Cat Adoption Checklist

When you go to adopt a cat, there are a whole lot of things to keep in mind. So to make the entire process easier, we've put together this handy little checklist. You can read through it below, or you can download the printable version here.

□ Research local rescues or shelters
□ Read up on the cat(s) you would like to visit in your chosen facility
□ Follow your rescue/shelter's adoption guidelines (e.g. fill in questionnaires, prepare for home/background checks, etc.)
□ Set up a meet-and-greet with your chosen felines
□ Find the right vet
    □ Ask friends
    □ Ask for recommendations from rescue/shelter
    □ Research online (reviews, BBB ratings, etc.)
    □ Call veterinarians to ask essential questions (e.g. "What services do you offer?")
    □ Do an office tour
□ Set up vaccination schedule (speak with your shelter/rescue to see what is needed)
□ Set up spaying/neutering date (if your shelter/rescue has not already done this)
□ Research and stock up on food and treats for age, health, and lifestyle
□ Purchase:
    □ Food and treats
    □ Food and water bowls
    □ Crate and/or Carrier
    □ Bedding (optional)
    □ Toys
□ Scratcher and/or Cat Tree
□ Set up a "safe zone" room for your new arrival (stock with food/water, litter, bedding, toys, etc.)
□ Create an introduction plan with other pets or house members
□ Start an emergency fund for unexpected expenses

The Cat Adoption Process

All right, so you've gone through the checklist - you have a great food in mind, a "safe zone" set up and in place, and you have a spectacular vet ready and waiting. Now it's time to adopt a cat! But before you do, it's a good idea to have a clear grasp on a few key points. For example, what is the difference between a rescue and shelter, and which is better to adopt from? What is the adoption process like for each? What is the process of adopting a "found" kitten or cat? Confused? No worries! This section will give you all of the details you need before you strike out on your mission to find the perfect cat for you!

Cat Rescue vs Cat Shelter

So at this point, you might be wondering what the difference really is between a cat rescue and a cat shelter. Both help, heal, and adopt out cats, right? Well, that's all true, but there are a few fundamental differences.

Shelters

Shelters are facilities that help to rescue homeless pets from off of the streets and out of bad situations, but also frequently take in surrendered animals. These facilities are kennel-like settings that house numerous animals - though, some shelters are now beginning to implement fantastic foster systems. Shelters are sometimes, though not always, funded by government programs, and may also receive further financial assistance through community donations. Many shelters have staff and dedicated veterinarians on hand to help with healthcare, maintenance, and adoptions, while they may also employ volunteers to assist with socializing and day-to-day care.

Because space is incredibly limited for shelters, many do unfortunately have euthanasia policies in place. However, an increasing number of facilities are implementing a "no kill" policy - meaning that if an animal is healthy and not a threat to the community, it will be kept until a suitable home is found. Furthermore, as I mentioned, because many shelters are adopting the foster home programs that have worked so well for rescues, the lack of space has become slightly less of a problem - though, fosters are always needed.

There are numerous pros and cons to consider before you adopt a cat from a shelter. On the upside, one-on-one interaction might be a little easier, as many facilities offer play and introduction rooms, or at least kennels where you can see your cat in person. Because most shelters have an on-staff vet, major health problems, vaccinations, and spay or neuter surgeries will have likely been handled well before adoption. Finally, adoption times and requirements are often less stringent - though, you will want to check your local shelter's policies before you decide to adopt.

On the downside, however, getting to know your new kitty and his history might be complicated. Turn around times in shelters can be quite short, so although the employees and volunteers may be able to give you their initial reactions, they might not be able to provide the full scope of your chosen cat's personality, quirks, etc. They may also be unable to provide any medical history beyond what they have personally provided. Finally, because the kennel setting can be stressful for cats - the confinement, people traipsing in and out, the sounds and smells of strange animals - it may be difficult to discover your chosen cat's true demeanor, and it can be easy to overlook a perfectly marvelous feline simply because the setting is causing him to clam up.

Rescues

Unlike shelters, cat rescues are mostly run by volunteers, and depend on donations provided by their community and the generosity of their fosters. These charitable organizations offer temporary housing for animals who have been abused, neglected, or lost, and do also occasionally take in surrendered pets when space is available.

