Adopting a Cat?
Occasionally people meet their perfect pet on the very first day they start looking, but it usually take several visits before you find your ‘purrfect’ match. We ask that you put careful thought into what will be involved in caring for a cat, and make sure that everyone in your household is ready for the responsibility.
Register
The first step in the rehoming process is to complete an application – you can do this by completing our online application form. Please give as much information on the form as possible, and please bear with us if we need to ask you some additional questions – the more we know about you and your lifestyle, the easier it is to match you with the perfect pet.
For any more details about rehoming a cat, please ring the centre on 01553 618889.
Match
Once we have reviewed your form and asked any additional questions necessary, our Rehoming team will look into the behaviour and background of the cat/s you are interested in to see whether they may be a suitable match for you, and arrange for you to come and meet them. It is very important that you do not travel to the centre until someone has contacted you (especially if you live a distance away) as it may be that there are no appropriate matches for you at this time. Each cat is assessed when they come into the Centre to find out what they are like and what sort of home, lifestyle and environment would best suit them.
Living as an indoor cat – All our cats must be able to live in the home, with access to outside gardens or land for them to explore and roam. We do NOT rehome cats to live as solely indoor cats for example – such as in flats or near very busy main roads.
With children – many of our cats are suitable to live with children. We consider each cat’s history, along with their temperament while in our care, to help determine if they are suitable to live with children.
We cannot guarantee any cat seen on the website will be suitable for any prospective owner. Sometimes the first cat you pick won’t be the most suitable, so please keep an open mind regarding other matches. There is no limit to how many cats you can meet during the rehoming process to ensure we can help you find the perfect match.
Meet
When a suitable match has been found, you will be able to meet your potential new cat. Please remember that a Cattery environment can be stressful, so some cats may not behave as they normally would in the home. The Rehoming team will give you a better indication of their true personality upon meeting them.
Rehome
Once you have visited the centre and you have meet the staff and found the right cat we will then arrange a home check for us to see where the cat will be living. When this has been complete, (usually takes 2-7days depending on area) you can arrange collection, and come and collect your new feline friend. You will need to bring a suitable secure carrier to take them home in. A member of staff will go through dietary and living requirements with you before you take your new friend home.
Cost
Our rehoming fees for cats and kittens are listed on our adoptions fees page. All cats are 1st vaccinated (2nd vaccinated if possible), microchipped, neutered and will have received flea and worm treatment. If neutering hasn’t yet taken place (young kittens for example) you will be issued with a voucher so that the cost is covered by us.
You will also receive 4 weeks’ free insurance through the RSPCA.
Our top tips to give a cat a good home
- Cats can become ill living in cold or wet places. Provide a comfortable, dry, draught-free, clean and quiet place for your feline friend to rest.
- Cats need to visit the toilet easily. Give regular access to a suitable toilet place, outside or a litter tray, kept separate to their eating and sleeping areas.
- Noises and objects can often scare cats. They need to have somewhere to hide away from perceived danger. So always provide access to safe hiding places to allow him/her to escape feeling afraid.
- Multiple cats need sufficient toys, cat beds and hiding places to allow them to get away from one another when they feel the need to be alone.
- Cats are very intelligent – a bored cat is an unhappy cat. Make sure there are plenty of things to do with enough space to exercise, climb and play. Indoor cats need more to keep them entertained.
- Cats are active, needing opportunities to run, jump and climb. They often feel safest when high so if you can provide a suitable high place for them to rest, e.g. shelves.
- Make sure the size and temperature of anywhere they are left (including vehicles) is appropriate.
- Cats are inquisitive so hazards at home and outside could injure them. Care for your cat by making sure your cat is in a safe, secure and hazard-free environment at all times.
- Cats are territorial so become very attached to their home and environment. If you are going away, try to find someone to care for your cat at home. If you will be using a boarding Cattery, ease the move by taking familiar items along, e.g. your cat’s bed/toys.
- Always transport your cat in a secure cat carrier and introduce your cat to new surroundings gradually. Putting familiar smelling items in carriers and new environments can help them feel more comfortable.
- Cats need time to adjust and settle if you move house. They could get into serious danger trying to return to their previous home. To prevent this, keep cats indoors for at least three – four weeks after moving. Ensure your cat’s behaviour has settled before letting them outside.
REHOMING DISCLAIMER
RSPCA West Norfolk cannot accept responsibility for the temperament of any animal once it has been rehomed. All animals are rehomed at our discretion and we reserve the right to refuse an application to rehome one of our animals without reason.
RSPCA West Norfolk cannot guarantee that any animal seen on this website will be suitable for an individual prospective owner.
The animals displayed here are currently in our care. They have differing needs and can only be matched accurately to a new home once a member of our rehoming staff has registered a prospective new owner. Please be aware that under no circumstances can we reserve an animal until registration has been completed. Please note that you have to be 18 years old or over to rehome a RSPCA West Norfolk dog or cat and in some cases 21 years of age to rehome a guarding breed. Please refer to our dog and cat rehoming procedures for further information.
Animals are rehomed from our centres seven days a week. Although this site is regularly updated, there may be occasions when an animal appearing on the website has already been rehomed.
All RSPCA West Norfolk animals are given thorough health and temperament assessments. This gives us an insight into their character and enables us to make a considered decision as to which type of home would be best for the animal. However, once a pet has settled into a new home, his or her behaviour can sometimes alter. RSPCA West Norfolk can only assess an animal on the behaviour it displays while in our care. RSPCA West Norfolk’s Rehoming team are able to offer support and behaviour advice to adopters. Please contact Reception@westnorfolkrspca.org.uk for further information.