New Jersey is facing a crisis

And it’s happening in our shelters, our neighborhoods, and on our streets. Local animal shelters are overwhelmed, community cats are multiplying faster than they can be helped, and low-income pet owners are struggling to access affordable spay/neuter services. But we have a chance to change that — if we act now.

Senate Bill S261 / Assembly Bill A3635 — also known as The Compassion for Community Cats Law — is a long-overdue piece of legislation that could provide real, sustainable solutions. But after years of being stalled in committee, this bill needs a major push to reach the full NJ Legislature for a vote. If it doesn’t move soon, we risk losing yet another year of vital state funding for spay/neuter services.

This landmark legislation would:

• Fund low-cost spay and neuter services for low-income dog and cat owners across New Jersey.

• Provide affordable Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs by providing affordable spay/neuter options for community cat caregivers.

• Establish a pilot low-cost spay/neuter clinic to serve New Jersey residents.

Animal advocates, veterinarians, and rescue organizations all agree — this bill would dramatically reduce suffering and prevent the births of thousands of unwanted animals every year.

Why It Matters

Shelters are full. Volunteers, donors and rescue groups are burning out. Community cat populations are exploding. Without access to affordable TNR, one unaltered cat can lead to thousands of kittens over time. 75% of kittens born on the streets die before they reach 6-months from disease or trauma. Low-cost TNR can humanely reduce community cat populations and stop the suffering in our streets.

Families are hurting. With the cost of living and veterinary care on the rise, many New Jersey pet owners can’t afford spay/neuter — a basic necessity for animal welfare.

The numbers don’t lie: Scientific studies show that comprehensive TNR can reduce community cat populations by up to 82%. That’s a long-term, humane solution that works — and this bill would finally bring state-level funding and support to make it possible.

But the Bill Is Stuck

Despite being introduced in 2020, S261/A3635 has been stalled in legislative committees. It’s time to demand action. The bill must move forward before the end of the 2025 term — or we risk losing this opportunity again.

How can you help?

1. Click our Linktr.ee

2. Sign the Petition

3. Share and use hashtags #BillS261/A3635 #BillS261 #A3635 #FinallyFixedNJ #ItsHipToSnip

4. Email or call key legislators and tell them it’s critical they advance Bill S261/A3635 and why. Not sure what to say? Click our email templates you can cut and paste.

   1. Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, Senate President: https://njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/237/senator-scutari

   2. Senator Nilsa I. Cruz-Pérez, President of the Committee on Economic Growth: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/371/senator-cruz-perez

   3. Assemblyman William W. Spearman, President of the Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/415/assemblyman-spearman

We Need Your Voice

We can’t afford to wait another year. Share this message on social media. Email your local representatives. Talk to friends and family. Let’s bring affordable, accessible spay/neuter to every corner of New Jersey. Let’s protect community cats. Let’s support low-income pet owners. Let’s pass S261/A3635 — because compassion should be the law.

Sources: A Case Study in Citizen Science: The Effectiveness of a Trap-Neuter-Return Program in a Chicago Neighborhood, 12-year study of street cats reveals how to successfully control population numbers, Reproductive capacity of free-roaming domestic cats and kitten survival rate

When most people think about adopting a kitten, the idea of one tiny ball of fluff purring on their lap sounds perfect. But did you know that raising a single kitten in isolation during its early weeks can lead to behavioral issues later in life? This is known as Solo Kitten Syndrome, and it’s something every cat adopter and rescuer should understand.

What Is Solo Kitten Syndrome?

Solo Kitten Syndrome, sometimes called “Single Kitten Syndrome,” refers to the set of behavioral and developmental problems that can arise when a kitten is raised without littermates. Kittens learn crucial life skills through play and socialization with their siblings—such as boundaries, bite inhibition, and how to interpret body language.

