Cat rescues are a vital part of helping homeless cats find loving homes. There are many reasons why cat rescues are necessary, ranging from providing neonate kittens with lifesaving care to exposing long-term shelter residents to new groups of potential adopters 1.
One of the key reasons why cat rescues are necessary is that they save the lives of neonate and pee wee kittens. These kittens are extremely vulnerable and often don’t survive without round-the-clock care. Some shelters and rescue organizations run fostering programs, in which they train and supply foster caregivers with what they need to keep kittens healthy enough to be spay/neutered and ultimately adopted 1.
Fostering also provides a safe and healthy environment for kittens to grow. With weaker immune systems, kittens are more prone to getting sick in shelter settings where they are exposed to various animals. Kittens under eight weeks old—who cannot survive on their own without continuous care—are especially vulnerable 1.
Cats living in a home often receive more attention, which helps relieve their stress. Studies show that increases in socialization and play time are good for kittens’ mental and physical health, which also increases their chances for eventual adoption 1.
Fostered kittens are likely to be better sensitized to the world they’ll face when adopted. Spending time with people, children and other domestic dynamics in a temporary home enables cats—especially kittens—to become comfortable with similar stimuli in a permanent home 1.
Adopting a cat from a shelter not only helps one of the many animals looking for a home but also opens a space for shelters and rescue groups to take in another cat 2. It also makes good financial sense to adopt a cat as you’ll take home a cat that is already spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and possibly microchipped 2.
In conclusion, cat rescues play an important role in helping homeless cats find loving homes. By fostering or adopting a cat from a shelter, you can make a big difference in the life of an animal in need.