Interview Process for Rescue Kitten Begins

The rescue kitten that I found a few weeks back has put on weight, was weaned to eat Royal Canin baby cat food and has improved greatly in coordination. We had to take her to the veterinarian to get rid of the fleas and while kitten was there we learned that she was a Bengal Maine Coon mix, in good health and approximately four weeks old. Okay that was then and now; baby cat is six weeks old and we have started interviewing adopters for her forever home.

Learn more about found baby kitten here 

We had one adopter that we thought was a perfect match but after the interview process my husband said no. The women was a cat lover, but through the interview questions  I learned that all of her cats were kept outdoors, with under the deck as the shelter and that they were not current with veterinarian shots, spays or neuters. Husband crossed her off the list.

The other family that showed interest in rescue kitten would be a good fit if they agreed to keep cat indoors. In the past they let their other declawed cat outside  and it was killed by the neighbors two dogs. The women who wanted the kitten  had no problem keeping kitten indoors but she said she had no control over others in the house and suspected that they would leave the cat outdoors. 

Other than that we have one other person who has bonded with the kitten and has stated that they love her.   We feel it would be a perfect match, however at the present time this adopter cannot take in the kitten, but has stated they would help me to find her a home.

Purl goes in for grooming the first week of December, a bow will be put in her hair, there will be photographs taken and we will then put her up for adoption.  We are hoping that the person that bonded with her and said she loved her will take her.  But if not we must find a suitable home for her.

So the interview process has begun, we are weeding through the emails asking questions and are trying our best to find the right forever home for rescue kitten Purl.

Newly Adopted Cat Cannot Urinate

Whenever a cat shows signs that they cannot urinate then you really need to pay attention to this cat health symptom. Recently we adopted a stray cat and and took him to the veterinarians for exam, neuter, vaccines and in general made sure he was okay and safe to around our cats.

This little tabby that we call Louie is one sweet cat and he quickly acclimated to his indoor surroundings. His appetite was good, he used his litter box and got along well with other cats. Then three days ago he got out of the house and took off running to the neighborhood where his people used to live.

Louis was abandoned when his people moved and this means that he wants to go back to his birth home every chance that he gets. 

I went after him and I found him, and picked him up off the porch where he was laying. As I turned to walk off the door of the house opened and a women screamed at me to put a leash on that cat that she hated cats and did not want him lying on her porch.   I tried to tell her that he was born in that house and only went back to find his people and she yelled me again and slammed the door. I took Louie home and he seemed nervous, then that night he is straining to urinate.

Was he poisoned? Did this cat hater cause my cat harm. I don't know all I know is that we rushed him to the veterinarian emergency hospital and he had a fever, and was treated for a urinary infection and idiopathic cystitis.

Know that my other cat had idiopathic cystitis and there were symptom of this illness that occurred weeks before, the symptoms did not occur immediately after the cat returns for being outdoors.  I think there was foul play and have contacted my veternarian.  If need be I will take him to the veternarian tomorrow when they open for business. 

The emergency veternarian gave Louis two shots, medication for home care, I am watching and taking care of my adopted stray cat because he is sick and suffering from an infection that has caused him to be unable to urinate.

Here is a photo of Louie in September, he was visiting us and as you can see he is healthy.  This is when the neighbors were taking care of him, but none of us could adopt him due to our cities pet laws.  We adopted him in December after my cat needed to be euthanized and I could legally take in another cat.

This next photo was taken of Louie one month ago on the day we adopted him. 

And now he cannot urinate and I am worried about our adopted cat.

Caretakers Adopt Abandoned Stray Cat

For the last two years my husband and I along with the neighbors have been caretakers to a cute five year old tabby cat that was left behind when his people moved. We all put out food and water for this cat and have opened up our heated garages by installing a cat door for the abandoned and stray cats. Along with the garage shelters many of us have bought outdoor cat shelters for these animals that were left behind by their people.

We all wanted to adopt this cute tabby cat but couldn't.

All of us were over our pet limit and could not officially adopt this cat as the pet laws are very strict where I live and if you break them you risk of having all of your pets taken away by animal control. So we all follow the rules and do our best to take care of the abandoned cats in our neighborhood.

Last winter we found this tabby abandoned stray cat outdoors when it was in the single digits. Husband picked him up and put him in a cat cage in our mud room for overnight, it was too darn cold outdoors and this cat could have gotten frostbite. So the stray cat stayed in the cat cage, that was located in our mud room, where a door closed off the rest of our house, for three days.  Then  when the snow  melted and temperatures was warmer the cat went outdoors again.