Without this essential interaction, solo kittens often grow up to display problematic behaviors like:

• Over-aggression during play

• Poor social skills with other cats; bothering older cats in the home

• Difficulty adapting to new environments

• Excessive vocalization or neediness

• Inappropriate biting or scratching; biting feet or ankles

As explained by Hannah Shaw, also known as The Kitten Lady, “Kittens who grow up without the presence of siblings often lack the ability to play gently or understand feline boundaries” (Kitten Lady Blog).

The Science Behind It

According to the National Kitten Coalition, the critical window for kitten social development is between 2 and 7 weeks of age. During this time, kittens engage in rough-and-tumble play that helps them learn how to control their claws and teeth and navigate feline communication. Missing out on this period can have long-term effects on behavior (NKC: Single Kitten “Syndrome” Behaviors).

Veterinarians and behaviorists alike recommend adopting kittens in pairs or ensuring solo kittens have plenty of early socialization, either with other kittens or playful adult cats.

Why We Recommend Adopting in Pairs

At Maria Meows, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that proper kitten companionship can make. That’s why we advocate for adopting kittens in pairs, especially when they're under 12 weeks old. Not only do kittens keep each other entertained, but they also become better-adjusted, more confident adult cats.

The ASPCA also supports this approach, noting that “a pair of kittens will teach each other how to be cats” and are generally happier and easier to manage than a solo kitten (ASPCA: Why Two Kittens Are Better Than One).

What If You’ve Already Adopted a Solo Kitten?

If you already have a single kitten, don’t worry—you’re not doomed to a life of shredded furniture and midnight zoomies. But it does mean you’ll need to provide extra enrichment, playtime, and patience. Consider:

• Scheduling multiple daily play sessions with wand toys or interactive games

• Offering puzzle feeders and solo toys to prevent boredom

• Introducing a second kitten or playful adult cat when appropriate

• According to Jackson Galaxy, behavioral training and gentle redirection can also help solo kittens learn limits. If you're struggling, call us or consult a feline behaviorist for personalized guidance. (Jackson Galaxy YouTube)

Final Thoughts

While it may seem counterintuitive, two kittens are often easier than one. They wear each other out, learn from one another, and grow into better-balanced cats. Understanding and preventing Solo Kitten Syndrome can improve not only the life of your kitten, but also your overall experience as a cat parent. And the sanity of your older cats!

Ready to adopt? Check out our available kittens—we’d love to help you find the purrfect pair! Fill out our adoption app to get started.

Sources: Shaw, H. “Single Kitten Syndrome.” Kitten Lady. https://www.kittenlady.org/singlekitten; "One Is the Loneliest Number." National Kitten Coalition.  https://kittencoalition.org/one-is-the-loneliest-number-single-kitten-syndrome-behaviors/; “Why Two Kittens Are Better Than One.” ASPCA News. https://www.aspca.org/news/why-two-kittens-are-better-one; " "How to Get Your Cats to Stop Everything You Hate." Jackson Galaxy YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W50bQopoQic

Springtime means blooming flowers, but some popular plants can be deadly to your feline friend. Easter lilies are one of the most dangerous — and even a small nibble can cause sudden, irreversible kidney failure in cats. Every part of the plant is toxic: petals, leaves, pollen, even the water in the vase. In fact, just licking a bit of pollen off a paw or chewing a single leaf can lead to acute kidney failure within 24–72 hours. Emergency treatment is critical — delay can be fatal. 

While Easter lilies are especially lethal, other plants can also cause serious illness or death in cats, including other lilies: Tiger, Asiatic, Day, Japanese Show; Tulips & Daffodils (especially the bulbs), Azaleas & Rhododendrons, Sago Palm, Oleander, Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), Autumn Crocus, Hyacinths, and English Ivy. Check the full list on the ASPCA Toxic Plant Guide for Cats for more.

Within minutes to hours of ingesting part of the lily plant, your cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. As the toxin begins to affect the kidneys, these signs continue and worsen as the kidney damage progresses. If you see a cat eating lilies, contact a veterinarian immediately. If emergency treatment is begun within 6 hours of consumption, the chances are good that the cat will recover.

