r/CatDistributionSystem • • 5d ago

General Information Providing Shelter & Winter Tips for Stray/Feral Cats

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155 Upvotes

We're cross-posting this guide over from r/Feral_Cats for anyone who has been visited recently by the Cat Distribution System that might be wondering how to keep cats safe and comfortable outside through cold and snowy weather. It covers a simple but effective DIY insulated tote shelter that will keep them warm and dry through the worst weather, along with instructions for a temporary emergency shelter that can be put together on short notice with a few basic materials you may already have on hand. Also included are general care, safety tips, and other considerations for providing for stray or feral community cats outside throughout winter.

This guide is geared more towards cold weather care, but the basics for shelters also apply for hot climates! For those currently experiencing summer weather that are looking for more specific tips on keeping cats cool and hydrated on hot sunny days, also check Important Hot Weather advice for Cats : r/CatDistributionSystem.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • Feb 13 '26 Heartwarming

General Information Welcome to the Cat Distribution System

105 Upvotes

Welcome to the Cat Distribution System where we share the stories and legends of your CDS kitties extraordinary journeys to find their Happy ever afters!

We all enjoy a good story especially those with the happiest of endings. Here you can tell us all about the start of your kitties adventures, maybe ask for help on catching or re-homing a stray/feral cat or just sit back and relax reading about some of the funniest interventions by Ceiling cat sending his kitties out to find their forever humans and some of the best 'i'm not crying you're crying ' tales.

We are a large community of cat lovers and have members from all over the world that come together daily to celebrate the lives of kitties in all shapes and forms.

So you found a kitty?

The Big decision - do you want to take in this kitty and keep it? Owning and caring for a cat is a large responsibility as not only is a living breathing creature going to be dependent on you for general feeding, housing and companionship for the rest of it's life, but the average life span of a domestic cat is 13 - 20 years. You will be responsible for it's health and wellbeing and will need professional vet visits and regular checkups. Unless you decide to insure kitty veterinary trips and treatment can be both unexpected and expensive.

If you decide that you are unable to take Kitty in as a permanent pet please do not abandon it if it is in need of help, if the weather is bad or in all good conscience letting Kitty go without any help will be detrimental to it's health.

If you follow Steps One and Two and no owner is found please contact your local rescues/ shelters and ensure that they have a humane non kill policy before handing kitty in please!

General help and advice can be found here should you wish to save Kitty but aren't able to keep him:

Cat Cuddles re-homing advice

Seeking a new home for your cat by r/CatRescue

First Step:

First things first ..the safety of you and any other pets you may own is a priority, it's best if you can contain kitty in an area that is pet free if possible and keep it there at least until it has had a vet check up giving it a clean bill of health. If your new kitty is not up to date with it's vaccinations separating kitty from other household pets will prevent any possible illnesses, infections or anything else that may be spread to other pets such as fleas from spreading to all.

Second Step:

Your second priority is a must .. ask yourself in all honesty does this kitty look well groomed and well fed, is it very receptive to attention or already act like a house kitty. If it is wearing a collar then please think again . If any of these tick the list the chances are that this special visitor has got lost whilst exploring or could be just a neighbours' kitty out on a kitty adventure.

Please ask your neighbours does the cat belong to them or do they know who it belongs to, also put a notice up in your local shop, the vets or post office saying that a cat has been found. Putting Posters in the area with a photograph of kitty saying a cat has been found with it's description can also find an owner. You can of course use social media such as your local Facebook group to post that you have found a certain colour cat and if it's male or female and give the vicinity Kitty was found. Use a photograph of kitty that omits any unique distinguishing features that the real owner would be able to identify and wait to be messaged ( if at all) by a possible owner who can then be asked to supply some of their own photographs of their missing cat or give a description to you that is more accurate than the generic one you have given. This is for the safety of both you and the cat as there are some unscrupulous people in this World who could take advantage of the situation and take the kitty for their own dark reasons.

Found kitties are legally considered the property of their owner, you must attempt to locate and find kittys' legal owner before claiming they are now yours. If you have done all this then after a certain holding period deemed by your local authority you can claim kitty rightfully.

There are lost/found pet websites you can utilise such as Pawboost or Petcolove if in the US or Pets Reunited if in the UK.

If Kitty is a frequent visitor and you are not sure if she belongs to anyone please consider using a paper collar to find out if she is going home at the end of her adventures and does in fact already have an owner. You can find out how to make a simple one here paper collar.

