Crowdfunding Campaign Aims to Help Sick Cats and Prevent Inbreeding

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A Japanese crowdfunding campaign led by the organization LYSTA is currently at 95% of its goal with just 12 days remaining. The campaign is focused on raising funds to help Yuki Poyo, a cat suffering from digestive lymphoma, a condition the author suspects is linked to inbreeding within a multi-animal household. The story highlights the growing crisis of inbreeding in cats and the emotional and financial toll it takes on animal rescuers and shelters.

Why it matters

The practice of unchecked breeding, especially in indoor, multi-cat environments, leads to a higher incidence of genetic defects and health problems in cats. This not only causes immense suffering for the animals but also creates a significant burden on rescuers and shelters. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for accessible spay/neuter programs and stricter regulations regarding breeding.

The details

LYSTA's campaign is being hosted on the ReadyFor crowdfunding platform. The organization is seeking to raise funds to cover Yuki Poyo's medical expenses and raise awareness about the consequences of inbreeding in cats. A 2022 study by the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory found that inbred cats are significantly more susceptible to polycystic kidney disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and other debilitating conditions.

• The crowdfunding campaign is currently at 95% of its goal with just 12 days remaining.

What’s next

The crowdfunding campaign has 12 days remaining to reach its 100% goal.