It’s unfortunate, but this country is overrun with unwanted cats. One study showed that for every person in the United States, there are seven cats that need a good home. Even worse, many of the cats that do currently have homes are being mistreated, neglected, and undernourished.

Here’s the good news: A number of Cat Rescues exist that are dedicated to being advocates for the neglected and mistreated cats in this country. Some rescues are breed specific, and others take all breeds. But the common element is that the organizations are run by cat lovers who will do whatever they can to remove cats from dangerous or deplorable situations.

These fearless rescuers will help in the bust of careless or malicious breeders who exploit their animals to bump up the bottom line. They also take in cats that are no longer wanted, or cats whose owners have passed away, or feral cats that wander the highways at night.

If you care about cats, you can volunteer with these rescue organizations and offer your time and love to these needy felines. Some rescues offer foster parenting opportunities, allowing you to care for a sick or recovering kitty while it awaits a permanent home placement. Other rescues spend time and money on the advocacy of spaying and neutering your pets, and convincing people of the need for the simple procedure that can help prevent even more homeless cats from roaming the city’s alleys.

There are many ways you can become involved, even to the point of adopting a cat yourself. Check your local Yellow Pages or go online to find a rescue organization near you.