Third Step:

Next is to book a well-being check up at your local Vets. Kitty needs protection from all types of nasty parasites such as fleas, tick and worms. Whilst there the Vet will usually check to see if Kitty has a chip* (usually for free once you explain the cat is a stray or feral you wish to keep). *Most large pet stores can supply a chip scan service for free too. If kitty has an owner hopefully the chip is updated and has a current phone number and an address you or the vet can contact to let them know that their little adventurer has been found. Do not give up here as sometimes the original owners may have given up on finding kitty and moved on, in this case they can give over the ownership to you and a new chip or existing one can be updated with you now as the new owner.

Alternative options in Fostering:

Maybe you feel that you are unable to take on the responsibility of owning a cat, but would like to see it safe. If so please try to reach out to a local rescue or humane non-kill shelter and see if they are able to help you rescue the cat and take it in. This will mean that they will become responsible for all vaccinations and forthcoming vet fees, There is also an option to foster the Kitty where the Rescue if agreeable will pay for the vet fees, food etc and you get to raise kitty in a home environment and get her used to living in a house ready to be adopted when the time comes. Most shelters have long term associations with their own vet so cut down their costs that way.

TNR Programmes and Feral Cats:

Some community areas such as large Cities and known drop off spots for abandoned cats run a Trap-neuter-return for local strays and feral cats. Cats under this programme may have a tipped ear or an ear or abdomen tattoo. The tip in the ear can be a V shape or a clean snip of the ear tip so it can be detected from a distance that this kitty has been neutered and vaccinated. If kitty has either then they are part of your districts' neutering and replacing back to their outdoor homes' scheme. Usually they are already vaccinated but not always. It is best if you contact the shelter or association that covers your area to say that you wish to adopt the kitty that you have fallen in love with and who has settled into your home if it has got to that stage. However, please note that Feral cats take a longer time to adapt to inside living and can take months, even years to become a house kitty and some will totally refuse to give up their outdoor life and sadly you must respect that.

If you have fallen in love with an obvious Feral kitty that refuses to come into your home then you can always make it a little home of it's own in your garden or shed.  r/Feral_Cats has fabulous advice on how to build a cost effective outdoor home for your furry friend. You can also find advice on making a shelter here Building a shelter

Next we will identify what kind of CDS Kitty you have as they all come in different colours , sizes and all with different needs.

Newborns and Mother:

If you have taken in a 'Trojan cat' as they are lovingly called then you are in for the experience of a lifetime. There is so much advice available for a soon to be Mom and her kittens that at best we recommend that you visit the the Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw for help and advice. Hannah is an amazing lover of cats and has helped thousands of people over the years with cat and kitten help and now has several excellent videos demonstrating all kinds of advice on helping with cat care including Pregnant Mom and kitten care - Birthing Mom and kitten care.

Kitten:

If the kitty is not a newborn then after a quick vet check to confirm kitties age this little one will need you to become their parent, kittens are teeny tiny pooping, eating and meowing machines wrapped up in fur, purrs and love with the lifetime rewards of caring for them far outweighing the time taken in nurturing them. This is the toddler stage and they will be learning how to use the kitty litter tray, how to eat and how to play along with taking lots of naps. Kittens learn faster than human toddlers and usually take to their litter trays pretty quickly.

Here you can find an up to date list of supplies you may need to keep them fed, cosy and happy essential supplies for kitty again referring to the Kitten Lady.

Stray/Feral:

What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat? Well https://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-and-stray-cats-an-important-difference/ sums it up rather well on their website saying ''Pet or indoor cats are socialized to people and stray cats have been socialized to people at one point in their lives.

Feral cats are not socialized to people. Whilst they are socialized to their feline family members and bonded to each other, they do not have that same relationship with people.

Check out this link for further advice as lonely kittens need help socialising and can often pine socialisation saves lives

For advice on helping to catch a stray or feral kitty we recommend you visit https://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/steps-for-a-successful-trapping-day/ where advice includes how to use only humane box traps before taking kitty to a qualified Veterinarian or humane Shelter facility. For extra interactive advice from experienced people please visit r/Feral_Cats where someone is usually available to pull on their own experience with trapping, neutering and caring for kitty.

Of course some kitties just walk straight into your house or give birth in your garden shed and this is where we come in, all sat here ready and waiting for you and your new Cat Distribution System story.

Senior Cat:

Taking in a senior cat needs a special kind of person as this veteran kitty may have been abandoned due to it's age and lack of medical care. Cats can live up to 20 years so the best thing for this kitty is to establish it's age with a vet and work out a feeding and health plan for him. He may not need much medical care and only wants a home to live out his years as comfortable, loved and protected as possible. Usually these kitties just want to be out of the cold and fed regularly. Looking after a senior kitty is both rewarding and gives you an instant invitation to Heaven.

