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How to Adopt a Cat

A Step-by-Step Guide

Thank you for considering the adoption of a rescue cat! Below, we’ve outlined the steps involved in our adoption process. Please read through carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

What You Should Know Before Adopting a Cat

Whether you are looking to adopt a kitten or an adult cat, getting a new pet is a big decision that requires careful thought. It’s not just about bringing home a new furry friend, it’s about committing to a living being’s well-being for their entire life. This will be a very important decision in both your and your cat’s lives.

When choosing your future cat, the decision should not be solely emotional. While it’s easy to fall in love with a cat’s appearance or feel moved by their rescue story, it’s crucial to consider factors such as age, temperament and individual needs. Ensure that the cat you choose is a good match for your living environment and lifestyle. Compatibility with other pets and family members should also be a top consideration.

Domestic cats can live up to 16-20 years with proper care, so adopting a cat means planning for the next 20 years. Over a cat’s lifetime, expenses for food, litter, furniture, toys, and veterinary care can add up, often equivalent to the cost of a small car. It’s important to think about your long-term financial stability, potential life changes (like moving, traveling, or having children), and your ability to care for a pet for the next two decades. To adopt an animal, you must be willing to care for them their entire life.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself before adopting:

  • Will I have enough time to take good care of the cat?
  • Am I ready to take on this financial responsibility for a pet?
  • Is my apartment suitable for cats? Do I have permission from the landlord?
  • Am I prepared to take all measures to provide the cat with a safe environment?
  • Are all family members ready to accept the new kitten?
  • Will I have the necessary patience to give the kitten time to adjust to the new environment and other animals?

When you can answer YES to these important questions, you are ready to adopt a cat.

If you're not ready yet but still want a furry companion, you can foster a rescue and help a cat in need!

Preparing for Your New Cat

Cats don’t need much to be happy, but providing a safe and comfortable environment is crucial for a good start to their successful acclimatization. The first few days in a new home can be stressful for any cat, so it’s important to prepare in advance and understand how to help them through this transition smoothly.
Essentials to have ready:

  • High-quality food and fresh water
  • A litter box
  • A comfortable bed
  • A scratching post
  • A variety of toys

Before bringing your new cat home, it’s essential to ensure their safety by cat-proofing windows and balconies so that the cat cannot get out / fall out. If you live in a house with a yard, possible alternatives are creating a catio or cat-proofing your fence.

For the first days at home, it is important to create a safe space where the cat can be alone and gradually get used to their new surroundings and to you. If you have other pets, adopting the right approach to introducing a new cat is very important. Learning and using introduction techniques is essential because a gradual and well-planned introduction process can help foster a positive relationship between your new cat and any other resident pets.

When you adopt a cat from TNR Bulgaria, a dedicated volunteer will be there to guide you through the process, offering support, advice, and answering any questions you may have. Our goal is to ensure that both you and your new cat have a smooth and successful start together.

Adoption

Our rescue cats have overcome challenging pasts, and we’re committed to finding them safe, loving homes where they can thrive. The adoption process is designed to ensure that the cat you’re interested in is a good fit for your home and lifestyle and to help you prepare for the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Here’s how the adoption process works:

  1. Complete the Adoption Survey: This survey helps us learn more about you, your experience with cats, and how we can assist in preparing for your new pet.
  2. Phone Interview: We’ll arrange a virtual meeting to get to know you better and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
  3. Home Visit:We’ll visit your home to meet all family members (both two-legged and four-legged) and ensure that your home is a safe environment for a cat.
  4. Final Decision: After the home visit, we’ll decide together if the cat is a good match for your home. If everything checks out, we’ll schedule a time to bring the cat to your home and finalize the adoption with a contract.

Ready to start the journey? Complete the Adoption Survey by clicking the button below: