a Guide for New Rescues
Resucing can be long and frustrating, yet extremely rewarding journey. It requires commitment, patience, resilience and resources.
When you find a cat in harm, refer to this guide to ensure you take responsible actions while protecting animal welfare.
Meeting a cat in need
Stray cats are everywhere: they roam around your apartment, in front of the supermarket, sometimes by the roadside. Everyday, you may be confronted with the same question: do they need my help?
Some stray cats are well-taken care of — their ears tipped and bellies fat. Typically part of a TNR initiative, these cats may have community rescuers and feeders looking out for them.
However, if a cat is not neutered and visibly unwell and/or found somewhere they shouldn’t be at (like the road), it’s highly likely they are on their own and need your help.
Build trust
To capture a cat, you will need to get them to trust you.
Approach them slowly and get them out of danger first, if needed
Lure them with food. Make sure to clean up empty bowls or cans after they are done!
Place them in a cat carrier
This process can take minutes, hours, even days. If the cat is found nearby where you live, take your time and start with regular feeding. However, if you are in a dire situation where their life is at harm, think fast and get help from close friends and family.
Health first!
» HEALTH SCREENING PACKAGE (COMING SOON)
Stray cats are exposed to feline diseases such as Feline Coronavirus, Parvovirus, FIV, FELV, and more. Once you can get them into a carrier, bring them to your trusted vet. If you don’t have one, call ahead to check whether they are rescuer-friendly.
On top of physical diagnosis to rule out active infections (e.g. flu, ringworm), here’s a list of tests you should consider:
3-in-1 test (Parvo, Giardia, FCoV)
FIV, FeLV, FIP
We are partnering with Vetico to offer a screening package, so you don’t have to think about what tests to ask for at rescuer-friendly prices.
After your visit, your rescue may need further treatment especially for serious cases. Request the vet to provide an estimated quote if you plan to run a fundraiser.
Release vs Rehome
If your cat requires long-term treatment, their stay at the vet may be prolonged. But once they are cleared for any serious or active illnesses, ask yourself: am I committed to finding them a new home?
If the answer is no:
Trap-neuter-return might be your best option. Once they have recovered from their spay or neutering surgery, find somewhere safe that you can release them.
Ideally, this is somewhere you can visit for regular feeding, so they are still taken care of.
If the answer is yes:
You may exhaust options to put them up for adoption.
Reach out to close friends, family, or community groups online.
While you wait for an adopter, you have two options: bring them home or pay to board them elsewhere.
That’s where Kolektif Kucing comes in: we foster and rehabilitate rescued cats until adoption.