Hurt Kitty / Behavioural issues:

We are not a subreddit that can offer proper medical advice should your cat need urgent help, we would recommend that you post on the following subs for help and advice r/AskVet, or r/CATHELP if it is out of normal veterinary hours. We urgently recommend that if the kitty is very distressed and in need of immediate attention then please take it to a vet!! Quick response in this situation can save kittys' life.

Adoption:

If you are still awaiting the arrival of your CDS kitty there are ways and means of getting your own. There are hundreds of local Rescues and shelters out there full to the brim of kitties of all shapes and sizes just waiting for their forever human to come and take them home.

Before you adopt consider the cost of owning a cat for the next 20 years and the responsibilities that come with it. A cat is for life and not a status symbol, a play toy for the kids or a low cost non sentient being that has little needs. Cats are natural companions and crave company so if you work away from home and for very long hours please consider how long kitty will be left alone with no company. If adopting from a shelter you will usually be asked these questions so please be honest with yourself and with them before committing.

Useful helplines for Cat help and advice:

General advice:

https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blogs/news

https://www.kittenlady.org/

https://www.alleycat.org/

https://www.socializationsaveslives.com/

Rehoming your kitty advice:

https://www.catcuddles.org.uk/rehoming-top-tips

https://www.reddit.com/r/CatRescue/wiki/index/8/

USA:

https://www.alleycat.org/get-help/

https://icatcare.org/

Financial help https://www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php

Financial help https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

If you are looking for Funding for help with Cat food try:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CatRescue/wiki/index/4/ for a more comprehensive database and list of areas and associations that aid with food banks for kitty

r/RandomActsOfPetFood 

Pets Lost/Found: https://www.pawboost.com/ or https://petcolove.org/lost/

UK:

https://www.cats.org.uk/find-us/contact-us,

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/cat

Vet fees help: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/

Food bank: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/

Pets Lost/Found: https://www.petsreunited.com/lost-and-found-pets

Canada:

https://pawscanada.ca/

Food bank: https://humanecanada.ca/en/nationalpetfoodbank

Financial help https://nationalpetcarefund.com/

Puerto Rico:

General advice https://www.alleycat.org/


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 2h ago Heartwarming

Are you kitten me!! 6 years ago I saved my baby from a storm drain. Last night I found his doppelgänger in a storm drain.

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721 Upvotes

Pics 1 & 2 are Junior (Junie) he has pneumonia but he is otherwise healthy. Lots of energy and a biggg appetite!

Pics 2 & 4 are my cat Lewis as a kitten and now

I randomly went on a night walk because I’ve had the blues for weeks, I’m so glad I didn’t have headphones on!! I heard the tiniest little meows ever. It’s been raining here and last night it got down to 36 degrees (F)

The vet estimates Junie is around 6 weeks old. I take care of the neighborhood strays, including TNR, so I have no clue where this little guy came from.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 2h ago Heartwarming

Are you kitten me!! It finally happened to me but it scared the hell of out me. Thanfully this kitten was successfully distributed

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312 Upvotes

On my way to the miami Zoo of all places, the car in front of me swerved and I watched as this little guy came bouncing from underneath the car! I had about three car lengths in front of me but I had someone pretty close behind me so I slowed down as much as I could without slamming on my brakes and put the kitten dead in the center of my wheels... Thankfully it worked out and I was able to stop traffic fast and run out to save this kitten.

My heart was pounding, i was really upset at first because my first thought was that someone just abandoned him but it's most likely a stray. There's lots of cats around here but ya, this just happened like an hour ago.

Another strange part of this story, which i'm realizing now is a part of it. About an hour before this happened, I posted on r/cats about my tabby cat named Elliot who lived to be 23 and was around for he majority of my life.

I'm naming him Lucky and most definitely going to keep him.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 16h ago Heartwarming

Smol Delivery Little Stranger Kitty has been visiting us for a month, he's already befriended my actual cats.

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1.9k Upvotes

I literally caught one of my cats (2 littermates) playing with him through the glass last night. Matty (mine) pounced at the glass from behind something and Stranger Kitty did that surprise kitten jump. They were playing so long it was hard for me to sleep. Both of my boys have been nose to nose through the screen door and I haven't heard a PEEP from them or the other cat. No poofy tails, no ears back, Just genuine excitement and interest. Has this happened to anyone else? This is so weird, I've never even heard of any cat reacting so favorably to a stranger, especially since I've had these two since month 1 and they've only known my dog and each other, no other pets


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 1d ago Heartwarming Bravo

Update Update on the fox-like baby found in the trash

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3.8k Upvotes

Hey everyone! Here's the update for this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/CatDistributionSystem/comments/1xgt67f/found_this_little_foxlike_creature_in_our_local/

The kitten we found in the trash 3 weeks ago has been officially adopted. He has remained unclaimed on local facebook and other websites, so he stayed home.

