08/10/2026
🚨 ABANDONMENT IS NOT A SOLUTION — AND IN PENNSYLVANIA, IT CAN BE A CRIME. 🚨
We’ve seen a troubling uptick in intake requests lately with a common story: cats or kittens have been left behind by a neighbor, dumped onto someone’s property, or simply abandoned in a neighborhood. A Good Samaritan finds them, takes them in, and suddenly finds themselves responsible for animals they never intended to have — with nowhere to turn and no idea how to help.
We want to say this as clearly as we can:
Abandoning a cat outdoors is neglect. It is dangerous. And in Pennsylvania, abandoning an animal can be a chargeable offense under the state’s animal cruelty laws.
We understand that life can become incredibly difficult. Financial struggles. Emotional hardship. Physical limitations. Housing instability. Unexpected circumstances. We know that sometimes people reach a point where they genuinely can no longer care for an animal.
But hardship does not make abandonment an acceptable option.
The cat you leave behind doesn't understand why you’re gone.
They don't know that you're struggling financially.
They don't know that you couldn't find a solution.
They only know that the person they depended on has disappeared.
And now they’re expected to survive outside — exposed to traffic, predators, disease, parasites, extreme temperatures, starvation, injury, and countless other dangers.
They deserve better.
When we choose to bring an animal into our lives, we take on the responsibility to care for them appropriately and ethically — including when circumstances become difficult. And sometimes, doing the responsible thing means admitting that you can no longer provide what they need and surrendering them safely.
We know rescues and shelters are full.
We know waitlists are long.
We know organizations everywhere are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming number of animals needing help.
This is a national animal welfare crisis, not just a local one. Shelters, rescues, fosters, veterinary teams, and Good Samaritans are all doing everything they can to stay afloat.
But please — do not solve the problem by creating another victim.
Recently, we welcomed these three precious little sweethearts into our care after they were abandoned in a neighborhood. Thankfully, some incredible individuals found them and stepped up to provide food, safety, and care while they waited for us to have available intake space.
Because of them, these babies didn't have to face the dangers of life outside alone.
Today, they are SAFE. They are FED. They are LOVED. They are receiving the care they deserve. ❤️
And that is exactly what every animal should have from the moment they enter our lives until the day they leave them.
If you can no longer care for your cat, please ask for help. Reach out to local rescues, shelters, community organizations, veterinary professionals, or trusted individuals. It may take time to find placement, but there are safer options than putting an animal outside and walking away.
And if you are the person who finds an abandoned animal, thank you for caring enough to stop. We know that being unexpectedly handed an animal in need can feel overwhelming. Please know that you are not responsible for the choices someone else made — but your compassion may be the reason that animal gets a second chance.
Abandonment is not a second chance. Safe surrender is.
Our animals depend on us to be their advocates, especially when life gets hard. Please don't leave them behind. 🐾❤️
