Process, Policies, and Fees
Before applying, please be sure that you:
- Are 21 years of age or older. If not, grab a parent or guardian!
- Have a photo ID to provide at the time of adoption.
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information to ensure the process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.
- Provide non-related references & let them know to expect a call or email.
- Bring your kids and family along to meetings! We want everyone to enjoy this exciting event.
- Carefully consider the decision to add a cat to your household. How much time do you have? Are you financially prepared? Take the time to read through this article to make sure you are fully ready for a cat.
- Think of any questions you have! It is important to Tenth Life that you feel fully informed and prepared as an adoptive parent, and we're always glad to discuss our recommendations and ideas with you!
In keeping with our mission of giving cats the lives they deserve, we spay or neuter and vaccinate all Tenth Life cats before they are adopted. We also require all adopters to agree that they will never declaw their Tenth Life cat(s) and will not to permit their Tenth Life cat(s) to go outdoors. These adoption policies are in place to protect Tenth Life cats from feline leukemia, other diseases, and avoidable injury. Questions about our policies? Please ask us anytime.
Need help making sure your cats or dogs will accept a new pet? Searching for behavior help? Check out our Adopter's Corner at any time.
Our adoption fees and the items covered can be found HERE.
Additionally, we'll go over our policies further when we meet you and when we finalize the adoption but a few are listed below. Please take a look now to avoid any confusion or heartbreak.
Have other questions?
Please contact us anytime! Our email address is adoptions@tenthlifecats.org.
OUR POLICIES
No Declawing
Tenth Life is 100% against declawing cats. We recognize that declawing is a very divisive topic and that not everyone will agree with our stance. However, as lovers of cats and advocates for the rights of all animals, we feel that declawing is an inhumane, unnecessary practice that can be painful, harmful, and life-changing for a cat. Please note that all adopters must sign a contract stating they will not declaw their Tenth Life cat. We understand that this may cause adopters to go elsewhere for their feline companions, but we ask you to consider your reasons for declawing. There are plenty of ways to deter your cat from scratching in unwanted places. Have kids? Did you know that declawed cats are MUCH more likely to bite, and that bites are considerably more harmful than a scratch? Read our tips here.
Keeping Cats Indoors
We recognize that some people feel that cats should be allowed outside and that not everyone will agree with our stance. Please note that all adopters must sign a contract stating they will not allow their Tenth Life cat to go outdoors. We understand that this may cause adopters to go elsewhere for their feline companions, but we ask you to consider your reasons for keeping cats safely indoors such as keeping them safe from toxins, poisons, parasites, viruses such as Feline Leukemia, and hazards such as cars and larger prey animals. Please take some time to read about the reasons to keep your cats indoors here.
Kittens In Pairs
Babies six months and younger NEED a buddy – either a second kitten adopted at the same time, or a resident cat that will accept them and interact with them to provide necessary feline companionship. The reason behind this is that kittens get lonely, bored, and destructive, and no one wants that! Having a feline buddy helps diminish unwanted behaviors from kittens who are bored. Additionally, your kitten will grow up to be a happier, better socialized, and more well-adjusted adult cat.
We require kittens 6 months and under to be adopted in pairs, or for their new home to have a resident cat already. Please note that some cats are bonded and some cats over six months may require a buddy regardless of age. Each careful decision is made on an individual basis.
Additional Policies:
- Your entire family (children included) should be part of the meet-and-greet process!
- Pets in the home should be spayed/neutered so as to align with our mission to prevent unwanted litters and eliminate unnecessary euthanasia.
Have questions? Please contact us anytime!
adoptions@tenthlifecats.org