He went for a full check up at the vet and has received all his vaccines, plus the chip to make him officially part of our family!

A bad case of ear mites has been found and is being treated. It was also found that several of his whiskers were burnt, which suggest that he was sleeping under freshly parked cars for warmth before we found him. He no longer has worms either.

And he no longer smells like the trash where we found him, thanks a lot for all the tips you guys gave in my previous post!

He met our other cat, a 3 years old female, and both are playing a lot in the house. It brings so much life and joy here! We have absolutely no regret that this little fox found us and decided to adopt us ahah.

Even better: our first cat was lonely and a little depressed before he came, but now she's visibly so happy to have a pal! It even cured some of her behavioral issues, so we couldn't be happier.

We have decided to name him "Tilki", which means "fox" in Turkish and he seems to respond well to "ee" sounds.

He loves to lay on his back and to have belly and chin rubs. Rest assured that he will be forever loved in our home now ❤️

edit: thank you for the awards! I'm not sure of their use and I hope they don't cost you money though!


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 20h ago Bravo

Smol Delivery Sometimes the CDS has one that just runs in - Meet Tony

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615 Upvotes

First time posting here - not a first time cat owner staff. We have been cat parents staff for ages. We currently have 4 residents ranging in age from 14yrs to 4yrs - oh I guess I should add the newest one 6-7 weeks.

Today was off to a rough start, cat barf on the top stairs landing. Yay, clean up time. Cat breakfast delayed working with the barf-er. Stress levels climbing. Hubby feeds out door community cats (aka pest control) their payment. Notices a tabby kitten - great.

While I get something more suitable for kitten. Hubby talks about who all is outside and isn't sure kitten got said wet food. Pippin (aka baby mama) is a terrible parent she's only had two kittens survive past 8 weeks and yes we've been trying to get her spayed, she doesn't live on our property, eats here only - and she weighs 6 pounds or less and is trap savvy. We currently don't have a trap or a kitten trap. So it's not awe it's a kitten its more like shit... it's a kitten and how do we get it away from her. Our attention goes from watching windows to a different situation.

Back inside our adult cats are fed more or less - the barfy guy isn't so interested. Jaxon (not the barf guy) our senior most and resident black cat is very interested in something behind our glass entertainment center. I'm concerned it's barf, if you know cats you know.

Nope, it's a black kitten that zooms from our living room to our office area, hisses at another cat and then under my desk and behind my computer. Where we eventually catch him and put him in a single occupancy condo aka crate. Yes, we made the mistake of saying out loud that four cats is a nice even number and we really don't need a fifth cat. CDS said we'll send one into your house - how's that! (We absolutely have nothing for a smol criminal - we haven't had one this young - ever - so here we are adapting quickly PetsMart is nearby so somethings will be picked up immediately).

This little guy is Tony photo is crap because crate... and I'm not a photographer. Eyes are just starting to turn green. Gums are pink and healthy.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 1d ago Heartwarming

From feral to family Lilford - The Clingiest Big Boi

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592 Upvotes

As a kitten - this guy fell through the roof of my courtyard in Kingston, Jamaica.

I was 12, brace faced, and unhappy with my school life at the time... I was being badly bullied at school especially on the relational side of things. It was so bad I was struggling to learn in class.

Then this guy came, when we needed each other.

10 years on, I reside in Canada now... and my mom continues to care for him. I've been working/studying in Canada for the past 7 years, so he knows I will always come back.

The sweetest, friendliest, and most gluttonous cat. Loves everybody.

Lilford Arnold Grey


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 1d ago Obsessed Heartwarming

Awarded a Cat Meet Streets, a survivor and straight from the CDS

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1.2k Upvotes

Hello Reddit. Meet the lad I call Streets. I live in a suburb in the ATL area and for some reason, this suburb seems to have at least 4 stray cats that just kinda walk around the neighborhood. I've never had one approach my home but about a week and a half ago, I walked out onto my front porch and sure enough, there's a cat sitting on the couch that sits on the porch. I've had a few animals in my life, one of them a cat named Cheddar (best boi), an orange single brain cell variety of cat. I dearly miss Cheddar as well as my velvet hippo named Mercy. I lost both of them in a very ugly divorce.

