AbbeyLaneCats

By donating, you become an active partner, ensuring these cats receive the compassion, nutrition, and medical attention they so desperately need. Rest assured, 100% of your donation goes to the cats — whether it’s a case of food, or help with an emergency surgery. That's a promise.

Discover how you can make a positive difference through supporting AbbeyLaneCats.org. Together we can give each and every cat in our colony a healthier, happier life, and give them the love and care they deserve.

"I think about the cat's quality of life. There simply aren't enough resources for them to exist on their own. These little innocent beings need our help and protection. This is about doing good for those less fortunate."

"There are 9 cats in the colony, plus I have 3 of my own at home. As with many retirees, I can afford the time to devote to building shelters and feeding stations to cope with the winter's freezing temperatures, and I can do the daily feeding... but on my small social security income I cannot afford to pay for cat food and the inevitable vet bills. I need help from the community." - Doug Hines, colony caregiver

PLEASE DONATE TO KEEP THE CATS FED THROUGH THE COMING WINTER.

Dry food is donated each month by the Humane Society of Washington County.
Please consider setting up a recurring donation.
Although Chewy has a Wish List for 501(c)(3) rescues and shelters, it doesn't include individual caregivers for cat colonies. (Maybe you could encourage Chewy to include us in their Wish List program. - See letter to Chewy below)
A Huge Thank You to all who have donated previously. You have made a positive difference in the colony cats' lives.

I just couldn't stand by and watch the cats having to live outdoors without help.

Since there's no electric outlet in the woods (obviously), I had to figure out a way to keep the cats' water bowl from freezing and to keep the cats' shelters warm both day and night.

After reviewing many products and after doing research and testing, I've chosen the BoneView hand warmer.

Unlike microwaveable pads which don't last very long, the BoneView will maintain sufficient heat to last 10-12 hours (on the low setting). I'll have one set of warmers keeping the cats warm, while another set is charging up at home.

And NO, the BoneView hand warmer won't ignite the straw in the cats' shelters. Its maximum temperature is around 115°F (46°C), which is far below the ignition point of straw—typically 350–716°F (179–380°C) depending on conditions like moisture and exposure.

Rechargeable hand warmers like this are designed for safe, low-level heat without open flames or high-risk elements, and there's no evidence in product details or user reports of fire hazards, overheating incidents, or issues with flammable materials.

THAT'S WHERE YOU CAN HELP!

I can't afford more hand warmers on my small social security income, and I've already maxed out my credit card building shelters, feeding stations, doing warmer product testing, and buying cat food. I need your help to keep the cats warm this winter. I've placed the BoneView hand warmers on the Amazon Wish List to enable easy ordering.

Did you know there is clear evidence—both scientific and from decades of feral-cat caretaker experience—that outdoor cats (feral or free-roaming) eat significantly more food in cold weather than they do in mild or warm weather – typically 50–100% more food (or even double on the coldest days).

Increased metabolic demand in the cold:
• Cats are small mammals with a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, so they lose body heat quickly.
• To maintain core body temperature (around 101–102.5 °F), their basal metabolic rate rises in cold conditions.
• Studies on mammals in general and cats specifically show that energy requirements can increase 20–50 % or more when ambient temperature drops below the lower critical temperature of their thermoneutral zone (roughly 86–97 °F for cats).
• Example: A 1982 study on energy requirements of cats (National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of Cats) showed that daily energy needs rise linearly as temperature falls below ~77 °F (25 °C).
• In practical terms, a cat that needs ~200–250 kcal/day at 68 °F may need 300–400+ kcal/day at 20–30 °F, especially if wet, windy, or sleeping in an unheated shelter.

Real-world observations from TNR and colony caretakers:
• Colony managers almost universally report that food disappearance doubles or triples in winter compared to summer, even when the same cats are present.
• Many caretakers in northern states and Canada deliberately increase portions by 50–100 % once nighttime temperatures drop below freezing, and the cats clean the bowls.

Additional winter energy costs:
• Wet fur from rain/snow drastically increases heat loss → more calories needed.
• Wind chill → more calories.
• Shivering (active thermogenesis) → big calorie burn.
• Cats that are underweight, elderly, or have thin coats feel this effect even more.

In short: yes, cats will eat noticeably more when it gets cold, and increasing the amount you put out (and the frequency) is one of the most important things you can do for them this winter.

