Can I test out how well the cat I selected gets along with my other pets before I decide to adopt?
Yes! We have a Foster-To-Adopt program that allows you to do just that – test the cat in your home for a period of time on a trial basis as a foster parent before finalizing the adoption. In fact, when you have another pet in the home (whether it’s a dog, another cat, birds, rabbit, ferret, etc.) or you have young kids or elderly parents living with you, we recommend that you Foster-To-Adopt to make sure the new pet is a good fit for you and your family, your current pets, and the Tails High cat or kitten(s) you’ve selected. Our goal is to make every effort to match people with the cats or kittens that fit their lifestyle.
What costs are involved in adopting a cat from Tails High?
All of the cats and kittens at Tails High are fully vetted at the time of adoption. They are FELV/FIV combo tested, given worm prevention, vaccinated against rabies and distemper, and they have been spayed or neutered to protect against the feline population increasing. In fact, the cats we have for adoption generally shouldn’t need any vet care for a year after you adopt them.
The adoption fee of $165 for single cat or kitten and $255 for a pair might sound a little high. But the fee includes all the medical care the cat needs for the first year. If you took the a cat to a vet this care, the cost would be closer to $300.
What if I’m adopting my first pet?
Congratulations on choosing to open your home to an animal. Being a new pet owner is a lot like being a new parent. It’s an adjustment at first for both you and the cat, but you’ll get the hang of your new situation quickly, and don’t worry, your cat comes with an instruction manual filled with the wisdom of veteran cat owners. And we love to answer questions. We’re even working on setting up a new pet owners orientation class.
Is it all right with you that I have children?
Yes! We think that pets are a great way to teach children responsibility and compassion. We don’t have any policies about how old your children have to be before we’ll let you adopt. There are a lot of social factors involved in a good match, and because some cats see children as threatening, we recommend involving your children in the adoption process. If one cat isn’t the right fit, another one might be more easy-going or playful. During our Saturday adoption events, we encourage children (and adults!) to come play in our gizmo. It’s a big playhouse with lots of cats and lots of toys where everyone can cuddle and interact with the kitties.
Should I adopt a kitten or an older cat?
Kittens are totally cute and we highly recommend adopting two at a time so they can keep each other entertained. But consider the following pros of adopting an adult cat, excerpted from the The Daily Cat article, “Give Second-Home Cats a Second Chance.” Older cats:
- Require less supervision Older cats are less energetic than kittens (and they are in control of their claws). They are litter box-trained and don’t do a lot of scratching.
- Make great companions If you spend a lot of time at home, an adult cat is more likely than a playful kitten to sit on your lap while you watch TV. If you are usually away, consider adopting two cats: They will entertain each other without requiring your full attention when you return.
- Have a fixed personality Adult cats have already grown into their personality, so no new traits will surprise you along the way.
- Are safer for children An adult cat is more likely than a kitten to have been exposed to children and other pets, and therefore may adapt more easily around them. A kitten that hasn’t learned to be around people yet may get frightened easily and scratch your over-eager child.
How do I introduce a new cat to the one I have already?
Check out this short article from The Daily Cat, “Single-Cat to Multi-Cat Without Problems” for a complete step-by-step instructional guide. We couldn’t have explained the process any better ourselves.