Fresno TNR Times
Quarterly Issues
JANUARY 2026
1st Quarterly Issue
Need Help? You Can Find Your Answers Here.
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By: Nan Wright
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Have questions? Our FAQ has answers!
From the trapping process to low-cost vaccines, the Fresno TNR FAQ https://www.fresnotnr.org/faq is the link you need to get answers to your TNR-related questions. Found under the About Us tab on our website https://www.fresnotnr.org/faq the FAQ provides exceptional detail and all the information you need to get started with trapping and care for your cat companions.
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We hear many of the same questions again and again on our Facebook page and in our Messenger chats. Volunteers need time to check and respond to posts and messages. So if you check the FAQ first, chances are good that your question will be answered and you'll be on to the next step in what you need to do.
Reading the FAQ can eliminate frustration or delays in dealing with urgent situations. Knowing the basics sets you up to get information specific to your situation when you do get the time and attention of an admin.
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So remember: Be TNR savvy! Check the FAQ before posting a question or reaching out to an admin. Being informed gives you a foundation for making a plan to deal with feral cat situations in your backyard, workplace, or community
Thank you for caring about feral and community cats!
Volunteer Spotlight:
A Heart for Community Cats in Riverbank
By: Melanie King
At a recent Fresno T.N.R. Cat Shelter Making Class, we had the pleasure of meeting a dedicated animal advocate whose compassion for cats is making a real difference in her community.
A longtime resident of Riverbank, Tina von Stade retired in April 2023 after 36 years of service with Stanislaus County. While retirement often signals a slower pace of life, for her it marked the beginning of an even more active commitment to helping animals in need.
Family remains at the center of everything she does. With a husband, five children, and seven grandchildren, she proudly shares that family is her number one priority. Alongside her human family, she also cares for two very special feline companions: Poppy, a one-year-old rescue adopted from Pupz N Palz Rescue in Modesto, and Daizo, a four-month-old “foster fail” she has lovingly raised since he was just six days old.
Her involvement with cats has grown significantly over the past year. In addition to fostering for Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, she volunteers with the Astro Foundation, helping to clean cat kennels at the local Petco, and supports Momma Jen’s Fosters Cat Rescue. She is also in the process of renovating an extra bedroom in her home to serve as a dedicated foster room, allowing her to help even more kittens in the future.
Although she does not yet manage her own feral colony or trap cats, she is actively working to build those skills. She shared that recognizing the needs in her community was the turning point.
“I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just provide food and water. I need to be more involved in TNR, advocate in my community, and connect with rescues who can help me make a bigger impact.”
Access to spay and neuter services in her area remains a serious challenge. She described the situation in Stanislaus County as frustrating, noting that limited veterinary availability at the local shelter results in inadequate TNR support and often forces advocates to pay out of pocket to get cats the care they need. Despite these obstacles, she remains hopeful, sharing that local advocates are organizing efforts to push for meaningful improvements.
Her introduction to Fresno T.N.R. came through Facebook, and she attended the Cat Shelter Making Class with a clear purpose.
“I wanted to learn how to build winter shelters to donate to people in my community who manage colonies. Since the class, I’ve made several and donated them. I hope it helps at least some kitties stay warm and alive during these cold and wet winter months.”
Her story is a powerful reminder that one person, motivated by compassion and action, can create meaningful change. Fresno T.N.R. is grateful for advocates like her, who turn education into impact and inspire others to step forward for community cats.
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Fresno TNR Meow Mixer & Fundraiser
By: Tami Curtis
Hey there, amazing cat lovers!
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Get ready to clear your schedules because we've got some purr-fectly exciting news to share! Our much-anticipated **Meow Mixer** is officially happening on **May 16, 2026**, and trust us, this is one event you absolutely won't want to miss!
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Picture this: an evening filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with your fellow feline fanatics. We're talking about a truly delightful night out, featuring a scrumptious, mouth-watering dinner that’s sure to satisfy, an absolutely thrilling raffle where you'll have chances to win some truly incredible prizes (think awesome cat-themed goodies and more!), and to top it all off, a decadent dessert bar piled high with sweet treats that will make your whiskers twitch with delight. It's the ultimate gathering for anyone who adores our whiskered companions!
