Adopt a cat

Important -  please read before scrolling down to view the cats.
Adopt a cat 

In selected Cats Protection centres, during the lockdown restrictions surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) we are trialling a new hands-free homing approach for some of our cats.  We are delighted to be offering this here at Newbury!  This is to ensure that we can continue to help as many cats as possible at this time by matching them with their perfect family and freeing up more space in our centres. If you’re interested in adopting a cat from us please take a look at the specific personalities and requirements of each of our cats. If you think you could be the #PurrfectMatch for one of these lovely moggies, please complete a contact form which is linked at the bottom of each cat's profile. We have a range of cats and kittens in our care with differing needs, our staff will be happy to tell you all about the cats, so that the one you choose will be right for you and your home. 

Please note: We have in place extensive procedures that are enabling carefully controlled rehoming without putting people at risk of infection, and without a negative impact on cat welfare. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to adopt a cat at this time but we will be ensuring that all our cats are matched with potential owners who are able to provide the environment and lifestyle required by each cat’s individual needs.  

How to adopt  

We are delighted to announce that we are piloting a new, Hands Free adoption process so that we can continue to rehome cats in our care. 

We’ll advertise cats on our website. Adopt with Confidence, our usual policy of openness and honesty still stands – we’ll ensure you’re aware of any medical or behavioural concerns, and we will carefully assess each and every match before deciding whether the home is suitable. 

Enquire 

If you are interested in offering a cat a permanent home and like the look of one of our cats, send us an enquiry through the website. 

To view cats available for adoption visit: https://www.cats.org.uk/newbury/adopt-a-cat. We have a range of cats and kittens in our care with differing needs, our staff will be happy to tell you all about the cats, so that the one you choose will be right for you and your home. 

Reserve 
Please bear with us as we are getting a huge number of enquiries for each cat and it may take us a little while to respond to everyone. We will close the applications when we have a good selection by marking the cat as reserved. We will then go through each application and contact you to let you know if you have been successful or not as soon as we can.

If we think you’re a match, we’ll give you a call or email you to discuss the cat and potentially reserve them for you!
At this stage we will ask for proof of your address and landlord consent (if applicable). At the point of reservation we’ll arrange for an Adoption Appointment via the telephone where you’ll be provided with full information about the cat. 

Adopt 

Once the reservation has been placed, we’ll send you the cat’s paperwork via email for you to review and sign. We will be able to finalise the Adoption once this paperwork is received and the Adoption fee has been paid. 

The paperwork consists of a Medical Summary, Adoption Form, and PetPlan Terms for your free one month of insurance cover. During your Adoption appointment we will talk through this paperwork and discuss settling your new friend into their home. We’ll ask you to send back the signed forms with your proof of address and landlord consent and pay the £85.00 adoption fee by card payment over the phone. There will also be options to purchase supplies, join our membership scheme and make a donation. We are unable to take any other method of payment at this time. Once this is complete, we’ll send the full adoption pack to you by email and we will arrange for our driver to bring your new cat to your home. 

Support 

We will arrange times to catch up with you to see how your cat is getting on in their new home and provide any advice you may need. This starts from the day the cat is delivered and we will check in with you at 3, 7 and 21 days from their arrival. At the end of the 21 days we will no longer contact you for updates, but our help doesn’t end there. We’re only ever a phone call away, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch for any advice you might need! You may also like to consider signing up to our Membership scheme which gives you access to the Vetfone line, and we may ask if you would be willing to participate in homing success stories articles. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • How will you be maintaining social distancing and minimising risk to customers and drivers? 

 Our team always wear aprons and gloves when handling cats, but we will now also use disposable gloves when touching carriers. We will put on a fresh pair of gloves to carry your cat to your door. Our driver will leave the cat on your doorstep and knock/ring the bell/call you. We will wait at a safe distance to see that you have received the cat before leaving. We suggest that you wash your hands once you have set the cat up in its safe room.  

  • What happens if I change my mind?  

Your reservation is not binding, so you can cancel any time up until the completion of the adoption paperwork. As our team are working hard to facilitate a number of enquiries, we’d be grateful if you could carefully consider the commitment of adopting a cat before reserving. 

Once you adopt the cat, you take full responsibility for their care. 

If you feel that they are not settling in well we ask that you give it some time and follow the settling in guidance provided. You can also discuss any concerns you may have during the pre-arranged follow up calls. 

If after this you feel that the cat is not a good match for your home please contact us and we will arrange for the cat to be collected as soon as possible.  

  • What if my cat becomes unwell?  

Vet practices have been advised to only see cats in emergency situations. Many practices are offering consultations by phone or video call but you may wish to find out your chosen vet’s current status before you adopt. 

You may also like to consider signing up to our Membership scheme which gives you access to our Vetfone line.  

  • Why can’t I come to the centre and see the cats before I commit? 

In line with the Government’s advice on the COVID-19 pandemic, our adoption process is entirely Hands Free.  

  • Why can’t you take my cat in if you’re rehoming cats? 

Although we are piloting new ways of homing this may change at any time based on Government advice, risk to our staff and volunteers, and outcomes of the pilot. Unfortunately we can’t commit to taking more cats in until we have trialled this new procedure and are confident that it is sustainable. Our teams are in constant discussion on this matter and will make an announcement when the situation changes.