Watch Catnip Nation

Catnip Nation is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary film that sheds light on the growing issue of stray cats in our society. Directed by Tina Traster, the movie takes us on a journey through the streets of the United States to showcase the thriving feline population residing in the alleys, parks, and abandoned buildings. The film follows the efforts of Ray and Sue Jones, a couple based in Rockland County, New York, who have made it their mission to help these cats through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. Through their organization, RocklandNYCats, they work tirelessly to humanely trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate, and release the feral cats back into their colonies.

Stanley Lombardo, an animal control officer in Jersey City, New Jersey, also appears in the film. He provides his unique perspective on the issue and discusses the challenges he faces in dealing with the increasing number of stray cats in his area.

The movie explores the reasons behind the rise of the cat population in the US, including the blame put on individuals who abandon their domesticated cats, the lack of spaying and neutering, and the failed attempts at removing colonies through methods such as euthanasia.

The documentary is not only informative, but it also evokes strong emotions. By following the lives of some of the feral cats, the viewer witnesses the hardships these innocent animals face on a daily basis. There is footage of cats running from humans, getting hit by cars, and other tragic incidents that remind us of the importance of animal welfare.

Throughout the film, we see Ray and Sue Jones working tirelessly to help these cats. They have a passion for animals that is infectious, and it is evident that they truly care about the welfare of the cats they help. The film explores their own journey, from being reluctant cat lovers to becoming advocates for cats in their community.

The documentary also showcases the challenges faced by those trying to help these cats. The Joneses often face hostility from neighbors who do not understand or appreciate the work they do. They have to deal with animal control officers who do not always share their passion for TNR programs.

The movie ends on a positive note, reminding the viewer that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Through the efforts of people like Ray Jones, Sue Jones, and Stanley Lombardo, and with the support of the community, the stray cat population can be humanely controlled.

Overall, Catnip Nation is a must-watch documentary for cat lovers and animal welfare advocates alike. It educates and inspires, reminding us of the importance of compassion and kindness towards all living beings.

Catnip Nation is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.