Alley Cat Advocates is responsible for one of the most successful unowned cat management programs in the nation, and you can help maintain that status — while winning some cool prizes.

Who are these advo-cats?

Alley Cat Advocates started in 1999 with the mission to spay and neuter unowned cats in Louisville and reduce future populations. Unlike an animal shelter or humane society, Alley Cat Advocates doesn't focus on trying to find homes for every unowned cat. Instead, its "trap-neuter-release" (TNR) program is designed to curb the growth of unowned cat colonies — and it works.

A 2020 study found that Alley Cat Advocates' TNR program was responsible for a 43% decrease in cats admitted to the Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) shelter over an eight-year period. Even still, LMAS is currently at capacity and looking for prospective pet parents.

Here's where you come in

Alley Cat Advocates is hosting its 16th annual Cat's Meow fundraiser Thursday, June 27, 6-8:30 p.m. at Ice House (226 E. Washington St.). Tickets are available for $25, but don't miss out on the raffle. Here's just a few of the prizes up for grabs:

A private wine class for up to 20 people at Total Wine
A float session and massage at Apex Massage and Wellness
A local business gift card package to Carmichael's bookstore and Hess Landscaping

Raffle chances are available online or on the day of the event, with a limited number for each item. The drawings take place 7-8 p.m., and you don't even need to be present to win.

If you have a cat in your neighborhood, call 502-634-8777 to get in touch with Alley Cat Advocates and see what you can do to help.