Over the years, many have confided in me, ‘I recently rescued a cat,’ and each confession brings a wide smile on my face, a smile born from the courage it takes to save a life. I am always curious (as a cat) to know, what happened next? It’s like a gossip session over coffee, for every rescue story is unique, like a beautiful tale wrapped with numberless twists and turns, cliffhangers and sprinkled with restless suspense. Having immersed myself in this world for over 15 years (and proudly declaring my coffee addiction), I have had the privilege of listening to these countless rescue journeys, each one with a different melody, tone, voice and sometimes even pitch. And today, I want to share what you can do to complete your rescue story.
Step 1. Complete the Rescue
When you say you ‘rescued a cat from the streets,’ that is merely the first verse of a much larger song. And this song is not all going to be rhythmic (but the music is definitely coming). The true rescue unfolds when you lift that fragile creature into your arms and stand amid the unstoppable chaos, uncertain of what comes next. A common misstep is to rush into calling for help, be it from a local NGO or an organisation like Cat Café Studio. While it’s not wrong to seek guidance, too often, people want to shift the responsibility and make the rescued cat someone else’s problem or rather a burden (though I refuse to look at any animal as a burden).
At Cat Café Studio, we often hear, ‘I just rescued a cat, can you take it?” But that isn’t a rescue story; is it now? Or sometimes we hear, ‘I want to donate a cat; I just found one on the road. What’s the process?’ While shelters, NGOs, and adoption centres welcome donations of many kinds, living beings are not among them. I understand that in many other countries, abundant shelter homes embrace rescued animals, nurturing them until they are ready for adoption, unfortunately, not in India. The dire situation in this country is one to study for sure.
Consider a city like Mumbai, where cats are everywhere, in every building, roaming the streets, sleeping in gutters, hiding behind shops, and densely populated in the slums. The feline population swells each day, fuelled by the absence of widespread sterilisation programs. Nearly every animal NGO today concentrates on TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) missions as a long-term remedy to overpopulation. But these institutions have limited space and resources, running on donor funds and the passion and strength of individuals who care deeply about animal welfare. Crudely put, these organisations simply cannot keep pace with the ever growing tide of animals on the streets. The ratio of animal NGOs to stray lives in every city of India is staggeringly disproportionate – a harsh truth of the systemic challenges. Most of these organisations are not even focused on adoption; their primary mission is to provide urgent medical care, then return the vulnerable to the very streets from which they were rescued, before moving on to the next batch of needy souls.
This reality, as daunting as it may be, makes your individual rescue effort even more commendable than you could have ever imagined. You took a step to get one animal off the streets and that’s how the mighty ocean is made. So, let us forgive these overburdened NGOs for their limitations and carry on from this new found knowledge.
Yet here we are in 2025, and as both a community and an industry, we have made tremendous strides, with growth continuing to rise exponentially. Empathy is becoming contagious; people are looking down at the streets while walking (finally!). Conversations about pets are spilling everywhere, sometimes loudly consuming rooms. We have excellent veterinarians in most cities, growing numbers of animal NGOs and shelters, feeders are more respected, rescuers are in abundance, and affordable medical care is widely available. Pet food brands are thriving. Toys and accessories are everywhere (my first cat toy was handmade with Pepsi bottle caps and random feathers I found on the streets) and these days you can get cat food from Zepto or Blinkit – Dunzo even. We might soon see a Zomato for cats and dogs. (If you want this business idea, be my guest and run with it.)
Let’s rephrase now – your question should be: ‘I just saved this animal from the streets. What should I do next?’ Your aim should be to seek honest assistance in completing this rescue story so that, months later, you can look back and savour every moment of the journey.
