Find Kittens Homes

Hello again,
For everyone who finds homes for cats and kittens, how do you do it? I mean how do you find the strength to trust that their new home will treat the cat/kitten well and that it will live a long happy life? I recently posted about taking a kitten from a home but regretted it right away because I thought it was too young. I returned him so that he could spend a few more weeks with his mom and siblings. Now I want to help the person who had the kittens find homes, but I'm finding it so hard to just post on FB or other places about them. I am so upset thinking that I'll never know if they went to the right home or if they will be neglected or abandoned if they get sick..... How can you be sure that you are doing the right thing?

This article is an excellent guide: "kittens To Good Homes" - How To Find A Good Forever Home For Your Kittens

The best way to screen potential adopters is to talk with them on the phone, and really get to know them. The article linked above has great questions that you can ask. Also, charge an adoption fee, comparable to the adoption fee for kittens at your local shelter (it’s $100 in my local shelter, but it will vary by location). This helps to ensure that the adopters are truly committed to adopting one of your kittens.

abyeb said:

This article is an excellent guide: "kittens To Good Homes" - How To Find A Good Forever Home For Your Kittens

The best way to screen potential adopters is to talk with them on the phone, and really get to know them. The article linked above has great questions that you can ask. Also, charge an adoption fee, comparable to the adoption fee for kittens at your local shelter (it’s $100 in my local shelter, but it will vary by location). This helps to ensure that the adopters are truly committed to adopting one of your kittens.

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Thank you for the link to the article. It was helpful and I think that charging an adoption fee is a good idea. I just wish I could give more cats homes. I want so much to help more cats but I find it so hard to trust people knowing how cruel some can be to animals.

Something else I just thought of: if they have any other pets, ask which vet they take them to. Then, you can call over there to make sure that their current pets are up-to-date with vaccines, check-ups, etc. (Make sure the vet knows that you’re screening them as a potential adopter). That way you know how they care for their current pets. My local animal shelter does this, when people are looking to adopt.

Hi! It’s nice to find you on the site again! I see you are now helping! That is fantastic. Furnallsmom pointed out your post to me. You have excellent questions and you’re getting some good information here. It is a concern as to who gets those precious babies. There are some good adoption guidelines available. I went through the same worries. Maybe the following will help.
Asking for a reference from their vet is great! These days a vet is supposed to protect pet medical information just as human information is protected but you get the vet name and permission for the potential adopting party. If they refuse permission, turn them down.
Get good references from the vet or, turn them down.
Insist that a contract be signed by the adopting party. If they refuse, turn them down.
In the contract they must agree to Spay and Neuter.
They must agree to a home visit before adopting.
They must agree to and provide proof of any immunizations that remain due on the kittens.
No adoption will take place they same day as home inspections. A return visit is required for delivery of kittens. ( That give time for everyone to consider the adoption. Both parties)
They agree to continue proper medical care and immunizations as indicated by the vet.
They agree to keep immunizations records and tags available for inspection and also with the pet if travel or evacuations must be made.
They agree to provide nourishing food. Make sure they understand dietary needs!
They agree to keep it indoors.
They will never, under any circumstances, have it declawed! Never!
If they EVER have to give up the kitty, they MUST return it to the original owner. No matter how much time has passed!
They agree to visitation rights, texts updates, photos and/or emails as desired or indicated by the original owner.
They agree that if the original owner feels any part of this binding contract has been voided, the original owner can immediately regain control and full ownership of the kitten or cat.
They will not neglect or abuse this kitty in any way. As determined by original owner.
They will never surrender this cat/kitten to any city, county or state shelter or rescue group or second party. The original owner must be notified of any change in circumstances.
You may wish to microchip or require this.
Get the name, address, phone, email and all contact information from the adopting party.
Photos of the kitty with adopting family might be a good idea for your files.
You need to provide the adopting party with all the records and information you have on the kitty as well.
An adoption fee is also a good idea.
Make sure the adopting party knows that you WILL be following up on the progress of the adoption. Give adopting parties your contact information and make sure you give them information about basic cat care as well as introducing a new kitty to family and other pets.
Make sure that adopting parties know they can ask you questions at any time during the life of the kitty. You desire to make the experience a happy one for all involved.
Some people suggest using the adoption fee as encouragement to continue vet care. They place the funds with the desired vet for future care.
Make sure you include any other issue that worries you. I find that good adopting families understand your concerns and do not hesitate to sign my contracts. If they hesitate, they don’t get a kitty!
Make sure the person who signs the contract is the responsible party and fully understands that they are signing a binding contact.
If they do not follow the contract then it is a legal breach of contract and they can be held accountable. They will have to relinquish ownership of the kitty to the original owner.
I got very firm about adopting parents. I did this for good reason. I worried too. I have adopted out a large number of kitties. If it helps any, I only had to reclaim from one adopting family.... ever. They were very cooperative during this process and it was that circumstances had gone badly for them personally. I know that they were relieved that I reclaimed the kitties. Everything turned out well for everyone involved, including the kitties.
The original owner must be prepared to protect the kitties and honor any returned kitties with proper care.
Maybe others will have more to add to this or suggest changes but I hope my precautions will help you to find your way through the adoption process. I know it’s difficult but there are many loving homes out there waiting for a kitty to complete or add to their families. Don’t give up! You’re doing a wonderful thing!!

