If youâve visited the Smokey Bones at Jefferson Pointe Mall in Fort Wayne, you mightâve met Smokey (also known as âBonesâ) the restaurantâs unofficial mascot. For several years, this friendly, independent feline has stayed close by, rarely wandering more than a few hundred feet from his parking lot domain.
Highlights:
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Well cared for stray: Daily meals and custom shelter (styled like a mini Smokey Bones) are provided by compassionate staff and locals.
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TNR & microchipped: His tipped ear signifies heâs been neutered as part of a trapâneuterâreturn program, and heâs also microchipped for care continuity.
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Friendly but independent: Smokey loves company, on his terms. Heâs not a big fan of being picked up, but enjoys warm pats and curious onlookers. Let him come to you.
Community Voices from Facebook:
Hanna posted, "he's a community cat! They have a mini smokey bones location house for him out front.â
Kim wrote, âIâm there daily to give him wet food. He has shelter and is very well taken care of. Employees also keep a great eye on him and quite a few patrons of SB. He lives there.â
Patricia commented, âThis is the Smokey Bones Community Cat 'Bones' he has lived there since 2018."
TNR & Community Cat FAQ
What is a Community Cat?
An unowned, free-roaming cat that has been sterilized, ear-tipped, vaccinated, microchipped, and returned to where it was found.
What is Ear-tipping?
The removal of the top third of the left ear while anesthetized, marking a cat as sterilized and vaccinated.
Whatâs in the Community Cat Package?
Spay/neuter surgery, rabies vaccination, microchip, pain meds, and ear-tip for free-roaming, unowned cats.
Can I bring a stray cat for help?
YesâHumane Fort Wayne accepts walk-ins Mondays to Wednesdays; cats must arrive in a live trap.
Why are these programs important?
TNR helps manage free-roaming cat populations humanely, reduces overpopulation, prevents unnecessary shelter intake, and supports healthier cat colonies.
