How Cats of Mumbai verifies appeals.
We are starting with a simple, human check: public cat-care history, a cat-specific Instagram post, and confirmation with the caregiver before an appeal goes live.
The starting rule
Cats of Mumbai is small, so the first version of verification focuses on people with a proven public record. If someone has been caring for stray cats openly over time, Instagram gives us a practical way to check identity, consistency, and the specific cat behind an appeal.
Why Instagram first?
It lets us see whether the person has repeatedly posted about feeding, rescues, treatment, recovery, and everyday care. It is not perfect, but it is fast, visible, and useful while the organization is just starting.
The appeal check
Instagram care history
We start with people who already have a visible record of helping stray cats, especially on Instagram: feeding rounds, rescue posts, treatment updates, and repeated care over time.
Cat-specific public post
For each appeal, we ask for the caregiver's Instagram username and at least one public post for the same cat, so the appeal is tied to a real case people can inspect.
Instagram DM confirmation
We message them on Instagram to confirm they control the account, understand the appeal, and can continue the conversation from the same public care identity.
Appeal approval
Only after that confirmation does the appeal go live. After donations start, receipts and care updates keep the public record moving.
What we ask caregivers to share
What donors can take from this
What this does not claim
This is not a deep background check, legal identity verification, home visit, or veterinary audit. It is a practical first filter: proven public cat-care history, cat-specific proof, and direct confirmation through the same Instagram account before the appeal is accepted.
See an appeal that feels off?
Send the appeal link, Instagram handle, screenshots, and what looks inconsistent. We can pause or re-check an appeal when new information comes in.