Hi there, Skye Blake here. I know what it’s like to be in a feline scrape, a pickle, a jam, (hmm… getting hungry), a difficult situation… a cat needing rescue.
So I can sympathize with my fellow downtrodden felines. Those rescued and cared for by people hold a special place in my heart.
That’s why I’m determined to track down everything I can about rescue groups, explain their functions, even review them so you can see which are the best, and help you find them in your area.
It’ll take awhile and I’ll need your help. Let me know what city you live in and which shelters and groups you like.
I’d love to connect with them and help fellow proud felines find homes to rule.
In the meantime, I’ll keep tracking clues…
Private, Rescue Group & Shelter Adoptions
If you’re interested in adopting a stray or rescued kitty, there are things you should know before deciding what to do.
If you’re not experienced in caring for a cat, learn and prepare before going to a shelter or rescue (or getting one from your neighbor).
Think about your lifestyle. Do you want…
- the high energy bouncy kitten climbing the curtains?
- the quiet senior cat curled up contentedly in your lap?
- the talkative attention seeker?
- the shy wallflower needing extra patience?
- the special needs cat who takes daily thyroid pills or insulin injections?
No matter where you get your cat there are questions you should answer to be ready to care for him…
- What kind of food is right for their individual needs?
- Do you have time to play with them and care for their needs?
- Have you considered realistically your cat’s health care costs? Find out more about costs by signing up for our “mewsletter” at the bottom of this page. You’ll get bonus info “How to Pay Vet Bills”)
These are just a few things you’ll need to think through before making any decisions.
I’m following lots of trails to bring you all the info you need. Discover what you didn’t know at…
Related Pages of Interest
| “Kill” vs “No-Kill” Shelters – Which is Better? | Animal Hoarding or Rescue? |
| Animal Shelters…What’s the Scoop? | What Does a Veterinarian Do? |
Sources
Sources used on this website are either primary or secondary.
Primary sources are always preferable and have the most reliable information because they’re original and directly referenced.
Scientific abstracts and data are good examples of primary sources.
Secondary sources are weaker because they usually consist of opinions or articles that give no sources of their own.
So, sometimes they refer to primary sources.
When I use secondary sources, most are those with some authority, such as veterinarian or cat behaviorist books and articles.
List of Sources
“13 Most Inspiring Animal Welfare Organizations“, Dog Product Picker, December 13, 2021
“30 Great Animal Organizations Worthy of Your Donations 2020” – Best Choice Reviews
“501c3Lookup.org – U.S. IRS 501(c)(3) Non-profit List“
A-B
“Adopting a Pet From a Rescue (And Why the Rules Sometimes Seem Wacky)” – Petful
“Animal Shelters & Rescues for Pet Adoption“, Petfinder
“Animal Shelters & Rescues Work Together“, Best Friends Animal Society
“Animal Shelter and Rescue Program“, Mass.gov
“Animal Welfare Act Quick Reference Guides“, Animal Welfare Information Center, NAL, USDA
“ASPCA Grants“, ASPCA
“Behavioral Assessment in Animal Shelters” by Sheila Segurson D’Arpino, DVM, DACVB (maddiesfund.org), 2007
C-G
“Cat Rescue Groups | Life Saving Organizations and Resources” (cat-lovers-only.com)
“Charity Navigator – Advanced Search“
“Choosing a Reputable Rescue Group” – RedRover
“Facility Design, Shelter Animal Housing and Shelter Population Management“, Library – University of Wisconsin-Madison Shelter Medicine Program (uwsheltermedicine.com)
“Game Changer Celebrates Facility’s 50,000th Spay-Neuter“, Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, Mercola, January 21, 2021
“Game Changer Wants to End Pet Homelessness and Suffering (mercola.com)“, Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker, February 25, 2021
H-R
“How to Start a Rescue or Other Animal Nonprofit” (bestfriends.org)
“The Importance of Animal Shelters“, Richell USA, November 25, 2019
“Laws Regulating Rescue and Foster Care Programs for Companion Animals“, Animal Legal & Historical Center (animallaw.info)
“NYC Pet Adoption Guide: Animal Shelters For Dogs And Cats” – CBS New York (cbslocal.com)
“Original Purpose of Animal ‘Control’ Shelters, that you might not know” by Donna, bostonterriernetwork.com
“Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters“, ASPCA
“Rescue Bank” (greatergood.org)
“Rescue Best Practice Guide” (humanepro.org)
“Rescue or Rotten?” – Catwatch Newsletter
S-Z
“Shelter/Rescue Transport Programs” – Animal Shelter, Inc. of Sterling (sterlingshelter.org)
“Shelter Resources“, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
“Shelters and rescues FAQ“, The Humane Society of the United States
“Starting A Pet-Adoption Organization“, Petfinder
“Understanding Your Local Government & Animal Control Information for Cats” (alleycat.org)
“What Is Hoarding Disorder?” (psychiatry.org)
Updated June 15, 2022