Interview with Yoko Shiota, Representative of Kurashiki Cat Protection Association
Please tell us about how you started your cat protection activities and how it has progressed to the present.
Shiota (honorifics omitted)
I originally volunteered to help stray dogs.
The area where Maxima Electric Industry Co., Ltd. is located is an industrial zone where stray dogs could easily live, and there was a time when it became a problem.
It was painful to see dogs being taken to the animal control center during my commute, so I started volunteering.
In the case of dogs, I had to operate under the rabies prevention law, so I was only able to rescue puppies and look for adoptive homes.
Around 2013, when the number of stray dogs and puppies in this area was decreasing, I met my co-representative Hiraga.
Hiraga was volunteering to protect cats, and when I heard from him, I learned that about 600 cats are brought to the Kurashiki City Animal Control Center each year.
Unlike dogs, there are no laws regarding cats, and there are few people who can take in and care for nursing kittens, so many of the kittens are euthanized on the same day they arrive at the control center.
At that time, it seemed that many cases involved bringing in stray cats or pet cats that had not been neutered or spayed that had given birth to kittens.
Since I personally loved cats, I was deeply moved and said to Hiraga, "Please let me join your activities," which was the beginning of this initiative.
In the first year, we continuously fed milk day and night, and with about 3 to 4 people, we were able to save about 20 kittens a year, which was very fulfilling.
"But still, the majority are being euthanized. I thought we should increase the number of people," so I added two more milk volunteers, and we were able to save over 20 more lives.
While there are limits to the lives I can save alone, if I increase my companions, I might be able to save all the cats in Kurashiki.
I wanted to utilize grants to train more milk volunteers to increase the number of cats we could help, so I applied for the 2019 Citizen Planning Proposal Project.
It was successfully adopted, and we held explanatory meetings and volunteer training seminars, which led to an additional 5 milk volunteers joining us. As a result, we were able to save 140 cats a year.
At the same time, thanks to the efforts of other organizations regarding environmental changes and the neutering and spaying of stray cats, the total number of cats brought to the Kurashiki City Animal Control Center has been decreasing.
Because of this, we have been able to help almost all the cats at the Kurashiki City Animal Control Center through the Kurashiki Cat Protection Association.
Now, as a collaborative project with the government, we are considering what we can do together with the Kurashiki City Animal Control Center and advancing our activities through discussions.
Currently, there is no euthanasia of cats in Kurashiki City, and in 2020, in addition to the 153 cats rescued from the Kurashiki City Animal Control Center, we took in 87 cats from citizens.
Now you are protecting not only kittens but also adult cats.
Shiota
The Kurashiki City Animal Control Center takes in not only kittens but also cats involved in traffic accidents or suffering from illnesses.
Until now, we had to refuse any cats other than kittens, but as the support network has expanded and we have received many donations, we have been able to rescue almost 100% of cats, including those involved in traffic accidents or suffering from illnesses.
Kittens raised outside or cats involved in traffic accidents or suffering from illnesses are often already weakened, and unfortunately, even with diligent care after taking them in, there are cases where they do not survive to be adopted.
However, with the increase in milk volunteers, we have been able to provide careful nurturing, and the mortality rate has decreased.
Depending on the timing, we have also gradually been able to respond to requests from citizens for taking in cats.
In the case of adult cats, after being taken in, they undergo "training to become house cats." Cats raised outside are not accustomed to people, so first, they undergo training at the homes of volunteer members to get used to humans.
Initially, cats that were wary and hissed "hiss" soon open up enough to be touched, and they become beautiful in appearance.
Currently, there are about 6 cats in training to become house cats. Unlike kittens, adult cats often take longer to meet potential adoptive families.
Please tell us about the structure of the Kurashiki Cat Protection Association.
Shiota
There are 6 members involved in the management as the headquarters. They handle social media communications and interactions with the government.
There are 14 milk volunteers. Since the training of milk volunteers through the 2019 Citizen Planning Proposal Project, these members have shown interest in the activities and joined us.
We are establishing a system to ensure that the organization can continue its activities.
For example, I felt it was difficult to convey the same information verbally, so we created a manual booklet and rulebook.
Additionally, we have a system for sharing information with everyone through a LINE group.
When one of the members posts a photo saying, "I have taken in this cat," comments from other members like "How cute!" and "Good luck!" naturally come in, creating a supportive environment. A sense of solidarity has emerged.
Since we are responsible for lives, it is tough to handle everything alone. I hope that if there are any problems, we can solve them together.
Regarding the manual and rules, we are continuously improving them by holding training sessions combined with social gatherings every six months.
Since we have created a system together, we will think about ways to pass it on to the next generation.
Are there any future plans you would like to pursue?
Shiota
Since these are lives that were almost lost at the animal control center, I have a desire for them to live happily and long, so the adoption conditions of the Kurashiki Cat Protection Association are somewhat strict.
There are many cases where it becomes a no-go when I visit your home during the matching stage or when I talk with your family.
For example, homes that cannot implement escape prevention measures or those who do not understand indoor cat keeping.
However, I have learned that even with strict conditions, adoptive homes can be found, and the return rate is zero.
Many people trust us and even adopt a second cat from us.
As before, I want to send out cats so that both milk volunteers and adoptive families can feel secure.
As for the structure, I hope to increase not only milk volunteers but also foster volunteers.
In the case of adult cats, the period until an adoptive home is found is longer compared to kittens, and we have not been able to take in many.
However, I believe we can create unique matches for foster volunteers for adult cats, such as those who cannot take in nursing kittens due to their living situation or seniors who love cats but cannot adopt.
Currently, I am asking a senior woman living alone to volunteer, and six adult cats have found homes.
I believe it is important to advance our activities in cooperation with society.
For example, there are people in the world who dislike cats. I want to connect with community building that allows both people and cats to live comfortably together, so that no one has to feel uncomfortable.
Conclusion
I am currently living with a cat that a friend rescued, and it brings me joy every day. I was able to adopt it because my landlord said it was okay to have a cat.
Previously, I lived in an apartment where pets were not allowed, and I had to give up on adopting a cat even when I had the chance to meet one.
After hearing this story, I realized that even for those who cannot live with cats due to their living environment or cat allergies, there are many ways to contribute through donations or support on social media.
I want both those who wish to welcome a cat into their family and those who do not to know about the efforts of the Kurashiki Cat Protection Association.
May many happy cat Cinderella stories be born in Kurashiki!
