{"id":15506,"date":"2018-04-28T12:09:47","date_gmt":"2018-04-28T19:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/?page_id=15506"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T20:29:00","slug":"adoption-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/how-to-adopt\/adoption-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Adoption FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; angled_section=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_image_as_pattern=&#8221;without_pattern&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">Adoption FAQs<\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; angled_section=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_image_as_pattern=&#8221;without_pattern&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What kind of cats are available for adoption?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Town Cats, we celebrate feline diversity! We rescue cats of all ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. We also care for special needs cats, whether older, shy, or living with medical conditions, and work hard to help each one find the right home.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What are the costs involved in adopting?&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kittens (under 6 months): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$300 each, or $500 for a pair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adults (6 months-6 years):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $250 each, or $400 for a pair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seniors (7+ years):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $150 each, or $200 for a pair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Working cats:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> $75 each<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Silver Whiskers Program:<\/b> senior cats (9+) are free for senior adopters (60+)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u25ba Where Does Your Adoption Fee Go?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your adoption fee helps cover the essential medical care each cat receives before going home and supports the ongoing rescue and treatment of other cats in our care.<\/p>\n<p>Every cat is spayed or neutered, brought up to date on vaccines, and placed on monthly flea prevention. We also provide testing and treatment for common illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, along with diagnostics like bloodwork, fecal testing, and x-rays when needed. Some cats require additional care, including surgery for injuries or congenital conditions.<\/p>\n<p>The cost of this care often exceeds the adoption fee. By adopting, you are not only preparing your cat for a healthy start, but also helping us continue to say yes to the next cat who needs us.[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What payment methods do you accept?&#8221;]We primarily accept digital payments. A secure payment link will be sent to your phone or email, where you can review and sign the adoption contract and enter your card information. We also accept cash and checks; however, please note that cash payments must be exact, as we cannot provide change[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How long does the adoption process take?&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"docos-docoview-rootreply\">\n<div class=\"docos-replyview docos-anchoredreplyview docsshared-no-select-when-no-download docos-replyview-first docos-replyview-comment badging-enabled-doco\">\n<div class=\"docos-collapsible-replyview\">\n<div class=\"docos-replyview-static\">\n<div class=\"docos-replyview-body docos-anchoredreplyview-body docos-replyview-body-emoji-reactable\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your application is submitted, our team will review it within a few business days and follow up with you by email. As part of this process, we will contact the three references you provide. We must receive responses from at least two references before proceeding, which may extend the review period slightly. In most cases, the full review process takes approximately 3-7 days. Once your application is approved, we will schedule an interview, followed by a meet-and-greet, and then move forward with the adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What should I know before adopting?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adopting a cat is a serious, lifelong commitment. Cats live an average of 12-18 years, and some even reach their 20s. Before you adopt, make sure you\u2019re ready for the emotional and financial responsibility of caring for a pet over many years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Things to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stability matters.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cats need permanent homes. Being returned or moved between homes can be stressful and damaging.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adjustment takes time.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some cats will settle in quickly, while others may need weeks (or longer) to feel safe. Patience and consistency are key.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Personality may change at home.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A shy shelter cat may blossom into a loving companion once they trust you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Costs add up. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the adoption fee, expect expenses like food, litter, toys, routine vet visits, vaccines, dental care, and possibly emergency medical costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Time and attention.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cats need daily care, enrichment, and companionship. Even independent cats thrive when given love and interaction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Does everyone who applies for adoption get approved?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most applicants are approved, but not all. Our goal is to make sure every cat goes to a loving home that\u2019s the right fit. Sometimes we may suggest a different match if we think it will make both you and the cat happier and more comfortable.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How do I know which cat is right for me?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re happy to make recommendations based on your adoption application to help ensure a long, happy life together. Some cats may not thrive in certain homes, or an adopter may not have the time and patience a particular cat needs. We do our best to prevent mismatches, as returns can be stressful for both cats and families. Please be confident you\u2019re ready before taking the final step. Finding the right match is worth it!<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How can I prepare my home before adopting?