Cats have been the favorite companions and pets of many families and individuals for centuries. These wonderful pets bring so much joy and fill a gap we often don’t know exists. If you live in Melbourne, you might want to check out the best cat rescues in Melbourne to bring home one for your family.
Unfortunately, many cats end up in shelters at no fault of theirs, and adopting rather than buying is one of the best ways to show your love for these pets.
Both young and adult cats of all ages and breeds end up homeless, hoping someone will adopt them and show them unconditional love and affection.
Numerous cats are suffering due to the mistreatment they received from their prior owners and are simply waiting for someone like you who is ready to provide them refuge, love, and the care they need.
Fortunately, many organizations and animal shelters are working to offer a secure and comfortable environment for homeless cats and kittens waiting for their new owners.
Adopting a pet can help relieve shelter pressure and reduce the number of animals put to death by giving them a new home and life. For those who want to make a difference and adopt their next cat, here are some of the best cat rescues in Melbourne.
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The Best Cat Rescues in Melbourne
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1. Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue
If you want the best place to adopt a happy and healthy cat, we highly recommend Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue. It is a registered, not-for-profit charity in Melbourne but serves the whole state.
You can adopt a cat from this rescue regardless of where you are in Melbourne, provided you meet their requirements.
Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue consists of a team of volunteers dedicated to helping animals in need of love, care, attention, and medical care. They are passionate about animal welfare and would go the extra mile to ensure the pets have a second chance at life.
Their mission is to be an advocate and voice for the well-being and health of those most in need of finding responsible, loving homes forever. BFFR believes every animal deserves respect, love, and care, and they ensure all their rescued cats receive such treatment.
BFFR takes in pets of all breeds and ages, regardless of their medical conditions, behavioral issues, etc. This is a foster-based rescue, so all their rescued pets are placed in foster homes across the state.
Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue is committed to offering regular support and guidance to help those who foster or adopt feel like they are part of a welcoming community of animal lovers.
They are strongly committed to assisting and enlightening the community, their foster parents, and those who adopt from them.
All their rescued cats are thoroughly vet-checked and examined for various health conditions. Those with behavioral issues are also attended to and trained before putting them up for adoption.
In addition to receiving a lot of care, love, and attention, the cats are vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped before going home. BFFR promotes responsible pet ownership and encourages pet owners to desex their pets to help curb overpopulation.
Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue Details:
- Location: Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Beary Fuzzy Forever Rescue
2. Ingrid’s Haven
Ingrid’s Haven is one of the best cat rescues in the Melbourne region. You can rely on this rescue organization for cat breeds and sizes, including kittens. They occasionally have kittens from rescued pregnant cats or abandoned kittens.
It is a non-profit, registered cat rescue in Victoria, just north of Melbourne. This rescue organization has many kittens and cats available for adoption, most of which are from death row at pounds.
They take in these cats and care for them until their forever families come for them.
Before adoption, all their kittens and cats are:
- Microchipped
- Vaccinated
- Desexed
- Wormed
- Flea-treated
They ensure their cats receive the best vet care possible, as their health and well-being are their top priorities.
Because of the alarming number of cats they take off the streets and shelters, this rescue organization does not accept surrenders from the general public.
Ingrid’s Haven is a no-kill shelter that cares for its cats for as long as they remain with them.
Regardless of how long a cat has been with them, the rescue team does not put them to sleep. All adoptable and treatable cats are treated and cared for until they find their forever homes.
We also like this rescue because their website is always updated with available kittens and cats.
You can browse their “Cats for Adoption” page to find your next kitty friend. The Haven is a non-profit organization that does not rely on the government for funds or support.
It raises funds through the online Madeit shop, Pet Expos, Goodwill’s Wines, general donations, and sponsorships.
Considering that all their cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, flea-treated, and wormed, their adoption fees are slightly higher than other rescues. The adoption fee for all adult cats is $150, and kittens younger than six months are $250.
Their simple adoption process encourages people to choose adoption over buying from a rescue team. All you have to do is fill out the adoption form and await their response.
