SO YOU WANT TO ADOPT A CAT OR KITTEN…..

The Homing Process

Once you have started to think about adopting a cat or kitten, the first step is to speak to one of our homing officers, who can be contacted on 01335 300494, 345318 or 344765. Alternatively, you can visit on one of our Open Days, look around The Ark and chat to one of our homing officers then. We believe that our homing process works well for both cat and adopter, and it is important for both that the match is a suitable one…it can be very sad if it does not work out. Please, therefore, be understanding if we ask you some questions about yourself, your home and everybody else who lives there. A little time and care at this stage is a good investment and will enable us to advise you better on which cats or kittens might be most suitable for you.

Depending on the circumstances, the homing officer may arrange a visit to your home, either before the adoption, or sometimes afterwards to ensure that your new friend is settled in. It is a condition of the adoption that you agree to such a visit, if requested.

Choosing Your Cat

Try to keep an open mind when you come to see the cats. Of course, we all know that “the cat picks you”, so personal preference is always likely to be the most important factor, but give some thought to how he or she will fit into your household, where you live, your lifestyle, children and other animals. Some cats love to be out and about, others love their home comforts and are happy to be indoors most of the time and some like handling more than others do. You may need to visit The Ark more than once to make your final choice and to bring other members of your family with you.

About Our Cats

All our cats are normally micro-chipped, wormed, vaccinated and have been seen by a vet during their time at The Ark. They will usually be neutered or spayed before adoption unless they are too young, in which case we will give you a Neutering Voucher towards the costs. Cats from high risk groups are also tested for the serious infectious diseases of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia Virus (FELV).

We will give you as much information and advice as we can about the cats, including the assessments and observations we have made whilst they are at The Ark. Most of our cats have come in from homes when their owners are no longer able to care for them, but some have come in as strays, so we know little about their previous lives.

All our cats have one thing in common….they have no home to call their own and no special  human friend. That’s where you come in.

The Adoption

Once both you and the homing officer (and the cat, of course!) are happy with your choice, you can arrange to collect your new friend and take him home. We normally ask for a donation of £50 for a cat or kitten, which helps to pay for the high standards of care that we provide. The homing officer will ask you to complete the adoption paperwork, ask for your adoption donation and give you as much useful information as possible about looking after your cat, particularly when you first take him or her home.