MISSION
Rescue, Adoptions, Edification, and Encouragement
Rescue
It's not enough to just rescue a cat from the streets. Each cat needs personalized care and time to adjust to their new life. Especially for those that have known nothing but the feral life, it is unfair to them to be rescued from a life on the streets if those doing the rescuing are not also willing to put in the time and patience that will be required.
We do not believe that there is just a narrow socialization window with ferals. That statement just does not match with our experience. It may be easier to socialize when they are kittens sure, but some adults have been socialized every bit as quickly as kittens if not quicker in some cases. Anyone that has had pets knows that each one is a unique individual. The same holds true among ferals.
The rescue process is not something that can have a definite timeline assigned to it. Along the way though is vetting, spaying, and neutering, socialization and learning what their new domestic life involves including possibly litterbox training.
We do not believe that there is just a narrow socialization window with ferals. That statement just does not match with our experience. It may be easier to socialize when they are kittens sure, but some adults have been socialized every bit as quickly as kittens if not quicker in some cases. Anyone that has had pets knows that each one is a unique individual. The same holds true among ferals.
The rescue process is not something that can have a definite timeline assigned to it. Along the way though is vetting, spaying, and neutering, socialization and learning what their new domestic life involves including possibly litterbox training.
Adoptions
Whether through local events, the use of pet listing websites or any other means that present themselves, the goal is that each rescued cat should have their own home where they will be loved and safe all the days of their lives.
Adoption fees are charged, not as a means for making money, (they oftentimes do not even cover the cost that has been spent for vetting, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering let alone food and litter,) but rather as a means of weeding out individuals that may try to adopt for less than altruistic motives. Recovering some of the amount that has been invested in each cat through adoption fees however, helps to make it possible to rescue the next cat.
As with bringing any animal home though, there is often an adjustment period where the animal that you see in your home is not the same as the one that you met at the rescue or adoption event. Given time and patience though, they will come around. Their lives have just dramatically changed once again and the safe people that they had come to rely on are no longer there. They need to learn that you too are a safe person.
As with bringing any animal home though, there is often an adjustment period where the animal that you see in your home is not the same as the one that you met at the rescue or adoption event. Given time and patience though, they will come around. Their lives have just dramatically changed once again and the safe people that they had come to rely on are no longer there. They need to learn that you too are a safe person.
Edification
At times it can be difficult to find resources that give clear-cut answers about how best to care for stray or feral animals in your own area, let alone what to expect along the way.
While many rescues mention ferals within their mission statements, oftentimes ferals are destined for TNR (trap, neuter, return,) and little else. We're determined to give those often overlooked felines the time and attention they deserve and to hopefully dispel some of the negative stereotypes that have been applied to them without warrant.
HERE you can find information on various aspects in dealing with ferals from first interactions to how to provide for them in harsh weather and even how to know when it may be time to rescue them.
While many rescues mention ferals within their mission statements, oftentimes ferals are destined for TNR (trap, neuter, return,) and little else. We're determined to give those often overlooked felines the time and attention they deserve and to hopefully dispel some of the negative stereotypes that have been applied to them without warrant.
HERE you can find information on various aspects in dealing with ferals from first interactions to how to provide for them in harsh weather and even how to know when it may be time to rescue them.
As a part of the outreach aspect of Rascal's Rescue, we're working to make connections within the local Amish communities in order to facilitate TNRing (trap, neuter, return) of their barn cats. On many Amish homesteads, the cats are left unsteralized resulting in many unwanted litters.
Encouragement
We know that there are many unknown heroes out there. We've had the pleasure of meeting a few of them.
They have taken the responsibility upon themselves of providing for felines in need in their area whether stray, abandoned or feral. At times, doing so can be a heavy financial burden. Nonetheless, they do what they can to provide for these animals.
We want to be an encouragement to these individuals. If you, or someone that you know, has taken it upon themselves to provide for homeless felines in their area, please contact us and tell us about them. We would like, as funds allow, to send something to them as a small token of gratitude and encouragement.
They have taken the responsibility upon themselves of providing for felines in need in their area whether stray, abandoned or feral. At times, doing so can be a heavy financial burden. Nonetheless, they do what they can to provide for these animals.
We want to be an encouragement to these individuals. If you, or someone that you know, has taken it upon themselves to provide for homeless felines in their area, please contact us and tell us about them. We would like, as funds allow, to send something to them as a small token of gratitude and encouragement.