WhiskerRescue
Executive Summary
Vision Statement
Empowering compassionate individuals to provide safe transitions for stray cats through coordinated community action and professional support
Problem Summary
While rescuing cats from dangerous situations (like rooftops) is urgent, the greater challenge lies in post-rescue care and rehoming. Many finders lack resources to properly care for strays, leading to stress for both humans and animals. Current solutions like shelters often have limited capacity or require complex adoption processes[1][2][3].
Proposed Solution
A centralized platform connecting stray cat finders with local resources: vet clinics, shelters, foster networks, and microchip scanning services. Features would include emergency care guides, rehoming workflows, and community support forums.
Market Analysis
Target Audience
Urban/suburban residents who encounter stray cats but lack experience in animal rescue. Includes:
- Primary Users: Good Samaritans who rescue cats
- Secondary Users: Local shelters, vets, and foster networks
- Pain Points: Lack of immediate care resources, rehoming complexity, fear of legal/financial liability
Niche Validation
The Reddit post demonstrates clear demand for post-rescue support, though the original idea's focus on climbing rescue is less validated. The true need lies in managing rescued animals rather than the rescue act itself. Market validation requires pivot to rehoming support[1][2][4]
Google Trends Keywords
Market Size Estimation
Urban/suburban populations with internet access (~3M)
First-year target: 10,000 users in major UK cities
All UK residents encountering stray cats annually (~5M+ potential users)
Competitive Landscape
Existing solutions focus on adoption processes (Battersea, Blue Cross) rather than post-rescue care. No dedicated platform connects finders to multiple resources in real-time[2][3][4]
Product Requirements
User Stories
As a cat rescuer, I want to find the nearest vet with microchip scanning so I can check for an owner
As a shelter worker, I want to receive real-time notifications about stray cats needing rehoming
MVP Feature Set
Directory of local vets/shelters with service filters
Emergency care guide with stress reduction tips
Microchip scanning appointment booking system
Non-Functional Requirements
Data privacy compliance with UK animal welfare regulations
Mobile-optimized UI for on-the-go access
Key Performance Indicators
Number of cats successfully rehomed through platform
User retention rate after initial rescue
Partner shelter/vet network size
Go-to-Market Strategy
Core Marketing Message
You rescued them - we'll help you find their forever home
Initial Launch Channels
- Targeted posts in r/UK and r/Leicester
- Partnerships with Battersea/Blue Cross for resource listings
- Local vet clinic outreach for microchip scanning partnerships
Strategic Metrics
Problem Urgency
High
Solution Complexity
Medium
Defensibility Moat
Network effects through growing community of finders and service providers
Source Post Metrics
Business Strategy
Monetization Strategy
Freemium model: Basic resource directory free; premium features (vet partnerships, foster matching) via subscription. Revenue sharing with partner shelters.
Financial Projections
£5,000-£20,000/month within first year through subscription tiers and affiliate partnerships
Tech Stack
Node.js with Express for real-time resource matching
PostgreSQL for user/shelter profiles and resource listings
Next.js for SEO-friendly directory listings and responsive maps
Google Maps API for location-based searches, Stripe for payments
Risk Assessment
Identified Risks
Low adoption by shelters/vets without clear ROI. User attrition after initial rescue.
Mitigation Strategy
Offer shelters free listing + revenue sharing. Implement gamification for user engagement (e.g., 'Rescuer Badges')