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Fact: Adoption fees can be as low as $50 and even less for senior cats or long-term residents. Adoption fees help shelters offset the cost of vaccinations, medications, spay/neuter services, quality foods and microchipping costs. Seeking these services from a veterinarian would run you an average of $300. As nonprofit organizations, shelters rely on donations and adoption fees to continue to provide care for homeless, adoptable cats.
Fact: Animal shelters do not accept wild, feral cats too untamed for adoption. Feral cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped and returned to their cat colony.
Fact: From day one, well-run shelters provide every cat with a thorough veterinary exam, vaccinations, medications, spay/neuter and good food. Upon intake, shelters place new cats in quarantine until examined, treated and cleared for socialization. Because they receive regular veterinary care, shelter cats are often healthier than pet-store and “free” cats.
Fact: The top reasons owners surrender their cats are: (1) relocating to housing that does not allow pets and (2) unwanted litters. Other reasons include allergies, changes in household income, lack of time or personal problems, but rarely negative feline personality or behavior.
Fact: Many cats in shelters have excellent history and temperament records. Shelter staff and volunteers spend time with each feline, learning his or her unique personality. Some owner-surrendered cats come with behavior and medical history notes. Because of their knowledge, shelter staff can often point you toward your perfect cat match.
Fact: Cats in animal shelters are found as stray cats, surrendered by owners or brought in by cat colony caretakers. Some may have had an unfortunate past, but none are unadoptable. Via cat rooms, many shelter cats are socialized and receive continual human interaction, turning even shy cats into excellent pets.
Fact: Kittens are just as plentiful as adult cats — they’re just adopted more quickly. Some kittens arrive in pairs, many as entire litters, especially during the warmer “kitten season,” which is May through October. To find a kitten, visit shelters early in the day or ask to be placed on a wait list.
Fact: Russian Blue, Scottish Fold, Munchkin, Siamese and more can all be found in shelters, some even with certifications and papers. Being purebred or a designer breed doesn’t keep cats from shelters. You may need to head out of town or look longer, but specific cat breeds can be found. If you’re determined to find a specific breed, search for breed-specific rescues near you.
