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Adopting a Cat

We always have cats that are in need of loving and forever homes and think you will agree that dollar for dollar, shelter/rescue pets will always be the best value for your money. Our adoption fees are reasonable and our members are interested in the welfare of the cats that we save. We want you to have a long, loving and rewarding relationship with your CatNap cat and we'll be there to help you and your new family member adjust to your life together.

 

If you are looking for a new cat to share your life with, CatNap urges you to adopt a cat from an animal rescue group, animal shelter or from a municipal animal control shelter/agency. When people breed and buy pets, homeless pets die!

 

Visit our Current Adoptables page to see all of our cats needing homes.

 

Adoption Fees

 

CatNap’s set adoption fees are based on attempting to recoup minimal vet expenses incurred for preparing a cat/kitten for adoption. The adoption fees include:

 

  • spay or neuter

  • first set of vaccines with booster (FVRCP and FeLV)

  • deworm and deflea

  • microchip (permanent identification)

  • six weeks of free pet insurance for unexpected accident/illness

  • a health record card
     

CatNap adoption fees range from $200 - 450 and is stated in each cat’s adoption write up posted on our Facebook and Instagram platforms.

General Adoption Requirements

 

  • Proof of home ownership or rental agreement stating pets are allowed
     

  • Owner will comply with all British Columbia animal license requirements and will maintain the animal in a healthy manner
     

  • Owner will agree to keep the animal as a personal pet in their possession and will not give him/her away to anyone except back to CatNap
     

  • In the event the owner becomes unable or unwilling to keep or properly care for the animal, the owner will agree to return the animal to CatNap
     

  • Owner will not have the cat declawed
     

  • Owner understands that the animal has been rescued and his/her complete medical condition and behavioral history is generally not known to CatNap. Every reasonable effort has been made to ascertain the animal's good health, but not every condition or disease can be ruled out. Owner will agree to accept this animal in his/her current state of apparent good health and will assume responsibility for the care and medical treatment of any and all symptoms, illnesses and injuries at any time during which the animal is in the owner's custody
     

  • Other pertinent requirements 

 

Benefits of Cat Adoption

 

Companion animals provide many benefits to their human families. Studies show that people who share their homes with animals have lower rates of high blood pressure than those who don't, even under stress. Cats, dogs, and other domestic animals can reduce depression and anxiety. One study even showed that cats in particular have a calming effect on both Alzheimer's patients and their full-time caretakers. Sharing your life with a companion animal can count in your favor when you apply for life insurance, since one study suggested that living with a cat can add as much as a decade to your life expectancy.

 

Why does the presence of an animal bring so many benefits? Some say that stroking a soft, furry cat, dog, or rabbit has a calming effect. Others say providing food, shelter, and affection for a living being conveys a sense of meaning and purpose. Many people describe the unconditional, non-judgmental love they receive from animals as being the largest reward for caring for them.

 

Adopting a cat is a commitment and CatNap wants the best for each animal in our care. Our rescuers and foster caregivers put a lot of love and attention into the animals in their care and are always interested in their welfare.

  

We believe our adoptions fees are competitive and that our requirements are in the best interest of the cat. 

 

Once you adopt a cat from CatNap, our foster caregivers are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of the commitment to care for a cat - it's entire life!  So please, consider if a new pet is in the best interest of the entire family... carefully.

 

 

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Adopting a Cat

 

Do I have time for a cat?

Cats require time and attention every day and may become destructive, withdrawn, or depressed if they are left alone for too long. If you work extremely long hours or are out of town frequently this might not be the best time for you to adopt a cat. Often people who work full time will adopt two cats together, so they can keep each other company while their humans are away.

 

Do I have money for a cat?

The cost of caring for a cat will vary, but a reasonable estimate is that a conscientious caretaker will spend $200 to $500 a year on cat care for one cat. This includes the annual vet visit and vaccinations and food and litter. Medical emergencies or extra treats will cost more.

 

Do I have a stable home environment for a cat?

Every cat deserves a secure home environment, and most cats prefer a quiet place without much change. For this reason a house with a lot of noise or constantly changing roommates may not be ideal for a cat.

 

Do I fully understand the responsibilities involved in caring for a cat?

Cats can live as long as 15 to 20 years and will require daily care throughout their entire lives. Are you ready to make this kind of commitment? Responsibilities include feeding your cat and cleaning her litter box daily. You will also have to take your cat to the veterinarian and may need to administer medication from time to time. You must cat-proof your home, removing objects that present a danger to your cat.

 

Do I have the patience and perseverance to work through any difficulties that might arise?

Nearly all problems that result in a cat being abandoned or given up can be solved if the caretaker is patient and flexible. For example, if someone is moving it generally is possible to find housing that allows pets, but it may require more time and more searching. Behavioral problems like scratching and inappropriate soiling can sometimes be solved by switching litters, buying a different type of litter box, or providing a scratching post. In other cases it will take time and gradual training to help your cat through these difficulties. People who are not willing to put some time and effort into caring for their cats should not adopt. 

 

How will other family members, my spouse or significant other feel about this cat?

All family members should be involved in choosing and caring for a cat. Too many people abandon their cats because their husband, daughter, or mother doesn't like the cat. Others decide to begin having children and drop their cat off at the shelter. So everyone in the household must be committed to caring for this cat throughout her life. All family members should respect the cat and agree not to hit her, physically punish her for misbehavior, or mistreat her in any way.

 

Do I consider this cat an important member of my family?

Cats are not toys or house plants. They require love, attention, and care. Cats cannot simply be shut away in one room of a house. Cats cannot be ignored just because their caretakers are busy. Cats enjoy just being around their human families, even just sitting nearby while they are watching TV.

 

Who will take care of this cat in the event of an emergency?

Make plans now for who can care for your cat in the event of an emergency, or if you go out of town for business or vacation. You may rely on relatives or you can trade off cat-sitting with a neighbor who also has cats. In some cases you may choose to board your cat at your vet's office or with a reputable pet motel. Always investigate boarding places carefully; you don't want to leave your cat somewhere she might be neglected or abused.

 

Am I planning to move any time in the next few years?

Moving is the number one reason people cite for giving up their cats at shelters. If moving might be a possibility for you, ask yourself if you are really ready to make a commitment to a cat. If you'd still like to adopt, start making a plan now for how both you and your cat can move safely and happily.

 

If you've answered all of these questions and feel that you are ready for both the rewards and responsibilities of caring for a cat, congratulations!  Our volunteers will be happy to answer any further questions you may have and help you to find the right cat for your family.

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