In the spring of 2000, compassion for these kittens rummaging through the garbage started the chain of events which compelled local residents to form URBAN CAT LEAGUE.

Gloria, the mother of the kittens was well known to area residents. Although dozens of other cats had been successfully trapped and neutered from this lot, Gloria ingeniously eluded trapping time after time.

Gloria hid her litters well. After searching the entire area it became clear she had hidden her kittens in the ceiling of this basement, far from our reach.

After 8 weeks in hiding, four kittens finally emerged. They were carefully trapped and vetted by the founding members of URBAN CAT LEAGUE. Many people from the area shared our concern for the cats including fireman Frank Charra from Engine Company 34.



During the 8 weeks in hiding, Gloria's fear of people had been well instilled into her kittens. We had our work cut out gaining their trust but, as the socialization process progressed, the kittens adjusted to life indoors.

After weeks of loving patience, they were trusting enough for adoption. Simultaneously, we continued to pursue Gloria but time was not on our side. The empty lot was scheduled for redevelopment and we needed to re-locate Gloria before the construction began, but where?

Initially, two of the loose-knit group from Hell's Kitchen, Mike Phillips and Cathe Neukum were members of Neighborhood Cats. In the name of Neighborhood Cats, permission was sought to use a vacant lot in Hell's Kitchen for a cat sanctuary

Now, Gloria and others like her in our area would have a safe place to go. A sanctuary would give us time when we needed it to seek a suitable, safe and permanent home.

Members of Kitty Caretakers of Queens helped us at the first work party as did the caretakers from a feral colony on Manhattan's upper west side. Pictured right to left are Patty Klein, Charles Platt, Gretchen Pack, Bob Brunet and Linda Bryant who helped us to clear lots of junk and rubble before construction could begin building a habitat for the cats.


About the same time (still working with Neighborhood Cats), we secured use of the vacant lot, our skills at trapping and cat rescue found us involved at Ground Zero rescuing cats stranded on rooftops like SKYE (left) who was left behind in a Chinese restaurant. We also helped rescue cats from victim's apartments as well as cats left behind in the businesses around the perimeter of the WTC.

Fortunately our fundraising efforts brought completion of the sanctuary in time for us to help not only cats from our Hell's Kitchen area, but also several cats who needed help as a result of the events of 9/11. As soon as the sanctuary was ready for her, Gloria went into the trap and after being spayed and ear-tipped, became the first official resident of the sanctuary.

Carla, pictured with Gloria, was without a caretaker when Chantal Vincelli died at the WTC. Carla and her sister Andrea are completely feral. They stayed at the sanctuary for 6 months until they were relocated to a beautiful property with horses outside Manhattan. They were next to join Gloria in the sanctuary and quickly they had plenty of company.

All of the original group of cats have been relocated to safe, caring and permanent outdoor situations which they clearly prefer to captive indoor life.

In late 2002, realizing how much work needed to be done in Hell's Kitchen, Mike Phillips, Cathe Neukum, Lisa Weisberg and Gary Granger, formed Urban Cat League and with the blessing of Neighborhood Cats, took over the sanctuary.

But their work was not just with feral cats. Some domestic strays, like Oliver here, were a different story. He loves people and disdains the cold outdoor life. He was found wandering 37th street one rainy day last year and was evaluated for adoption at the sanctuary and vetted by Urban Cat League. He found an adoring home while being fostered by the Roundabout Theater.


Cats coming through the sanctuary spend a day, a week, or as long as necessary to fulfill their needs. They may need adoption evaluation, time to recover after spay/neuter, or be waiting for relocation like Gloria and Clara. While with us they receive the attention of Urban Cat League's volunteer Veterinary Technician and they are lovingly provided food, shelter and nurturing (if they want it) by devoted volunteers. During the calendar year of 2003, Urban Cat League assisted 97 New York City street cats.

We are extremely grateful to all of the groups and private individuals, who contributed to making the sanctuary a reality, including:

• Jivamukti Yoga Center
• United Animal Nations
• Emergency Animal Rescue Service, E.A.R.S
• Neighborhood Cats, Inc.
• Newport Oregon Humane Society
• Gail Strickler, Saxon Textiles