QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Every day we receive phone calls, hopefully I can cover some of the frequently asked questions here.

Q. Are the cats up for re-homing neutered?

A: Yes, all adult cats are neutered before they are allowed to be re-homed

Q. Are they all healthy?

A:All our  cats have been seen by a vet and are injected against cat flu and enteritis and those cats that are indoor/outdoor cats against feline leukaemia, there is no injection against feline aids in the UK and that is one of the many reasons why most of our fosterers keep our cats indoors only. Our cats are  wormed and de-flead and you will be advised when the next applications are due. Please remember that only preparations from the vet are only completely effective. Any illnesses or  injury are  treated to our Vets satisfaction before they are placed up for re-homing.

Q. Is there a  need to flea, worm and keep up with the injections as my cats are indoors?

A: ALL cats need to have flea and worm treatments , see healthcare on tips page. It is also a good ides to have indoor cats injected against enteritis and cat flu as the are airborne infections

Q. What guarantees do we have the cat is healthy?

A: There are never any guarantees, but we do our very best to ensure that the cat you receive is in good health. We do this by keeping each cat a minimum of 14 days prior to rehoming to ensure that any virus that cat may be carrying will come forth during that incubation time.  Also for one month after homing should the cat suffer any illness we would  pay for the treatment at our Vet. (Obviously should the cat/kittens suffer trauma through injury in the home or you have gone against our advice and let the cat/kitten out then we would not be liable.

Q. I have a kitten already that I got elsewhere, will Cats Protection allow us to have one from them also?

A: Yes we will, providing that the kitten you have has been tested for FIV and FeLV.

Q. What should I buy in before getting my cat/kitten?

A: As all of our Fosterer's use covered in Litter Trays, it is safe to buy one of these. However, don't buy Cat Litter until you have asked the Fosterer what kind the Cat/Kitten is used to using. Changing litters suddenly can cause accidents on carpets.  Again, don't change the food the cat/kitten has been used to, so do not buy food until you know what food your chosen cat/Kitten has been used to.  Sudden food changes can cause upset stomachs, and this can cause expensive Vet bills. Please see Tips page as to the reasons a litter tray should always be provided.

Q. Will I need a cat carrier to take my cat/kitten home in?

A: Yes, we never allow a cat to leave a foster home in any manner other than in a safe cat carrier so many people lose cats when carried in inappropriate containers, also  you are going to need a carrier  for trips to the Vet, so a good strong carrier is a must have.

Q. I have a cat already do I need to tell the fosterer this?

A: Yes, its very important that you tell the fosterer details of all the animals in your home. They can then advise you of the cats that are suitable, also advise you how best to introduce your new cat/kitten to the other animals.

Q. I live near a Main Road, is that a problem?

A: It can be, but if you tell the fosterer this, they may be able to offer advice on the keeping of a cat/kitten as a housecat, and tell you if your chosen cat could adapt to that lifestyle see indoor/outdoor debate

Q. Can the family meet the cat/kitten before we take it home?

A: Yes, we actively encourage our potential owners to come along and meet the cats before making a firm choice, and to bring the entire family along, that way, you can be sure that its the right cat for you, and our fosterers are happy that the cat will be welcomed by the entire family, not just one person.

Q. What if I cannot keep the cat for any reason?

A: Cats Protection take the cat back, as and when we have a space to do so. But, you will have to be patient, as we are a small branch and cannot create space until a cat is re-homed.

Q. You ask for a donation, but how much do I have to pay?

A: We do not stipulate an amount, but we do ask you to consider the costs that the branch incur with each cat we take into care, testing, worming, flea treatment, medication if needed, repeat Veterinary consultations, food, litter, and housing. A recent survey by our HQ showed the minimum cost to Cats Protection for each cat in care is £150. However, in answer to the question, the average donation is £30 per cat

Q. Do you recommend placing a collar on our new cat/kitten?

A. No, we see far too many cats injured by collars. Often a cat will try to release themselves from the collar by placing a leg through, this causes burns to the skin which can take up to a year to heal. Consider micro-chipping as a very good alternative to collars. collar danger page

Q. Do you microchip?

A: all cats/kittens adopted from us are micro-chipped see chipping page  

Q. What if someone in the house turns out to have an allergy to Cats?

A:  Before adopting a cat/kitten, go along and meet the cat at the fosterer's home, tell the fosterer your concerns, then see if anyone shows symptoms within a few hours. Having an allergy doesn't always mean you can't have a cat.  There is a product called Petal Cleanse available from  pet shops,  please visit tips page for more details on this product.