Prior to 2020, the population of wild and abandoned cats in Poolesville was increasing at a heavy rate. Animal control was constantly called by residents. Despite this, the population continued to grow, and then it was found that many of the cats pulled from the area were euthanized. In attempt to prevent needless loss of life as well as rampant reproduction, Richard Garner spent years trapping, fixing, and taking care of these cats out of his own pocket. He starting taking donations from others to aid in his endeavors in 2020. In 2022, Richard enlisted the help of Doreen Moreira, Dave Maza, and Alandra Schlosberg-Moreira to register Poolesville Cats as a legal entity and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The state of Maryland approved our application in October 2022 and so here we are.

One of our goals is to control the ever growing population through TNR. While we aim to provide homes for as many cats as we can, we understand that is not always a possibility. In the circumstance that we must release a cat back into the wild, we place them in an outdoor setting where they can be monitored by known and responsible adults or by trail camera. By utilizing TNR principals we insure that our released cats do not add to the population. TNR happens less than one might think. Poolesville Cats releases about 1 cat per year back into the population. Most are adopted as indoor or outdoor pets determined by their needs.

Aside from using TNR and adoption, there are many clusters of outdoor cats being taken care of around the small town of Poolesville. Poolesville Cats provides food and medical aid at the caretaker’s request. We also identify if a cat is a prior TNR cat, outdoor cat, or lost pet. By doing so we actively work toward our second goal of making sure cats in our area live long happy lives. While some believe that cats should be indoors, there are cats that prefer to outside. These cats are not happy inside, often act out and escape creating frustration for their fur parents.

Poolesville Cats Inc. is the first line of defense for our cats. Poolesville Cats provided medical and homing aid to over 50 cats in 2024 and over 30 in 2023. As Poolesville Cats becomes better known by Poolesville and surrounding areas, requests for our aid has become more frequent. At the end of 2024, Poolesville Cats became a registered rescue with Montgomery County Animal Services and have pulled cats found in Poolesville from their facility. Through donations and endless efforts we continue to provide our cats with everything they need to prosper.