Step 2. Find a Vet
Now that you’ve chosen to complete your rescue, let your journey lead you to a local veterinary clinic. This is where a quick search on Google can be incredibly useful. Perhaps your rescued animal has endured cruelty or suffered an accident, demanding urgent care. Fortunately, across most Indian cities, a network of private veterinary services and even 24-hour hospitals stand ready to help. Listen intently to the vet’s counsel: if hospitalisation is needed, treat your rescued kid with the same love and affection as you would for any family member and make informed decisions. Once you have tended to its needs, prepare for the next, most crucial phase of your story – time to head home with your rescued soul.
Step 3. Let’s Go Home
Bringing a rescued animal into your home may stir a whirlwind of thoughts, doubts and crazed motions in your system. ‘Can I truly care for a cat? My parents may not approve; I am broke; this might be too costly; I work all day; my house is too small’.
Yet, breathe deeply and remember: cats are modest in their needs. What they crave most is safety and love, a secure haven where warmth and affection flow. Even if your space is small, you can begin with a modest corner, perhaps even a humble bathroom.
In that space, first lay out a soft, welcoming blanket for the cat to curl into. Then, arrange a litter box, where a naturally clean creature can do its business. Should you find no pre-made litter available immediately, a simple box with a bit of sand will suffice; remember to clean it daily.
Nourishment is equally vital. Begin with wet food to offer comfort and satiation, followed by dry food to carry it through the day. Adhere to feeding guidelines, consult your vet for the proper portions, and ensure that fresh, clean water access with at least two bowls around.
Wrap these practical measures in layers of love, care, and gentle affection. In less than a week, your new friend will begin to embrace your home and presence, blossoming into a cherished companion.
Step 4. Study About Felines
Open your heart and mind to the wonders of the feline world, for living with a cat is a journey of endless discovery. Embrace every query that teases your mind, Google the smallest question, watch enchanting YouTube videos by crazy cat experts, or reach out to us at Cat Café Studio for guidance at any stage of this newfound companionship.
With time, you will find yourself irresistibly drawn to impress your cat – yes, for cats unknowingly weave their magic on us. You may find yourself hunting for the perfect cat castle or tree, delving into meticulous research on the finest cat food for your little baby, or searching for that ‘best’ toy (which is usually bottle caps and empty amazon boxes, go figure!). Soon, you will realise that there is never an overabundance of beds and blankets in your home. Amid the research, the cat conversations, and the countless snapshots filling your phone, the most cherished moment will be when night falls. As you settle down, your furry friend will cuddle close, purring softly, and together, you will drift into dreams of more cats and an idyllic world where every feline finds a home as lovely as yours.
For a more detailed guide on cat care, explore the resources at Cat Café Studio, be it our “crash course in cat adoption” blog or the comprehensive manual available on our website.
Step 5: Time for Cat Talks
Remember, this rescue happened for a reason. In that fleeting moment, as you noticed an animal in distress, something deep within you stirred, an irresistible ‘call to action’. You picked up that fragile life, and in doing so, you embarked on a transformative journey. Along the way, you will wonder, who rescued who?
Embrace this journey with openness, empathy, and a vision that stretches far into the future. Every small act of kindness you extend to your rescued friend is a reminder that domestic animals depend on us for love and protection. In offering them a safe and nurturing home, you are rewarded with endless affection, steadfast companionship, and a bond that enriches your life in ways you never imagined.
Rescuing an animal is not difficult, many of us have done it over the years. But yes, at that very moment, it overwhelms you – because you are not ready to disrupt your schedule, or life is already too hard, or your routine is everything, etc, etc. But embrace that discomfort. Let go of your blazing rational, logical thinking for once. Sometimes just one deep breath can do the magic. Trust me, it will be worth it in the end.
I sincerely hope that your rescue story unfolds with a happy ending, even amidst the harsh realities of cruelty and neglect that many animals face in India. Give your rescued animal the life it deserves, a second chance, and may you experience the joy of having an animal companion as deeply as I do every day.
And hopefully, someday, we will bump into each other (maybe at Cat Café Studio) and I will have the esteem pleasure to hear your beautiful rescue story over a cup of coffee.
