Adoption Rules

Please note that cats are only available for re-homing to good homes in the local area and that a home check must be carried out before we re-home a cat. For more information about our adoption rules, see below:

What to consider before adopting a cat

Before you adopt a cat, there are some important questions you should first consider:

Will my lifestyle allow it?

Although there is a cat for every purpose, home and owner, you may have to seriously think about whether or not your lifestyle can realistically accommodate a pet. For, although they are independent, cats still require a stable living environment as well as regular care and affection.

If the answer to the above questions is 'yes' then read on...

Why adopt a cat from us

We have lots of cats that need a home. Our 30 Shelters and 260 voluntary Branches have thousands of needy cats eagerly waiting for just the right home - and owner - to come along.

You can give a cat a second chance. Cats come into our centres for many reasons: an owner's death or illness; divorce; moving house; redundancy; or, sometimes they're just strays whose owners cannot be located. By taking in a rescue cat from us you will have the satisfaction of giving a home to a loving animal whose past history may not have been a happy one.

Our cats are well cared for before re-homing. Before any cat in our care is re-homed, it is neutered, micro-chipped, de-flea'd, de-wormed, and any medical or behavioral problems are expertly handled.

How to adopt a cat from us

Please note that this service is available in the UK only.

1. You will first need to find your local Cats Protection Adoption Centre or Branch. Axhayes (Exeter area) Contact Details.
    
2. Once you have found your nearest Shelter or Branch, telephone them to make an appointment. Remember that our Branches are run by volunteers who often have full-time jobs, so you may have to ring in the evening or some other specified time. Axhayes is contactable between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
    
3. The next step is the home visit. One of our representatives will come to your home to ensure that we match the right cat with the right home environment.
    
4. Once our representative has advised you on the most suitable type of cat for you, it is time to choose your new pet.
    
5. When you are ready to take your cat home with you, you will be asked to sign a simple adoption form.
    
6. If you are adopting a kitten, you will need to sign an agreement to have him/her neutered at the appropriate time. All our adult cats are neutered prior to re-homing.
    
7. Cats Protection does not charge a fee when you adopt a cat. However, we do recommend that you give us a donation of at least £40 to help us to cover our costs. Every cat costs us more than £150 before it is ready for re-homing.