We know you're eager to snag your spots, and don't worry, all the important details about tickets and how to get them will be zooming into your inbox and popping up on our social media feeds super soon. So, keep those eyes peeled for our upcoming announcements!
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Want to lend a paw and help us make this event an unforgettable success? We're actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our fantastic team! We need help with everything from setting up the festive decorations and ensuring everything runs smoothly, to sprucing things up afterwards, and even reaching out to gather amazing goodies for our raffle. If you're keen to jump in and contribute your incredible talents, we'd be thrilled if you could join us at our next fundraising meeting to discuss how you can be a part of the magic.
Got any burning questions that just can't wait? Feel free to drop me a line at tami@fresnotnr.org.
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Can't wait to celebrate with all of you!
The Meow Mixer Crew
Your Generosity at Work: Supporting 20,000 Spays & Neuters
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We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated to Fresno TNR at the end of 2025. Together, you helped us raise $20,000 in celebration of our 20,000 spays and neuters.​
In addition, thanks to the generosity of a matching donor, another $20,000 was contributed, allowing us to meet this incredible goal.
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Your support directly helps keep the Fresno TNR facility operating and enables us to continue our mission to serve the cats of the Fresno and surrounding areas. We could not have accomplished this without our generous donors.
Thank you again for your continued trust and support.
Feral Fix in 2026
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FresnoTNR loves cash donations and donations in kind—but what we really need are monthly sponsors for our feral and community cats.
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Bless our trappers—they do the hardest part. Out in full force, battling cold mornings and thick Central Valley fog, they’re making sure feral and community cats never have to endure another season of endless litters. This is boots-on-the-ground compassion, and it’s not easy work.
So how can you support them? Great question—we’re glad you asked!
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Donations earmarked (see what we did there?) specifically for monthly sponsorships are vital to our mission. Spaying and neutering feral and community cats is how FresnoTNR had its humble beginning back in 2023. Everything else we do is just icing on the Friskies.
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We’re challenging you to step up and sponsor a feral or community cat every month this year. Your commitment helps FresnoTNR support our trappers as they continue reaching the cats who need us most.
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Becoming a monthly benefactor comes with a guarantee: you won’t be the only one feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Somewhere out there in this sometimes cruel world, a kitty will thank you for helping make their life better.
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Fresno T.N.R Mews Letter
Sneak Peek
Let’s Get Trapping! Join Our Efforts Today.
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By Nan Wright
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Kitten season is just around the corner again. Do you have feral or community cats in your neighborhood who need to be spayed and neutered? Now is the time to plan to get them all fixed.
Sometimes people are intimidated by the idea of trapping or don’t know what to do. It’s understandable! But hesitation will lead to unwanted litters of kittens, which in turn leads to sick kittens, suffering cats and kittens, and uncontrolled reproduction. Fresno T.N.R. is your feral and community cat assistant! Let us empower you to help!
Remember: Making a plan with a Fresno T.N.R. admin is the first step. Never set traps unless you have made a plan with an admin for dropping off a cat or cats for surgery.
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Pricing is $30 for feral cats. They’re ear tipped and vaccinated at the time of surgery.
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Don’t let cost stand in your way though! Once your cats are dropped off at the facility, you can post to our Facebook page to ask for sponsors. Fresno T.N.R. has many generous followers who step up to cover surgeries. Everyone works together so that all cats can get this critical care.
TNR planning
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Fresno T.N.R. doesn’t have set appointment times and is not a walk-in facility. But it’s easy to get trapping started by posting a request for help on our Facebook page or reaching out to an admin to make a plan for when cats can be dropped off for surgery.
When you post:
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Make a new post to describe your situation. Don’t “piggyback” by commenting on someone else’s post.
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Say what kind of help you need: for example, help with trapping, borrowing of traps, transporting cats.
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Include your major cross-streets only, not your exact location.
When you message an admin:
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Find admins on the Fresno T.N.R. Facebook page by navigating to the “About” page and selecting “Members.”
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Message only one admin at a time.
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Wait 24 hours for a response before messaging a different admin.
