OAA Book of the Month - Community Cats: A Journey Into the World of Feral Cats
By Erin Lawson, Operations Director
Community cats. Some people love them, while others may not understand them or why they’re here. As the seasons change and concerns about outdoor animals grow, OAA wanted to highlight a book for adult readers that takes a closer look at community cats through one person’s journey into TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return), backed by research and real-world experience.
In Community Cats: A Journey Into the World of Feral Cats, author Anne Beall shares how a rat problem and a neighbor’s advice introduced her to the world of feral cats. From there, Beall dives into TNVR efforts in Chicago and explores the relationships between community cats, their caretakers, and the environments they call home.
Through interviews, personal experience, and scientific research, Beall explores the impact that TNVR programs can have on communities and what it means to advocate for the cats who live alongside us. The result is a look at community cats that goes beyond the cats themselves and examines the people, programs, and communities that make up the bigger picture.
Why We Love It
Community Cats is a great read for cat lovers who want to better understand community cats, animal welfare professionals looking to expand their knowledge, or anyone who is brand new to the world of community cats.
We especially love that this book looks at more than one piece of the puzzle. Rather than focusing solely on the cats or TNVR, it paints a broader picture of how community cats, their caretakers, and the programs designed to support them all fit together within a community.
Want to Learn More?
Join OAA at our free, in-person 2026 Community Cat Summits this November to learn more about where community cat topics stand in these uncertain times.
We’ll be in Cincinnati and Cleveland, covering the topics and challenges members of our community have asked us to address. We hope you’ll join us and continue the conversation about how we can better support community cats and the people who care for them.
Get Involved
1. At OAA, we believe that being an advocate for animals means continuing to learn, ask questions, and challenge the ways we think about animals and how to give them the best lives possible. Does this sound like you? We’d love to have you join our team of dedicated volunteers and help protect all animals in the state of Ohio.
2. Want to learn more about advocating for community cats? Visit our Community Cats advocacy page.
3. Looking for spay/neuter and TNR services? Check out our Statewide Directory.
4. Share this book recommendation with friends!
5. Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
