Cat Adoption... how do you screen?

Question

Cat Adoption... how do you screen that you are not giving your cat to someone that is going to sell for experimentation or something.

Answer 1

My sister in law raises dachsunds, she has the people make an appointment to visit for at least 30 minutes.While they are playing with the animals she asks them several questions.How many people in your house hold.Have you had any other pets , if so what where they and how long did you have them(that's a big clue , several animals not kept for at least 5 yrs something may be wrong there). What do they expect from the animal(companionship is a good answer).Do they have anyone in the household who might hurt the animal? Do they take many trips leaving the animal unattended. She says most people will answer honestly while playing with the animals.If they take a long time to answer between answers...like they are thinking what you want to hear..Pass on them. Be truthful that you want the best person for each kitten. Hope this helps a bit good luck!

Answer 2

We have an application to start and they pay an adoption fee which is more than what they would get by selling the animal. We do home visit and back up phone calls. They sign our contract that if for any reason they can not keep the cat it is returned to us. We tell people we rescued the pet once we don't want to again. We also microchip all our pets so that if they do end up in the shelter they can contact us.

Answer 3

Check their history for wanting the cat, tell them you have to go to their homes and make sure it's suitable for a cat and that it will be an unexpected visit and tell them that you can check on the cats well-being/status up to 30 or 60 days from the date of adoption. With this process it will weed out the fakers and leave the ones that are really interested in the animal.

Answer 4

Previous answers give good advice. Also discuss the expense of getting the cat neutered/spayed if this hasn't already been done. Also stress the importance of annual vaccination boosters. Ask what arrangements will be made for the cat if & when the new family go away on holidays. People who genuinely love cats won't mind being questioned - the cat's wellbeing is what matters.

Answer 5

Most cat adoption places have agreements people sign to promise certain things. For example, keep the cat in the house, don't declaw, promise to return the cat to the same place if you can no longer keep it, etc...
You have to take the person's word, but you do have their signature, so if you find something out about what they did with the cat, you do have the signed document.

Answer 6

I have always felt I would require a spay/neuter fee of around $50, refundable when the adopter brings you papers showing that the surgery has been done.

The adopter should be willing to do that and you would get financially reponsible people who would also do the necessary shots, worming, and testing that should be done at the vet's.

A lot of people seek a "free" kitten because they are not willing or able to spend the money to take care of the kitten properly.

Answer 7

A nice little article here that will help:

http://cats.about.com/cs/kittencare/a/findkithomes.htm

Don't be worried about absolutely grilling the prospective owners. You're resposible for these little lives. Try not to put ads in papers if you can help it. Try and find a family friend or a friend of a friend.

Answer 8

Ask them questions about how much they know about cat behavior and taking care of them. Also, ask them if they have a cat-friendly house.

Answer 9

Never give a kitten away. Always charge money for it this insures they want it as a pet. Ask for vet references also.

Answer 10

by seein there behaviour and how much they need the cat....