Adoption FAQ

Adoption FAQ

Violet07What is BBAWC’s  adoption process?

There are two ways to meet our adoptable pets.  They can be seen at adoption events or in their foster homes. Because the homes are usually private residences, we request that you complete and submit our adoption application before a visit.  Although the application asks for three references, they are not contacted until you have determined that you definitely want to adopt a particular cat(s).

Once you have met the cat and determined that you want to proceed with the adoption we call your references and then arrange for a convenient time to bring the cat over.  When we deliver the cat we do a brief home visit, sign the adoption agreement and collect the adoption fees. To ensure that your home is ready for your new kitty here are some instructions and suggestions we collected for you.

What is the adoption time frame?

There are a variety of factors in determining the time frame of the adoption process.  We make every effort to deliver the cat(s) as quickly as possible.  Depending on everyone’s schedule and availability the adoption can be completed within 24 hours but it often takes longer.

What are the costs associated with adoption?

Adoption fees can be variable, however generally we ask for $125 to adopt a single adult cat,  $175 for a single kitten and $300 for a pair of kittens.

Almost all our animals over six months old are spayed/neutered before adoption.  Sometimes with kittens, they have not had time to have their surgery.  In that case, there is a $50/cat spay/neuter deposit. Once the kittens are old enough for the surgery you can use your veterinarian for the procedure and then submit proof whereupon we will refund your deposit.  Alternatively you can go through BBAWC and a spay/neuter clinic.  You would need to bring the animal to the clinic or a midway point early on the morning of surgery and pick up that evening.  In that case, the deposit goes toward the cost of the procedure and is not refunded.

We also microchip all of our cats.  If you decide to keep the microchip registration through BBAWC – there is no additional charge, you must simply keep our organization informed if your contact information changes. If you decide you want to register the microchip with Home Again directly to you, there is a one time fee of $30/cat.

For payment, we accept checks made out to BBAWC, cash and also credit cards through our online marketplace.  You can go to the adoption section and select the adoption fees appropriate for your situation.

What medical treatments will my cat/kitten have?

Depending on the age of the kitten when s/he is adopted and when s/he became part of our organization your kitten should have had an exam, been tested for FeLV/FIV, microchipped and vaccinated with at least one FVRCP.  Kittens should have a series of FVRCP vaccines (two to three depending on their age when first vaccinated).  Kittens should be vaccinated against rabies as early as four months.  If your kitten is too young to have all the vaccines before you adopt him or her, the vaccines can be finished at no charge through one of our veterinarians.

Can I adopt a single kitten? How young can I adopt?

Generally, we do not adopt out young kittens as singles. They must either go to a home with another cat or as part of a pair.  We believe in most cases that it is better for the kittens to have companionship when they are younger.  There are a few organizations that do still adopt kittens as singles and if you are determined to only adopt a single kitten then you should contact those organizations directly (ASPCA, ACC, and Sean Casey).
We also do not adopt our kittens out until about 11-12 weeks as we believe the extra time is important for socialization and ensuring good litter box and behavior habits.

Can we adopt a hypoallergenic cat? I understand Russian Blues/Bombays/Siberians are hypoallergenic?

Truly hypoallergenic cats do not exist. Although scientists are working on a vaccine, until it has been finalized individuals need to take time and proceed slowly so they do not rush to adopt an animal who they cannot keep.
Several factors affect whether an individual has an allergic reaction to a cat.  First, the primary allergen is a protein that is primarily found in a cat’s saliva.  Different cats make different amounts of the protein depending on their genetic structure, but right now there isn’t an effective way to determine that level aside from being around the animal.  Further complicating the effect is that different cats excrete different amounts of saliva depending on how often they groom themselves and the amount of drool they produce.  Also allergies can take time to appear once you have started living with a cat – several months is not uncommon.  As a result of all these different issues, if you believe that you have the potential to be allergic to a cat, we recommend that you foster until you determine that daily interaction with a particular cat does not appear to be causing your allergies to get out of control.

As far as particular breeds being hypoallergenic, there is no cat breed that has been scientifically found to not cause an allergic reaction.  Because hair amounts and shedding can affect how much of the protein at issue is dispersed in the air, short-haired or hairless cats are sometimes considered more likely to have a decreased allergic effect.  The best way to reduce the chance that your cat will cause an allergic reaction is to take some simple steps:

  1. Wipe the cat down with a damp cloth several times a week to help remove the protein;
  2. Make sure that you do not let the cat lounge on your pillows, sheets or fresh laundry;
  3. Use a good HEPA filter to filter out contaminants in the air.

For more information, you can read more about this topic at WebMD and Cat World.

If you have additional questions which were not answered above, please email us with your question.