That said, I don't believe in watching any living thing suffer, in any way. Until a couple of days ago I was in a relationship with someone that may have let me wear her down enough to let me take Streets to the new place we were planning to move to. That changed just about 48 hours ago when this happened: https://www.reddit.com/r/BoyDinnerDiaries/comments/1xthfns/moved_across_country_for_her_and_she_was_arrested/

I'm not quite sure when I have to leave, but I do. I'd love to have the opportunity to take Streets in but where I'm going to be forced to go, I don't think I could take a cat with me, which is a shame because he's a beautiful, gentle boy. When I found him chilling on the couch, I sat next to him and waited to see if he'd move closer. He did eventually get a bit curious and moved over a smidge, which is when I pet him a bit on the head. He didn't purr or lean into the pets but he didn't claw my face off either. This would be the start of a nice little friendship.

The next day, Streets is still on the couch. My ex-gf said maybe he's thirsty, so I got a bowl of water and placed it on the porch. Dude was definitely thirsty as hell. He drank water for at least 5 minutes, long enough for me to smoke a cigarette and go back in. Later that night, feeling a bit sad for some reason, not being able to sleep, I went back out and sure enough - there's Streets, still chilling. This was maybe.....9 days ago. I fed him SOMETHING, though I can't remember what. We don't cook much and I don't have much in the house that a cat might eat but whatever it was, he ate it up. After he was done eating, he came back up on the couch next to me and Streets and I watched the stars for about an hour while I pet him. This time though, he did sort of lean into the pets. It's starting to get coldish in the ATL area and his paws felt cold, so I picked him up and put him on my lap to see if I could warm him up a bit. He chilled on my lap until I needed to go back in, about an hour later.

The next day, going to work in the morning, I see that Streets is gone. I was kinda bummed but strays move around. I noticed that whatever the rest of what I fed him was gone completely which made me pretty happy. My ex gf noticed that he wasn't gone, he was just behind the couch now, maybe hiding from the sun. Maybe hiding from other cats or dogs. The night before, I noticed, that every time a random dog in the neighborhood would bark, he would get tense. I definitely paid attention to this, wondering if there were other predators in the neighborhood but I hadn't seen anything and I've been here a few months.

The following days I would go out, change the water, feed him whatever I had around and wondered if he'd wander off again. He's not left since I put the water out though. He's been incredibly gentle and doesn't seem like an old cat, maybe just an old soul. He seems like a good boi and is the kind of cat I would absolutely love to have in my life but I'm unable to bring him along to where I'm going because ultimately, I'm unsure where I'm going. I know how the CDS works and I feel like he was put there for me, but I can't be homeless in ATL with a cat. Maybe a dog, but I'm unsure a cat would work. I think he'd be a great addition to anyone's menagerie and I know it's supposed to freeze this weekend so I'm concerned about him. I don't want to take him to a shelter because I know sometimes the shelters aren't no-kill and he's survived the streets this long, maybe he would do okay and find a warmer place if it does actually freeze. I'd bring him inside but this isn't my house, I can't, though I've asked neighbors and neither will they.

He's a good cat. I've spent hours looking at him in his eyes, petting him, wishing I could do more for him. Last night I defrosted some chicken thighs and fed him some of them to try and get him a bit fatter just in case it does get extremely cold this weekend and weekends after. I'm hoping the CDS can help me out here and find him a good home. I'm in the northern part of ATL (in the burbs) in a city called Buford. I'm going to crosspost this to those subreddits as well in the hopes that he can find a forever home.

He's a survivor, just like me and I think he just needs a little love. When I pet him now, he purrs. I was going to give him a bath today but it's been too cold during the day that I wouldn't want him to get too cold. I left my snowboard coat out there on one of the nights just so he could have some insulation.

Someone help this awesome cat, please. I would if I could. DM me and I'll shoot you my info and hopefully you can fill a cat void in your heart with Streets.

Thank you all. My apologies if this violates the rules. This is important to me so I wanted to make sure I took the time to properly introduce him. I just know he'd be a lovely lad to have in your home.

