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, shelters, and adoption.
I’m a curious cat researcher (not a veterinarian) who sniffs out expert, reliable sources about cats, reviews their information, then passes it on to you!
Sometimes there’s not enough evidence for easy answers, so you’ll see claims from all sides, along with explanations given as thoroughly and clearly as possible, linking you to experts on each page.
All sources are given at the bottom of each page so you can do more snooping.
Discover
- What they do
- How you can help
- How to evaluate them
- How to find them in your area
- TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return, a.k.a., Trap-Neuter-Release)
It’ll take a while 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 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, prepare before going to a shelter or rescue (or getting one from your neighbor).
Think about your lifestyle…
What 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?
Questions You Should Answer
- Do you have time to play with them and care for their needs?
These are just a few things you’ll need to think through before making any decisions.
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 February 5, 2023