After sifting through hundreds of photographs of cats and their rescue stories–the judges for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India’s Cutest Rescued Cat Alive contest have selected one of the 10 finalists: Gaanu, whose guardian is Dehradun resident Rashi Saklani. Saklani rescued three kittens, including Gaanu, whose mother had died in a fight with other cats. The kittens had eaten rat poison, but after three months of care, they are now healthy.
“Gaanu is a lucky cat, indeed, and she has returned the favour of being rescued by bringing much love and joy into her guardian’s life”, says PETA India CEO Poorva Joshipura. “All rescued cats are already winners because their lives were saved by people who love them for who they are.”
PETA India is holding the contest to encourage prospective guardians to adopt animals from the streets or shelters instead of buying them from pet shops or breeders, as these facilities often keep animals in dismal conditions and contribute to the homeless-animal overpopulation crisis. Animals in pet shops are also often bought on impulse and discarded when buyers tire of them.
The guardian of the lucky kitty who is named the Cutest Rescued Cat Alive will receive a certificate, a copy of Ingrid Newkirk and Jane Ratcliffe's book One Can Make a Difference, a “My Cat Is a Rescue” T-shirt and other items. The second-place winner’s guardian will receive a certificate, a copy of the book, a “My Cat Is a Rescue” T-shirt and a cat toy. The third-place winner will receive a certificate, a copy of the book, and a cat toy. The top three rescued felines will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Times, PETA India’s magazine for members.
Those interested can visit the PETA India website to read all the finalists' rescue stories and vote for their favourite with voting slated to end on August 11.