet groups on social media sites, be sure to stay vigilant and follow the tips above when contacted by someone claiming to have found your pet.

Stay Skeptical of Requests for Money: Scammers will often push for fast payments. Be cautious of anyone asking for money upfront or pressuring you to act quickly.

Losing a pet is heartbreaking, but falling victim to a scam can make the experience even worse. By staying vigilant and recognizing the red flags, you can protect yourself while focusing on reuniting with your beloved pet. And remember, there are legitimate resources and kindhearted people who can help—trust your instincts, and never hesitate to ask for proof before you give out any personal information or money.

The post Beware: Common Scams Targeting Pet Owners of Missing Pets appeared first on Napa Humane.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity to connect with Napa Humane board members and staff. We loved sharing more about our work and the programs that make a difference in the lives of animals across Napa Valley.

Thank you to our business supporters

We’re especially grateful to Gott’s Roadside for their generosity, donating the event space and 10% of the day’s sales to Napa Humane. Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a delicious meal—your support means so much!  The team at Gott’s was so welcoming and excited to see our furry friends, even treating them to trays of pup-cups!

We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our raffle donors: Sportago, Fideaux, Paula Kornell, and the Napa Humane Board of Directors. The excitement over the prizes really helped make the evening even more memorable

A special shoutout to drool. dog cookies, who were onsite selling some of their delicious treats—many of our four-legged attendees went home with full bellies and wagging tails! Drool also kindly donated a portion of their sales to Napa Humane, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.

We also want to thank Suzanne Hawken of She Shoots Shots, who showcased her wonderful Rescued Dogs of Napa Valley photo books and took sign-ups for future photo opportunities—your presence added a unique and meaningful touch to the event.

Join us for our October Mixer

Our Napa Humane Pet Education Manager, Alyssa Vincent did a fantastic job with her dog training demo, giving participants some great tips on enhancing their bond with their furry companions.  Be sure to submit your questions for ask the trainer, which will be featured at our October Mixer.  You can RSVP here!

Thank you to everyone who attended. From raffle prizes to drool-worthy treats and dog training tips, the night was filled with laughter, fun, and incredible support for our mission.  Your participation helps us continue our work to ensure a healthier, happier life for pets and people in Napa Valley. We can’t wait to see you at our next event!

Check out all the photos from the event, courtesy of Seymour & McIntosh Photography.

The post An Evening of Wags, Friends & Pupcups: August Mixer at Gott’s St. Helena appeared first on Napa Humane.

Microchipping your pets can significantly increase your chances of being reunited with them. A study published by the Journal of the AVMA revealed that only 22 percent of lost dogs entering shelters were returned to their families.  That percentage rose to more than 52 percent when a dog was microchipped. Even better results were achieved in the feline population. Only one in 50 cats in animal shelters was returned to their owners, but when microchipped, nearly two out of five cats were reunited with their families.

Steps Pet Owners Should Take:

• • • If your pet isn’t already microchipped, make an appointment with your veterinarian for microchipping, or stop by Napa Humane’s drop-in clinic, held every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    • Register your pet’s chip immediately with the manufacturer, ensuring all your contact information is included.
    • Ask your veterinarian to scan the microchip during your pet’s annual wellness exam every year.
    • Each year on Check the Chip Day (August 15), check your pet’s microchip registration information and update it if it’s incomplete or no longer correct. Set a reminder in your calendar today!

Updating Your Pet’s Microchip Registration:

To update your pet’s registration, you’ll need your pet’s microchip number. If you haven’t already created an account with the manufacturer, you’ll need to do that as well. Ensure all information is correct, especially your phone number(s) and address.

While there are many databases that allow you to register your pet’s microchip, the one that truly counts—the one animal shelters and veterinarians will search—is the database maintained by the manufacturer of your pet’s microchip. You can quickly search the registries of most microchip manufacturers using this universal lookup tool.

Microchipping your pet and keeping their microchip up to date is a vital step to ensure your pet will be reunited with you should they go missing!

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A Legacy of Compassion and Commitment

As a long-standing member of the Rotary Club of North Napa, Bill has championed numerous initiatives aimed at supporting Napa Humane’s mission. In 2011, Bill conducted an energy audit and lighting work for the Spay and Neuter Clinic. This initiative was a significant step in reducing operational costs and enhancing the clinic’s efficiency. This project was just the beginning of a series of contributions that would significantly impact Napa Humane.

Sally Seymour, a long-time volunteer with Napa Humane, suggested that Bill and the Rotary Club of North Napa consider helping with the Walk for Animals event, which was then held downtown. This involvement was a natural fit for the Rotary, which had regularly monitored courses for the Cycle for Sight event. The Rotary supported the Walk for Animals throughout the years helping with course layout, and staffing, as it moved from Downtown and Veterans Park to Oxbow, and then to Yountville. The Rotary was there every step of the way to support the event, no matter the location.

Hands-On Support and Community Engagement

Beyond event support, the Rotary Club of North Napa has provided hands-on assistance in various capacities. In 2014, following a significant earthquake, Bill helped Napa Humane address post-earthquake issues, demonstrating their commitment to community resilience.

