Our Policies

We believe our policies give us the most effective opportunity to rescue and rehome cats and be a sustainable organisation that doesnt burn out. This has come from experience in dealing with hundreds of cats and many different people.

We have all heard the stories of organisations and people who take in too many animals. Our management structure and common sense has been put in place to ensure that this will not happen. Overcrowding, overloading carers and over working volunteers does not work out in the best interests of the cats. We need a strong and smart network to continue to be able to save animals. One out of control situation can change all that.

Everyone is welcome at CatRescue - CatRescue does not discriminate on sex, colour, socio-economic background, sexuality or anything. We don't mind if you are vegan or meat eater. We welcome gay, straight, ethnic or outer space people. We welcome Raeliens & sea people. We don't care. We want to work with you to help save cats. The only "check" is that we wont take animals from independent rescuers or collectors. We will help them rehome.

1) CatRescue cannot independently assist cat collectors/rescuers with more cats that they can manage.   

Our policy is that we will only engage when we can also bring in Council and Community for effective management and ongoing care, or it will start again.. Put simply, it's something that needs to be handled professionally and with sincere caution. Legally and physically.

2) CatRescue does not act as a rescue/holding facility for other Animal groups or welfare agencies without a contract

We've worked hard to build CatRescue, and it runs on a shoe string. There are many rescuers out there who want our help to clean up colonies and local issues . . . but we have very limited resources. In the past we've ended up with the work, the animals and the bills . . goodwill does not pay for vets. So we will only enter into a join rescue program with contracts and preferably with council involvement.

3) No pressure on carers to take more than they can manage

We will not pressure our carers into taking more cats than they can manage. If you say no, we mean no. You will never be pressured. You are more useful when your life is balanced and you can manage. We will never put the cats above your health and wellbeing. Equally we will just not tolerate people who pressure us to take cats. If we say no it means we cant for a good reason.

4) No overpopulating - 4 cats max!

Each carer agrees to a maximum number of cats, with 4 cats being the maximum we will allow. We will never promote going above this number and will not overburden carers. We don't agree with over population, it means disease and risk, which means suffering and costs. 4 Cats Max!

5) No "double booked" carers

CatRescue will not normally work with foster carer/rescuers that are actively taking in and rescuing from other rescue groups. This is based on long personal experience. CatRescue loves it's carers, we treat them well and make sure they are capable, coping and have the necessary support they need to foster. This is only possible by keeping low numbers, quality standards of care and reduced costs, and this is very hard if the carer is also taking in rescues from other groups.

We know that some other rescue groups pressure carers to take more animals than they can manage, we cant vouch for the health of some of these animals and in some cases they are left unable to effectively care for the animals, with undesexed and sick groups. This image simply cannot continue if we are to bring about large acceptance in the government of community based care groups. We are happy to come to arrangements with other rescue groups in this situation.

6) Carers can always leave, we can always take back the cats.

Any carer who joins CatRescue can leave and give back the cats at any time they like with no questions asked. Sometimes life just means you need to re-adjust. CatRescue can take back any cats in care if needed. The welfare of the Cats is crucial to any care decision.

7) ‘No Kill’ Policy - but we understand what this means

CatRescue believes in No Kill in our time. We understand that with this belief comes responsibility to solving the problem of over population. Killing homeless or unwanted animals is not in their best interest and provides only a short term and convenient solution to a human problem. CatRescue is dedicated to promoting the concept of ‘no-kill’ and believes that every animal has the right to live.

We are committed to caring for every animal that enters our program regardless of the time and resources required to find their forever home.  But we understand that we have the luxury of saying no when we are full. Many other organisations such as the RSPCA, Cat Protection and others don't have that luxury. We will do everything we can to help.

8) An Animal Is For Life

One of the most important things we can do for the companion animal in our care is commit to them for the duration of their life. This may mean making compromises, and understanding and accepting the responsibilities that their care involves before we decide to adopt.

Every year in Australian pounds and shelters hundreds of thousands of homeless and abandoned animals are put to death. Many of them experience great suffering, loneliness, and fear before their lives are cut tragically short. All of these animals had homes. CatRescue promotes the responsible guardianship of companion animals. Please remember that an animal is for life!

9) Health Policy

All CatRescue cats are desexed, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption. They have also been vet-checked to confirm their general good health. However, CatRescue cannot guarantee the absence of any incubating illness or any congenital health problems to which some breeds are prone.

The cost of all veterinary treatment subsequent to the day of adoption must be borne by the new guardians.

10) Adoption Fees

We ask that all adoptees assist in covering the costs of desexing,vaccinating and microchipping their new animal companion. Normally this is around $100-$180. This also ensures that the individual is financially capable of maintaining the health and wellbeing of their companion animal who will require their on-going care.

11) Two Cats Are Better Than One!

We believe that cats are happiest and most settled when they are integrated into the family and have ongoing company. Many of our cats haven't had the happiest of starts, and our policy is to re-home them in an environment where they will truly become a loved and participating member of the adopting family. For this reason, we look for homes where the cat will not be left by themselves for long periods. In many instances we recommend adopting two cats as this gives a play partner and helps with the wellbeing of the animal.

12) No Cats As A Gift Policy

CatRescue does not allow the purchase of cats as gifts for others, without their direct involvement. It is most important that the primary carer/s of the cats are present to bond and fall in love with their most suitable CatRescue companion.

13) All CatRescue Cats Are Welcome Back

If at any stage you decide that you can no longer care for your companion, they are always welcome back into our foster care program. Once a cat has been rescued by our team we are committed to them for the duration of their life and will always assist or assume full responsibility for their re-homing should your circumstances change.