FAQ

1. What is Kittenaid Detroit?

Simply put, Kittenaid Detroit is a small organization of people who care about Detroit cats and want to make their lives better. We currently operate as a donation-based, volunteer only, not-for-profit, and are working on getting offical 501c3 status soon.

2. Where does the name “Kittenaid” come from?

In 2010, we came across a litter of feral kittens, and wanted to try to help them in any way we could. We decided to organize a benefit concert. “Kittenaid” was a play on “Live Aid”, and originally just a name for that event. However, there were more cats to help and the name just stuck. You can read more about how we came to be on the story page.

3. How do you help cats?

Primarily through TNR (trap-neuter-return) for feral cats. We also provide fostering and adoption services for stray, or adoptable homeless cats, as needed and as our resources allow.

4. But doesn’t spaying a stray cat take away her right to choose whether or not she wants to reproduce? How does that fit in with your mission of treating them all with respect and dignity?

Domestic cats had their ability to choose whether or not to reproduce taken from them as part of the domestication process. Feral cats are domestic cats that have not been socialized with humans, and they have little to no control over their own reproduction. They will have kittens as often as physical possible, in most cases, even when it is not healthy for them to do so. By slowing the cycle of feral reproduction, we are improving the lives of all cats, and allowing the females to live without the stress of constant pregnancy.

5. I have a cat I can no longer care for. Can you take him?

We have very limited resources, and do not have shelter facilities. As such, we try our best to focus our efforts on stray and feral cats, that have no one trying to help them at all, and are unfortunately unable to accept surrendered pets.

6. Why Detroit cats, why not all cats?

Again, we have limited capacity. Part of the reason is that most of us live in Detroit. Another piece of the puzzle is that while there still isn’t as much as is needed, there are more resources for cats in many other places. For example, according to the No Kill Network, there is not a single No Kill Shelter within the city limits of Detroit. There is a huge feral cat population in the city of Detroit, and very few people focused on helping cats in this area specifically. The sad fact is that most cats in Detroit are completely on their own, and every time we take on a cat from a neighboring city, that’s one less Detroit cat we can help. Our aim is to fill a specific void in the neighborhoods where we live first, before expanding to other communities.

If we can’t help for any reason, we are always happy to give recommendations, either on how you can aid the cat/cats in question yourself, or other organizations you may be able to reach out to.

7. Where can I learn more about feral cats and TNR?

First of all, we love Alley Cat Allies. On their site there is all sorts of great information about the why, and the how, of TNR, including this video. You may also want to check out Neighborhood Cats, which has a ton of good information and resources as well.

More locally, All About Animals Rescue in Warren, Michigan, hosts a monthly TNR workshop for those interested in helping feral cats. They also offer low cost spay and neuter for both pets and ferals. All of our cats get spayed/netuered at All About Animals, they’re fantastic! We truly would not be able to do all we do without them.

8. Where can I learn more about no-kill shelters and the no-kill philosophy?

Check out the No Kill Advocacy Center for starters. You may also be interested in Redemption, the most critically acclaimed book on the subject of the no-kill model and methods, by Nathan J. Winograd. You can also read his blog, which is full of useful information and news, even if you don’t want to get the book right now.

9. Ok, I want to get involved, but I’m not sure what I, as just one person, can do. How can I help?

That’s great! There are many simple ways you can help out a little bit, without having to devote all of your free time, or have a ton of money. Start by filling out the volunteer form. A Kittenaid Representative will contact you, and we will determine what the best way for you to help out is. Something as simple as feeding the ferals in your neighborhood can be a huge help. If needed, we can usually provide the food. We also always need people who are available to help us transport cats. If you’d like to make a financial contribution, however small, you can click here to do so. Remember that we put all funds we received directly to the aid of cats. Thank you!