The cat went back to his routine and all of the neighborhood watched out for him. Then in September of 2014 I had to put down three of my cats due to cancer and diabetes. Then in December we adopted this stray cat and got him neutered, vaccinated and provided him with flea and parasite treatment.

He came indoors to live with us and while he seems to like it, he does miss going outdoors. For the next three months we intend to keep him indoors so he knows that we are his people and he has a home . 

We would like to let him go outdoors to play in our yard.  But we fear that he will run to the home where he was born to look for his former people, they are not there and the “new family” could care less about the former cat who lived in the house. So it is best that the abandoned stray cat relate to us as his new family.

Some People Should Not Adopt a Cat

In my search to find adopter for kitten I have learned that many people want cats for the wrong reason and that finding responsible cat owners is not an easy task.

Some people want to adopt kittens because they are cute, but they do not want them to bite, scratch or play too hard. They want the kittens to be trained to play on command and then sleep the rest of the day.  I suspect that these are the people that put their kittens out of the house.

Other people want a cat because all you need to do is feed them and change their litter box when it stinks.  These people think that you do not need to play with them or pet them like a dog,  because unlike a dog cats are not affectionate. So you can leave them to travel for a week an not worry.

My tortoiseshell cat in her cozy purr-pad bed in garage.

Then there are the cat adopters who only want a cat to live outdoors under their porch all year round to control the rodents, and I suspect these people have no intention of giving cat proper shelter or cat food.

Some people are eager to adopt a cat but do not take into consideration that somebody in the household is allergic to cat dander.   Even with good intentions to keep house allergen free it never works out for the benefit of the cat.

Then there are the cat adopters that associate black cats as being evil and will adopt them only to torture them and let’s not forget the people who raid the shelters for black cats for their Halloween party and then put them out of the house the next day without providing the black cat with food or outdoor shelter.

This is why I say that some people should not adopt a cat.

Adult Feral Cat Adopted into Forever Home

Maggie is a year old feral cat that was born in a cave in the forest.  When she was 12 weeks old I used a cat trap and successfully rescued her from a life of hardship.  I then socialized her to live with humans and other pets and then Maggie was adopted.

Maggie lived with her adoptive family for 9 months and then they returned her to me because they were moving out of state and could not take her. 

Maggie the is sweet and loving however I needed to work with her to lessen her anxiety because she missed her family and she was terrified of me and my other pets.  It took me approximately 18  days to put her at ease to the point where she was comfortable with her surroundings.  

Cats generally do not like change, and feral cats get very nervous when they leave their adopted families home. 

When Maggie had a daily routine and was getting along with the other pets and humans then I felt I could begin to look for an adopter.

Feral cat Maggie under the bed covers

A friend of mine suggested that I surrender Maggie to the Humane Society because the cat would have a chance to go to one of the pet stores that feature pets for adoptions.  I contacted the shelter and learned that there was no guarantee that the cat would go to the adoption center.  I knew Maggie would be afraid of the pet shelter and would hiss at the onlookers.  Feral cats are fearful of all new situations so  I decided to keep Maggie and to work with volunteers to find someone to adopt Maggie. 

Today we made up flyer's for Maggie and the three of us handed out flyer's in front of the local pet stores and we asked our veterinarians office if we could post the flyer on their bulletin board.  After that we went door to door and put a folded flyer in our neighbor’s mailbox.

Cat Adoption Template Flyer

A few people came out to talk to us and we told them about the cat and offered a referral compensation if they would be able to find a serious cat adopter.  All seemed generally interested in finding the cat a forever home.

The say that money talks and I believe that it is true.  Tonight I received two calls for Maggie and tomorrow I have  interview appointments.   I feel that there is an adopter for Maggie and that God has a plan for her.  I need to be patient and have a little faith.  I am hoping that the interviews go well and that tomorrow I find an adopter for Maggie. 

Feral cat Maggie on top of refrigerator

Update Tuesday March 13. 2012...Maggie was adopted into her forever home.   She was a little frightened and hid in the bathroom at her new home.  Her adopter is a woman who has always loved cats and will treat Maggie well.  

Maggie is such a sweet and loving cat, she likes to cuddle and will hide under the blankets when there is thunder.  I am certain that once Maggie gets used to her new home that she will be happy.

