Summary
A cat trapper in Tucson, Arizona, planned to trap and release a feral cat but ended up rescuing it when she found it was friendly. The cat, named Uncle Potato, is gaining online popularity and will be put up for adoption once his caregivers find a suitable home. Uncle Potato's story highlights the broader issue of many stray cats needing homes.
Key Facts
- Uncle Potato is a cream-colored tomcat with a distinct appearance and friendly nature.
- Courtney Gustafson, who runs Poets Square Cats, trapped the cat on Thanksgiving during a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) operation.
- TNR involves humanely trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and often returning outdoor cats to their colonies.
- Uncle Potato was deemed suitable for adoption due to his friendly behavior.
- The cat was neutered and vaccinated at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
- Uncle Potato became popular online partly because he resembles another cat named Sad Boy.
- Over 44,000 people liked a social media post about Uncle Potato.
- 1,397,000 cats entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2025, with many strays needing homes.
