Japan Cat Network International (JCN)

Japan Cat Network (JCN) was founded in 2000 by American expats led by Susan Roberts, after they had success using Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) to help the cats in their own Japanese community. Its aim is to help others start local TNR and rescue work, and it promotes TNR of all strays across Japan. After the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 it worked in Fukushima to rescue and care for animals left behind by evacuees, running its Inawashiro Shelter from May 2011 for eight years before that programme moved to Tokyo.

Since 2015 JCN has also had a programme in Kyoto. Its partner Maneki Machiya, a traditional machiya house in Kyoto’s Uzumasa district with a cat café and guesthouses, gives visitors the chance to meet adoptable JCN rescue cats; café visits are by reservation only, and part of the proceeds go to JCN. JCN also works with groups such as TNR Tokai to rescue vulnerable cats and kittens, and runs a Facebook group and English-language guides for people who find a cat in need in Japan.

Adoption and fostering are by application on its website. Applicants must be at least 21, kittens under six months are usually placed in pairs or with another cat, and every placement involves a video interview and an in-person home visit with an ID check. Visa holders need at least six months left in Japan. JCN describes itself as a no-kill organisation.

You can donate in US dollars or Japanese yen by card, by bank transfer to its Japan Post Bank account, or through PayPal or Patreon, sponsor a cat or send food and supplies. Japan Cat Network International is a US-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 88-1477702).