According to the Ministry of Environment in Japan, about 25,000 cats were sent to
the Health Center in 2019. Unfortunately, as in other countries, unscrupulous owners sometimes abandon their cats who are then forced to live on the street. Naturally, they have babies, and there is a resulting boom in the stray cat population. Other issues we covered earlier in the year also point to the need for better practices when it comes animal welfare in Japan.
Fortunately, good samaritans are common throughout the land of the rising sun. Just spend a little time on social media, and you'll discover numerous users willing to provide a home to an animal in need. Just take this tweet for example:
"We are welcoming a new member to our family. A former stray cat. Today we are relaxing at home for the first time as a family."
Readers were touched. They cooed and also reacted:
"He seems like he’s lived with you for three years.”
“He seems like he just came back from a trip.”
"He's so relaxed. I can hardly believe he was a street cat. This family must be kind.”
“He’s gonna be a star!”
“He was a street cat, but this family took him in. It’s his first day at this house. I know the heated floor must be cozy, but it’s too early to be so relaxed. lol”
“If I had this cat, my stiff shoulder would be fixed immediately.”
“Good for you.”
Helping the homeless
Of course, the problem of stray cats extends across the nation. Another family on Instagram found a kitty on the street, and they decided to bring her in as part of the family.
They gave this kitty the name ‘Mel.’ When they first found 'Mel', she was covered with fleas, malnourished, and barely hanging on. This family couldn't stand to see her in such dire straits. Naturally, they had to take her in. After the fact, they posted a photo of ‘Mel’ four days into her new life at her new home. Many followers liked the post.
"Four days have passed since Mel came to our house. She was "house-sitting" with my daughter all day. By the time I got home, the two practically seemed like best friends. She’s eating well and gaining weight. What a relief (She now weighs 426g).”
‘Mel’ feels very comfortable cosying up with the owner’s daughter. Overall, she’s clean, healthy, and feeling good.
A big surprise
But the story doesn't end there. Three months after adopting 'Mel,' the family noticed something surprising.
"We raised ‘Mel’ as a girl for three months, but it turns out she’s actually a boy! Of course, he’s still an important family member, but I can’t believe it. My daughter was also shocked. Should I change his name?"
Well, that’s a bit awkward...Mel wasn’t a girl after all!
Indeed, the owner realized ‘Mel’ was a boy after a follower DM’d her, writing: "I saw photos of Mel, and she seems to have a pee-pee.” Sure enough, the owner checked her nether regions and discovered something she had previously overlooked. You can’t help but feel the need to apologize to the poor guy...
Nevertheless, why did it take three months for the family to notice? Well, it's not entirely their fault. As it turns out when they found 'Mel,' they naturally brought him to the animal hospital. The doctor told them at that time that ‘Mel’ was a girl. I guess everyone makes mistakes, especially when trying to tell the gender of a young kitten.
Her followers reacted:
"I can't believe this kind of thing happened. He’s still cute though.”
"Omg. From today, he's Mr. Mel. His pee-pee looks the same as my cat’s.”
"I actually noticed your cat was a boy, too!! Because his face is boyish. Most of my family is female, so I can tell from a cat’s face whether they are a boy or girl.”
““Too funny.””
Cats make people happy. But as you know, they are clearly full of surprises. Regardless, I hope the best for this family and anyone else kind enough to adopt an animal in need.
According to the Ministry of Environment in Japan, about 25,000 cats were sent to the Health Center in 2019. Unfortunately, as in other countries, unscrupulous owners sometimes abandon their cats who are then forced to live on the street. Naturally, they have babies, and there is a resulting boom in the stray cat population. Other issues we covered earlier in the year also point to the need for better practices when it comes animal welfare in Japan.
Fortunately, good samaritans are common throughout the land of the rising sun. Just spend a little time on social media, and you'll discover numerous users willing to provide a home to an animal in need. Just take this tweet for example:
"We are welcoming a new member to our family. A former stray cat. Today we are relaxing at home for the first time as a family."
Readers were touched. They cooed and also reacted:
Helping the homeless
Of course, the problem of stray cats extends across the nation. Another family on Instagram found a kitty on the street, and they decided to bring her in as part of the family.
They gave this kitty the name ‘Mel.’ When they first found 'Mel', she was covered with fleas, malnourished, and barely hanging on. This family couldn't stand to see her in such dire straits. Naturally, they had to take her in. After the fact, they posted a photo of ‘Mel’ four days into her new life at her new home. Many followers liked the post.
"Four days have passed since Mel came to our house. She was "house-sitting" with my daughter all day. By the time I got home, the two practically seemed like best friends. She’s eating well and gaining weight. What a relief (She now weighs 426g).”
‘Mel’ feels very comfortable cosying up with the owner’s daughter. Overall, she’s clean, healthy, and feeling good.
A big surprise
But the story doesn't end there. Three months after adopting 'Mel,' the family noticed something surprising.
"We raised ‘Mel’ as a girl for three months, but it turns out she’s actually a boy! Of course, he’s still an important family member, but I can’t believe it. My daughter was also shocked. Should I change his name?"
Well, that’s a bit awkward...Mel wasn’t a girl after all!
Indeed, the owner realized ‘Mel’ was a boy after a follower DM’d her, writing: "I saw photos of Mel, and she seems to have a pee-pee.” Sure enough, the owner checked her nether regions and discovered something she had previously overlooked. You can’t help but feel the need to apologize to the poor guy...
Nevertheless, why did it take three months for the family to notice? Well, it's not entirely their fault. As it turns out when they found 'Mel,' they naturally brought him to the animal hospital. The doctor told them at that time that ‘Mel’ was a girl. I guess everyone makes mistakes, especially when trying to tell the gender of a young kitten.
Her followers reacted:
Cats make people happy. But as you know, they are clearly full of surprises. Regardless, I hope the best for this family and anyone else kind enough to adopt an animal in need.