SO I BET YOU KNOW WHAT'S COMING NEXT...

WE NEED MORE CAT FOOD & SHELTER WARMERS !! PLEASE DONATE TO KEEP THE CATS FED AND WARM THROUGH THE COMING WINTER.

re: The Chewy Wish List Program

Chewy provides qualified animal welfare non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations (shelters & rescues) across the United States the ability to create a custom Wish List on Chewy.com to share with supporters for donations.

I wrote to Chewy to ask that they include colony caregivers in the their Wish List program. Doing so would positively affect hundreds of caregivers and thousands of cats.

I'm posting my letter here to encourage you, the supporters of AbbeyLaneCats.org, as well as the thousands of pet people throughout the Country, to contact Chewy and lend support to this idea.

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I’m writing to ask that, in addition to shelters and rescues, Chewy include colony caregivers in the Chewy Wish List program.

I am the primary caregiver for AbbeyLaneCats.org. AbbeyLaneCats is devoted to the care and well-being of a colony of feral and stray kitties in Hagerstown, Maryland. The work is entirely volunteer-driven, providing fresh food and clean water twice daily, essential supplies, shelters, feeding stations, and arranging for essential veterinary care. We are totally reliant on the generosity of local people for cat food and gift funding.

I depend on donations to feed my colony. I have an active Wish List on Amazon where I can create a list of specific products that donors can access to make orders. That process works, but it isn’t enough. Many people would prefer to purchase products from Chewy rather from Amazon.

Local colony caregivers are essentially volunteers who love cats. Generally, these people do not have the ability to create a 501(c)(3) and become formally recognized as a shelter or rescue. They are just people in the community who answer the call for feeding the cats down the street, in the back alleys, or in the woods.

There are thousands of such individuals throughout the United States and beyond, who would benefit from access to the Chewy Wish List program. Said another way… all of these caregivers could be the source of increased business for Chewy if they could access donations via a Chewy Wish List.

Obviously, Chewy would need to set parameters for a caregiver’s acceptance into the Wish List program. There would be a need to validate an applicant’s authenticity and program eligibility. One way Chewy could verify a colony applicant’s legitimacy is having the applicant provide pictures of the colony cats, shelters, and feeding stations. In other words, an applicant would need to provide proof that a colony actually exists.

The benefit to Chewy in enabling caregivers access the Wish List program would be enormous. Can you imagine the increase in business? Maybe more importantly, can you imagine the long-term benefits for the colony cats themselves?

Please consider my request, and add colony caregivers to the Chewy Wish List program.
Thank You, Doug Hines, colony caregiver, AbbeyLaneCats.org

Our Big Guy prefers to be called by the more formal title, "Thomas Cat."

The derivation for the phrase "Tom Cat" (often written as one word, "tomcat"), refers to a male cat. The term originates from "Tom," a generic name historically used for male animals (similar to "Jack" for donkeys or "Billy" for goats), combined with "cat." "Tom" was applied to male kittens as early as around 1300. The compound form "tomcat" for a full-grown male cat is first attested in print in 1809, but earlier uses appear in the 1770s, such as in 1772 writings by playwright Thomas Bridges.

It was popularized by the anonymous 1760 book The Life and Adventures of a Cat, in which the male protagonist cat is named Tom (short for "Tom the Cat"). This book, a satirical novel published in London, helped cement "Tom" as a standard name for male cats, leading to the widespread adoption of "tomcat."

By the 19th century, "tom" or "tomcat" extended to males of other animals (e.g., "tom-turkey" by 1846) and even took on slang meanings, such as a promiscuous man or the verb "tomcatting" (pursuing women casually), first recorded in 1927. The phrase has no direct connection to modern usages like the Tom Cat character in Tom and Jerry cartoons, which simply draws from this established term for a male cat.

[Why isn't Thomas Cat ear tipped? I've only taken over the colony's care recently. At the moment I'm completely dedicated to building the cats' trust. I'll consider the traumatic action of trapping come spring. Almost all of the other colony cats are already spayed/neutered. - Doug Hines]

Listen to the latest podcast by Cat Talk Radio with Molly DeVoss and Dewey Vaughn.

Think dry food is just a crunchy convenience? Think again. In this episode, Molly and Dewey dive into listener Doug Hines' research uncovering the "double danger" of kibble — how it not only lacks moisture but also steals it from your cat's body during digestion.