Although some rescues are contained within a dedicated space, in most instances, they function through a network of foster homes. In general, fosters are thoroughly screened to ensure that they are capable of providing a good short-term home, and have a fantastic track record of caring for animals in various stages of life.

As with shelters, adopting from a cat rescue comes with both upsides and downsides. One of the positive aspects of using a rescue is that your cats will have had a lot of exposure - to people, other animals, etc. - and will be better socialized because of it. Next, picking your kitty based on personality will be infinitely easier at a rescue, as your cat's foster family will likely know all about his history, and how he behaves now that he's spending time in a proper home.

Because your cat's foster will have a lot of information on hand, you are also more likely to have access to any necessary health information and records - plus, like shelters, most rescues offer at least a first round of vaccinations and a spay/neuter prior to adoption. Finally, because the adoption process can be a bit more involved, you may get to interact with or visit with your new cat multiple times prior to the final steps, which can help you to be sure that you're making the right decision. This regular visitation may also make the transition from home-to-home a little easier on the feline.

There are relatively few downsides to adopting a cat from a rescue; however, there are a few things to keep in mind. To begin, as was mentioned above, the adoption process can be quite involved, and may take several weeks to complete. Though there are some very good reasons for this - ensuring their cats go to good homes, allowing the adopter plenty of time to get ready - the lag can be frustrating for folks who just want to get their new friend home and start bonding. Another downside is that although some rescues will take their cats to "adoption centers" in pet stores and at local events, introductions outside of these locations can be a complicated affair.

Adopt From a Shelter or a Recue: Which is Better?
So that leaves the question... should you adopt a cat from a shelter or a rescue? The decision really is up to you. There are plenty of pros and cons for each, but either way... so long as you educate yourself, research your chosen facilities, and spend plenty of time preparing, your chances of making the right decision for you are quite high!

Shelter Adoption Process

Before we begin, I want to stress the fact that each shelter is different. The point of this section is to give you a general overview of average practices; however, rules can vary depending upon your state, your county, and even the facility itself. Before attempting to adopt a cat from any shelter, please check their website or give them a call to see exactly how they operate. The process might go like this:

Choose Your Cat

This step involves wandering around the cage areas, having some limited interactions, and speaking with staff about the kitties that catch your interest. Although staff may not have a lot of history, it is always a good idea to ask them what information they do have - in some cases, as when a cat has been housed for a while or if it has been surrendered to the shelter - the staff member will be able to provide important details.

When you have finally decided on a cat or two, you can ask to spend a little time together. In many cases, the shelter will have a dedicated introduction room solely for this purpose. Linger for a while in this area, as the more time your cat has to warm up to you, the more likely you'll get to know his personality. Once you have spent a decent stretch in this space, and have decided on who you want to take home with you, ask a shelter staff member to walk you through the next steps.

Fill Out an Application

Across the board, whether you adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue, you will be asked to fill out an application. In the case of a shelter, the application may not be quite as detailed; however, most will ask for pertinent information to ensure you are well prepared to care for a new pet. These applications will typically ask you to provide proof of residence and age, current pet ownership (as well as proof of current pets' vaccinations), and information about your living situation (roommates, children, owning or renting, etc).

Interview With an Adoption Coordinator

This step does not always take place; however, many shelters will ask you to sit down for a few minutes with their resident adoption coordinator. They will ask some basic questions - for example: Have you ever owned a cat before? How much time do you spend at home? - and will also give you some handy tips for caring for your new feline.

Waiting Period

Like the interview, this step may or may not take place, and you will have to speak with your shelter to see if they implement this practice. In most cases, the waiting period is around 24-48, and is used to give you time to think about your decision to adopt a cat. Making the decision to do so can be extremely exciting, but after going through all of the steps above, some adopters find that their enthusiasm has waned somewhat. If that's the case, you will have plenty of time to let the shelter know that you will be unable to adopt. If that's not the case, then you will have a little bit of time to get your new cat's home ready for him!

