Community: Hearing the Voice of Japan's Residents

The who would be kingPirarucu is one of a dozen Maine coons rescued from the garbage-packed home of a hoarder, who left the cats behind when she suddenly left the country. Luckily, the landlord provided food until ARK could swoop in and take the animals out. Despite the stench and the unbelievably cramped living conditions, the animals were in good health, albeit scared and hiding. Pirarucu is big, like the Amazonian fish he takes his name from, but unlike it, he is definitely all cat. He is an absolute beauty and the epitome of cool. In the Osaka shelter for only a short time now, he and the others spend their time lying near the window and are keen to see what's going on outside. Pirarucu is either very curious or perhaps a bit of an attention-monger. If a staff member starts playing with another cat, Pirarucu will climb down from his perch to get in on the fun. He loves being brushed and will stretch out belly up as he revels in the pampering. Laid-back and regal, this is one cat that deserves to rule more than a garbage dump.
KAORI KAYANO PHOTO
Anyone interested in adopting Pirarucu, please email ARK at Tokyoark@arkbark.net or call 050-1557-2763 Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Tokyo ARK is a nonprofit organization founded by Brit Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective new owners are asked to undergo a screening process.

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