Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I have to fill out an adoption application?
TCMR considers each of our foster kitties to be members of our family until a forever family is found. We invest more than money into our foster kitties; we invest a lot of time and emotion, too. We want to ensure that the cat you want to adopt is the right fit for your family and that your family is the right fit for the kitty, as well. We use the applications, vet reference check and in-home interview to ensure this.
How long before I may adopt my cat?
Our organization is run by volunteers only. We do not have any paid staff. As such, applications are reviewed as quickly as possible, but it may take a day or two to complete the review. Once the application is approved, we schedule a phone interview between you and the foster parent so that each party can ask questions and be sure the kitty seems like a good fit. From there, we set up a meet and greet/home visit so that you can get to know the kitty better and we can be sure the kitty is going to do well in your home. This entire process may take 2 to 5 days to complete. This may seem like a long time for you, however, we want to ensure our pets are going to the best home for them. Please be patient.
Why do I need a veterinary reference?
We will call to check all vet references. If your current pets are not current on their shots, or are not spayed/neutered, we cannot approve the adoption application. It is important for your pet’s lifetime health that they receive their annual shots. Additionally, it is a Texas state law that all pets, dogs and cats, receive an annual rabies vaccination.
What if my current pets are not spayed or neutered?
If the current pets in your home are not currently spayed or neutered, we cannot approve the adoption application. Many territorial and behavior issues are related to unsterilization, and it can cause issues when a new pet is brought into the home. If you are interested in having your pet spayed/neutered so that you may adopt one of our cats, we will happily reconsider your application once proof of spay/neuter is provided. You may arrange for a low-cost surgery through the SNIPPET clinic in Tyler, Animal Protection League in Longview or any other affordable spay/neuter mobile clinic.
Can I let my cat go outside?
Our cats are raised as indoor only companions, and our foster homes spend a tremendous amount of time socializing them as such. Our kitties are not used to being outside and to place them in an unfamiliar situation would be detrimental to their health and well-being. Even supervised outings can end poorly if the kitty spooks or sees something of great interest in the distance and runs off and/or becomes lost. Being outside leaves them vulnerable to predators, cars, unfriendly humans and/or other animals/cats that may carry communicable diseases. It is for these reasons and as a general safety measure that we do not allow our kitties to be adopted as outside pets. In some cases, we take in cats that are conditioned for indoor/outdoor or outdoor only living. The information will be located in the cat’s profile. If we do not have a kitty that matches your preference for outdoor living, we highly recommend you visit your local animal control facility or shelter to rescue an animal from there.
Why is there an adoption fee?
TCMR charges a $75 adoption fee for each kitty (or adopt a pair for $100). All of our cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia/FIV, have received feline distemper, leukemia and rabies vaccinations, deworming and flea treatment. The adoption also comes with 30 days of free pet insurance and each kitty will be microchipped and we register the chip for adopters. The adoption fee only covers a small portion of our investment into the care of your adopted cat. Taking all the costs of feeding and other supplies into consideration as well, our adoption fee is really very minimal.
What if my cat gets sick after the adoption?
You are responsible for all medical care after the adoption is finalized, unless other arrangements have been made. If there are any health concerns with the cat you are adopting, the cat will remain in our care until our vet has given a clean bill of health. This may include upper respiratory infection, skin issues, and parasites.
Why is my cat microchipped?
All cats that are rescued through TCMR are microchipped with HomeAgain technology. This is a special program for pets that provides information for your cat to be returned to you if he gets lost and ends up at animal control, a veterinary office or another rescue.
Will the cat be spayed or neutered?
Per Texas state law and The Cat’s Meow Rescue’s mission, all cats and kittens are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
What is a home visit and why is it required?
A home visit is an in-home pre-adoption interview. You may be visited by an TCMR volunteer or foster parent and (usually) the pet you are wanting to adopt. This is to verify the information provided on the adoption application as well as explain our adoption policies and help guide you through the introduction process for your new kitty. This also allows you to see how the pet may behave in the new environment and ensure that the adoption is going to work for both you and the kitty.
Where may I see the cats available for adoption?
TCMR does not have a shelter or facility. Our cats are all in foster homes. Appointments for meet and greets will only be set after an adoption application has been completed and submitted for reviewed/approval by our adoption coordinator.
Is this cat still available for adoption?
Our “available for adoption” albums are updated daily. Cats that have adoptions pending will have a note at the top of their description/profile. When submitting an inquiry, we encourage you to include a second choice as we review applications in the order they are received, and your choice may already have an application pending review. Even if an adoption is pending, we will still accept applications in the event that the first one falls through.