BIG EDIT: I am willing to help get the new owner food, vaccinations, whatever a few hundred dollars would buy. I'll pay for it, no problem. I would obviously take him with me if I could. It's only been a few days but I'm already feeling the love. It breaks my heart to think of him outside, cold af, without me being able to do anything. If anyone knows how to build a temp shelter for him, I can do that. I just can't bring him in the house as it's not my home.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 1d ago

From feral to family Friday the 13th. Two cats named Wicca and Grimm. What could possibly go wrong? 🖤

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710 Upvotes

She arrived sick, got the whole house sick… and somehow became the queen of it. Meet Wicca & Grimm. 🖤
Since it’s Friday the 13th, it felt like the perfect day to share the stories behind these two.
Wicca came to us as a tiny farm kitten, seriously ill. She brought more than we bargained for — the illness spread to the other animals in our home. It was a rough start, to say the least.
Fast forward to today, and that fragile little kitten has turned into a spoiled princess with the attitude of a Hollywood diva. She doesn’t just live here. She expects service. 👑
Grimm has a different story. He came from a backyard breeder, and he’s still a shy, cautious boy. Trust doesn’t come as easily to him, but we’re letting him figure things out at his own pace. No pressure, no deadlines.
Two very different beginnings. Two very different personalities.
And somehow, with names like Wicca and Grimm, they’re the least scary part of Friday the 13th. 🐈‍⬛🖤


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 2d ago Heartwarming

Weird animal I found in the woods walking my dog one day

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4.1k Upvotes

Was walking my dog by a river and having a beer in mid July when I saw this little orange tail run into the bushes, so I rushed over and looked around for it. I never saw it anywhere, I didn’t even know if what I saw was a kitten or not. But I decided to look around more and I saw her on top of a hill, and she walked off into deep brush. I looked for a good 20 more minutes in poison oak and thorn bushes in short shorts and never saw her anywhere. I decided to go home and put on pants and boots and drop my dog off and head back out with some cat food to see if she came out of hiding. I pulled into where I parked before, got out and got everything ready. I made a turn towards the river and she was laying there, maybe 10 feet away from where I originally saw her. I didn’t know if she would bolt or not so I made sure to take a picture (the last pic) in case she did so I could post on Facebook. When I got to her half her body was soaking wet like she was swimming and she was extremely underweight, full of ticks and fleas and was lethargic. So I wrapped her up in a towel and she instantly fell asleep in my arms, brought her back to the car and looked for more while I called the SPCA. The spca didn’t want her because it was out of their jurisdiction, which was annoying. But as I was looking, I saw a skinned fur carcass from another kitten with raccoon tracks all over the place. So I ended up driving to my local vet and they took her immediately. I signed her over to them so they could get to work. She was extremely anemic, had gastrointestinal issues, weighed 3 pounds, her eyes were all messed up from a series of other complications and she more than likely was going to die that day if I didn’t find her the vet was saying. I told them I wanted to keep her, and when I signed over my rights to the vet she was technically under the SPCAs care for those treatments. Luckily I’ve known my vet for years so I had a family member go in and adopt her for me (because people would release pets to the spca for treatment then adopt them back) and I brought her home. She loved my dog and cat, but absolutely hated me ever since I got her. She got fixed a month ago and now she’s absolutely obsessed with me, always wants to be on top of me, always following me around, always demanding to be pet now. Shes become a full blown orange crack head too. She would get scared of any noise and now she’s the main thing making noise in the house. Destroyed the Christmas tree already, I can’t have any ornaments on it, she’s always running after my other cat and pouncing on my dog like some crazy freak. I fed her a nibble of a French fry a few weeks ago and that was a full fledge invitation to trying to eat any and all food I have near me. She’s still super scared of people still when company comes over, but we’ll work on that! I ended naming her Optimus Riverton because I watched transformers the night I found her and the ladies at the vet named her River. I thought it was more original than bone crusher or starscream! From close to death to orange cat fuckery!


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 2d ago Heartwarming

A black kitten appeared at our apartment doorstep. Good omen?

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5.1k Upvotes

Yesterday, my husband found a tiny black kitten curled up in a corner right outside our apartment door. We are on the 6th floor of an 8 floor walkup in New York City.

He is an angel. We have absolutely no idea where he came from. Even stranger, our neighbor checked her Ring camera and couldn’t find footage of anyone leaving him there.

We’re planning to keep him and are speaking with a vet today since we already have a cat at home.
I’ve been reading about black cats symbolizing good luck, protection, prosperity, and new beginnings in different cultures.

I’m curious: Has anyone experienced something similar? Do you believe a black cat unexpectedly appearing at your doorstep has any spiritual or symbolic significance? I’d like to think there’s some mysticism associated this but I’m sure there’s a logical reason how he got here. Still would like to have a little fun with the woo-woo behind this

EDIT: Mystery solved. He has an owner a floor below us, so we had to return our little friend unfrotunately =/ He does have siblings apparently, as his mother lives at the bodega down the block. To be continued...


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

Are you kitten me!! I literally found this baby on the way home after taking my foster kitten to his new owner.

