Rescuing cats leads to forever families and happy hearts. But rescue and adoption is about more than creating happy homes, its also about saving lives. Many of the cats and kittens wandering into our lives have seen hardship before finding comfort and love in our arms.
Science has proven cats have excellent memories, which means they remember events both good and bad. While fur darlings that have experienced traumatic events will probably always carry the scars of what happened, the love and safety offered by kindhearted humans can help kitty cats to move past their hardships and form memories of joy and comfort.
Rescue and adoption rates aren’t an exact science at this point, but thanks to the creation of a national database by Shelter Animals Count, we’re getting a better idea of animal rescue and adoption figures nationwide. Breaking down the statistics gathered in the national database, the ASPCA reports:
- An estimated 6.5 million companion animals are taken in by U.S. animal shelters annually. Cats comprise around 3.2 million of that total number.
- Of the roughly 3.2 million shelter animals adopted yearly, 1.6 million are cats.
The cats in the photos below are part of these figures. And however these felines came to be a part of the rescue circuit, they all overcame hardship thanks to the magic of rescue and adoption.
From Alone to Loved
Some of the photos below are upsetting, start scrolling with that in mind. And remember, all these sweet kitty cats are happy and healthy now.
Cricket had to overcome malnourishment so severe, his legs were bowed. But now, he’s a loved and handsome cat with the fluffiest tail ever!
When it comes to a cat, adoption can happen in all ways. Sometimes, a cat wanders up and decides you’re the one. Just like Scout! Before finding her person, Scout was a “skinny, scrawny cat”. But now, she’s “a healthy, happy lap cat!”
Scout, the rescue kitty!/Imgur
Scout, the rescue kitty!/Imgur
Ginger cat Ollie was rescued from “horrible people” and in 3 months’ time, he grew into a tabby cat with the biggest smile around.
Peter, aka PigPen, “was extremely thin, dirty and the backs of his legs and tail were sore and raw.” After time in a doting foster home, PigPen thrived, becoming the mischievous kitten he was meant to be.
Tommy the Tomcat was found on a street by a kind family. He was seriously ill and a vet confirmed he’d been poisoned. After two weeks of medications and love, Tommy was healthy and safe in his new home.
At one time, Wheezey was an ill and scared kitten. But now he’s a healthy, gorgeous kitty boy thanks to rescue and adoption…
This little ginger tabby kitten might have lost his eyes forever if not for the care of rescue workers and volunteers. But, as you can see, his eyes are open wide to the world…
If you’re interested in volunteering with cats and kittens or adopting one, contact your local humane societies or rescue groups. Help a cat in need find their chance at the magic of a forever family.
H/T: www.buzzfeed.com
Featured Image: @battersea_/Twitter