Issues to consider before adopting a cat

If you are interested in offering a new home to any of the Cats or Kittens shown, please call us for more information but there are some important issues you should first consider:

Can I afford it?

It costs an average of £15 per month per cat for food and litter.
Routine veterinary care, for example, boosters and vaccinations, for a normal healthy cat costs at least £25 per year.
Pet insurance costs about £100 per year.
A litter tray and other essentials cost about £30.
Catteries charge upwards of £6 per day to look after your cat when you go away.

Will my lifestyle allow it?

Although there is a cat for every purpose, home, and owner, you may have to seriously think about whether or not your lifestyle can realistically accommodate a pet. For, although they are independent, cats still require a stable living environment as well as regular care and affection. If the answer to the above questions is 'yes' then read on.

Why adopt a cat from us

We often have cats that need a home. You can give a cat a second chance. Cats come into our volunteer fosterers for many reasons: an owner's death or illness; divorce; moving house; redundancy; or, sometimes they're just strays whose owners cannot be located. By taking in a rescue cat from us, you will have the satisfaction of giving a home to a loving animal whose past history may not have been a happy one. Our cats are well cared for before rehoming. Before any cat in our care is rehomed, it is neutered, de-flead, de-wormed, and any medical or behavioural problems are expertly handled.

How to adopt a cat from us

Telephone or email us to let us know of your interest but remember that our Branch is run by volunteers who often have full-time jobs. Your phone calls and emails will be passed on to our homing co-ordinator who will contact you as soon as she can but you may have to expect a call-back in the evening or some other specified time. The next step is the home visit. One of our representatives will come to your home to ensure that we match the right cat with the right home environment. Once our representative has advised you on the most suitable type of cat for you, it is time to choose your new pet. Our representative will advise you where suitable cats can be seen but we do NOT have a central shelter in this Branch so you may have to visit one or more of our volunteer fosterers' homes where the cats are temporarily looked after in their house or garden.

When you are ready to take your cat home with you, you will be asked to sign a simple adoption form. If you are adopting a kitten, you will need to sign an agreement to have him/her neutered at the appropriate time. All our adult cats are neutered prior to rehoming and receive updated injections if needed. Cats Protection does not charge a fee when you adopt a cat. However, we do invite you to make a donation and suggest an amount of £50 for each cat or kitten to help us to cover our costs. On average, each cat can cost us more than £150 before it is ready for rehoming and the difference has to be made up through the efforts of our fund raisers and supporters. Want to help? Visit our How to Join page for information on joining and/or helping our Branch, or you can phone or email us with details of any help you can offer.