TCMR considers each of our foster kitties to be members of our family until a forever family is found. We invest more than money into our foster kitties; we invest a lot of time and emotion, too. We want to ensure that the cat you want to adopt is the right fit for your family and that your family is the right fit for the kitty, as well. We use the applications, vet reference check and in-home interview to ensure this.
How long before I may adopt my cat?
Our organization is run by volunteers only. We do not have any paid staff. As such, applications are reviewed as quickly as possible, but it may take a day or two to complete the review. Once the application is approved, we schedule a phone interview between you and the foster parent so that each party can ask questions and be sure the kitty seems like a good fit. From there, we set up a meet and greet/home visit so that you can get to know the kitty better and we can be sure the kitty is going to do well in your home. This entire process may take 2 to 5 days to complete. This may seem like a long time for you, however, we want to ensure our pets are going to the best home for them. Please be patient.
Why do I need a veterinary reference?
We will call to check all vet references. If your current pets are not current on their shots, or are not spayed/neutered, we cannot approve the adoption application. It is important for your pet’s lifetime health that they receive their annual shots. Additionally, it is a Texas state law that all pets, dogs and cats, receive an annual rabies vaccination.
What if my current pets are not spayed or neutered?
If the current pets in your home are not currently spayed or neutered, we cannot approve the adoption application. Many territorial and behavior issues are related to unsterilization, and it can cause issues when a new pet is brought into the home. If you are interested in having your pet spayed/neutered so that you may adopt one of our cats, we will happily reconsider your application once proof of spay/neuter is provided. You may arrange for a low-cost surgery through the SNIPPET clinic in Tyler, Animal Protection League in Longview or any other affordable spay/neuter mobile clinic.
Can I let my cat go outside?
Our cats are raised as indoor only companions, and our foster homes spend a tremendous amount of time socializing them as such. Our kitties are not used to being outside and to place them in an unfamiliar situation would be detrimental to their health and well-being. Even supervised outings can end poorly if the kitty spooks or sees something of great interest in the distance and runs off and/or becomes lost. Being outside leaves them vulnerable to predators, cars, unfriendly humans and/or other animals/cats that may carry communicable diseases. It is for these reasons and as a general safety measure that we do not allow our kitties to be adopted as outside pets. In some cases, we take in cats that are conditioned for indoor/outdoor or outdoor only living. The information will be located in the cat’s profile. If we do not have a kitty that matches your preference for outdoor living, we highly recommend you visit your local animal control facility or shelter to rescue an animal from there.
Why is there an adoption fee?
TCMR charges a $75 adoption fee for each kitty (or adopt a pair for $100). All of our cats and kittens are spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia/FIV, have received feline distemper, leukemia and rabies vaccinations, deworming and flea treatment. The adoption also comes with 30 days of free pet insurance and each kitty will be microchipped and we register the chip for adopters. The adoption fee only covers a small portion of our investment into the care of your adopted cat. Taking all the costs of feeding and other supplies into consideration as well, our adoption fee is really very minimal.
What if my cat gets sick after the adoption?
You are responsible for all medical care after the adoption is finalized, unless other arrangements have been made. If there are any health concerns with the cat you are adopting, the cat will remain in our care until our vet has given a clean bill of health. This may include upper respiratory infection, skin issues, and parasites.
Why is my cat microchipped?
All cats that are rescued through TCMR are microchipped with HomeAgain technology. This is a special program for pets that provides information for your cat to be returned to you if he gets lost and ends up at animal control, a veterinary office or another rescue.
Will the cat be spayed or neutered?
Per Texas state law and The Cat’s Meow Rescue’s mission, all cats and kittens are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
What is a home visit and why is it required?
A home visit is an in-home pre-adoption interview. You may be visited by an TCMR volunteer or foster parent and (usually) the pet you are wanting to adopt. This is to verify the information provided on the adoption application as well as explain our adoption policies and help guide you through the introduction process for your new kitty. This also allows you to see how the pet may behave in the new environment and ensure that the adoption is going to work for both you and the kitty.
Where may I see the cats available for adoption?
TCMR does not have a shelter or facility. Our cats are all in foster homes. Appointments for meet and greets will only be set after an adoption application has been completed and submitted for reviewed/approval by our adoption coordinator.
Is this cat still available for adoption?
Our “available for adoption” albums are updated daily. Cats that have adoptions pending will have a note at the top of their description/profile. When submitting an inquiry, we encourage you to include a second choice as we review applications in the order they are received, and your choice may already have an application pending review. Even if an adoption is pending, we will still accept applications in the event that the first one falls through.