#ThrowbackThursday to a few years ago at our old house—when my entire life truly revolved around the cats.
I was doing monthly TNR trips with up to 35 cats, getting as many fixed as possible at local clinics, fostering constantly, and even remodeling the house to better care for them. I built a catio that ran the full length of the house so they could enjoy the outdoors safely.
My life still largely revolves around the cats, but I’m really thankful to have found a better balance—one that lets me keep helping them and enjoy living my life, too.
PS—we’re slowly making progress on the new catio at this house! The porch it’s going under needed major updates (the original posts were about to split in half), but we’ve finally started the work. Little by little, we’re getting there 🐾
Caring for a large number of cats, such as the 35 mentioned, requires a dedicated approach that blends practical care strategies with thoughtful environmental design. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs are crucial for managing feral cat populations humanely, and regular trips to local clinics ensure many cats are fixed, improving their health and reducing overpopulation. Beyond medical care, creating safe outdoor environments like catios helps cats enjoy fresh air while protecting them from dangers. A catio running the full length of a house, as described, offers ample space for exercise and mental stimulation, which is essential for their well-being. Balancing intense caregiving with personal life is a challenge many cat enthusiasts face. Establishing routines and creating dedicated spaces for cats at home allows for better management of responsibilities while maintaining personal enjoyment. Renovating areas such as porches to support catios not only enhances structural safety but also improves the quality of life for both the cats and their caretakers. Using sturdy materials for posts and integrating weather-resistant designs can ensure longevity of these outdoor enclosures. Names like Toupee, Nugget, Scarlette, Clank, Tiberius, Annaboy, Mary Jane, Jack, Stone, and Marley reflect a vibrant cat community, each with individual personalities contributing to a rewarding fostering experience. Sharing progress on projects such as catio construction can inspire others in the pet care community to create safe, enriching environments for their own cats. Ultimately, the blend of TNR effort, fostering, and home adaptation exemplifies a compassionate and proactive approach to feline welfare.



































