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6.0k Upvotes

Today I was giving away a foster kitten, Jumbo. The adoption process went smoothly, however, as I was walking home, this tiny kitten came rushing towards me from behind a bus stop near a busy road. Her meows were so sweet, I just couldn't help myself. I picked her up, literally put her in the same crate that my former foster was in just 15 minutes ago and brought her home.

This is objectively the most adorable kitten I've ever found on the street. Not only does she have long fur. She's also very affectionate and soft, and her tiny voice is extremely sweet as well. She also doesn't have a single mean bone in her body.

Looks like I won't be taking a break from fostering anytime soon 🤣


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

Awarded a Cat I was told this is not a good cat, but I think she’s perfect

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4.5k Upvotes

I was house sitting for a friend this past summer and kept seeing a cat in the yard. She was very skinny and skittish and didn’t seem to have anywhere to go. My friend managed to track down her previous owners, who had moved away and left her behind. They said she was not a good cat and they didn’t want her anymore.

She lived outdoors for about a month until we managed to trap her and I brought her home. She hid behind the toilet for the first week, then under the bed for the next two weeks, but after that has slowly been getting more comfortable around me and my other cat (who is the most chill, gentle creature in the world). He desperately wants to be her friend- his brother died about 4 years ago and I know he has been wanting another cat. I was just too sad and wasn’t ready, until now.

The vet says she is about 4 years old, I brought her up to date on her vaccines and microchipped her as well. I suspect her previous owners used to hit her as she flinches when I try to pet her and any sudden movement or loud noise causes her to run and hide. If the front door is open for any length of time, it causes her a lot of anxiety. I always reassure her that I am going to keep her and will never hurt her.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 2d ago Heartwarming

Damnit, doesn't the CDS understand capitalism?!

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1.9k Upvotes

Was working in my garden and saw, what I believed to be, a squirrel. The grey bushy tail made me think urban dumpster squirrel. But no. This is almost a year after my last deposit from the CDS. Check post history to see Lily. Most of the neighborhood cats entertain a polite curiosity and are happy to be ignore. This little trespasser decided to flaunt his criminal activity and walked right up to me. No microchip, still got his jimmies, and no posts on local groups looking for him.

Named him Teddy, after Teddy roosevelt. Because he was exploring the wilderness and got captured by natives. Vet estimates him at 4-5 months and he weighs in at 5lbs exactly. 2.27kg for those of you from a country that hasn't walked on the moon yet. He makes number 5. I can't afford another mouth to feed, but he seems pretty interested in eating so I guess I'll make it work. I have two cats with different types of cancers, so I guess the distribution saw an anticipated gap and decided to fill it right away. 😭


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming Bravo

From feral to family Pepper is 6 months old now but some things never change

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782 Upvotes

She’s the funniest, quirkiest creature I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She’s more like a puppy than a kitten (fetch is her favorite game) and she’s bulldozed her way right in to the family. Sometimes I look into the garden where I found her and I think how lucky I am that she picked me (and also that she knew I’d be a sucker and bring her inside because what’s another one when you already have four…). She’s still feral as hell, though. 🤣 I hope she stays as weird and loud as she is forever.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

About two months ago the CDS chose me late at night.

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635 Upvotes

One night I was going home and saw little eyeballs on the road. When I got out, there was a mama cat, another adult cat, and four kittens. Someone had dumped them at the vet tech school near my house, probably hoping a student would take the responsibility.

There were six in total, but my (amazing, wonderful, awesome) coworker took all four kittens and her and her kids love them to death. We ended up keeping the two adults. Our cats are slowly tolerating them, and they are getting used to the amenities around here (the tux watched our Litter Robot cycle for the first time and kept looking back at us like it was a form of witchcraft) and taking up my desk space or sleeping on their beds most of the time. They also are in love with our 80-pound husky mix and will sleep next to him whenever they get the chance, so I think at their previous housing situation they got used to dogs.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

Trouble entering my life yet again

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1.7k Upvotes

Chilling on our back porch enjoying some of the devils lettuce, only to hear the cries of a kitten. I have a fascination in mocking animals, so when she meowed, I meow. Suddenly it's in my house.

We're deciding on whether or not to actually keep her. We already have a senior cat who was planned on being our only cat. We have a small living space and it's not exactly kitten friendly. She's very cute and quite sweet! I do plan on seeing if she's chipped or not however. My boyfriend has fallen in love, he has a soft spot for kittens. We lost our other cat a few years ago and have had a cat shaped hole in our hearts ever since.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago

Awarded a Cat Are we being greedy or is it the CDS?

