What cats do we take, then? Here's some of the cats we've taken in:
Happy Cat Adoptions does not take owner-relinquished cats, and there are many, many families out there looking for homes for their cats, for whatever reason. Some of the reasons we've heard from families include:
Moving, don't want to take the cat
Death or illness of a family member
Birth of baby
Cat has developed problems
Cat's grown too large
Cat needs more attention than family willing to give
Cat had kittens
We never got our original two cats fixed and now have too many.
I started feeding some strays and now have too many.
Cat pulled from dumpster behind restaurant.
Kittens taken from feral colony.
Cats abandoned at a home when owners moved.
Cats abandoned at a store when the store moved.
Cats found in junkyard.
Cats found in yard(s).
Cats injured, no owner found.
Cats left at foster's door.
Cats left at vet's door.
Cats left at store.
Cats abandoned at side of street.
Cats found in abandoned or newly constructed buildings.
When Happy Cat Adoptions rescues a cat, this is usually the procedure, and where the money goes:
Cat is located, often must be trapped (traps are about $30-50).
Cat is housed in a cage at the rescuer's home (cages run from $47 to $128) (flower remedies, vitamins, supplements).
Supplies are given to caged cat (Litter box, toys, turbo scratcher, rugs, bed, towels, food bowls).
Cat is isolated two weeks to determine if there is any upper respiratory illness (food, water).
During the isolation period, cat is taken to the vet (carrier, exam, spay or neuter, fecal, combo test, dewormer, flea treatment, FVRCP and rabies vaccination, medication if necessary).
Cat is given a second dose of dewormer, second FVRCP vaccination.
Cat is socialized, if necessary (someone works with the cat in short intervals several times a day to decrease slapping, biting, attacks, and increase cuddling and obediance) (toys, blankets, towels, treats).
Cat is ready for integration into foster home.
Cat is ready for adoption (put on website).
Where's the sponsor in all this?
A sponsor provides funding for some or all of the expenses of rescuing a cat. See the donations page for some of the costs incurred. Our average cat expense is about $150 per cat, and we receive $125 in fees per cat. The rest comes out of our pockets. And that cost is only for the obvious medical costs. It doesn't count food, supplements, and supplies such as traps, cages, towels, beds, carriers, litter boxes, litter, dishes, water bowls, transportation, etc.). Sponsors can offer donations from $1 on up, or can offer to pay for all of a cat's rescue care by donating a set amount per month until the cat is adopted. If you'd like to make a donation, email adoptme@happycatadoptions.org to ask about the particular cat you'd like to sponsor. Some need more care than others. Some could use additional supplies that fosters are unable to afford because of the cost of more immediate items.
Won't you consider donating a lump sum or a monthly donation to help rescue these homeless cats?
