FAQs

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Your Cat Adoption questions answered

Why adopt from us?

We are a foster-based rescue and don’t have a shelter. This means our cats live in our homes and get familiar with the sights and sounds of a home environment. Since they live with us, our fosters get to know them and their unique personalities so we can tell you what to expect when they come to your home. As a rescue with nearly 30 years in Tampa Bay, we also operate TNVR and community cat care programs — so when you adopt from us, you’re supporting a much bigger mission of animal welfare in our community.

How do I find the right cat for me?

You can see all our available cats online, and several are available at our adoption centers. For cats online, you can contact their foster directly and find out more about them. For cats in stores, our adoption counselors are trained to help you choose the cat that’s right for your situation and can let you meet the cats there.

What is the adoption process?

You must be 18 or over to adopt. We ask you to fill out a questionnaire to find out more about you and your home situation in order to help find you the perfect pet. You’ll then meet the cat in person, and if you’re his or her person, you can take your new cat home the same day!

Can I meet a cat outside of a scheduled PetSmart adoption event?

Yes! Many of our cats live with fosters and aren’t always at a PetSmart event. If you see a cat online that you’re interested in, you can contact their foster directly to arrange a meeting outside of a scheduled event.

What are your adoption fees and what do they include?

Our cats are all spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Our standard adoption fee is $85 for one cat or kitten, or $150 for any two cats adopted together. Cats with the physical characteristics of specialty breeds such as Siamese, Russian Blue, Persian, and Maine Coon (noted in their profile) are $150 each, though they are not verified purebreds.

Can I adopt just one cat or kitten?

Since our fosters know the animal best, they will indicate in their profile if they can be adopted as an only cat or must have a kitty companion. We strongly recommend kittens under 6 months have a playmate because they provide companionship for each other, reducing loneliness and promoting healthy social development and preventing behavioral issues. Single kitten syndrome occurs when a young kitten is separated from littermates and can result in boredom-driven behaviors, poor bite inhibition, rough play, overattachment to humans, and increased vocalization.

Can I adopt a cat if I have a dog at home?

Yes! In fact, several of our fosters have dogs so their cats are already used to living with a dog. Other cats may not have met a dog yet, but we feel they would be able to adjust. Their profile page will note this and the foster can tell you more.

What is a bonded pair?

We designate two cats as a bonded pair when the relationship between them is essential to their health and well-being. When adopting a pair of cats or kittens designated by the rescue as a bonded pair on their profile, you must agree to keep the two animals together for their lifetime.

What is your return policy?

Cats and kittens need time to adjust to a new environment. We recommend allowing at least three weeks for your new pet to get used to the sounds, smells, other pets, and family members in their new home. If our introduction instructions are followed but the cat isn’t a good fit for your home, we will take the cat back within three months of adoption. Adoption fees are non-refundable, we use them to help other cats in need, but may be transferred toward the adoption of another cat.

Do you provide post-adoption support?

We love to keep in touch with our adopters! Especially during the first few weeks, we ask that you contact the foster with any questions about behavior or health — they know the cat best and are your direct connection into our organization. You can also reach us directly through the contact form on our website.

What else should I know?

We rescue cats from the streets and save them from overcrowded shelters. Many were former pets, left behind when their owners died or moved. You are giving them the second chance they deserve.

Adopting a cat is a big decision! Here are some things to consider before you adopt

Are you ready to make a 15-20 year commitment?

Cats can live 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a cat?

Cats are fairly self-sufficient but they still need daily attention. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.

Are you prepared for the cost of a cat?

In addition to food, litter and toys, they require annual vet appointments and vaccines and can have unexpected injuries or illnesses. Vet costs, advanced diagnostics, and treatments can cost in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Many people find pet insurance helpful — you may want to research options and costs before deciding to adopt.

Will damage to your belongings be an issue?

No matter how well-trained your cat is, he or she may cause accidental damage — scratched furniture, torn carpets, stains, or broken items.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems a cat can have?

In addition to medical issues, cats can have unexpected behavioral issues that will require care. They may act out, urinate inappropriately, or get stressed out. These symptoms require time and energy, and sometimes expense, to determine the cause and address it.

Can you have a pet where you live?

Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most have some restrictions, such as number of pets allowed. In addition, many charge fees, deposits and monthly pet rent. Make sure you know your landlord’s policies before you adopt.

Is it a good time for you to adopt?

Are you planning a big life change in the near future, such as having children, getting married, switching jobs, moving, or do you travel frequently? You may want to wait until you are more settled before adopting.

Do you have a plan to care for your cat while on vacation?

You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

What is the plan for your pets if something happens to you?

When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to provide care for his or her lifetime. If something were to unexpectedly happen to you, do you have a clear plan for who will care for your pets? While particularly important for seniors, the unexpected can happen at any time — having someone designated to care for your animals ensures they won’t be left alone.

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@galibagi?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">GALINA BOGDANOVA</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-small-kitten-rests-on-a-persons-shoulder-jfq2EwqYxLs?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@galibagi?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">GALINA BOGDANOVA</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/a-small-kitten-rests-on-a-persons-shoulder-jfq2EwqYxLs?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>

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