Sign a Contract

Before you can take your new little buddy home, you may be required to sign an adoption contract. This contract will ask that you ensure the cat is taken care of, well fed, vaccinated, etc. for the remainder of his life. Often, it also asks that if you cannot care for your cat for whatever reason, you let the shelter know. Finally, it may provide information on adoption and veterinary fees associated with this transaction, and will ask that you accept them.

Final Steps

After you've chosen your companion, all of the paperwork is done, and you've had your "cooling off" period, you're now on the last steps. At this point, you'll have to pay all required fees, get your kitty bundled up, and the pair of you can then head on home.

Rescue Adoption Process

As with shelters, each rescue has its own process for cat adoptions, so be certain to check with your chosen facility prior to making any decisions. That said, many cat rescue adoptions go something like this:

Choose a Cat

In some cases, you will be able to see adoptable cats live and in person, as many rescues host adoption events at pet stores and other locations. This may not always be the case, though, so it's a good idea to regularly check your rescue's website. A lot of the time, rescues post listings of adoptable kitties either directly on their website, or through web portals like Adopt-A-Pet or PetFinder.

Whether you see a potential new pal in person or through a website, take the time to speak with a rescue coordinator or foster parent to ask for pertinent details about your chosen felines. Because rescues often spend a good deal of time with their cats, they will likely be able to give you all sorts of information about your cat's personality, behaviors, habits, and preferences. Of course, they will also be able to tell you a lot about his history and medical needs. Don't be afraid to ask, as this information is essential when deciding whether or not you and your household are capable of caring for this particular cat.

Fill Out the Paperwork

Each rescue has it's own policy regarding applications and questionnaires, so this step may happen either before or after your kitty meet-up. The paperwork for a cat rescue is quite similar to what you would see from a shelter: Verifications of age and residence, current pet ownership status, current living arrangements, and so on. Although the basics are typically the same, you might also be asked some more detailed questions, like the activity level of your household, how much time you are able to commit to things like pet grooming and exercise, whether you intend to keep your cat indoors or out, and how much time you personally spend outside of the home. Don't let these questions alarm you - they are definitely not there to preclude you from adopting a cat. Instead, they are there to help guide you to your perfect companion, and to ensure that their kitties are given healthy, stable homes.

Interview With a Rescuer

Just like the questionnaire, many people worry that the interview is put into place as a roadblock, which is simply not the case. This step is an opportunity for both you and the rescue group to ask questions. You may be asked to elaborate on some of your questionnaire answers, or to tell the rescuer a bit more about you and your family. This is also your opportunity to get to know the rescue better, and to find out all of those important details about your new kitty. Again, don't be shy to take this time to get to know as much as you can - after all, you are committing to caring for this animal for the rest of its life... be sure that the two of you are a perfect match!

Meet Your Cat

One of the downsides of adopting from a rescue is that you may not be quite as free to interact with your potential new companion as you would be in the open space of a shelter - after all, rescues are mostly run by volunteers who have jobs, families, and lives that require just as much attention and love as their foster felines. However, as rescues are eager to find wonderful homes for their fuzzy wards, they will often work with you to arrange a meeting. As I mentioned earlier, this step may or may not take place before filling out an eligibility application or questionnaire, so be sure to find out how your chosen rescue operates as soon as possible.

Meetings can be held in a variety of places, including pet shops, adoption events, and other rescue-approved locations. During this meeting, you will get the opportunity to spend some time with your chosen feline, and will also have the chance to introduce him to other household members - though, it is important to check with your rescue's policies regarding animal "meet-and-greets" before arriving with your other pets. As with the initial contact and interview phases, ask a lot of questions - be them new or old. Now is the time, so don't be afraid to speak up!

Background Check and Home Visit

When you decide to adopt a cat through a rescue, the background check and home visit steps can seem the most daunting, but just know that they are put in place for a good reason. Although these two practices may initially seem a bit intrusive, they are only there to help the rescue group feel secure in letting their little ones move on to their new homes. After all, a lot of work and love goes into saving, housing, and caring for these creatures, and having a pet returned or end up in a bad situation is heartbreaking. To combat this, many rescues will ask prospective adopters to submit to background checks that look for any animal-related crimes, and may also require character references from people like co-workers or neighbors.