Fabulous, jcatbird

Well it's only been a couple of days but I am feeling so discouraged! I've asked several people that I believed would be good homes for the kittens and everyone says no. I even contacted a cat rescue and have asked if they would help with just two. If they could get two to be adopted together that would be so awesome! I haven't heard back from them. I am starting to panic because the kittens are 10 weeks old next week and I know that people love to adopt kittens but as they get older it's harder to find homes.

Hang in there!

Furballsmom said:

Hang in there!

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Thanks I will keep trying

Have you tried Nextdoor . com? (avoid Craiglist or any site like that) but Nextdoor is more of a neighborhood website and a bit safer.

Furballsmom said:

Have you tried Nextdoor . com? (avoid Craiglist or any site like that) but Nextdoor is more of a neighborhood website and a bit safer.

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I've never heard of that site. Let me look it up. I'm worried that I'm going to have a really hard time finding them homes because they are in a small town in the southwest. The local shelter is currently completely full with kittens! It's so sad

Don’t panic. I know it’s scary but just keep looking. I was in your shoes, and not so long ago. I had dozens of kittens coming in as I rescued them. I was really worried. I live in a very bad area for kitties too. Networking is the key. Not necessarily on Craig’s list. Next door is a good option. Best friends. Org too. I suggest you start making phone calls as well. I find that a voice can make a difference. I called, emailed and texted every group I could find listed. I also asked everyone I met. Lol My tax guy, my doctor and his staff, my mail lady, a local police officer, etc. etc. It seemed like I would never find help. There were more kitties waiting for my help too! The pressure was on! Some days were very frustrating. I found that all the shelters were full. I just kept trying. One day things finally started to turn around. I had someone adopt a kitten. Then another! This went on through over a dozen and then things leveled off again. I got worried again but then a local foster started to help me. She took some kittens. I also had rescued some older kitties that were approaching a year or two. One day my phone rang. It was the shelter. They needed kitties! Needed them! This was new! I had checked out the shelter and made sure they were good. I didn’t want my kitties put down if they did not get adopted. Everything checked out. Kittens and cats started getting adopted. The more I networked, the more that found homes. It doesn’t always happen quickly but just be persistent in making contacts. Contact everyone again every couple of weeks! Get your name on the waiting list! Ask for that! Be a very nice but squeaky wheel! Remind every one you call again of who you are and that you are still trying!! The same with emails and texts. I found that getting the kitties shots and Spay / neuter helps. You might try calling your local Humane Society and vet for the names of more groups or foster homes. We are in the middle of kitten season right now and that makes it tough but adoptions do happen! The oldest cat I got adopted was about 7 years old. Some people do want older kitties. Don’t give up! You just have to find the right route to take. You’re doing great. It’s my opinion that if you are a cat guardian, you are a kitty hero. You are a hero!

You might try asking your vet if they know of any good cat guardians looking for kittens.

Nextdoor is an app you can join. Do you live in the us?

Here's an example of an adoption application. Make sure they live where you can drive to them. Meet with them at their house. I made a mistake once adopting out a cat to a couple that had a hyper toddler and a big house. Luckily, they were near by.
Do they know how to help the cat adjust to her new home

Nextdoor is an app you can join. Do you live in the us?

