Our Story
Mission, Vision & Community Cat Care in Putnam, CT
We exist to give Putnam's community cats a safer future — one cat, one colony, one neighborhood at a time.
Who We Are
Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
What We Do
Joyful Paws & Happy Tails is dedicated to the humane care and management of community cats through trap-neuter-return, temporary safe housing, and coordination with local shelters and rescue partners. Created in loving memory of Joyce Shores Kuplast and Nancy Kuplast, our mission is to reduce overpopulation, support the health and safety of community cats, and ensure each animal is thoughtfully assessed and guided toward the most appropriate outcome — whether that is placement or safe return.
Vision Statement
What We Work Toward
A community where every cat is treated with compassion, where overpopulation is responsibly managed, and where collaboration with local shelters and rescue partners ensures that each animal is given the safest and most appropriate path forward.
We believe that responsible community cat management is not just an animal welfare issue — it is a reflection of the values of our neighborhood. Putnam deserves a community that cares for its most vulnerable residents, human and animal alike.
In Loving Memory
Joyce Shores Kuplast & Nancy Kuplast
This organization was founded in their honor — two women whose love of animals, devotion to family, and compassion for those without a voice lives on in every cat we help. Their spirit guides our work, and their memory inspires us to show up every day for the cats that need us most.
Education
What Is Trap-Neuter-Return?
Trap-Neuter-Return — commonly called TNR — is the most effective, humane, and widely endorsed method for managing community cat populations. Here is how it works.
Identify
Community cats — also called feral or stray cats — are identified in a neighborhood through community reports and caretaker networks.
Trap
Cats are humanely trapped using safe, commercially manufactured box traps. Trapping is done carefully and in accordance with humane handling guidelines.
Neuter & Vaccinate
Cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies and other diseases, and given a small ear-tip so they can be identified as TNR-managed cats in the future.
Return
Cats are returned to their outdoor home — the environment they know. Ongoing care and monitoring by community caretakers keeps colonies stable and healthy.
Population Declines
Over time, TNR-managed colonies stabilize and naturally decline as no new kittens are born. It is the only method proven to reduce feral cat populations long-term.
Assessment & Outcome
Each cat is individually assessed. Socialized cats may be placed in adoptive homes or with rescue partners. Kittens young enough to socialize are prioritized for placement whenever possible.
TNR is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Humane Society of the United States, and hundreds of municipalities across the country as the most humane and effective approach to community cat management.
Ask Us a Question About TNRCollaboration