Traps
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Successful TNR starts with traps that are in good condition and working properly. Fresno T.N.R. can loan you good-quality traps to get started.
Looking to buy your own?
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Do visit the Fresno T.N.R. facility during business hours to purchase reasonably priced traps.
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Do not purchase cheap traps from any source in person or online. We recommend the traps from Tractor Supply as a decent budget option.
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Do not purchase collapsible traps.
Trap training
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One way to improve your odds of catching feral cats is to use a technique called trap training. With trap training, you get feral cats accustomed to a trap, lessening their fear of the unfamiliar so that they are more likely to go into a trap when it’s time to catch them.
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This technique is usually best suited for trapping feral cats that visit a private residence where traps can be deployed without risk of theft or misuse. Never leave traps unattended if doing so poses a risk of equipment loss or harm to cats.
Ready to try trap training? Follow these steps:
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Set out the trap or traps where the cats are fed.
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Use zip ties to secure the front door of the trap in the open position. Do not set the trap for capture.
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Begin feeding cats at the opening of the trap. If possible, make this the only food source available.
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As days pass, place the food further into the trap until you’re placing it all the way in, past the trip plate.
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Observe to make sure cats are entering the trap to eat.
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When you have made a plan with Fresno T.N.R. to drop off trapped cats, remove the zip ties and set and bait the trap for capture.
Other tips
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Set traps on a level surface to avoid accidental closure or trap movement that can discourage cats from going inside.
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Cover trapped cats with a towel or light sheet depending on weather conditions. Covering helps calm them.
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Before moving a trapped cat, use a zip tie to secure the front door of the trap. If the trap has a back door, secure it as well. Panicked cats can push hard on the doors of a trap. Zip ties reinforce the door closure mechanism and prevent escapes.
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When baiting traps, place food on a paper plate, a paper towel, or a piece of sturdy paper. Don’t use bowls, and don’t put whole cans of food in the trap. Panicking cats can injure themselves on hard objects or cut themselves on cans.
Watch our upcoming newsletters for other trapping and care tips for feral cats.
Please join our efforts to fix feral cats in Fresno and surrounding areas today! You can always reach out with questions or come in person to the Fresno T.N.R. facility to chat with an admin or other volunteer about a specific cat or colony situation.
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Together, we can save lives and spare suffering through trap, neuter, and return.
Moose: The Extraordinary Feline Who Left Paw Prints on Our Hearts
By: Kimberly Holquinn
In a world where countless animals face neglect and hardship, sometimes the most unexpected heroes come in the form of a scrappy, lovable cat with a bit of a rough start. Moose, a cat with an unassuming yet unforgettable personality, lived a life that wasn’t defined by his skin issues or difficult past but by the love and laughter he gave to everyone around him. His story is a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can change the course of an animal’s life and create lasting memories for those who care for them.
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From Forgotten to Loved
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Moose’s journey began under the shadow of neglect. A lady, walking her dog, spotted him hiding under a car, his eyes crusted shut from untreated infections. Despite being so clearly in need of help, Moose had no voice to call for assistance—he could only hope someone would notice him.
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That’s where the story of a small but mighty group of people comes in.
Kim Daniels notified Fresno T.N.R about Moose, urging others to help the struggling cat. Brandi, a passionate advocate for animals, reached out and offered to take Moose in. But there was one problem—there was no way to transport him. That’s when the real magic happened.
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A quick message sent to Brandi from a compassionate volunteer, Cindy Curry, turned into a rescue mission. Despite being miles away, this volunteer took the time to go and pick Moose up. When she arrived, she was met by the lady who had posted about him. She had already taken him in, cleaned his eyes, and offered him some basic care, showing that sometimes, people’s good intentions can go a long way, even if just for a moment.
Moose had been lucky that day—lucky that people cared enough to step up, to make a difference. It didn’t take much—just a few hours of effort—but it gave Moose the chance to live a little longer, in a place surrounded by people who cared and loved him tremendously..
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The Moose Who Oversaw It All
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At the facility, Moose quickly earned his title as the "unofficial supervisor" and "quality control expert." His daily routine was one of light-hearted authority and endless curiosity. Despite his skin issues and the fact that many would hesitate to pet or cuddle with him, Moose didn’t let that stop him from becoming an integral part of the team.
