Editorial Policy

At STRAYZ Cat Collective, we’re more than a cat blog—we're a voice for rescue cats, community caretakers, and the humans who love them. Everything we publish is created to inform, empower, and inspire. Whether we’re spotlighting a local cat café, testing an enrichment toy, or sharing a real-life rescue transformation, our commitment is to honesty, heart, and helping more stray and shelter cats thrive.

This page outlines how we create content, where we stand on key issues, and how we uphold the integrity of our work.

Our Contributors

Our content is written and curated by our founder (a lifelong rescue advocate), our four rescue cats (Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama), and a growing network of foster parents, TNR experts, shelter partners, and cat lovers who live what they write.

We also invite guest submissions from real people doing real work in the rescue space. We believe lived experience is just as valuable as credentials—especially when it comes to helping cats.

We do not currently hire veterinarians to write our articles, but we link to credible veterinary sources (such as Cornell Feline Health Center, PetMD, and ASPCA) when referencing medical topics. We make it clear that our content does not replace professional veterinary advice.

Our Editorial Values

We do what’s right for cats and the people who care for them.
We create content through a rescue-first lens, focused on community care, enrichment, accessibility, and ethical practices. Our goal is to make cat ownership and rescue more joyful, realistic, and sustainable—not perfect or performative.

We’re not here for fluff.
While we love humor and cat memes, we also believe cat parents deserve thoughtful, educational, and emotionally honest content. We focus on practical enrichment, safe product recommendations, and true stories that move people to act.

We don’t shame.
Everyone starts somewhere. Whether someone is caring for an outdoor stray, navigating trauma behaviors, or trying enrichment on a tight budget—we meet them with empathy and solutions, not judgment.

We don’t publish fake reviews.
We only recommend products we’ve used or thoroughly vetted. We disclose affiliate relationships and never accept paid reviews in exchange for positive coverage.

We support diverse voices.
We welcome contributors of all backgrounds and identities. We aim to feature content that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve—because rescue and caregiving happen in every neighborhood, in every kind of home.

Our Stance on Key Issues

Declawing
We are firmly against declawing and will never promote it. We encourage the use of scratching posts, training tools, and enrichment strategies to redirect behavior in a cat-friendly way.

Outdoor Cats
We support safe outdoor access through leash-walking, catios, or supervised time only. While we understand that many cats live outside, our content aims to reduce risk and promote responsible care through TNR, feeding stations, and winter shelter resources.

Rehoming
We acknowledge that rehoming is sometimes necessary. However, we always promote alternatives first—such as behavior support, environmental changes, and community resources—before surrendering a cat to a shelter.

Spaying & Neutering
We strongly advocate for spaying and neutering all cats. It's a critical step toward reducing feline overpopulation and improving long-term health outcomes.

Flea Treatment
We support responsible flea prevention and treatment. Our content encourages the use of vet-approved options and educates readers about the risks of untreated infestations—even in indoor-only cats.

Microchipping
We recommend microchipping for all cats, along with consistent updates to the contact information on the registry.

Vaccinations
We support core vaccinations, especially during kittenhood and as required by law (e.g., rabies). We also support titer testing for adult cats when appropriate.

Violence & Punishment
We do not condone physical punishment of cats. Our behavioral content focuses on redirection, understanding body language, and positive reinforcement.

Clothing & Costumes
We don’t promote dressing cats for fashion or fun. Functional clothing, such as jackets for hairless breeds or medical garments, is acceptable—but we prioritize the cat’s comfort and consent.

How We Review Products

Our product recommendations are based on real-world use in a multi-cat home. Products are assessed on:

  • Safety and species-appropriateness

  • Enrichment value

  • Usability for humans

  • Durability and value

  • Rescue-friendliness (e.g., how well it suits foster or small-space settings)

When we link to products, many include affiliate tracking. This means we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—when purchases are made. This helps fund our blog and supports rescue efforts.

We are not paid to write positive reviews. If a product doesn’t meet our standards, we’ll say so—or we won’t feature it at all.

Content Integrity & Updates

Every blog post includes a "Last Updated" date so readers know when it was most recently reviewed. We continuously update our content to reflect:

  • New product launches or recalls

  • Emerging rescue tools or trends

  • Reader feedback and community contributions

We also welcome corrections. If you see something outdated, inaccurate, or unclear—please let us know by emailing [your email].

Originality & AI Use

All of our articles are original and exclusive to STRAYZ Cat Collective. We may use AI tools to assist with outlining or organizing ideas, but all published content is written or edited by a real person with a real cat nearby. We do not publish AI-only content.

Want to Contribute to STRAYZ?

Email us a meow@straycatcollective.com. We love featuring stories from foster parents, community caretakers, shelter workers, and everyday cat lovers making a difference.

Questions?

If you have questions about this editorial policy or would like to report an issue, contact us at:
meow@straycatcollective.com
@strayzcatcollective