In 2022, the Rotary stepped up to assist with high electrical bills and air conditioning needs at Napa Humane. They facilitated upgrading the lighting at the Spay and Neuter Clinic that year sourcing the retrofits and paying the post rebate costs, further improving the facility’s energy efficiency. Bill’s efforts extended to assisting with the lease search and obtaining a conditional use permit for new administrative offices in 2022.

Environmental Contributions and Recognition

In 2023, the Rotary Club of North Napa undertook a project to re-lamp Napa Humane’s new administrative offices, resulting in significant electrical cost savings of $1,000 per year. This project not only showcased the Rotary’s commitment to sustainability but also earned them recognition for their environmental contributions. When this work resulted in receiving a rebate and grant, the Rotary generously passed that money on to Napa Humane.

Community Unity

The partnership between the Rotary Club of North Napa and Napa Humane exemplifies what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of a common cause. Bill Bennett’s leadership has been a driving force behind this collaboration, but the collective effort of all the Rotarians is something Napa Humane is incredibly grateful for.

Looking Ahead

In recognizing the extraordinary efforts of the Rotary Club of North Napa and Bill Bennett, we are reminded of the profound impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on their communities. Napa Humane is grateful for all Rotary Club of North Napa and Bill Bennett have done to support us over the years.

If you would like to learn more about the Rotary Club of North Napa, click here.  If your business or organization is interested in partnering with Napa Humane, learn more here.

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PVAR worked hard to organize within their community and promote the event. Napa Humane was able to  host at our clinic, along with providing mentorship on how to run a stellar spay & neuter day. Not to brag, but it is what we do….and we do it well, thanks to our incredible team!

Scarcity of spay & neuter appointments

As many animal advocates know, the veterinary shortage, combined with the impact of the pandemic has made securing spay and neuter appointments more difficult. By being creative in their approach, PVAR is able to offer this service to their community which is essential to supporting the health and safety of animals in Pope Valley. When we see an organization determined to make their community more humane, we jump at the chance to help make that dream a reality.

On this day, we were able to provide essential care for 17 animals including 3 pets of Pope Valley residents, 9 TNR community cats, and 6 foster kittens from PVAR. The excitement and gratitude from PVAR was heartwarming. We are thrilled to mentor them as they work towards hosting their own events in the future.

Gratitude for our team

One of our favorite moments from the day was seeing a family pick up their beloved cats after surgery. Luz, our Clinic Manager explained the procedure and aftercare in Spanish, helping them feel at ease and cared for. This is what community and collaboration look like – breaking down barriers and providing compassionate care.

Here’s a lovely note we received from PVAR: “Thank you Napa Humane, for inviting us to use your facility for a spay/neuter event. The team was very professional and helpful. A very special thanks to Luz for bridging the language gap”.

Thank you PVAR for working to make your community more humane and compassionate!  We look forward to many more successful collaborations in the future!

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Today, the Napa Humane Clinic is staffed by licensed veterinarians and skilled, professional veterinary support staff.  Between 2021 – 2023 we spayed/neutered over 13,000 pets, microchipped over 4,000 animals, and provided affordable vaccinations to over 11,000 companion animals in order to keep our pet population healthy and safe.

Napa Humane has been part of the community for over 50 years.  Below is a brief timeline of our history:

• • 1973 – Founded
  • 1990- Acquired Spay/Neuter Clinic
  • 2001 – Shelter razed, forcing a re-examination of our goals, programs, and strategies
  • 2002 – Shift to prevention-focused efforts, turning our focus to bigger-picture solutions that help keep pets out of shelters in the first place
  • 2023 – Celebrated 50 Years

Our belief

We believe that the answer to the problem of homeless, abandoned, and neglected companion animals lies in changing attitudes and practices that lead to irresponsible pet ownership. Our programs and services are designed to address the needs of companion animals – but also to provide support, education, and assistance for the people who care for and about them. Because the humane treatment of companion animals is such an important indicator of healthy communities, we’ve grown to consider Napa Humane a community service organization.

Our Impact

Since 2002, when we refocused our efforts on prevention, we have seen a steady decrease in the number of companion animals surrendered at the Napa County Animal Shelter.  We are confident that our strategic direction and mission will continue to drive those numbers even lower.

Our Programs

Today, our programs have grown beyond being the only low cost spay/neuter clinic in Napa County.  Our work includes the following:

• • Weekly drop in affordable vaccination/microchip clinic

• • Spay/Neuter services for Community Cats (Learn More HERE)

• • Humane Education, including Napa County classrooms presentations, free subscriptions to Kind News and free community education events hosted at the Napa Humane Education Center.

• • Pet Education Center & Dog Training Classes, available in both English and Spanish.

• • Pet Behavior Help and Support

• • Community Wellness Clinics dedicated to assisting Napa County’s underserved populations, these clinics address critical barriers to accessing veterinary care, including socioeconomic constraints and language barriers.

• • The Napa County Animal Shelter Medicine program provides comprehensive medical care to animals in care of the Napa County Animal Shelter.  This program helps reduce animal stress, shorten shelter stays and assists NCAS in managing their cost of care.