Vet treatment generally consists of emptying the gastrointestinal tract of the affected cat, activated charcoal and intravenous fluid therapy in a hospital setting. If more than 18 hours has elapsed, and the kidneys have been severely affected, your cat may not survive, even with emergency care. The treatment generally consists of hospitalization and intravenous fluids. Your vet may also give your cat medication to control nausea and vomiting.

Activated Charcoal: A Home First-Aid Option (not a replacement for vet care)

Although we always suggest consulting your vet first, sometimes a home remedy is the best you can do in the moment. It's always nice when that home remedy can help your cat, just as if you took it to the vet in the first place. In fact, a lot of vets will use activated charcoal in their offices to address this problem.

Activated charcoal powder has been used for millennia to cure poisoning and toxicity in humans and animals. It can adsorb thousands of times its own weight in gases, heavy metals, poisons, and other chemicals; thus it renders them ineffective and harmless. As this absorption ability is one of the major benefits of activated charcoal, this substance is routinely used in hospitals and by physicians.

If you catch your cat ingesting a toxic plant and can’t get to the vet immediately, activated charcoal can help absorb toxins in the GI tract. General feline dosage (or use according to feline dosage instructions on product label):

Step 1: Put 1 teaspoon (if in capsule form, open capsule and empty out the powder) in your cat's wet food. Mix it in well and let your cat have at it. If they don't eat it all, save it in the fridge and give it to them at their next mealtime to finish. 

Step 2: Or, if it's already to the point where they won't eat barely anything at all, try emptying the charcoal powder from a pill (or teaspoon) into a piece of meat (like sandwich turkey or chicken), roll it up, and try to have them eat it all in one bite.

Step 3: If both of these approaches don't work, mix the charcoal powder (if in capsule form, open capsule to release powder) with some water to make a black "juice" (for lack of a better word) and put it in an oral syringe (or dropper) and put it closer to the back of the cat's throat to help them swallow it quickly. It's CRUCIAL that your cat gets this ASAP!

NOTE: You can give your cat 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of charcoal powder in their food with every meal for the next week (or at least once to twice per day), or until symptoms lift and your cat bounces back to it's normal self. You can reduce the amount of charcoal in their food as the symptoms reduce.

Step 4: Make sure your cat drinks plenty of liquids until they are feeling normal again. Liquids are crucial to help the liver flush toxins out of the cat's system.

What To Do in a Poisoning Emergency:

• Call your vet right away. If your vet isn't open, always have the phone number and directions to the closest 24/7 emergency vet.

• Contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.

Not medical advice. Consult your veterinarian. Sources: CURE Lily Poisoning in Cats (at Home!) , The Use of Activated Charcoal to Treat Intoxications , Activated Charcoal: An Effective Treatment for Poisonings , Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List

Training a barn cat is a rewarding process that not only helps your feline companion adjust to its new environment but also ensures they are safe, healthy, and capable of performing their natural hunting duties. The key to successful training is patience, understanding, and providing structure. One of the most effective methods is using an enclosure crate for the first few weeks, which gives the cat a safe space to acclimatize while developing the necessary skills and behaviors. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to train a barn cat, with a particular focus on crate training for the first three weeks.

Why Train a Barn Cat?

Barn cats aren't just for companionship – they're natural hunters that help keep your barn free of rodents and pests. But for them to thrive in a barn setting, they need to feel comfortable, safe, and acclimated to their new environment. Training a barn cat is crucial for:

• Safety: A new barn cat may not be accustomed to the sounds, smells, and other animals in the barn. Training ensures they feel secure and reduce stress.

• Health: Crate training helps monitor the cat's health during the initial days. You can ensure they’re eating well and staying hydrated.

• Behavior: With the right training, the cat will learn where they can roam, what they’re allowed to hunt, and how to coexist with the barn environment.

Week 1: The First Step – Crate Training

The first three weeks are critical in your barn cat’s transition. Start by introducing the cat to its new space in a crate. This controlled environment allows the cat to slowly adjust to the smells, sights, and sounds of the barn, while also giving them a safe, quiet retreat.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Crate

The crate should be large enough for the cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should be well-ventilated but also secure. Ensure the crate is equipped with:

• Bedding: Soft, absorbent bedding to create a cozy, inviting space.

