Nakata, a cat from Kanimangalam, near Thrissur, is among the 10 finalists of the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) contest for ‘India’s Cutest Rescued Cat Alive.’
Karthika Gopinathan of Thrissur, a designer by profession, rescued the drenched and shivering Nakata on a rainy day five years ago.
“We had just finished dinner on a rainy day when we heard a little squeaky whimper outside our home. We found a drenched little cat. We gave her shelter and nourishment and named her Nakata,” says Ms. Gopinathan.
After being given all the love and care she needed to recover, she is now a part of Ms. Gopinathan's family. Today Nakata is smart enough to use her paw to open doors. She has a unique way of telling that she's hungry.
Nakata defeated hundreds of lovable cats as well as their rescue stories to reach the final of the contest.
“Nakata 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 Manilal Valliyate. “All rescued cats are already winners because their lives were saved by people who love them for who they are,” he says.
“We would like to give this message that you can bring joy into your lives by opening your hearts and home to adopt a homeless cat,” says Ms. Gopinathan.
PETA objective
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.
Pet shops often keep animals in dismal conditions and contribute to the stray animal overpopulation crisis. Animals in pet shops are often bought on an impulse and discarded when buyers tire of them, the PETA said.
Commendation
The guardian of the lucky kitty, 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, a PETA T-shirt, and a cute cat toy.
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 kitties will appear in an upcoming issue of Animal Times , PETA India's magazine for members.