Upon approving your request, you will be interviewed to determine your eligibility. Your information will enable them to pair you with a cat that best suits your lifestyle, home, and unique needs.
The cats’ health, happiness, temperament, and unique needs are also considered when looking for their forever homes.
Ingrid’s Haven Details:
- Location: Sunday Creek, Victoria, North of Melbourne
- Phone Number: 041-736-0700
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Ingrid’s Haven
3. Second Chance Animal Rescue
As the name implies, Second Chance Animal Rescue is committed to giving lost, abandoned, and surrendered pets the gift of hope. This rescue organization believes every companion animal deserves to find that tiny sparkle of hope.
They ensure these pets find hope that allows them to find their feet once again and step into a second chance at life. SCAR is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and support from pet lovers nationwide.
Every donation to the rescue organization goes towards the lifesaving work they are committed to at the program.
They rescue both dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. The rescue team occasionally has kittens, so you can contact them if you want to add a kitten to your home.
SCAR is an animal shelter in Melbourne dedicated to facilitating the successful fetching of families with their new best friends. Their goal is to ensure that their rescued pets become great additions to new families for the rest of their lives.
Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc. (SCAR) has spent the last few years evaluating the needs of animals (and their owners) in its community.
Identifying obstacles and creating creative solutions to address the underlying issues that lead to companion animals being abandoned.
SCAR is also on a mission to engage the hearts, minds, and hands of its community to stop the cycle of animal abandonment.
They aim to create a cohesive, positive community where pet owners are supported with accessible resources and can care for their companions without fear of financial hardship.
Second Chance Animal Rescue Details:
- Location: Melbourne
- Phone Number: 039-357-0834
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Second Chance Animal Rescue
4. Maneki Neko Cat Rescue
Maneki Neko Cat Rescue is an ACNC-registered, non-profit pet welfare organization that works with local councils, businesses, and community groups to help save cats and find them responsible, loving homes forever.
They help cats by finding loving homes for healthy de-sexed cats and kittens, encouraging the microchipping and de-sexing of all pets, and collaborating with like-minded community volunteers.
Maneki Neko Cat Rescue hopes to enhance the welfare of cats and kittens, lower the euthanasia rate, and raise reclaiming and rehoming rates.
This rescue organization was established in 2012 after many years of rescuing and rehoming cats informally. The name of this organization, “Maneki Neko,” is a Japanese symbol of property, success, good health, and happiness.
They hope the name’s symbols will manifest in the organization and the kittens and cats they rehome. Maneki Neko saves homeless, lost, abandoned, neglected, sick, injured, and surrendered cats.
The team does not leave any cat behind, regardless of its condition. Professional vets examine and treat all rescued cats to ensure they are healthy and fit to join new families.
In addition to providing adopters with healthy, happy cats and a straightforward adoption process, this rescue organization offers lifetime support to all their adopters.
Their goal is to ensure you and your cat are comfortable and have everything you need to make the adoption successful.
Maneki Neko Cat Rescue Details:
- Location: Regent Street, Preston, Melbourne, VIC 3072
- Phone Number: 045-977-9888
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Maneki Neko Cat Rescue
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with a stray cat you can’t keep?
If you’ve found a stray cat, your best option is to take it to the nearest animal shelter. Safe from harm, the cat can wait to be picked up by its owner or adopted by someone else.
What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?
A stray cat has already been socialized and used to be cared for by humans. A feral cat is a wild cat that has never lived with humans before and does not trust them.
Is it ok to rehome an old cat?
It is ok to rehome an old cat, since it might help connect an owner who wants a cat with a cat that just wants to be loved. If you can’t care for your feline friend anymore, find someone who can.
Check Out Some of the Best Cat Rescues in Melbourne
Cats made great additions to many homes, especially when you pick a breed suitable for your lifestyle, home, and family.
Don’t just pick a random cat breed; do your research or consult any of the rescue organizations here to help determine the best cat breed for your family.
Make sure you spend time with the cat to test compatibility before finalizing the adoption process.
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Before you bring home a cat from a rescuer in Melbourne, you can learn more about cats by watching “Daily Cat Care Basics & Routines with Multiple Cats” down below:
