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GLOBAL CAT RESCUE DIRECTORY

Find Rescue Cats.
Adopt Thoughtfully.

Discover shelters, foster networks and rescue organizations by location, then learn how to prepare for a responsible, lasting adoption.

Three adoptable cats relaxing together in a bright foster home

ADOPTION STARTS WITH FIT

The right match matters more than speed.

Ask about temperament, medical needs, household compatibility and transition support. Rescue listings support discovery but do not replace direct conversations with the organization.

Use the adoption framework →
Worldwide discoveryLocal and regional pathways
Transparent profilesOrganization type and status
Last-checked datesInformation currency displayed
Official connectionsAdoptable cats on source sites

ADOPTION PATHWAYS

Find the support your home needs.

Explore organizations serving different cats and households—from foster-based care to senior and special-needs adoption.

BREED CONNECTIONS

Explore rescue options by breed.

Breed pathways connect Catopedia’s encyclopedia profiles with rescue organizations and relevant care and health education.

RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

Recently added or updated.

View all rescue profiles →
Catopedia global cat rescue directory illustration
Reviewed

38 Smiles

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Animal rescue · Animal-welfare organization · Nonprofit

Last checked 2026-10-06View organization →

COMPLETE ADOPTION GUIDE

Prepare for the cat—not just the adoption day.

Strong placements begin with honest expectations, complete questions and a practical plan for the first days and weeks.

Read the Complete Adoption Guide
01

Readiness

Consider time, housing, finances, household agreement and long-term responsibility.

02

The individual cat

Ask about personality, routines, handling, play, litter habits and known stressors.

03

Health records

Review examinations, treatments, medications, vaccination and preventive-care information.

04

Household fit

Discuss children, other animals, noise, activity and the cat’s preferred environment.

05

Adoption terms

Understand fees, agreements, trial periods, return policies and follow-up expectations.

06

Transition support

Prepare a quiet room, gradual introductions and veterinary follow-up before arrival.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Ask what is known—and what remains uncertain.

Rescues work with cats whose histories vary. A responsible profile distinguishes documented information, current observations and unknowns without promising future health or behavior.

Explore the Cat Health Library →

THE ADOPTION JOURNEY

Know what comes next.

  1. 01

    Assess readiness

    Review household needs, budget, housing rules and future plans.

  2. 02

    Search thoughtfully

    Compare organizations and focus on individual compatibility.

  3. 03

    Apply honestly

    Share accurate information so the rescue can evaluate fit.

  4. 04

    Meet and ask

    Observe the cat when possible and clarify every known need.

  5. 05

    Prepare the home

    Create a quiet base camp and arrange supplies and veterinary care.

  6. 06

    Support the transition

    Move gradually, track changes and contact the rescue or veterinarian when needed.

VERIFY THE ORGANIZATION

Compassion should never be exploited.

Confirm the rescue’s identity, official website, public contact details, adoption process and payment recipient. Be cautious about urgent payment demands, unverifiable transport stories or refusal to discuss the cat.

Review Adoption Scam Guidance →

HELP BEYOND ADOPTION

Support rescue work in practical ways.

Not every household is ready to adopt. Fostering, volunteering, transporting, donating and sharing verified listings can make a meaningful difference.

Foster

Provide temporary care with supplies, expectations and support clearly defined.

Volunteer

Offer time for care, administration, transport, events or communications.

Donate responsibly

Review registration, financial transparency and the organization’s stated needs.

Share accurately

Use the organization’s current official listing instead of copied or outdated details.

WHAT LISTING STATUS MEANS

Useful transparency without false assurance.

UNCLAIMED

Publicly sourced profile

The organization has not confirmed control of its Catopedia profile.

CLAIMED

Relationship confirmed

An authorized representative can maintain details; this is not an endorsement.

REVIEWED

Core details checked

Selected information was compared with identified sources on the displayed date.

ADOPTION TOOLS

Turn good intentions into a clear plan.

CAT RESCUE FAQ

Questions people ask before adopting.

Policies differ by organization and jurisdiction. Treat these answers as a starting point and confirm the details directly.

How do I find a reputable cat rescue near me?

Search by country or region, review the organization’s official website and public contact information, confirm its adoption process and speak directly with its team before applying or paying a fee.

What should I ask before adopting a cat?

Ask about personality, daily routine, litter habits, medical records, medications, dietary needs, household compatibility, known stressors, adoption terms and the support available after placement.

Why do cat rescues charge adoption fees?

Fees commonly help offset veterinary care, sterilization, microchipping, food, housing and other rescue costs. The amount and inclusions vary, so request a clear explanation from the organization.

Can I adopt a cat from another country or region?

Sometimes, but eligibility, transport welfare, import rules, vaccination timing and documentation vary. Confirm every requirement with the rescue and the relevant official authorities before committing.

What does a claimed or reviewed Catopedia profile mean?

Claimed means an authorized representative can maintain the profile. Reviewed means selected core details were checked against identified sources on the displayed date. Neither status is a guarantee or endorsement.

What if an adoption does not work out?

Contact the rescue promptly and follow the adoption agreement. Responsible organizations usually explain return or support procedures in advance; never transfer the cat privately without checking those terms.

KEEP THE DIRECTORY ACCURATE

Submit, claim or correct a profile.

Organizations can request new profiles or maintain existing information. Readers can report inaccurate, outdated or concerning details for editorial review.

Submit an organizationRequest editorial review for a rescue, shelter or foster network.Start a submission →Claim a profileVerify your authority to manage an existing organization profile.Begin a claim →Request an updateSend corrected contact, service-area or adoption information.Update a profile →Report a correctionFlag inaccurate, outdated or concerning directory information.Send a report →

THE CATOPEDIA DIRECTORY STANDARD

Discovery should support responsible decisions.

01

No guaranteed endorsement

A profile never replaces direct evaluation of the organization and placement.

02

Official source links

Availability should lead to the organization’s current official listings.

03

Sources and dates

Material claims should be attributable and time-stamped.

04

Commercial separation

Payment cannot purchase editorial verification or preferential safety treatment.

05

Corrections supported

Organizations and readers can request review of inaccurate information.

06

Privacy respected

Only appropriate public organizational information belongs in profiles.

PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL

Give a new cat time, safety and choice.

A calm first room, predictable routines and gradual introductions can help an adopted cat begin settling into the household.

Explore Cat CareUnderstand Cat Behavior →
A fluffy ginger cat sleeping peacefully on an ivory blanket

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