• Litter Box: A small litter box for bathroom needs, especially for cats that may be unfamiliar with the outdoors.

• Food and Water: Place food and water bowls within easy reach, ensuring the cat is eating and drinking.

Step 2: Introduce the Cat to the Crate

Start by placing the crate in a quiet area of the barn. This should be a location where the cat won’t be disturbed by the hustle and bustle of barn activities, but also where they can hear some sounds that will eventually become part of their new world.

• Give Them Time: Open the crate door and let the cat come and go as they please, allowing them to explore at their own pace.

• Slow Acclimation: Avoid forcing the cat into the crate. The goal is to make it a safe and comfortable space where they can retreat if needed.

Step 3: Spend Time with Your Cat

During the first few days, sit near the crate and talk to the cat. This helps them associate your presence with calmness and safety. You can also provide gentle playtime and treats, encouraging positive interactions. Do not rush the process; let the cat become familiar with the crate and the barn environment gradually.

Step 4: Create Positive Associations

Every time the cat enters the crate, offer praise and a treat. You want the crate to feel like a place of refuge, not punishment. You can also place a few of the cat’s favorite toys inside to encourage them to explore the space.

Week 2: Gradual Expansion

By the second week, your cat should be starting to feel more comfortable in the crate. At this stage, begin slowly increasing their exposure to the barn.

Step 1: Open the Crate Door

Allow the cat to venture outside the crate when they feel comfortable. Keep an eye on them but let them explore small portions of the barn under supervision. You want to make sure they feel safe but also give them the freedom to explore their surroundings.

Step 2: Monitor Interaction with Other Animals

If you have other animals in the barn (such as other cats or livestock), monitor the interactions carefully. Keep the new barn cat inside the crate for now to avoid any potential confrontations until they feel more comfortable.

Step 3: Encourage Natural Behaviors

During this time, encourage the cat to engage in natural hunting behaviors. If they show interest in a mouse or insect, praise them. You can even place food in areas where they need to hunt to find it, encouraging their instincts to sharpen.

Week 3: Full Integration

By the third week, your barn cat should be nearly ready for full integration into the barn. The goal at this stage is to ensure the cat feels confident and independent, but not overwhelmed.

Step 1: Allow Free Roaming

After the cat has had time to adjust, you can begin letting them roam freely around the barn. However, continue to offer the crate as a sanctuary for when they want to retreat.

Step 2: Maintain a Routine

Barn cats thrive on routine, so maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, playtime, and any interactions. This helps the cat feel secure in their new environment.

Step 3: Reinforce Positive Behavior

Continue to encourage natural hunting, as well as any positive behaviors, with praise and treats. Always ensure the cat has access to food, water, and shelter.

Post-Training: Long-Term Care and Observation

Once the three-week training period has passed, your barn cat should be well-adjusted to their new life in the barn. However, there are a few ongoing steps you can take to maintain a healthy and happy barn cat:

• Regular Health Checks: Barn cats are more likely to face environmental challenges, so monitor their health. Keep an eye out for parasites, injuries, or signs of illness.

• Provide Shelter: Ensure your barn cat has access to shelter from the elements, especially in colder weather.

• Maintain the Litter Box: Even though barn cats are outdoor hunters, many prefer a litter box for bathroom use. Ensure one is still available if needed.

Conclusion

Training a barn cat is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and a safe, controlled environment in the beginning. By following the three-week crate training plan, you help your barn cat feel secure in its new surroundings, allowing them to adjust at their own pace. Over time, your barn cat will become a valuable member of your farm, providing natural pest control while thriving in a secure, structured environment.

One of the most important ways we can support the behavioral and emotional development of a kitten is to make sure they’ve got a friend. Despite the common belief that cats are solitary animals, they’re actually incredibly social beings who thrive when they have feline friends from an early age. That’s why we always recommend adopting two kittens, or adopting a solo kitten only if you already have another young cat in the home for the kitten to befriend.