Learn why chronic dehydration is quietly sabotaging feline health, what really causes that "mystery puke," and whether the old "dry food cleans teeth" myth holds any water. (Spoiler: it doesn't.)

Grab your water bottle — and your cat's — this is one episode that might just change what's in your food bowl tonight.

I think a cat's purr has the power to heal the world. - dh

This may not be original, but it sure is the truth... Nothing gets me out of bed faster than hearing the sound of a cat vomiting. - dh

After 78 years I have finally found my calling in life. I was put here to clean out the cat’s litter boxes. Say Amen.” - dh

I consider cleaning out the litter boxes to be a privilege. It’s a skill so highly valued that I include it on my resume. - dh

A certain amount of satisfaction can be derived from finding a clump in the litter box. It kind of makes the entire chore worthwhile. - dh

I hold a 32nd degree certification from the 'International Royal Society Cat Box Association’ including the ‘Order of Merit of The Scoop’. - dh

I was cleaning out the litter boxes the other night while listening to ‘America’s Got Talent’ in the background. As I finished the last scoop, I heard the audience go wild as Simon hit the golden buzzer and shouted out… “You’ve Got FOUR Yeses!!!” I took a bow. - dh

I've solved the problem of my cats vomiting on my beige carpets. Now I buy beige cat food. - dh

You’ve heard of a ‘Horse Whisperer’? Well, I’m a ‘Cat Shouter’! “GET OFF OF THAT KITCHEN COUNTER GRADY! IF I HAVE TO TELL YOU ONE MORE TIME…” (Just a little humor here folks. I would never yell at my cats. LOL) - dh

I have a friend who wants to name her next cat “NO.” Here it comes… “NO get out of those flowers!” “NO Stop running around and let me sleep! LOL - dh

I have 3 cats and 3 litter boxes. This morning I saw Grady use litter box #1. Then I saw Emmy use litter box #2. I cleaned out both boxes and swept the floor, and while I was there, Grady came to use litter box #2. I cleaned that out, swept the floor, and while I was there, Mindy came to use litter box #1. I cleaned that out, swept the floor, and while I was there, Emmy came back to use litter box #2. Now I’m about to go clean litter box #3. Lesson Learned: Wait until later in the day to clean the litter boxes. - dh

I'm 78 years old. Given I've had cats most of my life, I wonder just how may times I've cleanout a litterbox. - dh

Last week we introduced you to a remarkable kitten named Tootsie. Though she lost both hind paws to an unknown trauma within hours of her birth, the valiant little tabby hasn’t let misfortune slow her down. She runs and wrestles like any other nine-week-old. When her foster mom, Jessica, tosses a toy, she gallops after it with the determination of a marathoner pounding to the finish line. Tootsie’s been in joyful motion since she took her first shaking steps, and she has no intention of slowing down.

We want our girl to run and play forever. But the truth is, we don’t know what the future will bring. As Tootsie grows, the added weight on the bottom of her hind legs may cause complications requiring surgery, prosthetics or even a kitty wheelchair. That’s why we’ve launched Tootsie’s Medical Fund - so we’re ready for whatever she may need. And we’re taking steps now to keep her moving full speed ahead.

See those blue socks in the photo above? They’re not just adorable... they’re serving an important purpose. Like any self-respecting cat, Tootsie’s not thrilled about wearing things. But if she eventually must be fitted with prosthetics, the process will be far easier if she’s already used to having coverings. Enter teeny-weeny socks! Jessica slips them on several times a day, then coaxes Tootsie to play. Watch the clip of "Tootsie's socks" to see how well the plan is working!

Besides sock-training, it’s been a busy week for Miss Tootsie. She went to the vet for a mild eye infection and has been a good patient, letting Jessica apply gooey ointment twice a day with no complaints. She’s eating well and has gained three ounces. And along with her siblings, Orbit and Mars, she’s enjoying the food and toys she’s received through Tootsie's Holiday Wish List. Big thanks to all the friends who are helping make this baby’s first holiday a happy one.

We’ll be back next week with another update. Until then, thanks and purrs from Tootsie!

Here's an idea you can pass along to other cat colony caregivers...

