Veterinarian explains in detail what to do if you rescue a cat but can't keep it.

You might come across a stray cat that is injured, lost, or weakened.

While you might be able to turn a blind eye, those who choose to rescue an animal in such a situation likely have a kind heart. However, it is very common to rescue a cat but then be unable to keep it.

This article explains what to do if you rescue a cat but cannot keep it.

What to do if you rescue a cat but cannot keep it

There are many cases where people rescue a cat out of kindness but are unable to keep it. In such situations, it is necessary to entrust the cat to a place where it can be cared for. While this might sound harsh, rescuing an animal when you know you cannot keep it can lead to another abandonment. Once you rescue a cat, you must responsibly find a place where it can be cared for.

Find a new owner yourself

First, try to find a new owner yourself. You could ask neighbors or colleagues, or use social media to advertise for adoption. There are also cat adoption matching websites, and using such resources might help you find a new owner quickly.

If you are looking for a new owner yourself, it will be easier to find one if the cat has already received vaccinations, deworming, and a health checkup at a veterinary clinic.

Consult an animal welfare organization

There are organizations that rescue and rehome cats. If you consult such an organization, they may take the cat in. However, if the cat has health problems or requires treatment, it might be difficult for them to take it. Also, there may be a fee for them to take the cat.

Consult a veterinary clinic

Some veterinary clinics take in animals, treat them, and then arrange for adoption. If the rescued cat is weak or injured, it's a good idea to consult a vet. However, not all veterinary clinics offer such services, and they may refuse if you do not intend to keep the cat. Even if they do take the cat, you may still be responsible for treatment costs.

Consult an animal welfare center

Animal welfare centers are essentially "animal shelters" managed by prefectural or municipal governments. These facilities not only take in animals but also perform euthanasia. In recent years, there has been a strong movement to reduce euthanasia, and rescued cats are increasingly being put up for adoption. However, kittens that need milk, cats that require treatment for injuries or illnesses, and aggressive cats that are difficult to socialize are still often euthanized. There is a fee for surrendering an animal.

Things you should absolutely NOT do when you can't keep a cat

There are various reasons why people cannot keep a cat. However, there are things you should absolutely not do if you cannot keep one.

Abandoning the cat

You may have seen scenes in old dramas or anime where a child picks up a cat and their mother scolds them, telling them to "take it back where you found it." Please never do this.

Cats are classified as protected animals, and abandoning a cat is a violation of the "Act on Welfare and Management of Animals." If you abandon an animal, you can face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one million yen. Once you rescue a cat, you must responsibly find a place where it can be cared for.

Secretly leaving a cat in front of a house that might take it in or a veterinary clinic also counts as abandonment. You must absolutely avoid this.

Failing to provide necessary care or treatment

When you rescue a cat, it might be injured or ill, or require care such as milk. Simply rescuing a cat without providing any care or treatment can endanger its life. If care or treatment is needed, first take the cat to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment, and then look for a new owner while it recovers.

Refusing to pay fees for surrender or treatment

Many people are reluctant to pay surrender fees or veterinary treatment costs. At my veterinary clinic, it's common to see cases where people refuse to pay for the treatment of stray cats. This is likely due to the psychological effect of thinking, "I rescued it out of kindness, so why am I being charged?"

However, treatment and care incur significant costs. Ideally, the person who rescued the animal should pay these costs and care for it themselves, but instead, they are asking others to do so. You must absolutely bear these costs.

Keeping a pet in secret

Do not keep a cat in a pet-free apartment or without your family's permission. If you continue to keep a cat thinking "no one will find out," it will inevitably lead to problems. When problems arise, it can result in another abandonment, making the rescued cat unhappy. If you are unable to keep the cat, immediately find a place where it can be cared for.

Summary

This article discussed what to do if you rescue a cat but cannot keep it.

Rescuing a cat is a wonderful thing. However, if you rescue a cat without carefully considering your own circumstances, the rescued cat might end up being even more unfortunate. There are various places that take in rescued cats. If you have reasons why you cannot keep the cat, consult with an animal shelter or similar facility. And ask for their help with sincerity.

Related Articles

Be Happy! Rescue Cat Adoption Support Program

Those who welcome a rescue cat into their family will receive a 2,222 yen gift certificate valid at the Poponeko official online shop! This gift certificate can be exchanged for Poponeko cat collars or ID tags...