Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions asked about our organization. If you can't find your question here, contact us!  

What is a "special-needs" cat?
When do you euthanize cats?
How often are the cats cared for?
What makes you different from other pet rescues?
Can I adopt a cat from SCSCR?
How can I help SCSCR?

Q: What is a "special-needs" cat?   

A: We classify a cat as having special needs if it meets any of the following criteria:  

Senior cat (older than 8 years of age)
Disabled cat (e.g., blindness, amputee, etc.)
Chronically ill cat (e.g. kidney disease, feline herpes, etc.)
Cat that has a history of abuse, neglect, or abandonment
Pregnant female or new mother in need of care
Orphaned kitten needing bottled milk, medical treatment, or socialization
Stray cat with malnutrition or illness
Feral cat

Q: When do you euthanize cats?  

A: SCSCR is a completely no-kill rescue. However, every cat eventually reaches a point where it would be considered cruel to allow it to continue suffering. Animals that have been euthanized while in our care have always been cared for to the fullest before the decision was made and the cat was in irremediable pain. We stay with the cat for the entire process, and hold them as they pass on. They are then cremated and placed on a shelf in the rescue honoring their memory. Examples of cats that have been euthanized are:  

Honor: she spent 6 wonderful months with us before her left lung collapsed. We believe her previous owner exposed her to significant amounts of second-hand smoke.

Julianne: she had been severely abused before coming to us. She was with us a brief time before going into complete kidney failure.

Pinkey: this was a feral that routinely came for food. One day we noticed him walking strangely. Animal control helped us trap him. We rushed him to the vet, and discovered he had internal body injuries, most likely from being hit by a car.

Kiet: he had been abandoned with his brother, left in the family's old apartment. We took him in for a veterinary exam upon his arrival to SCSCR, and the vet discovered a large cancerous growth in his mouth. It clearly caused him intense pain and prevented him from eating, so we helped him pass on.

Q: How often are the cats cared for?  

A:  Because we are a home sanctuary, the volunteers who run the organization are with the cats nearly 24 hours a day. Volunteers in the facility for social cats work separate jobs from a home office, and are therefore able to attend to the cats as needed. Volunteers at the facility for feral cats do work outside jobs, but dedicate nearly all parts of their morning and evening to cat care.  

Q: What makes you different from other pet rescues?  

A: There are several aspects that set us apart from other rescue efforts in the country:  

No cages - the only time our cats see steel bars is when they are in the kitty-carrier going to the vet

Home-based - our cats live with us; they sleep on our beds, cuddle with us and each other, and eat their choice of healthy foods

Holistic care - we strongly believe in offering a balance of eastern and western medicine to our cats. We always see our veterinarians and take their advice on treatment, and add our own holistic treatments to enhance healing and well-being

Q: Can I adopt a cat from SCSCR?   

A: Yes, we do have some cats that are able to go to other homes. Contact us for further details.  

Q: How can I help SCSCR?  

A: Donate! You can donate money, items, or your time and skills. Are you skilled at writing grants? Can you do research to provide details for grantors? If you have the time, we can find a way to use it efficiently and to the fullest benefit of our cats.