The Adoption Process

We are so pleased that you are considering adopting a rescued cat or kitten, and we feel you’ve come to the right place! We have cats and kittens of all ages. All have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and have been tested for FeLV and FIV.

For some people, the adoption process begins with submitting an application.

Adoption Policies

9 Lives is committed to giving our rescued cats the best lives possible. To adopt a cat, you must submit an application, and include references. Our application processor will evaluate your information and call your references.

Adopt Kittens in Pairs Whenever Possible

We are especially particular about our kittens, and want to give them the best opportunity to lead happy lives. We believe socialization with other cats is always important for cats, and critical until at least four months of age. We give priority to homes that can provide a socially appropriate situation for the cat(s)/kitten(s) they wish to adopt. This is determined separately for each individual, but we use the following guidelines:

• Kittens who were raised without their mother may be adopted as early as 8 weeks if they are adopted along with another kitten they were raised with, or are going to a home with an age-appropriate kitten. We give priority to adopters with experience of kittens that young.
• Kittens who are still with their mother should remain with their mother until at least 10 weeks of age, as they are still benefitting from that relationship. Adoption at that age must be with another kitten they were raised with, or to a home that already has an age-appropriate kitten.
• Kittens should almost never go to a home by themselves, especially if the adopter is away most of the day. Such social isolation can be very lonely for a kitten, and might even lead to behavioral issues. We do not adopt kittens solo until they are at least 12 weeks of age, and prefer to wait until 4 months of age.

Discrimination

We do not discriminate based ethnicity or religion or politics or sexual orientation – but we do discriminate based on other criteria such as a history of abuse of humans or animals, illegal substance abuse, or inability to provide a safe and loving home for a cat.

Adoption Fees

What you get with your cat or kitten

All cats and kittens from 9 Lives Rescue will have been vet-checked, neutered or spayed, treated for parasites, up to date on vaccinations appropriate to age, tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), and microchipped.