Adoption
The Homing Process
A guide to our new hands-free homing process
We’re keen to help as many cats as possible, both during the current crisis and beyond. We can’t do things the usual way at the moment, so we’ve introduced some changes to the homing process.
We have put in extensive procedures to make sure that our homing process is in line with current government guidance, without putting adoptees or our volunteers at risk.
Here is our guide to adopting a cat using hands-free homing
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Check you are within a reasonable distance of your chosen branch. You can find your nearest branch by typing in your postcode at www.cats.org.uk/find-us
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Enquire. If you’ve found a cat on our website that you’re interested in homing, please contact us via enquiries@lichfield.cats.org.uk or 0345 371 2741
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Homing Visit. One of our dedicated homing volunteers will be in touch to do a virtual visit (via video or telephone call) to help us match you with the perfect cat! You may be asked for proof of your address and the consent of your landlord (if you live in a rented property)
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Fosterer Chat and virtual visit. If there’s a cat we think would make a perfect addition to your family, the fosterer looking after that cat will get in touch to have a chat about the cat. The fosterer may also invite you to a virtual viewing of the cat so you can meet the cat.
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Reserving a cat. A cat maybe reserved for 5 days but the fosterer or Welfare Team Leader will discuss this with you.
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Adopt. Once you have reserved your cat, you’ll be sent paperwork to sign and return to us. Paper work must be returned before the cat can come home. You’ll then pay an adoption fee of £85, usually by bank transfer. The fee contributes towards all of the care the cat has received in care (vet check, first vaccination, neutering, microchip, flea and worming as a minimum).
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Bringing your cat home. Once all of this is finalised, we’ll arrange for a driver to bring your cat safely to your home. There are strict protocols which must be followed when delivering the cat which we will run through with you prior to delivery.
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Be supported. You’ll receive a follow-up call or email around three, seven and 21 days after the adoption to check that your new arrival is settled in. We will also be here with any support you may need and to provide help and advice at any point following the adoption.
- Welfare Standards - we maintain the highest welfare standards for the cats and kittens in our care. Find out what you can expect to see if you adopt from our branch here
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You can also find help and advice on the Cats Protection website at www.cats.org.uk/advice