Moose had a very important job: he made sure everything was done right. Whether it was sitting atop a shelf to oversee the cleaning of kennels or testing out fresh litter boxes, he took his role as "quality control" seriously.
Moose didn’t just help with the day-to-day chores—he was also a supervisor during intake procedures, often lounging on the tables where paperwork was filled out, or on your laptop or your shoulder, ensuring everything was in order.
When it came time for meal prep, Moose was always first in line. He willingly volunteered as a taste tester, making sure the food served to the other residents was of the highest quality. His presence wasn’t just comforting to the admin and volunteers—it was a reminder that every living being, no matter their appearance or condition, has value and can contribute in their own unique way.
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A Legacy of Laughter and Love
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Though Moose’s time at the facility was not long, only about four months, his impact was profound. He was a reminder that every animal, regardless of their past or physical appearance, deserves love, care, and respect. He became a beloved figure in the lives of those who worked with him, and his antics brought joy and laughter to all who encountered him.
Moose wasn’t just a cat with skin issues; he was a cat with heart, humor, and a knack for making the place feel like home. His story isn’t just about the people who rescued him—it’s about the community that rallied around him and the small acts of kindness that made his life a little brighter.
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The Power of "Being Someone"
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Moose’s story is a call to action. In a world full of social media posts pleading for help, it’s easy to become numb to the requests. But as his story shows, it only takes one person to step in and make a difference. “Being someone” who chooses to act rather than wait for others to do it can change the course of an animal’s life.
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The collective effort of Kim Daniels, Brandi Sherman, and Cindy Curry, and the team at the facility gave Moose the love and care he needed in his final days. His life may have been cut short, but it was filled with love, laughter, and purpose.
Moose’s story serves as a reminder that no act of kindness is too small, and no creature is ever unworthy of compassion. It’s up to all of us to be the "someone" who makes a difference. Whether it’s providing a warm bed, a helping hand, or simply being there when needed, each step counts in the journey of rescue.\
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A Farewell to Moose
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Moose may have been a cat who didn’t fit the conventional mold of what many would call a "lovable pet," but to those who knew him, he was nothing short of extraordinary. His story is a testament to the resilience of animals, the power of community, and the beauty of small, selfless acts.
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Though he has passed, Moose will not be forgotten. His spirit lives on in the memories of those who laughed at his antics, watched him "supervise" the daily tasks, and gave him the dignity of a life filled with love in his final days. He will always be remembered as a reminder that kindness has no boundaries—and that everyone, no matter their appearance or past, deserves a chance to feel cared for and loved.
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Moose was a character, a companion, and, above all, a friend. He will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. And for those who didn't, his story will continue to inspire them to be someone who steps up to help when it matters most.
Fresno T.N.R. Big TV Fundraiser Results!
By: Tami Curtis
We want to send out a huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our recent raffle! Your support for Fresno TNR is absolutely incredible and truly helps us continue our mission.
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We were absolutely blown away by the generosity of our prize donors! A massive shout-out goes to Brenda Bethel for her super thoughtful donation of that fantastic 65-inch Sony Television – what an amazing prize! We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to Heidi H for donating the super handy automatic litter cleaner, which is a game-changer for any cat parent. And of course, a special thank you to our very own Fresno TNR for contributing the Amazon Gift Card!
Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for... drumroll, please!
Raffle sales: $3,220.
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We're thrilled to announce our winners:
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* Our first-place winner, taking home the awesome TV, is:
Lillian Dutra
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* Second place, winning the high-tech automatic cat litter box, goes to:
Sylvia R
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* And our third-place winner, snagging the Amazon gift card, is:
Tami DeLuca
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Here is the truly heartwarming part that really touched us: In an incredibly selfless and generous act, Lillian, Sylvia, and Tami all decided to donate their fabulous prizes right back to Fresno TNR! How amazing is that?! Their kindness and dedication to our cause are simply inspiring, and these returned prizes will go directly towards another fundraiser to help even more cats and kittens in our community. We are so incredibly grateful for their thoughtfulness.
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Thank you all again for being such an important part of the Fresno TNR family. You make a real difference every single day!