Adopting a Shelter Cat

Before you go to the animal shelter to adopt your new cat it is best to get your home and the cats safe room ready.  The safe room is where you will keep the cat while they get acclimated to your new home.  It is not wise to release a new cat into your home and expect every animal to welcome them.  It takes time and it is less stressful on everyone if you socialize the new cat with home and other pets. 

 What Cat is Right for You

Decide on the type of cat that would be best for your family.  Do this by reading cat magazines and cat breed books.  Familiarizing yourself with the many breeds of cats, by learning more about the cat's characteristics and mannerisms you will be able to adopt the cat that is suited to your lifestyle.  I adopted a blue point Siamese cat.  This cat is sweet, loving and I was able to teach to retrieve a toy mouse.  The cat has a lot of energy and his characteristics and mannerisms may not be a good fit for all families.   The animal shelters have all breeds of cats as well as alley cats so it is best to read up on cats before you adopt a cat from a shelter.  Another thing to consider is the hair length of the cat.  A long haired cat will need to be brushed on a regular basis whereas a short haired cat does not need as much care.

Choosing a Shelter Cat

When you arrive at the shelter tell the worker what type of cat you are looking for; particular breed, age of cat, color, hair type.  If you want a kitten then you will be taken to the kitten room.  If you want a mature cat that tends to sleep more than play then the worker will show you where you can find this type of cat.

Approach the cats in the crates slowly and refrain from talking loudly.  The cats know that you are there, there is no need to announce your presence.  Stand directly outside of the crate and speak softly to the cat.  Watch to see if the cat comes to greet you.  Does the cat rub on the bars?  If so pet the cat through the bars and continue to talk softly to the cat. Does the cat purr?  If so then this cat likes you and would like to bond with you.  Ask the shelter worker if you could get a closer look at the cat.  They will take the cat and put them in an area where you can interact with the cat.

Shelter Cat Checklist

Before you adopt the cat or kitten from the shelter, check the cats medical records.

Has the cat been tested for Feline Leukemia and other contagious cat viruses.

Is the cat current with vaccines?

Does the cat need to be wormed for intestinal parasites?

Does the cat have fleas, ticks or ear mites?

Does the cat need to be spayed or neutered?

Make an appointment for a wellness check up for the new cat.  All new cats must be checked by veterinarian before you socialize them with your pets. Bring the cats paperwork from the shelter with you and give to your veterinarian.  This paperwork will help your veterinarian to determine what medical care is needed for the adopted cat.

Notes from SGolis:

The cats in the back of the crates that will not look at you may be afraid of humans or they may be lonesome for their previous owner, take in consideration that these cats may have been surrendered by a lifelong master that may have had to go to a nursing home.  Read the chart on the cat to learn more about the cat.  The cat may be shy because they are lonesome for their master.

I have adopted a mature cat that had been surrendered by the family when the cat's master had died.   The cat was mourning the loss of their master.  I took the cat and socialized it for 30 days.  The cat was sweet and loving and was the perfect match for my friend who had recently lost her cat.  Cats may suffer from heartache however they do have the ability to forget the loss and they will love again.  They just need time to acclimate to their new home.

Whenever I bring a new cat into the home I will set up a safe room and treat the room with a Feliway diffuser.  I plug the diffuser into electrical outlet and it emits a scent that is soothing to the cat.  It is a good way to keep the cat happy and comfortable in new home.  

Adopt the cat that chooses you, they will do this by rubbing on you, purring and talking to you.  Cats are good judge of character and they can sense the type of person that you.

Interview Questions For Cat Adoption

Interviewing cat adopters is very important as it protects the cat from being mistreated, or put outside to fend on their own. 

You need to find the right adopters for all socialized feral, stray or house cats that are in need of a new home.   Matching the right cat with the adopter will ensure that the cat will have a forever home. 

Many people fall in love with kittens but forget that they need a lot of attention and also training.  A woman contacted me about a kitten that I had up for adoption and I agreed to meet with her and chat.  I asked her a few questions and found out that she worked nights and slept during the day.  She also preferred peace and quiet and did not have a lot of time to spend with the kitten.  She told me she wanted the kitten to curl up in a ball and sleep at the foot of her bed.  

Based on the information that the woman provided me I knew she was not suited for a kitten and so I matched her up with an adult Maine Coon cat that was very affectionate, had perfect manners and enjoyed sleeping on the bed during the day.  They  were well suited and the cat found a forever home.  So it is important to chat with all of the adopters by asking them questions.

Here is my list of questions for the cat adopters.

