rescue cat; shelter cat
Refers to a cat that has been taken in by an animal shelter or rescue organization, often awaiting adoption.
We decided to adopt a rescue cat.
This café holds adoption events for shelter cats.
野良猫 is a stray or feral cat living outdoors, whereas 保護猫 is a cat under the care of a shelter or rescue group.
Compound of 保護 (ほご, 'protection') and 猫 (ねこ, 'cat'). A modern term reflecting the concept of animal rescue and sheltering.