Adoption Application

Cat and Kitten Adoption

 The process of taking ownership of a cat or kitten from a shelter, rescue organization, or individual, providing them with a loving and permanent home. It involves a commitment to care for the animal's physical and emotional needs throughout their life. 

             Key aspects of adoption:

  • Finding a cat or kitten.

Adopters can find cats and kittens through various channels, including local shelters, rescue organizations, and sometimes through individuals who can no longer care for their pets. 

 

Commitment:

  • Adopting a cat or kitten is a long-term commitment, potentially spanning 15 years or more. 

  • Adopters are responsible for providing food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and a stimulating environment. 

                            Benefits:

  • Adopting a cat can bring companionship, stress relief, and the satisfaction of providing a home to a deserving animal. 

  • Kitten vs. Adult Cat:

        Kittens require more supervision and play,              while adult cats may have established                      personalities and be calmer. 

 


Adoption process:

  • The adoption process with Ark typically involves an application,  a meet-and-greet with the cat, and an adoption fee. The adoption fee is $300.00 which includes spay or neuter, rabies vaccine, deworm, deflea (if required), two sets of shots for felines under 6 months and one set of shots for felines over 6 months. (see poster above)

  • What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new cat or kitten.

  • Kitty-proof your home: Remove any toxic plants and hide any electrical cords that the cat might have access to.

  • Create a safe place: Set up your cat’s litter box, bowls (ideally at least 3 ft. from the litter), scratching post and toys in a quiet, safe place for the first week or two and allow them to come out at their own pace. Place your cat into the litter box in any new location so they know where it is. Cats may feel nervous/stressed when in a new environment. Offer vertical space where they can climb/jump and places to hide that are still accessible to you. Familiar scents can help with the stress of moving to a new home. Have a towel/blanket that was given to you from the animal centre close by the cat in this space. The use of pheromones can also help ease stress levels.  

  • We recommend keeping cats indoors. If your cat is curious about the outdoors or you want to give the cats access to a safe outdoor area, consider installing a fenced-in enclosure or allowing supervised access to your yard on a harness and leash.

        Cat-to-Cat Introductions

  • If introductions are done slowly and properly, this could potentially head off any future problematic behaviours. It can sometimes take cats months to adjust to a new friend so you may need to be patient!

  • It is important to give the new cat a separate space/safe haven, set up with all the necessities to adjust on his/her own.

  • Allow the cats to smell and hear one another at first, but not see or touch.

  • Gradually increase access to one another by sight and eventually allow supervised interactions if they remain positive. A baby gate could act as a helpful tool to allow a visual interaction, but still be kept apart from one another.

  • Continue to separate the cats at night during the initial days.

  • If you are bringing a new cat into a multi-cat household, introduce them individually.

  • With time, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and may even become friends!

  • Have two people on hand; one to handle the dog and the other to monitor the cat’s behaviour.

  • Ensure your dog is on leash in the cat’s presence and that the cat has a safe place to retreat, if needed.

  • Take the dog outside for a walk or play prior to greeting to reduce energy levels.

  • Have high value treats for both the dog and cat to reward good behaviour.

  • Monitor both the cat and dog for emotional distress at all times. Watch your dog for signs of elevated prey drive (hunting-related behaviours) to ensure the safety of your new cat.

  • ARK IS HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!   

  • Please contact us with any pre-adoption questions or concerns  


Great information for new adopters! (poster below)


Adoption   Application