As far as home checks go, the whole process is fairly straightforward. A rescue coordinator will simply come to see your current living situation, ask questions about where your new cat will spend the majority of his time, and interact with any other pets or family members that reside in your home. This is a great opportunity for you to ask your rescue coordinator for any suggestions or tips. So if you are uncertain about anything, take this time to ask!

Background and home checks are quite common; however, not all rescue groups perform these steps, and some may ask for one and not the other. As with everything else, research your chosen rescue's policies at any time before or during the adoption process. In most cases, the rescue group will provide this information after you first contact them; however, if they do not, then don't hesitate to ask for it!

Bringing the Adoption to a Close

Now that you've found your new little pal, filled out all of the paperwork, and aced your interviews and checks, it's time to... fill out more paperwork. Oh my! But no worries, this one will be a lot faster and simpler. Just as with shelters, rescues ask that you read and sign a contract that outlines what is expected of you post-adoption. This is also the time when you will pay for any fees, so be sure to ask what forms of payment the rescue accepts before you arrive.

Assuming that your cat has already been spayed or neutered, has all of his shots, and is squared away with any other medical issues, you will likely be able to take him home. Some rescues, though, may give you a "cooling off" period, or may let you take an extra day or two simply to get your home ready. Either way, they will usually let you know about this last step well in advance.

Adopting a Stray Cat or Kitten

Although adopting a cat through a shelter or rescue is a fabulous thing, there are times when you end up "accidentally" adopting a cat. I know, this sounds like a ridiculous statement, but considering how many strays are roaming the streets, it is not uncommon for people to find a wandering cat and decide to give it a home. But what are the steps that you should take to adopt a stray cat?

Step One: Making Sure Your Stray Isn't Just Lost

The first step to take is to ensure that your stray is, in fact, a stray. To do this, simply bring him in to any veterinary clinic to have him checked for a microchip. Microchips - or small, implanted devices that provide information about the owner - are becoming quite common for cat owners, so it doesn't hurt to start here - especially as this process is quick, easy to perform, and done free of charge.

When a microchip is found, one of two things will happen. If the chip is registered to a specific owner, the company that manufactured said chip will contact the owners and let them know that their cat was found. If it was unregistered, the company may be able to provide information on the "implanter of record," which can be a veterinary office, rescue group, or animal control facility. Once they provide you with this information, you can do a bit of sleuthing by calling the implanter directly to see if they still have the owners' records.

Of course, not everyone microchips their pets. If your friendly little stray doesn't have one, you can always go the old-fashioned route and paste up posters - or, go the less old-fashioned route of pasting up virtual "posters" in community forums or social media groups. Just be sure to identify any unique features - interesting color pattern, funny idiosyncrasies, etc. - and keep them to yourself, just so you have some "screener" questions if someone calls.

Step Two: Setting Up a Temporary Shelter

If your found cat is not microchipped and you are waiting to see if someone claims him - say, one to three weeks - then you'll want to give him a comfortable place to hang out while the two of you wait. The area should be in a more secluded section of your house, like a spare room or bathroom, or a climate-controlled basement or garage. These locations should be cut off from any other household pets. Although this may sound a little mean, at this point you have no idea what your new friend's medical history is, and giving him his own personal space simply ensures that your existing pets remain free of any unknown illnesses. As an extra precaution, it's a good idea to have disinfectant wipes or spray outside the door of this sanctuary, just to keep your hands and feet from spreading any contagions throughout the rest of your house.

This private suite should be set up with all of the basics: A cozy blanket or towel, litter box and litter, food and water bowls. If you don't already have these items on hand, not to worry! For the time being, recycled or dollar store bowls are great for this temporary abode. As for litter, there are plenty of pre-filled and disposable litter boxes on the market, which are inexpensive and convenient for the current situation.

Step Three: Settling In

After a little time has passed, if you haven't found the owner, you can start to feel pretty secure about getting your new cat all settled in. The first thing that you will want to do is get him to the vet. Outdoor cats, unfortunately, are more vulnerable to a variety of diseases, such as FIV/FeLV, as well as environmental issues like ticks or fleas. Depending on where you live, your vet might follow up on negative tests with inoculations or oral medications for these conditions. If your stray kitty tests positive, you will be given information on all of your options, including medications and care choices. You also have the opportunity to get a microchip implanted - and if you do opt for this, just be sure to register as soon as possible!

