Looking for local cat/kitten rescues that are not the SPCA

Submitted by Zuzzbugg t3_z76lmh in rva

I wanted to see if anyone has any recommendations on where to adopt a cat that is not the RVA SPCA. We got our first cat there and he came with so many diseases/parasites/issues that were not disclosed to me that it was a bit traumatic as a first time pet owner and I don’t really trust their vetting process. Its been almost a years now and Nosferatu now needs a companion and I want to adopt locally preferably somewhere that is on top of making sure their cats are well cared for before they go to their new homes.

This is no hate on the SPCA I understand that they are overrun with animals and it is difficult to care for so many but I never want to go through that experience again. It took months for him to get his health back and although I was prepared for vet bills and was luckily able to pay for everything I was not happy about being told I had adopted a cat in perfect health when nothing could be further from the truth.

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neutrino_fire t1_iy508nj wrote

Richmond Animal League

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skatarina t1_iy76t5x wrote

As much as I want to support local rescues: I brought my dog home seemingly fine and a day and a half later was at the emergency vet with him with what they diagnosed as pneumonia/kennel cough. My sheets were covered in green spots and he only stood up to go outside to pee. He was sneezing nonstop, lethargic, and he’d just flop when I picked him up. I had to put the visit on a friend’s credit card and couldn’t afford additional testing (chest x-ray) after already spending so much on his adoption fee and then his intake + appointment cost at the ER vet + antibiotics. I reached out to RAL about the cost of the emergency appointment and how sick he was so quickly after his adoption and they brushed me off.

Obviously I should’ve been more prepared emergencies as anyone should with a pet, and thankfully he’s healthy now, but I don’t know where else he could’ve gotten sick and I didn’t realize I’d have to spend close to $1,000 the same weekend I adopted a seemingly healthy dog.

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Zuzzbugg OP t1_iyb7dg0 wrote

thank you for letting me know. similar situation with my cat, when I called the spca they did not care at all. He had a bad case a Giardia a very spreadable parasite and Feline Herpes, on his first week home a worm literally came out of his nose like a Tim Burton Film. You would think they would want to make sure all the other cats in their care didn’t also suffer from his illnesses.

My first week as a pet owner was spent stuffing pills down my cats throat which wasn’t great for building trust. I cried and cried thinking my cat was going to die before I even got to love him. 100s of dollars in vet bills and almost two years later he looks like a completely different cat then the skinny dude I picked up at the SPCA. He should have been cared for better.

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skatarina t1_iybj8c5 wrote

A worm :( I’m so sorry you had to experience that, but I’m glad both of our animals made it through and ended up okay! I really do love the shelters in Richmond and I will always encourage rescuing instead of shopping, but I try to give everyone a heads up because these things do happen and sometimes shelters can’t afford to care, are too busy, or don’t want to!

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Zuzzbugg OP t1_iyb7lcm wrote

Im glad your pup is okay :) Im sad that Im not the only person this has happened too.

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mo4994 t1_iy57ur1 wrote

City Kitty Project!

They are local, right off Forest Hill and do rescues all over the area. I’ve gotten two cats from them and can’t recommend them enough!! Follow them on Facebook at Lost Dog Foundation. They have a lot of kittens and adult cats right now.

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Vajama77 t1_iy5c38m wrote

Yes! Everyone in our neighborhood has adopted from them. Super cool, super knowledgeable and very helpful! You are truly getting kitties saved from the streets!!

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AdditionalClue6756 t1_iy4yixs wrote

Richardsons Rescue. They work with Petcos in the area and have other adoption events too. I've gotten all 3 of mine from them and have had no issues.

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rentalsareweird t1_iy6yjkt wrote

Love Richardson’s Rescue. They are such a great group and really do a great job with the cats in their care.

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spawn3887 t1_iy53551 wrote

Richmond Animal League

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throwingutah t1_iy62av2 wrote

Lost Dog Foundation (they do cats, too).

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heyheylove_87 t1_iy6t6p7 wrote

The Lost Dog Foundation workers are top notch rescue folks

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One-Most2748 t1_iy4yqnj wrote

In chester on rt 301 past Lowes is a cat rescue. I think top of hill past red light. Hope this helps.

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Iamlight84 t1_iy53ozp wrote

Yes! Smitty’s cat rescue!! Lynn is amazing

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Accomplished-Pen-394 t1_iy53lpr wrote

Tiny Paws. I’m not sure they have a location but I know they have kittens

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PuzzleheadedAnybody8 t1_iy54hl6 wrote

Purring Hearts! I am currently fostering kittens there. Wonderful organization.

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csw0528 t1_iy5utao wrote

RACC always has plenty.

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DJKittyDC t1_iy5219g wrote

Meow Stories works with most of the local Petsmart’s (the cats in the in store adoption centers). We got one of our cats from them and he’s the best.

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CountryMouse23 t1_iy55zg2 wrote

We got our most recent kitty from Meow Stories and he is awesome ❤️

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land_beaver t1_iy5d6vk wrote

I adopted my most recent from Richmond Animal League. He's a healthy fellow.

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Sp1cy_Wat3r t1_iy8r656 wrote

I adopted a cat from RACC last November on a day that adoption fees were waived and she is the best cat. A few weeks ago I adopted a third cat (yeah, chasing cat lady status) from Goochland animal shelter and it was also a great experience.

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icanhandlethis t1_iy8tm4u wrote

There's a few rescues we've seen adopt out kittens and cats on Saturday afternoons at the Libbie Place Petsmart. They set up playpens in the back with the kittens and it makes for a very distracting supply run. I'd call ahead to see if they will be setting up!

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lazerlass t1_iy6uzla wrote

My house! I found a sweet boy black cat tonight. I love him but I am allergic.

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Zuzzbugg OP t1_iyb7ry7 wrote

Haha I have to get a girl cause my current cat doesn’t like other men in his life. I hope you find a sweet home for him!

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EmWee88 t1_iy8rttb wrote

Tiny Paws RVA is little and local and run by a friend of mine. 💕

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Zuzzbugg OP t1_iyb7yc5 wrote

I was on their facebook yesterday and lots of those tiny faces spoke to me! definitely going to keep an eye out. Thank you :)

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