In June of 2021, for the very first time, FOUR PAWS flew eight cats rescued from the cat meat trade to the US to find their forever homes! Our shelter partner, Heaven on Earth in Los Angeles, California cared for the cats since their arrival and found the perfect home for each special feline.

The cats’ journey started in Thai Binh, Vietnam, where they were victims of the cruel dog and cat meat trade. Stolen and shoved into small wire cages, the suffering that these animals must have endured is unimaginable. Luckily, FOUR PAWS was able to close the slaughterhouse and rescue twenty cats and five dogs awaiting imminent death.

We worked with the slaughterhouse owners to convert their business to one that doesn't involve killing animals. They were eager to give up their brutal business and find a more compassionate means of making a living.

A whole team of rescuers were involved in saving these cats. They were first taken to our Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh where our team provided emergency medical care for the injured and frightened cats. They were soon transferred to our local partners in Vietnam, Paws For Compassion and Vietnam Cat Welfare, who provided excellent care for all the rescued animals. Following a successful local adoption campaign in Vietnam, a total of eight cats remained, still looking for their forever homes.

That’s when it was decided to bring the last remaining cats to the US. These eight superheros took their freedom flights to Los Angeles in June, and our US shelter partner, Heaven on Earth has been doing an amazing job providing a safe space, medical care, and arranging adoptions for these special cats.  

Heaven on Earth is a nonprofit that has saved the lives of thousands of cats and kittens in Los Angeles by rescuing them from overcrowded shelters and directly from the streets. They adopt cats into new loving homes at their adoption center, at local pet stores, and through their foster care program. Additionally, they provide high-quality on-site veterinary care and treatment to cats and kittens who are sick, injured, or in need of specialized care.

Wonderful news! All of the cats have now found their forever homes! Below, you can read more about each of our unique rescues: Cody, George, Talula, Mittens, Binh, Cyndi, Lion & Tiger!