Why adopt?
We have a huge number of cats that come to us in need of a good, loving home. By adopting one of them, it gives you a chance to make a real difference to the cat’s lives.
We understand that the adoption needs to be done correctly for both you and the animal, to ensure happiness for all involved. Because of this, our team are more than happy to advise on which cat or kitten will work well for you, your family and your lifestyle. We will guide you through every step of the process and continue to be there to support you and your cat once the adoption is complete.
We do ask for a small adoption fee when you take a cat from us. This is to cover the fact that every one of our cats is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, treated for parasites and have received any other medical care they needed. This can allow you peace of mind when adopting one of our cats, safe in the knowledge that they are completely ready to start a new life with you.
We pride ourselves on the fact that our cats live in a homely environment, meaning they are more sociable and used to living in a home. As well as this, all of our cats are FIV and FELV snap tested, as their health is extremely important to us.
The Process
This aims to make adoption as easy as possible for both you and the cat.
Kitten Adoption Restrictions
Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she created kittens in litters!
Kittens need interaction with other kittens for healthy social development. They learn a lot in the kitten stage of life from mother and litter-mates. Separating a kitten from its mother is often a necessity for adoption purposes, we don’t do this either we let mum dictate when we should gradually separate (unless intervention is needed) – this is why our kittens are not ready at 8wks like other rescues. By taking it away from its litter-mates and isolating it can delay the kitten’s development emotionally, socially, and sometimes physically. Kittens who are able to remain with one of their litter-mates or a similarly-aged companion tend to be healthier and happier, and in the long run, better socialised pets than those who are isolated from others of their kind at an early age.
Most cats, regardless of their age, are highly sociable and are truly happier living with other cat companions. This, in turn, makes them better pets. But don’t worry a pair of kittens will definitely still want to interact with people but can keep each other occupied especially if you are out at work or just getting on with life!
Kittens are curious and crave constant stimulation and by offering them a playmate deters them from finding ways to entertain themselves out of boredom -ways that are often destructive out of boredom. A pair of kittens may still do this but while they are being playful with each other they are less likely to get bored. – same as providing them with toys and scratch posts help.
Kittens bite and wrestle with one another – is normal, you’re not going to be able to prevent a kitten from doing what comes naturally. (any more than you can force a two-year-old toddler to sit still) In the absence of having a littermate or companion its own age to play with you will become its biting toy! Even if you are willing to allow (and can tolerate) this behaviour from your kitten, by the time the kitten matures, you will end up with an adult cat who has developed very bad habits (i.e biting and scratching as play). Kittens are very active at night. So a pair of kittens will entertain each other and wear each other out, opposed to a single kitten keeping you awake by jumping and pouncing on you (play hunting)
Kittens have boundless energy, wanting to play and run around constantly, this can be too much for an older cat and likewise frustrate the kitten… creating unhappy cats and possible behavioural problems and certainly won’t have a bonded relationship. So keep cats to a similar age, as well as matching personality.
Care4Cats Rescue requires that young kittens be adopted in pairs unless you have an existing kitten or young cat at home. This ensures that the kittens we rescue, nurture, and love are adopted into homes that offer the best possible environment for their social development. We understand that some people will still want to adopt a single kitten, and while a lot of rescues have similar policies we still on insist you adopt and NOT shop!
MEET OUR CATS
FAQ: About Adoption
I Work Full-Time, Can I Still Adopt?
Most Cats will spend over three-quarters of their lives sleeping, so as long as you provide indoor shelter for the cat while you are at work, you definitely can adopt.
Will the Cat I Adopt Be Healthy?
All our cats are neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, treated for worms, snap tested for FIV and FELV and treated for fleas. We rehabilitate the cats we get back to as healthy as possible, ready to join their new families and will not rehome a cat until it is fully treated and healthy.
Does it Cost to Adopt a Cat?
There is a small cost when adopting a cat through us. This is simply to help cover the veterinary costs and the amount will still be significantly less than you would pay taking the cat to the vets yourself. The amount will vary depending on the age and breed of the cat, any donations made above this cost are hugely appreciated.
Are your cats FIV and FELV snap tested?
All of our cats are FIV and FELV snap tested, as their health is extremely important to us.
About Cat FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) is a feline only, slow-acting virus. It is so slow to progress that most FIV+ cats die of old age. Once thought to be deadly and highly contagious, it has since been found to be neither.
At Care4Cats Rescue, we think that FIV+ cats are just like any other cats. They just need a little more care and to be indoor cats as they have a weakened immune system and hence become more susceptible to disease and illness. They need regular vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and are fed a good diet. However, it is absolutely possible for FIV+ cats to live with FIV- cats. Studies have shown that is it very unlikely that the virus would be passed between cats living in the same home. FIV is not passed by sharing of food or water dishes, grooming each other, litter boxes, mock fighting, scratches or even sneezes.
How to care for your new cat
We are always on hand to offer advice about cat care!
What does a cat need?
A cat only requires a few key things to live a happy life. Firstly, cats need a safe and warm place to sleep. Food and water are obviously vital for the cat to survive. Please make sure your cat has a litter tray for them to use. It’s important that cats are kept healthy, free from pain and injury.
The first few days
At first, your cat may seem disoriented in its new surroundings and may not be as sociable as you hoped. This is completely natural, as the move into a new environment is a big thing for them to take in. We recommend starting your cat in just one room, expanding to the full house once they seem settled there.
Introducing a new cat to other pets
The best way to introduce your cats to other animals is in a controlled environment. Your supervision will help these first meetings run better, the amount of time it takes will depend on how confident the cat is.
Animals that live together have a ‘group smell’, which is their mingled scent. To help introduce your cat faster, you can swap bedding between the separated animals, allowing them to get used to each others sent beforehand.
Using food and treats when two cats meet will help break the ice and make them feel more sociable towards each other. Make sure they do not have to share water bowls, food bowls, beds and litter trays.
All dogs should be on a lead when they first meet a cat, giving them time to establish a friendship.
Letting your cat or kitten out
We recommend that your cat is kept inside for at least two weeks after they move in. Plus, if your cat has not had their second vaccination yet, we think it is best to wait until this has taken place.
When you first let your cat out, use the door of the house you would like your cat to use in the future. Next, take them out and place them a few yards from the door. Place a treat in the doorway and call the cat over. After a few practices, your cat will have learnt their way home!
Kittens are not sensible enough to be let outside until one year old (if unsupervised). Before this, you could take them for guided explorations of the garden, if your garden is secure. You could also take a kitten out on a harness, to show them what is outside. However, make sure to get them used to wearing a harness indoors first.
If you are keeping your cat as an indoor cat, make sure to give it lots of attention and playtime.