It may come as a surprise to hear this, but two kittens are actually half the work of one! Giving your kitten a buddy will improve the lives of the cats while also making your life easier. 

Benefit 1: Companionship and Socialization

Kittens are social creatures by nature. By adopting two, you provide them with an immediate friend to bond with. This companionship offers each kitten emotional support as they grow and learn together. 

For example, a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that pets with companions experience less stress and anxiety. They will play together, cuddle, and share moments that only siblings can enjoy. This creates an enriching environment that fosters their social development and helps them avoid loneliness, especially when you're not home.

Benefit 2: Less Destructive Behavior & Happier Older Cats

Kittens are known for their mischief, sometimes turning your home upside down. Adopting two kittens can help tame this behavior. When they have each other to play with, they are less likely to unleash their energy on your belongings. Or older cats in the home.

For instance, instead of scratching up your favorite sofa or pouncing on your senior feline over and over, they will entertain themselves by chasing each other. According to Cat Behavior Associates, homes with multiple kittens report a 30% reduction in destructive behavior. It’s a win-win for both you and your furry friends!

Benefit 3: Easier Introductions to New Environments

Adjusting to a new home can be challenging for kittens. When you adopt two, they provide assurance to one another during this stressful transition. 

Imagine one kitten hesitantly hiding under the bed while the other gets curious and bravely explores the room. This dynamic can help coax the shy kitten out, promoting confidence and reducing stress. By experiencing new sights, smells, and sounds together, they create a smoother adjustment period.

Benefit 4: Enriching Playtime and Activities

With two kittens, you double the fun during playtime! Kittens are naturally curious and playful, and when you have two, their antics become even more entertaining. 

From chasing feather toys to engaging in playful wrestling matches, you will find endless joy watching their interactions. They can spend hours pouncing and playing together, which not only entertains them but also gives you a chance to relax. Studies show that interactive play between kittens not only encourages physical activity but also enhances cognitive skills by roughly 40%.

Benefit 5: Lifelong Bond

One of the most rewarding aspects of adopting two kittens is the strong bond that develops between them. Kittens raised together often form lasting relationships, providing joy for years to come. 

As they grow, they will "talk" to each other, groom one another, and support each other through life’s challenges. This deep connection can be heartwarming to witness, as they navigate health challenges or explore new environments together. Knowing that each kitten has a lifelong companion can also ease your worries as a pet owner, especially during those hectic moments.

Why Adopt Two Kittens Together?

Bringing two kittens into your home offers incredible benefits for both the kittens and you. From reducing destructive behavior to fostering a lasting bond, the joys of having two playful companions far outweigh any challenges. 

If you're thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, strongly consider adopting a pair. You may be surprised by the level of fun and love these two bundles of joy bring into your life. When it comes to kittens, there’s truly “double the fun!” 

There are many reasons to spay or neuter your pet, and there are also many false ideas that lead people to believe it’s not necessary. But it is actually one of the best things you can do for your pet — and animals everywhere. Plus it can save you money on vet bills in the long term by preventing health and behavior  issues. What are the benefits?

Helps your cat live a longer life

The average lifespan of spayed and neutered cats is longer than the lifespan of those not. A study conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals on a database of 460,000 cats concluded spayed female cats lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer.

Eliminates or reduces spraying

Cats reach sexual maturity around six months of age, sometimes earlier. When they do, it is very common for both males and females to start spraying to mark their territory and attract a mate. If you wait until your cat has sprayed, there is no guarantee that getting them spayed and neutered at that time will stop the behavior either. 

Decreases likelihood of running away

When your kitty starts getting those urges, it might be more likely that they’ll try to bolt out the door. This is especially true if they smell a male or female outside that they want to interact with. When you get your cat fixed, it takes away those naturally occurring urges to find a mate.

Smooths out temperament

When cats are sexually mature, it can cause aggression and undesirable behavior in some because it elevates certain hormones and chemicals in the brain. Your cat might be aggressive with other cats. Females in heat may yowl and undergo undesirable personality changes.

