| There are thousands of small groups that rescue | | | | turn these cats into fine pets for people who |
| cats, and otherwise do what they can for them | | | | understand the special needs of these cats. |
| without the benefit of any shelter building. Often | | | | No-Kill Shelters |
| they provide these services out of their own homes. | | | | There are organizations that call themselves "no-kill |
| Many of these organizations are excellent sources for | | | | shelters" that are very controversial in the cat rescue |
| adopting pet cats. | | | | and adoption community. Most shelters have many |
| Usually made up of dedicated volunteers, these | | | | more cats than they can place. An unfortunate |
| groups rescue and tame feral cats and motherless | | | | consequence is that this ends up in the death of |
| kittens, as well as find homes for cats that need | | | | millions of cats every year. No-kill shelters will refuse |
| them. Often they will also raise money to help neuter | | | | to take in cats that are not adoptable. The cats that |
| and spay the cats of people (often the elderly or | | | | are turned away are then sent to other shelters, |
| those on fixed incomes) who can not afford the | | | | where they are forced to do the killing. |
| costs of having these done for their pets. | | | | Many people believe that for someone who is ready |
| These groups fill a need that is vital. Some will | | | | to adopt a cat, looking for a shelter that offers |
| specialize in cats that are hard to place, or those that | | | | many healthy, well-socialized animals. as well as cat |
| for various reasons, the bigger shelters will not take | | | | adoption counseling, is key in the process. Find the |
| in for adoption. Some are too old, disabled, or maybe | | | | type of shelter where a well-trained core of |
| too wild to be adopted into most homes. With much | | | | volunteers will work to get the right pet for you. |
| love and patience, many of these groups are able to | | | | |