So you’ve decided there’s room on your sofa – and your lap – for a cat, and you’d like to find a rescue cat. Here’s what you need to know about adopting a rescue cat…
Why you should adopt a rescue cat
Giving a rescue cat a loving home and a second chance at happiness is incredibly rewarding, says the experts at the RSPCA. They just need a forever home to give them the love and fuss they deserve, so if you’re considering adopting a rescue cat, know that you’re changing that cat’s life for the better!
Have you got time and finances for a cat?
Firstly, it’s important to consider whether you can care for an animal for the rest of its life. Do you have the time, money and resources to provide everything your pet needs? Owning a pet is a big commitment so doing your research first is key to making sure it’s the right decision for you.
You may think that cats are relatively easy to care for but actually, like all pets, they have complex needs. There are plenty of tools out there to help prospective pet owners see how much owning a cat might cost, such as the RSPCA’s pet cost calculator.
How to choose the right cat
If you know that adopting a cat is the right decision for you, it’s important to figure out which one is going to be right for you both, as well as your family and your lifestyle. Every cat has their own unique personalities and may require very different homes. There are many reasons why adopting a rescue kitten is a good idea.
It’s also important to consider the role of any other pets in the house. If you have a dog already, an older cat who has never lived with a dog before is unlikely to feel comfortable moving into your pooch’s space, and if you already have a cat, it’s important to consider whether they would like to share their space with another feline.
We may never know the full history of a rescue cat if they have come into care as a stray and we know little about where they came from, but at the RSPCA, rescue centre and branch staff will get to know the animals in their care to give potential adopters a picture of what their new pet will be like.
They can then give you details on the cat’s background and personality to help you make a decision on whether it is the right fit.
Potential adopters should take time to explain their lifestyle, household features, experience, and expectations to staff. They will then work hard to ensure you find your perfect match.
Potential adopters should take time to explain their lifestyle, household features, experience, and expectations to staff. They will then work hard to ensure you find your perfect match.
Rescue cats come in all shapes and sizes and different backgrounds. Some may have lived on the streets and never experienced a home environment before, such as a farm cat looking for an owner with a lot of outside space so that they can roam free and pop back home for a little head scratch and something to eat. Conversely, they may be a total lap cat who loves nothing more than curling up on your lap and snoozing. But no two rescue cats are ever the same!
Should I adopt a kitten?
The UK is currently experiencing a cat crisis and animal adoption centres are often at full capacity. Adopting a kitten before buying from a breeder means giving a home to one of the many thousands of cats who are looking for their forever homes.
However, whilst adopting a young kitten may seem cute, it isn’t for everyone - kittens need lots more time and attention than most older cats and need to be socialised to ensure they settle into their new life. For some people – for example, those who work during the day – an older cat who does not have as much boundless energy as a kitten would be a better match.
What is the process of adopting a rescue cat
The process for adopting a rescue cat may differ depending on which organisation you choose but generally they will have an online profile that will highlight their age, background if known, and the kind of home they would be suited for, as well as some pictures and videos.
It’s important to ensure that you’re adopting from a reputable organisation and one easy way to check this is to see if they are a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH).
ADCH members include the RSPCA, which asks prospective cat owners to take a look at the online profiles of moggies available for adoption near them and when they have seen a cat they would like to rehome, to fill out a ‘perfect match’ form. They can then send this form to the centre that is caring for the cat. The animal centre staff will then take a look at the application and contact you to discuss if you and the cat are a good fit.
Who can adopt a rescue cat?
There are a lot of myths out there about blanket rehoming policies – for example, that animal welfare organisations won't rehome cats to people in certain circumstances. But most rescue centres do not have a ‘one size fits all’ rehoming policy, and make decisions based on the needs of each individual pet.
As some of the cats in the care of rescue centres will have been rescued from some of the worst cases of neglect and cruelty, they may need an experienced cat owner who can give them the time and space they need to settle in. Other cats may have specialist care requirements and need to be kept indoors or in quiet neighbourhoods where there are no other cats.
As things progress, it’ll soon be time to arrange a visit to the animal centre to meet your chosen feline. A series of visits is sometimes required to make both adopter and rescue cat feel comfortable in each other’s company and make sure going ahead with the adoption is the right decision for both of you.
There will be an adoption fee or donation to pay, which covers the cost of neutering, vaccinations etc, and then it will be time to take your new furry friend home with you.
How to settle in a rescue cat
Any cat may take a little while to settle in, so it’s also important that prospective owners understand patience and time may be required at first whilst their furry friend becomes more comfortable.
In the first few weeks or months after bringing your pet home, it’s a good idea to ensure you don’t have any upcoming holidays booked or other longer periods away from home. This will ensure they have time to settle in and bond with their new humans.
Your new feline friend might also appreciate you setting up a ‘safe room’ initially with your cat’s food and water, litter tray, toys and beds, so that they can get used to the new room and then explore the rest of the house when they feel comfortable.
If your cat is going to have access to a safe garden outdoors, it’s important to ensure you keep it inside for four to six weeks after adoption so it can adjust to its new home and routine before it explores its outside territory, too.
If you’re thinking of adopting a cat from the RSPCA, please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/findapet
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care, from what is catnip and what does catnip do to cats? to how to stop cats scratching furniture and even how to stop cats pooping in your garden
About the RSPCA
The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare charity in the UK and specialises in animal rescue and furthering the welfare cause for all animals.