What is a rescue cat? A vet explains why you should adopt a rescue cat instead of buying one.

Do you know what a "rescue cat" (hogo-neko) is? Literally, it refers to a cat that has been rescued.

But do you know how these cats are rescued, and where they are kept afterwards?

In recent years, more people want to adopt rescue cats, but if you don't fully understand what that entails, it can sometimes lead to trouble, such as no longer being able to care for the cat later on.

In this article, I would like to explain in detail about rescue cats.

What is a rescue cat?

It is literally a "rescued cat."

Stray cats, abandoned cats, and cats that can no longer be kept for various reasons are taken in by animal protection centers or rescue volunteer facilities.

The living conditions of rescue cats are often outdoors, or even indoors in poor environments. As a result, it is not uncommon for them to be sick or injured. They may also have been abandoned or abused. Rescue cats often carry both physical and emotional scars and may be wary of people.

Furthermore, if they are rescued but cannot find a new family, they may become subject to euthanasia.

According to statistics from the Ministry of the Environment for fiscal year 2021, approximately 35,000 cats (about 20,000 of which were kittens) were taken in annually, and of those, about 12,000 (about 7,500 kittens) were euthanized. This means that one-third of all cats taken in are euthanized. It also shows that the vast majority of these are kittens.

Efforts are being made to reduce euthanasia, but the reality is that it has not yet reached zero.

How to adopt a rescue cat

Most rescue cats are obtained through adoption from shelters or similar organizations. Recently, acquisition through foster matching websites has also become common.

Here, I will explain the main sources for rescue cats, their characteristics, costs, and precautions.

Animal Protection Centers

These are what are commonly known as "public health centers" (hokenjo). They are prefectural facilities, now referred to as Animal Protection Centers. These centers hold regular cat adoption events. Participating in these events often involves certain conditions, such as attending a training class on how to care for cats held at the facility, declaring family structure and housing conditions, and signing an agreement to provide lifetime indoor care.

At these events, adult cats are given priority for adoption. This is not suitable for those looking specifically for kittens. Also, while they are generally mixed breeds, you may occasionally find purebreds.

There is a lottery system for those who apply for a desired cat. Therefore, there is a possibility that you may not be able to adopt the specific cat you wanted.

Before adoption, some cats undergo training at the facility, such as socialization or nail clipping. Most have already been spayed/neutered, treated for parasites, and vaccinated.

The cost is generally free. The facility may contact you periodically, and they may hold social events for foster parents. They also offer advice on how to raise the cat.

The situation before rescue is often unknown, so there is a possibility that they may have some kind of illness.

Rescue Volunteer Organizations

These cats are sheltered by rescue volunteer facilities. In addition to regular adoption events, it is also possible to visit the facilities directly.

You can find both adult cats and kittens. They are generally mixed breeds, but you may sometimes find purebreds.

Since popular cats are often subject to a lottery, you may not be able to adopt the cat you want.

There is sometimes a trial period, which allows you to spend time with the rescue cat to see if you can manage their care.

Adoption conditions vary by facility, and some may have quite strict requirements.

Costs also vary depending on the facility.

The situation before rescue is often unknown, so there is a possibility they may have some kind of illness. Also, if the facility's hygiene is poor, diseases can often spread among the animals.

Veterinary Clinics

Some veterinary clinics engage in rescue cat adoption activities.

Upon rescue, health checks, parasite treatment, and vaccinations are performed, and if treatment is necessary, they are cared for until they are ready for adoption.

They are often kittens, but because they are not always housing rescues, it is recommended to check their website or other information.

Adoption conditions depend on the clinic. Rescue cats are generally mixed breeds.

Costs are sometimes free, but vaccination fees may be required.

Since it is a veterinary clinic, a benefit is that you can get advice on care and training, and you can establish a regular veterinarian.

The situation before rescue is often unknown, and there is a possibility of illness. Furthermore, cats rescued by veterinary clinics often arrive in poor overall condition and frequently require ongoing treatment for illnesses or injuries.

Adoption Message Boards and Matching Sites

In recent years, online searches for rescue cat foster parents and matching sites have emerged.

Information about rescue cats is posted on the internet, and you communicate directly with the rescuer to finalize the adoption.

For those whose schedules don't align with adoption events, it is convenient because you can see information about cats at any time. You might also find adoption listings nearby.

Depending on the rescuer, a trial period may be permitted.

Because you are dealing directly with individuals, financial disputes can occur. While it is easy to search, you need to be cautious.

Consider the option of adopting a rescue cat

In Japan today, euthanasia has not yet reached zero. This is because animal protection centers have limited capacity. Among the cats brought into these centers, kittens that require artificial nursing or cats that need medical treatment are subject to euthanasia. Also, if a cat is judged to be too aggressive and difficult for human socialization, it may also be subject to euthanasia.

Animal protection centers themselves are working hard to hold adoption events so that as many cats as possible can find new families.

Rescue volunteer groups are also active in taking rescue cats out of animal protection centers.

If you go to a pet shop, you can find popular purebred kittens and easily start keeping one. However, it requires a high purchase price.

Rescue cats are more affordable, and there is often follow-up support after adoption. Above all, a precious life is saved.

If you are thinking about keeping a cat, why not consider the option of adopting a rescue cat rather than going to a pet shop?

Summary

In this article, we explained about rescue cats.

Rescue cats may have suffered physical and emotional trauma. If they are rescued but cannot find a family, a difficult future awaits them.

Given the current situation of euthanasia in Japan, we are still far from zero.

So that as many rescue cats as possible can meet new families, I hope you will consider the option of "adopting a cat instead of buying one."

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