The Second Paw Blog
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Practical guidance for adopters and rescuers. Real stories from the community. Evidence-based cat health and behavior. All free, always.
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Rescue cat resting next to a carrier, warm natural light
Cats resting on a waterfront seawall with blue sky and city buildings in South Florida
Local Guide
Cat Rescue in South Florida — What You Need to Know Before You Search
South Florida has dozens of rescue organizations across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. Here's what to know and how to find the right one near you.
Stray cat sitting alone in a parking lot next to a car
Local Guide
What to Do If You Find a Stray Cat in South Florida
Found a stray cat in South Florida? Here's what to do first, when to call animal control, and how to find help fast.
Two cats sitting on top of a dumpster in an urban park setting
Local Guide
Feral Cats in South Florida — What They Are and How You Can Help
Feral cats are not strays waiting to be rescued. Here's how the TNR community manages them and how you can help.
Person relaxing at home with a rescue cat during the first weeks of adoption
Adoption Guide
The First 30 Days With a Rescue Cat
What the next 30 days actually look like. Not the Instagram version. The real one.
Tiny kitten found outdoors, cradled gently in hands
Rescue Guide
I Found a Kitten. What Do I Do Right Now.
You're reading this because something happened today that you weren't expecting.
Senior cat resting peacefully indoors, calm and affectionate expression
Adoption Advocacy
Why Senior Cats Make the Best First Cats
There's a cat further down the row who has been waiting longer. Worth a second look.
Cat portrait in relaxed indoor setting, soft natural light
Cat Health
The Truth About FIV
Those two letters next to a cat's name. Here's what they actually mean.
Cat with attentive expression, communicating with owner at home
Cat Behavior
What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You
Cats communicate constantly. Once you start paying attention, you realize they're saying quite a lot.
Cat at a rescue shelter, patient and waiting to be adopted
Adoption Advocacy
Why the Last Cat in the Shelter Is Usually the Best One
The black cat. The senior. The one with FIV on their card. That cat is who this post is about.
Get the free guide: Your first 30 days with a rescue cat
What to expect, what not to panic about, and exactly what to do when your new cat disappears behind the refrigerator on day one.
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