Cuts community cat population

If there are fewer cats out there breeding, it lowers the community cat population suffering on our streets. There are an estimated 3-40 million stray or community cats in the USA, and we can each do our part to prevent it. These cats go without human care and, most of the time, without consistent meals and health care. You can help prevent this senseless tragedy.

Reduces healthcare costs

A cat staying unaltered can seriously impact health in the future. In males, to reduce the risk of health issues such as testicular cancer, prostate disease, and hernias, it’s always best to neuter. Spayed females have a lower risk of breast cancer (90% fatal in cats. 50% fatal in dogs) and life-threatening uterine infections. Caring for a cat with reproductive system cancer or pyometra can easily run thousands of dollars—five to 10 times as much as a routine spay or neuter surgery.

Resources Consulted: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-you-should-spayneuter-your-pet; https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet; https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/reasons-spay-or-neuter-your-cat; https://petkeen.com/benefits-of-spaying-neutering-cat/; https://petkeen.com/how-long-will-a-cat-take-to-recover-from-spaying/; https://www.rover.com/blog/cat-neutering-spaying/; https://pfaonline.org/spay-neuter/; TNR Stats: https://www.saveacat.org/tnr-statistics.html

How can I spay or neuter outside cats?

People who care for outside pet cats that are not used to handling can borrow humane traps from People for Animals or from us if you click here. This type of trap will enclose the pet without harm, enabling it to be transported to the clinic. Make an appointment at People for Animals and follow all of their instructions. The cat should not be fed the night before surgery, but they should be given water. Once surgery is complete, food and water should be given. Keep the cat and observe them for 24 hours so they can recover quietly before release. Follow the clinic’s instructions.

What age can my cat be spayed or neutered?

It’s typically best to get your cat spayed or neutered between eight weeks and five months of age. Kittens must be at least 2 mos. old or 2 lbs. (male) to 2.5 lbs. (female). This targets the timeline before your cat reaches sexual maturity. The longer you wait, the more likely other issues can develop, and it’s not worth the wait.

How much will it cost?

• People for Animals in Hillsdale offers neuter/spay for ~$102* per cat, which includes rabies and distemper vaccines. 

• Alto Veterinary Services in Chester offers neuter/spay for ~$110-125* per cat, which includes rabies vaccine.

*Prices are subject to change.

What happens during surgery?

Spay and neuter surgically removes the internal reproductive organs from your pet. The operation is done painlessly while your pet is under anesthesia, and is performed by an experienced licensed veterinarian. After the operation, with a little special care and attention from you, your pet will soon resume its normal activities. Follow vet instructions before and after the procedure.

How long will it take my cat to recover?

Most cats that undergo the procedure will begin to feel better within 24–48 hours after the surgery. Complete recovery usually takes 10–14 days. This period is necessary for your cat to recover completely and without complications. During this time, the surgical incisions will heal, and your cat will no longer feel any discomfort. Keep your pet from heavy exercise and check the incision twice a day for 14 days, to make sure it is healing properly. 

Are there risks?

All surgery has its risks and complications. Fortunately, the vast majority of surgeries will go well and recovery will be uneventful. You can help reduce complications by following pre-anesthetic instructions and post-operative care instructions to help keep your cat healthy and happy. The most common complications are post-op due to cats being able to lick at their wounds or stitches.

Conclusion

So, you will probably agree that the benefits of spaying or neutering definitely outweigh the downfalls. But if you have any concerns over the safety or general questions about the procedure, feel free to ask your veterinarian about anything you might want to know. They can ease your mind and go over the procedure and expectations with you, explaining everything bit by bit.

Resources Consulted:  Why and when you should spay or neuter your pet, Spay/Neuter Your Pet, Cat Spay/Neuter: What to Expect and Why It's Important, 10 Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Your Cat (Based on Science), How Long Will a Cat Take to Recover From Spaying? Our Vet Answers, All You Need To Know About Neutering Or Spaying Your Cat, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Reduces Shelter Intake, Population Size