Here's an example of an adoption application. Make sure they live where you can drive to them. Meet with them at their house. I made a mistake once adopting out a cat to a couple that had a hyper toddler and a big house. Luckily, they were near by.
Do they know how to help the cat adjust to her new home

danteshuman said:

You might try asking your vet if they know of any good cat guardians looking for kittens.

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My vet let's me post pics on their counter for cats needing a forever home. I have also gotten cats adopted by posting pics at small stores. Any store that has bulliton boards

Jcatbird said:

Don’t panic. I know it’s scary but just keep looking. I was in your shoes, and not so long ago. I had dozens of kittens coming in as I rescued them. I was really worried. I live in a very bad area for kitties too. Networking is the key. Not necessarily on Craig’s list. Next door is a good option. Best friends. Org too. I suggest you start making phone calls as well. I find that a voice can make a difference. I called, emailed and texted every group I could find listed. I also asked everyone I met. Lol My tax guy, my doctor and his staff, my mail lady, a local police officer, etc. etc. It seemed like I would never find help. There were more kitties waiting for my help too! The pressure was on! Some days were very frustrating. I found that all the shelters were full. I just kept trying. One day things finally started to turn around. I had someone adopt a kitten. Then another! This went on through over a dozen and then things leveled off again. I got worried again but then a local foster started to help me. She took some kittens. I also had rescued some older kitties that were approaching a year or two. One day my phone rang. It was the shelter. They needed kitties! Needed them! This was new! I had checked out the shelter and made sure they were good. I didn’t want my kitties put down if they did not get adopted. Everything checked out. Kittens and cats started getting adopted. The more I networked, the more that found homes. It doesn’t always happen quickly but just be persistent in making contacts. Contact everyone again every couple of weeks! Get your name on the waiting list! Ask for that! Be a very nice but squeaky wheel! Remind every one you call again of who you are and that you are still trying!! The same with emails and texts. I found that getting the kitties shots and Spay / neuter helps. You might try calling your local Humane Society and vet for the names of more groups or foster homes. We are in the middle of kitten season right now and that makes it tough but adoptions do happen! The oldest cat I got adopted was about 7 years old. Some people do want older kitties. Don’t give up! You just have to find the right route to take. You’re doing great. It’s my opinion that if you are a cat guardian, you are a kitty hero. You are a hero!

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Thank you once again Jcatbird. I will keep trying. I truly want these kitties to have the best possible homes. I am so grateful to everyone on this site who is giving me advice.

danteshuman said:

You might try asking your vet if they know of any good cat guardians looking for kittens.

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Yes!! This is a good idea! I will call tomorrow!

maggie101 said:

Nextdoor is an app you can join. Do you live in the us?

Here's an example of an adoption application. Make sure they live where you can drive to them. Meet with them at their house. I made a mistake once adopting out a cat to a couple that had a hyper toddler and a big house. Luckily, they were near by.
Do they know how to help the cat adjust to her new home




My vet let's me post pics on their counter for cats needing a forever home. I have also gotten cats adopted by posting pics at small stores. Any store that has bulliton boards

Click to expand...

Thanks for this application!

maggie101 said:

Nextdoor is an app you can join. Do you live in the us?

Here's an example of an adoption application. Make sure they live where you can drive to them. Meet with them at their house. I made a mistake once adopting out a cat to a couple that had a hyper toddler and a big house. Luckily, they were near by.
Do they know how to help the cat adjust to her new home




My vet let's me post pics on their counter for cats needing a forever home. I have also gotten cats adopted by posting pics at small stores. Any store that has bulliton boards

Click to expand...

Please what do the N and Y stand for? Many thanks

I will add that adding in writing and explaining in person that if for any reason whatsoever the adoption does not work out they should return the cat to you; can one day save the life of one of your kittens one day!

I said that in a hand written note, making it clear that Jackie was lived a ton. 2 weeks later he was returned and I adopted him because my cat had just died (& I wanted to be sure he had a good home.) In retrospect I wish I had done more back ground on his adopter and I would not have adopted out to a college student (their life is in transition and to many things may happen where they can not keep a cat: job, moving out of state or country, being broke, marriage etc.)