Forgotten Felines

05/21/2026

How many animals have died after being abandoned in rental housing because help came too late?Too many. In 2018, we were contacted by someone who said her friend had moved out of her apartment and left a kitten behind with no food or water. We pushed for law enforcement and the landlord to enter the apartment so we could get the kitten into our care immediately. Unfortunately, it took DAYS to get that poor kitten out because of the way the laws are set up.Simba fought for this life for nearly a week, receiving any and all treatment options available, but he had starved for so long, his organs shut down and he could not recover. He was barely 9 weeks old when he died. Had someone entered the apartment sooner, he might be sitting in a loving forever home today.We followed up with law enforcement with proof that this kitten had been abandoned by this former tenant, but they claimed they "couldn't find her" and nothing ever came of it. There is nothing to stop her from doing this again.It is clear that the law, as it pertains to animals, needs to change. There must be strict procedures in place that get abandoned animals in rental properties the help they need right away.Thankfully, Senate Bill S1784 could be that change.This bill requires property owners and lessors to inspect a rental property within three days and immediately notify the appropriate authorities when such person finds an animal which appears to be abandoned.While this bill doesn't solve the problem completely, as some areas do not have a designated place to bring animals, it is a big step in the right direction. Our lawmakers just need to move it forward. This bill passed the Senate. Now it has to pass in the Assembly. It is currently in the Assembly Agriculture Committee. Sign this petition and let your Assemblymember know you support this bill!

05/20/2026

You took the trash out in the dark and I was near the edge of the driveway. I stomped my front feet against the asphalt. I hissed. I raised my tail like a flag and took two quick steps toward you.

You dropped the bag and ran inside.

I'm a striped skunk. I've been living under the brush pile behind your shed for a year. I have terrible eyesight, I move slowly, and the performance you just watched wasn't an attack — it was me asking you to back off so I wouldn't have to use the one defense I'd rather not spend.

🦨 The stomping and the tail are designed to give you every chance to leave.

I do this because spraying costs me. My body holds enough for a handful of uses, and once I run out, it takes over a week to produce more. During that time I have no defense against coyotes or great horned owls. Every spray I fire at something that wasn't a real threat is one I don't have when something is. I don't want to waste it on you.

Here's what most people don't know. While you sleep, I dig up ground-nesting yellowjacket colonies you didn't know were in your lawn. My thick fur protects me from the stings. I eat the adults, the larvae, and the comb. I dig up the grubs that kill your turf. I hunt the mice working their way toward your foundation.

By midsummer, you might see a mother leading a single-file line of miniature skunks through the grass at dusk. They're learning to hunt grubs. They already know how to stomp their tiny feet.

🌿 If you see me:

- Stop moving and speak softly — my vision is poor, but I hear well. Let my ears tell me you're a person and I'll waddle the other way
- Back away slowly — the stomping ends the moment I feel you retreating
- Don't trap and relocate me — you'd lose the only thing in the yard actively digging up yellowjacket nests before someone steps on one

I've been working your property line for a year, eating the things that sting and the things that chew. You only noticed me the night I asked for space.

That's because I'm good at my job 🌱

05/15/2026

Please spay & neuter your cats. So many calls for large colonies we can’t keep up with them all. Resources in Westchester are limited.

05/02/2026

UPDATE: Grey Mom and her two babies are among the few that were trapped yesterday during TNR efforts. The babies will be adopted out, mom is too feral and will be returned to her colony after she’s fixed.

A fellow rescuer contacted us about a local colony of nearly 20 cats. After seeing the situation firsthand, we knew we had to step in. This is the second large colony we’ve taken on in just two months, and we truly need your support.
The cost of spaying/neutering and vaccinating each cat is close to $100. Please consider making a donation to help cover their medical expenses. This photo alone highlights just how important spaying and neutering is. ForgottenFelinesNY.org

If anyone is interested in adopting this pastel calico, go to our website to apply, she’s approximately 3 1/2-4 months old.

Thank you so much for your support.

04/27/2026

01/14/2026

We have 2 special needs cats that deserve a home. Please consider adopting this bonded pair of boys. Luke and Toby are perfect but need a special home. Reach out for details at 914-419-2574!

01/13/2026

MANHATTAN TABBIES: Look at these babies! They are approx 4 1/2 months old. There are actually 5 in total. They are UTD on vaccines, spayed/neutered, microchipped , etc. Adoption fee required. Go to ForgottenFelinesNy.org to apply. Hard to tell them apart!