After you get all of his medical needs tended to, you can now pick up all of his more permanent accessories - that is, a proper bowl setup, a genuine litter box, etc. If you already have pets, you'll also want to take the time to get them properly introduce.

Other Things to Consider

The three steps above apply to just about any situation. However, if you find an injured or sick cat, your first step should always be to take him directly to a vet or emergency animal clinic. If you find a very young kitten, and have verified that his mother is not nearby, you may want to contact a vet, rescue, or shelter for advice on the best ways to care for him.

Adopting a Special Needs Cat

If you have the time and resources available to you, you just might want to adopt a cat with special needs. These cats may have physical issues like blindness, deafness, or missing limbs; they may have certain medical issues like FIV or heart conditions; they may be geriatric or premature; or they may display specific behavioral issues. Regardless of what makes them special needs, they all require lots of love, care, and attention. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked in shelters, but if you are capable of caring for them, the experience of owning a special needs cat can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

Should you make the choice to save a cat with limitations, you can either ask a representative of your local shelter or chosen rescue, or you can seek out rescue groups that specifically cater to special felines. As with any other cat adoption, you will have to go through all of the same procedures we outlined above. During the process, it's a good idea to ask your adoption coordinator about the details of your chosen cat's condition, expenses that you will need to budget for, and schedules that you will need to adhere to.

The questionnaire might be a little different for a special needs cat, and may include questions regarding your experience with special needs animals, how you will handle vet bills, and if your home is or can be set up to make it accessible to your cat. Home visits will also vary somewhat, in that the coordinator will likely be looking for things that can affect the quality of life for your new kitty - for instance, if the cat is blind, the coordinator might look over the layout of your home, and suggest some changes if necessary.

What to Do if the Adoption Doesn't Work Out

Although rescues and shelters work hard to find the best fit for every home, some cat adoptions just don't work out. This is always a sad occurrence, but it is important to keep a few things in mind. For starters, because your home and its family members are all so strange, it can take a while for a new cat to get acclimated to his surroundings. Don't jump the gun on this one - felines are sensitive creatures, and many of them just need time, patience, and maybe a little bit of work.

Sometimes people will return a pet due to unforeseen "behavioral" issues. Often, these issues are not actually behavioral at all. For example, if your new cat is avoiding the litter box or urinating in inappropriate spots, it could, in fact, be a medical problem or a simple case of not knowing the layout of his new home. Some complaints are behavioral, but are possible to remedy if the right steps are taken. For instance, if your new cat is not getting along with the felines already living in your home, providing extra space like cat trees or perches, changing feeding schedules, and offering individual play times may help alleviate any tension. You might also want to consider training with an animal behaviorist who specializes in cats.

If you have given the situation every possible attempt at success and things still aren't working out, there are a few steps you need to take. First, take a breath and do not give in to the temptation to simply abandon the cat. This might seem like an "easy" solution, but it can result in some unfortunate consequences for the animal. Instead, start by reading your adoption contract. There is often a clause in each contract that states that if, for any reason, your adoption simply isn't working, you must return the cat to the original rescue or shelter. Although you might feel embarrassed bringing him back, by doing so, you allow him the opportunity to find a home that is better suited to him. Of course, just dropping him off is a bad idea, as there may not be anyone nearby to take him in. Instead, call or E-mail your adoption coordinator, explain the situation, and schedule an appointment.

Prior to adoption, it's a good idea to look a little deeper into your rescue's policies. Though this is not true for all, many rescues offer a "trial period" that allows the cat and his new humans time to get accustomed to each other. If for some reason things are not working out, you can bring your cat back and receive a refund of most or all of your adoption fees.

Conclusion

If you have chosen to adopt a cat or two, thank you! There are so many homeless and needy felines in this world, and it is a beautiful thing to know that at least some of them will be given warm, loving, safe homes. The process can seem overwhelming, but I can assure you that no matter what curves and bumps you find on the road to adoption, the destination is well worth the trouble!