Bottom Line? Serve Your Cats Warm Food

Freezing winter temperatures had me thinking of ways to (literally) serve my cats better. Here's what I came up with. (This applies to canned wet food - obviously.)

I feed my colony cats using heavy glass serving bowls (see link below). The glass itself is an insulator. I warm the glass bowls with a heated floor mat (again, linked below).

Here's the scenario: I feed the cats and then return a couple of hours later to retrieve the dirty bowls. (I don't leave the bowls out too long for fear of attracting daytime insects and nighttime predators.) When I get back home I wash the bowls (including scalding with boiling water), dry them, and sit them on the floor warming mat. I then choose the canned cat foods for the next meal, and place the cans in the bowls unopened. I cover lightly with the bowl's lid. The can heats up nicely over the next few hours until it is time to open the cans for serving the next meal. Voila!! Warm cat food!

NUTRIUPS Glass Casserole Dishes with Lids

NUTRIUPS Glass Baking Dishes are made of borosilicate glass, which is highly resistant to thermal shock, so they handle freezing temperatures very well without cracking when left outside briefly. The dishes are Microwave, Oven, Dishwasher and Freezer Safe, however, the Plastic lid is NOT.

They work great in winter because: (1) They're ideal for winter outdoor use without tongues sticking or breakage. (2) They're wide and shallow enough for multiple cats to eat from easily. (3) They're durable, non-porous for easy daily cleaning / disinfecting, and resistant to odors/stains. (4) They have a BPA free plastic visual lid.

COZY PRODUCTS Heated Rubber Mat

This mat contains an electric heating element that produces uniform radiant heat. By enclosing the heating element in rubber, it eliminates the danger of shock. It is designed to meet strict TUV standards, and operates silently to maintain a noise-free environment.

IMPORTANT: Although the mat itself is thermostatically controlled to maintain the heat at a constant temperature, I have found that the lowest temperature setting is still too warm for my use. Plug it into a Table Top Plug-In Lamp Dimmer spec'd to the correct wattage, and decrease the heat to your liking.

AbbeyLaneCats.org is Supported By These Fine Cat-Caring Organizations

Help Us Help The Cats!

Follow your heart...

Donating is Philanthropy of the Highest Order

Like most of us... we struggling to survive...

HAVE CAT FOOD AT HOME THAT YOUR CATS WON'T EAT? DONATE IT TO THE COLONY CATS!

😿 Please Help Us 😿

We Need Food and It's Freezing Outside.

Keep a Kitty Warm This Winter...

Shelter & Water Bowl Warmers

HELP THESE KITTIES SURVIVE THE WINTER!

BoneView keeps the cats warm at AbbeyLaneCats.org

Speaking of Cats in the Winter...

Did you know?

A Letter to Chewy...

on behalf of cat colony caregivers everywhere

re: The Chewy Wish List Program

Chewy provides qualified animal welfare non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations (shelters & rescues) across the United States the ability to create a custom Wish List on Chewy.com to share with supporters for donations.

I wrote to Chewy to ask that they include colony caregivers in the their Wish List program. Doing so would positively affect hundreds of caregivers and thousands of cats.

I'm posting my letter here to encourage you, the supporters of AbbeyLaneCats.org, as well as the thousands of pet people throughout the Country, to contact Chewy and lend support to this idea.

We have a Security Cam coming on line soon!!

GardePro makes security possible at AbbeyLaneCats.org

A special Thank You to some very special people...

He Looks Serious Doesn't He...

The origin of the term "Tom Cat"

The Impact of Dry Cat Food on Feline Hydration: A Dual Mechanism of Moisture Deprivation

A Very Serious Subject...

The Truth About Dry Food

Some Laughs About Cats...

Scribbles from a crazy colony caregiver (me)

Here are two 'Daily Mail' articles that you don't want to miss...

Move aside, crazy cat ladies! Cats pay more attention to MEN, study reveals

How old your cat REALLY is: Calculator reveals your kitty's 'true age'...

Each week we highlight cats-in-need

as featured by NEIGHBORHOODCATS.org

Here's an idea you can pass along to other cat colony caregivers...

Bottom Line? Serve Your Cats Warm Food

NUTRIUPS Glass Casserole Dishes with Lids

Love Cats? Ready for a rewarding challenge?

Answer a call to service...

AbbeyLaneCats.org

Contact AbbeyLaneCats.org

Oh, and one last thing...