How can you screen adoptees? Need help from rescue people?

Question

I rescued a cat, and no rescue groups are willing to help me (they are overcrowded). ANyway the cat will be spayed on Oct 30. She just had her vaccines as well. All that from my own pocket. I don't want to keep her. I already have 2 cats.
But I want to get her adopted to a good home (she is a sweetie and she deserves the best). So the vet will help me (flyers) and I will probably post an ad on petfinder, make a movie as well....
I will ask for $80 or $100 as adoption fee (to cover the vaccines and some of the spaying cost) also to eliminate non serious people.

But how do I know the people who will adopt her are good people?

PLEASE rescue people, give me some tips! how do you screen the people before they adopt your cats?
serious answers only.

Also she will be ready for adoption after Oct 30 (spaying) and I will probably wait until Halloween is over.

Answer 1

First feel them out, use your instincts, you can often tell if someone is strange or unfit just by listening to them. Next set-up a meeting at their house ( don't go alone), see what their place looks like. Also you could ask them to fill out an adoption questionarre with basic questions about how they plan to care for the cat, what they know about cats, and if they can afford care for her. This process may scare some people off, but the good cat owners will understand why you are so careful. Definately use petfinder, it is a great resource. Good luck.

Answer 2

Ask them as many questions as you like. If they really care for animals they will understand why you want to find her the best home possible. Ask a few specific questions like "what would you do if she stopped using her litter tray?" or "How do you train your cat to use a scratch post?". Their answer should give you a feel for the way they treat animals.

Asking for a letter of reference from their vet or colleagues is a good idea. However, you might receive applications from a first time cat owner. When a friend of mine wanted to purchase a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog, the breeder not only insisted on vet references, but he wanted to see a certificate of pet insurance before he would allow anyone to take one of his puppies. Many UK cat charities state in their adoption certificate that they have the right to visit unannounced to see how the cat is settling into her home for the first three months. It also states they have the right to remove the cat from the new home if they are not entirely satisfied with how they are being cared for.

You sound very caring and responsible, so I'm sure your gut instinct will also help you make a decision. Good luck.

Answer 3

I only adopt foster cats/kittens to homes that have a vet reference, a few personal refferences ( you would be suprised at the number that list friends that then tell me they should not have a cat!!), have an acceptable income/job reference, and have stable housing. Not to be mean to apartment dwellers, but I have had too many people move within the next three years and call me to take the cat back. Now it is home owner or they don't get the cat/kitten.
Sometimes you just get a BAD feeling about some people, always go with that gut feeling!!!! You do not have to adopt the cat to anyone that you don't want to!!

Answer 4

You don't. Even when people are adopted there is no guarantee that the people adopting will be good people. In fact many are not. Go by your gut instinct. Many people can fool you all you have to do is do what you feel is right. I would think asking for a little adoption fee will help with the serious people but doesn't mean they will be good parents. And It is a great idea to wait untill Halloween is over.

Answer 5

I volunteer for an animal rescue organization as a foster parent, and I would echo the advice given to you previously. One question we ask that was not mentioned previously is, "Have you had a cat before? If so, what happened to him/her?" Asking this can lead to some revealing answers.

Also, if people live in an apartment, you may want to require proof that they have permission to have an animal, such as a copy of their lease or a note on letterhead from their landlord.

We also ask if everyone in the household is in support of the potential new family member.

I also ask if they are looking for an indoor or outdoor cat. We don't let people adopt our animals if they will be allowed to roam or live outside.

Answer 6

i agree with what Husky said.

but also ask for references. many many times the references will tell u things that the potential owner "forgot to mention".

ask the references what kind of household they will be in, previous or current pets(and what happened to previous ones), will it be indoor or outdoor, the persons schedule, lifestyle....anything u can think of that might let u kno if the person is a bad possibility.