Important Information
Adopting a cat is a very important decision. Owning a pet means providing essentials such as a balanced diet, litter, socialization, annual checkups, and veterinary care. Remember, providing a home and care for a cat is a lifetime commitment (15-20 years for a young cat).
The Adoption Process at FTCR consists of 4 steps:
*Updated July 5, 2024
1 – Adoption Application
When you see a cat (or cats) you are interested in who are available for adoption on our Adoptable Cats page, the first step is to fill out an online adoption application. You can find our list of available cats and our adoption application on our website. Provide as much detail as possible as we often receive multiple applications and this is your opportunity to tell us about you.
*The individual applying must be the potential owner of the cat and 22 or over. We cannot accept applications on behalf of someone else.
*FTCR reserves the right to verify all information provided on the application form and deny any adoption requests.
2 – Telephone Screening Interview
An adoption coordinator will email you to book a call to review your application and conduct an interview to determine the best fit for the cat. We often receive multiple applications for a cat and only those applicants selected will be contacted for a screening interview. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to reply to everyone or do pre-approvals.
3 – Meet the cat
If the cat you’re interested in is located at our cattery in Smiths Falls, approved potential adopters will be able to make an appointment to virtually meet the cat.
If the cat you’re interested in is located in a foster home, we are currently doing virtual visits. The foster will contact the potential approved adopters and potential approved adopters to arrange your virtual meeting. Pickup takes place in the Ottawa area at one of our partner stores.
If the cat is at a partner store in Ottawa, approved potential adopters will be able to make an appointment to meet the cat there during volunteer hours.
4 – Complete the Adoption
Majority of our adoption pickups take place in Ottawa at one of our partner stores.
Adoption fees are payable by e-transfer and the adoption contract will be completed by email. Once received, adoption pickup arrangements will be made with the Adoptions Team.
At the store, the FTCR volunteer will complete the adoption with you after the approval by our adoption team. You will be provided with the cats’ medical (vaccination) record and microchip information. You will need to bring a cat carrier and blanket with you to your appointment to bring the cat home.
Adoption Fees
The benefit of adopting from a rescue is that all initial vetting, vaccines and spay/neuter is already done. Actual veterinary costs far exceed adoption fees.
| Adults (9 months +) | $225 |
| Kittens (less than 9 months) | $275 |
| 2 Kittens (excludes Exotic Breeds) | $500 |
| Mature Adults 9+ years | Currently no fee |
| Exotic Breeds | $500 |
Adoption fees include vet checkup, spay/neuter, core vaccines (initial set for kittens), rabies vaccine, flea and tick prevention, deworming and microchip.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1 – All adopters are responsible for veterinary care, medical bills, rechecks, and medication refills post-adoption. This allows us to use our resources for the cats that remain in our care and those with urgent needs.
*We cannot guarantee the health of our cats. We do vet checks and disclose observations revealed during an exam and information that is provided at the time of surrender. Please understand that some illnesses can have an incubation period of upward of 10 days, which means that a cat can leave in good health but get sick a few days post-adoption. In addition, the stress of a new environment can depress a cat’s immune system. Cats are not tested for FIV/FeLV nor can FIP be predicted.
2 – We cannot guarantee the temperament of our cats.
Most cats come to us without any background history. We disclose any information that is given to us and is discovered during our own observations and assessments. We do our best to find a good fit and ensure successful adoptions. However, please understand that this does not guarantee temperament as temperament is often an effect of environment and circumstance. Please be patient as your new pet adjusts to its new environment.
3 – Adoption fees are non-refundable.
Remember, providing a home and care for a cat is a lifetime commitment (15-20 years for a young cat).