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before bringing your cat home, set up a safe and quiet space where they can adjust at their own pace. Essentials include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A litter box and litter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Food and water dishes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat food (we\u2019ll let you know what they\u2019re currently eating)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A scratching post or pad<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A comfortable bed or blanket<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A secure carrier for transport and vet visits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats feel safest when they have their own space to retreat to at first. From there, you can gradually introduce them to the rest of your home.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What medical care have the cats received before adoption?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Town Cats, we guarantee that every cat has received appropriate veterinary care within reason. All cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and FVRCP, microchipped, and treated for fleas and worms. Any known medical or behavioral issues are disclosed to adopters to ensure transparency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While we do not perform exhaustive veterinary testing on every cat unless there are symptoms or concerns, our goal is to ensure each cat is healthy, safe, and ready to thrive in a new home. Once the adoption is finalized, adopters receive complete medical records so you have a full history of your cat\u2019s care.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What if the cat I\u2019m interested in already has applications?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We review and process applications in the order they are received and will let you know if there is existing interest for the cat you\u2019re interested in. Sometimes applications fall through, in which case we move down the line of interested adopters. If you\u2019re open to it, we\u2019d also be happy to help you find another available cat who could be a great match!<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Can I place a cat on hold?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes! Cats can be placed on hold for up to two weeks, but only after your application has been approved. A nonrefundable deposit of half the adoption fee is required, with the remaining balance due on the day of pickup. Holds can be arranged if you need time to prepare your home, if you\u2019ll be out of town, or if the cat requires additional medical care before going home.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;How do I introduce my new cat to other pets?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adjustment takes time, and the 3-3-3 rule can help set expectations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>3 days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to decompress (your cat may hide or seem withdrawn).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>3 weeks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn routines and start showing personality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>3 months<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to feel fully at home.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For other pets, start slow: swap scents, allow brief visual introductions, then move to short, supervised meetings. Always provide separate resources like litter boxes, bowls, and resting spots.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patience and consistency are key. Every cat\u2019s timeline is different!<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Do you offer same-day adoptions?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Same-day adoptions may be possible, but each case is evaluated individually. If your application is approved and you are prepared and confident in your decision, we make every effort to facilitate a smooth and timely adoption. Our priority is always the well-being of the cat, ensuring that both the adopter and the animal are set up for a successful, lasting match.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Do you offer trial adoptions?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We may consider a foster-to-adopt arrangement on a very case-by-case basis. This is typically not offered for kittens, but may be considered for cats with medical or special needs or if your household has other pets who are shy, unsure, or unfriendly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The foster-to-adopt period is typically two weeks. During this time, a nonrefundable deposit of half the adoption fee is required, with the remaining balance due on the day of finalization if you choose to adopt. If by the two-week mark the cat is still in your care, we ask that you either finalize the adoption or return the cat to us. There is no fee if you decide to return the cat at the end of the foster period.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title=&#8221;Can I return a cat if it doesn\u2019t work out?&#8221;]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Town Cats will always welcome back our alumni if an adoption doesn\u2019t work out. We know that sometimes circumstances change, and it\u2019s best for the cat to return to us. If you need to surrender your cat, we ask that you complete a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shelterluv.com\/matchme\/owner-surrender\/TOWN\/Cat\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surrender Form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so we can prepare for their return and ensure a smooth transition. A surrender fee may apply depending on how long the cat has been in your care, as this helps us cover the cost of re-intake and ongoing support. Our priority is always the well-being of our cats and helping you find the best outcome.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; angled_section=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_image_as_pattern=&#8221;without_pattern&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text] Adoption FAQs [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_type=&#8221;row&#8221; use_row_as_full_screen_section=&#8221;no&#8221; type=&#8221;full_width&#8221; angled_section=&#8221;no&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; background_image_as_pattern=&#8221;without_pattern&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=&#8221;What kind of cats are available for adoption?&#8221;]At Town Cats, we celebrate feline diversity! We rescue cats of all ages, sizes, colors, and personalities. We also care for special needs cats, whether older, shy, or living with medical conditions, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":0,"parent":15498,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15506","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15506"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15506"}],"version-history":[{"count":35,"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21236,"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15506\/revisions\/21236"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/towncats.org\/sandbox202604\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}