What to expect
You will be asked about your home, window screens, other animals, children, schedule, experience, budget, moving plans and the landlord's consent. Answer honestly. There is no perfect home, but there are real incompatibilities. Sometimes the rescuer will suggest a different cat from the one in the photo.
Your questions
- What is its estimated age, history and temperament?
- Has it been seen by a vet, tested where indicated, vaccinated, treated for parasites, sterilised and microchipped?
- Does it use the litter box? What food and litter is it used to?
- How does the cat react to people, children, cats, dogs, transport and handling?
- Does the cat have any known illnesses, treatments, disabilities or behavioural episodes?
- What happens if the adjustment doesn't work out? Will you take it back?
- Is there a trial period, and who pays for medical care during that time?
Visits are not a sign of distrust
Many associations ask, before or after adoption, for a home visit or at least a few photos of the prepared space — fitted screens, litter box, hiding places. It isn't pointless bureaucracy: it's the care of the same person who took the cat off the street and genuinely wants to know where it ends up. If a physical visit is hard to arrange, a video call is almost as good and also gives you the chance to ask questions in real time while looking at the cat you're about to take home.
The adoption contract
A good contract identifies the parties and the animal, records the known medical condition and sets out care, indoor living or the agreed conditions, sterilisation if it is not yet medically possible, a ban on abandonment and the obligation to contact the association if you can no longer keep the cat. It may include reasonable updates and the right to recover the cat in cases of proven abuse.
Read everything, ask for a copy and clarify vague wording before signing. Do not send photos of your ID to unverified people and do not pay fees without documents. Personal data must be collected proportionately and stored responsibly.
Once the cat is home
Schedule a check-up with your vet and initially keep the food and litter the cat knows. Introduce other animals gradually, through separation, scent swapping and positive associations. Do not force contact. Send the rescuer the agreed updates and ask for help early, not after frustration has built up.
A «no» can protect two lives
If the process shows that the match is not good, refusing is not a failure. It is proof that you put the cat's wellbeing and the family's stability before impulse.