1. Have you had cats before?

2. Are there any other pets in your home?

3. Are your pets spayed or neutered?

4. Do you have young children? What are their ages?

5. Do you live in rental home or apartment?

6. Can you have pets where you live?

7. If you move and you cannot have pets what will you do with your cat?

8. Will the cat be allowed to go outside?

9. Do you have a veterinarian?

10.If the cat is afraid of you and his new surroundings and he hisses at you what will you do? 
11. What kind of cat do you want?  One that is laid back and likes to cuddle or one that likes to play and entertain you?
12. How much time will you spend with your cat?

Based on these questions I will get a good feel for the adopter and their relationship with cats. 

Cat ready for adoption

Tips:
If the adopter is unable to take care of the cat I always ask them to call me.  I will take back the cats and work to place them in another home.  This prevents the cat from being put outside to fend on their own or taken to a shelter.

Why Adopters Shy from Feral Kittens

Feral Kitten six weeks old: Image by SGolis

Adopters like the idea of raising a feral kitten and giving them a chance at a normal life however they do not fully understand what a feral cat or kitten is and what is required to bond with the kitten.  

Charlie the feral kitten that I socialized was adopted out three times.  Each time I met with the adopters to discuss Charlie, I asked interview questions to determine if they were cat people and to weed out any concerns such as "No pets allowed at apartment".

The adopters met with Charlie, they viewed him lying in his hammock in his cat crate. Charlie was shy and afraid of the adopters and hid his head under his blanket.  Everyone said he was adorable and all wanted to bond with him and give him a loving home.  There was a nominal fee of $50.00 for Charlie as this was a guarantee to me that the adopters were sincere and would be Charlie’s forever home. 

I explained to each adopter that Charlie would need to undergo a short socialization that may last a week or up to a month.  I highly suggested that the adopter allow the feral kitten time to adjust to them and his new surroundings.  

I added that he was a sweet kitten but afraid of new things and he would hiss at them.  So if he hides in the back of a closet or under the sofa to let him be.  Set up his pine kitty litter and he will find it, put out his food and water bowl and he will find that too.  I suggest that they talk softly to him and treat him like a baby. I also told the adopters that loud talking, music, TV, dishwasher, or vacuum were all things that scared Charlie. 

Everyone said, yes that they understood and they were happy to give a feral kitten a chance at a normal life.  Two of the adopters returned him within forty eight hours, and one of the adopters put him outdoors.

 Every single adopter forgot their conversation with me.  They refused to let him be, they wanted to hold him and hug him and tickle his belly and Charlie hissed at them because he was terrified of them.  

The adopters insisted that he needed to be held and Charlie showed one of the adopters his claws and she went after him with a broom and he ran and hid in his crate.  She then latched the crate and put him outside on her porch and called me to come and get him.  She told me he was viscous, and yelled at me for adopting him out as socialized.  She had adopted Charlie for 6 hours.  All refunds were paid and Charlie is back where he started.  He is with me and he is going to stay with me.  

Feral kittens are terrified of humans, they may be socialized but they need time to adjust to any new situation.  When they hiss they are saying I am afraid, so be gentle okay.  When they show their claws they are saying, I am really afraid of you, please don’t do that anymore. 

Feral kittens are not lap kittens, mainly because they don't know what it is.  People want kittens that are tame, they do not want to take baby steps or take the necessary time to bond with a feral kitten.  They want the kitten to trust them and love them immediately.  These are the reasons why adopters shy away from feral kittens.  Many adopters do not have time to invest in the bonding process.

Feral kittens and cats are not the right pet for everyone, but for the few people that understand feral kittens and cats and are able to open up their heart to these cats they will be rewarded with a bond of trust.  The feral cat will show their person their abdomen and in the wild they protect this area of their body, they never show it outwardly When the feral cat rolls to their side and allows you to view and touch their abdomen the cat is saying “I love and trust you”   It is the greatest gift a feral cat can give to their person.  This is a bond of trust that will never be broken.   

11/26/2011
Charlie stayed with me and I continued to socialize him.  He grew up into a loving and normal house cat.  He gets along with the other cats and with our family dog.  Charlie follows me all around the house, comes when he is called and was clicker trained to sit and stay.  Charlie may have been born in a cave and he may have lived outside for his first six weeks of life, he was attacked by a wild animal and now walks with a limp but that was then and this is now and I am so glad that I was able to keep Charlie and provide him with his forever home.  

Photographs of Charlie as an adult cat (Age 1 to 2 years)