Rescue Environment and Guidelines

Putting Yourself In Their Paws

Cats in our care are in a tricky situation, and it is important that we understand why they may be feeling or behaving a certain way:

1. Moving is stressful. All of the cats have moved at least once from:

• The foster home to SAFe.

• Other rescues and organizations to SAFe.

• Long car rides and plane rides to SAFe

• and more!

2. Being homeless is scary. They are in an unfamiliar environment:

   • • They are unsure about the new sights, smells, and sounds.

     • They are unsure if humans can be trusted.

3. Their current experience with humans may have been negative:

   • • Their background with humans may be traumatic.

     • Humans have trapped/crated, vaccinated, and moved the cat to an unknown location.

Rescue Environment

It is the responsibility of the staff and volunteers to create a safe environment for the cats in our care. We can do this by:

1. Maintaining a quiet, calm, relaxing space as much as possible.

• This builds trust between cats and humans and allows them to rest and recover comfortably.

2. Monitoring our movements and speed around the cats.

• Not cornering, entering personal space, or surprising them allows them to trust human movement.

3. Maintaining a clean environment to ensure the health of the cats.

• Sick cats have a longer stay at SAFe which delays their ability to get adopted.

4. Respecting their space, needs, and position.

Rules for SAFe Kitties

We strive to get as many cats into homes as fast as possible. We need to keep them healthy and adoptable. Before doing something, we need to remember to ask ourselves:

• Will this be safe for the kitty’s health? Not following rules could jeopardize the health of the cats in our care and could delay their ability to be adopted.

• Will this help the kitty get adopted? Touching kitties does not help them get adopted and can be over-stimulating for them.

The Rules for SAFe Kitties:

1. If you didn’t clean it, it is dirty. Your hands are dirty every time you touch a kitty or their used things.

• • Clean every counter or surface (e.g. washer/dryer) before you put something that will go in a cat enclosure on it. If you put something on a surface you didn’t clean, that something is now dirty. Floors are always dirty. If you put something on the floor, it is dirty. Spray bottles are always dirty.

  • Wash your hands before touching clean items that kitties will touch or use, and in between every cat.

2. If you don’t have to/it isn’t part of your assigned duty, do not touch a kitty, or their items. Always ask first.

• • Feline health can change quickly. Colds and diseases, like ringworm, can be undetected and easily spread, making kitties homeless longer. It is vital that we maintain caution and clean hands and supplies when working within the rescue to avoid any risk of spreading germs or disease. Not following rules could jeopardize the health of the cats in our care and could delay their ability to be adopted.

  • Please maintain a low volume and a calming tone when volunteering in the adoption center. It is important that we create an environment that is relaxing and as stress-free as possible for the cats in our care. Only volunteers that have a specific need/task should be in exam, quarantine, or in the Kitten/Cat areas.

3. Be mindful and try to use less and reserve resources.

• • The more we save water, food, etc., the more money we have to help kitties in need!

4. If you notice a health issue, tell the Operations Director, the Veterinary Manager, the Intake Manager, or your Volunteer Manager if they are available.