260 Upvotes

I’ve posted before bc we were gifted a cat by our previous homeowners:

https://www.reddit.com/r/CatDistributionSystem/s/wuTih3taNX

This is how it started with her but she was very vocal and touchy. We were feeding her daily. But this one, who we’ve named Beau, is outside when my husband leaves and waits for his breakfast and at night waits for his kibble. On weekends he gets wet food. We’ve been doing this song and dance for a couple years now.

But he will not approach the door until he knows we are firmly behind it. My husband has gotten him to sit in his lap once a year or so ago but never again and usually he hides in the bushes even more than this.

We desperately want him inside but it doesn’t seem like he wants to be in here. So we bought a heated water bowl for the winter and a heated cat house he sleeps in out front in the winter to try to help how we can.

We worry someone hurt him and that’s why he’s so distant now but we hope we’re helping even if it’s just a little.

(We’ve considered calling to trap and release but we’re also concerned we’ll never see him again and he’ll hate us 😭)


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

Update Update on Theodore Chance, the kitten I found outside my house.

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1.3k Upvotes

He’s 8 months old now and a lot has happened! Theodore got fixed and everything went well. He is still the sweetest boy but also a lil demon at times. When does the “I want to play in my litter box” phase end? The biggest update is that he recently had surgery to remove his bottom canines. I noticed he had an overbite, and once his adult teeth came in, they started growing into the top of his gums behind his top canines. He wasn’t having problems eating but two vets told me it was only a matter of time. His gums were also inflamed. The surgery went well and the vet said all his remaining teeth are very healthy. Other than that he is living a great life.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 4d ago Heartwarming

Update Update: Little one is settling in and has a name!

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2.4k Upvotes

This little one officially has a name. Meet Theodore! After a vet visit he is estimated to be 8 weeks old. Post Churu he weighed only 1.1lbs. So far he has a clean bill of health. We’ve been slowly letting him explore parts of the house outside of his quarantine zone. Slow distant introductions to his new big sister have begun. His personality is really shining. In true Siamese fashion he has a lot to say and a good set of lungs. Play time is his absolute favorite and he has SO much energy. When he is not playing he loves a good pet and purrs like mad. Very grateful to have Theodore in our lives and look forward to watching him grow up.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago Heartwarming

Smol Delivery Found this small fellow outside the gym, named him Frummle for now :]

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1.0k Upvotes

I was about to go home after doing some boxing, until I found this little man outside next to my bike. Me and some kids brought him inside, handed him some milk, and alerted the local animal shelter in case he belongs to someone.

Always nice to see something new, and due to the little guy being a little dumb (bumping into thing whilst trying to pick him up, falling asleep easily), we decided to temporarily name the tiny one Frummle.

UPDATE: as of writing this, the animal shelter has taken Frummle in, and a wife of a worker at the gym was overjoyed to hand him a home. Real nice to see :)


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 3d ago

Guys I can't again the cat distribution was amazing to give us our creamsicle but can't take another in

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209 Upvotes

We brought our creamsicle in about 6 months ago the cat distribution can't do this again we have a dog 7 ferrets and our creamy lion aka creamsicle... Went out heard a tiny meow he came on the porch wanted so much love almost walked in the house first time I have seen this baby he can't be outside in the freezing coming but can't I want to but what if I become the crazy cat and ferret lady lol I'm not old to! How can I help this little body box with a towel a little food? I also added a pic of creamsicle.


r/CatDistributionSystem • • 4d ago Wholesome Seal Heartwarming

Update New Update on Stevie, the Mangy Kitten

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8.5k Upvotes

Stevie was found this summer by my husband and then 6 year old son heading home from swim lessons in our small town. She was walking in circles in the middle of the road because her eyes were glued shut with infections. Vet estimated she was about 3 weeks old. We did 6 vet visits in 3 weeks because she had everything wrong known to man. All the worms, eye infection, 8 hour ER vet visit due to severe fecal impaction and my personal favorite, Scabies/Sarcoptic Mange that she so graciously shared with me.

We are dog people so it took us a bit to understand the world according to cats. What we did learn quickly is they are as social as dogs and Stevie needed a friend. A month ago a coworker found a stray kitten about the same age as Stevie. They couldn’t keep her, so I took this as the universe sending me a sign. I had checked at the local shelter and they shockingly didn’t have any cats! Anyway, here is Bonnie (Raitt). She has taught Stevie (Nicks) how to cat. They absolutely adore each other and cuddle and play and menace together. They look so similar so we had to get collars to tell them apart. LOL Vet agreed Bonnie and Stevie are about the same age give or take a week. They have completely different personalities, but are the absolute best!