• • The Services for Unhoused program plays a crucial role in promoting responsible pet care and strengthening the human-animal bond. By facilitating essential veterinary care, grooming, and training services to the pets of the unhoused, we help maintain the health and well-being of both animals and their owners.

Join us in advocating for a more humane and compassionate Napa County, strengthening human-animal bonds to enhance the quality of life for both our animals and our community.  Napa Humane is supported 100% by donations, grants, and fundraising events. We do not receive money from national animal organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA. We do not receive government funds. We could not do the life saving work we do without the generous support of our community.

The post Celebrating a Milestone in Napa Humane History! appeared first on Napa Humane.

Understanding Kitten Season

Kitten season typically spans from early spring through late fall. While kittens are undeniably adorable, this period poses significant challenges:

• Overpopulation: A sudden increase in the cat population can lead to overcrowded shelters/rescue groups/foster homes.
• Resource Demand: The need for food, medical care, and space skyrockets.
• Health Risks: Young kittens are highly susceptible to diseases and require intensive care.
• Adoption Urgency: There’s a pressing need to find loving homes for the influx of kittens.

The Power of Prevention: Spay and Neuter

At Napa Humane, we believe that prevention is the most effective strategy to manage and mitigate the challenges of kitten season.

Here is why Spay and Neuter Matters:

1. Reducing Overpopulation

By spaying and neutering community cats, we prevent the birth of countless kittens that would otherwise add to the seasonal surge. Each surgery performed means fewer kittens that will require shelter, food, and medical care.

2. Enhancing Community Health

Spaying and neutering not only helps control the population but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of community cats. These procedures reduce the risk of certain diseases and prevent behaviors associated with mating, such as fighting and roaming.

3. Building a Compassionate Community

Our efforts are not just about numbers; they’re about fostering a compassionate community. By reducing the number of homeless cats, we lessen the strain on our shelter and enhance the quality of life for both the animals and our neighbors.

How You Can Help

The work we do would not be possible without community support. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate: Your contributions help us continue providing these vital services and expand our reach.
• Advocate: Spread the word about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.
• Foster or Adopt: Open your home to a cat or kitten in need.  There are an abundance of cats and kittens in need of a foster or forever home.  Be sure to reach out to one of our local rescue partners if you are interested in fostering or adopting!

Click here for more information on our spay and neuter service.  If you would like to learn how you can support our mission, click here.  You can help us continue to make a difference, one spay or neuter at a time.

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Our PAS program is a partnership with Napa County Department of Housing & Homeless Services to provide services for the pets of the unhoused. Napa Humane’s Case Manager works with Abode clients to connect them with necessary pet-related services – such as veterinary care, grooming, and Napa Humane’s own spay/neuter, vaccination and training programs.

While Napa Humane staff spends most of our time with clients at the South Napa Shelter, we also recently added office hours at the North Napa Shelter, Valley Lodge Apartments and Heritage House, where permanent housing has been made available to formerly unhoused people. Providing permanent housing at these locations has allowed people with families and pets to come in off the streets together – and stay together.

Recently, our case manager spent some time getting to know a truly special cat Thor and his guardian J.

Meet Thor & J

How did you meet Thor?

J:   I was looking for a friend for my last cat, and my friend had Maine Coons. I was looking for a large cat. He was the last one of the litter, all of his other brother’s and sisters were orange and white. He was 12 weeks old when I got him, we lived together in a motor home at Skyline park for the first couple years so we were always in close quarters. That’s where he learned how to climb trees, learned about horses, and learned how to walk on a leash.

Do you have any stories about Thor?

J:  One day he got out and was gone for 3 months and 17 days. I had him microchipped but didn’t have a phone at the time, so I had his chip registered to my friend’s phone. When he was found the lady ended up calling my friend’s number, but my friend had broken his phone screen. Getting Thor back was so important to me, I paid $100 to get my friend’s phone fixed and then called roughly 30 of his missed calls to finally find the lady who found him.  She didn’t want to give him back but the woman at the shelter advocated for me and we were reunited!

What does Thor mean to you? 

J:  Everything! I was so depressed when he was gone, he’s my best friend, no doubt about that.

Has the PAS program been helpful for you and Thor. 

J:  Oh yes, getting regular litter has been amazing, before when I’d run out I would have to use bark. This program really makes our life so much easier when staying here. As hard as it’s been, you took off some of the stress off and that’s big.

Facts about J & Thor:

• • J and Thor have been at Abode for over 6 months
  • Thor weighs around 20lbs! Maine coons grow slowly and for about 5 years so he’s still growing!
  • Thor has so much personality and is so smart, he knows how to walk on a leash and how to put himself in his own crate.
  • J walks over 3 miles a day pulling Thor in his wagon
  • Thor turned 3 on March 3rd

We are so thankful we are able to provide assistance to this pair, to keep Thor happy and healthy and their bond strong.  The human-animal connection is so special and we love seeing magical pairings like J and Thor!

The post The PAS Initiative: Supporting Pets and Their Guardians appeared first on Napa Humane.