Frequently Asked Questions
Adoption & Visiting
Because we are a foster-based rescue without a single physical shelter building, our cats live in private volunteer foster homes! To meet a cat, please fill out an adoption application on our website first. Once approved, we will coordinate a meet-and-greet with the foster parent.
We do not offer same-day adoptions. We require an approved adoption application and brief screening beforehand. This ensures our cats go to safe, compatible homes and gives you time to prepare for your new family member.
Spay/Neuter: Cats are either already spayed/neutered prior to adoption, or we will cover the surgery through one of our scheduled clinics.
Vaccinations: First FVRCP vaccine and booster shots, plus their first Rabies vaccine.
Preventative Care: Essential parasite preventatives and treatments.
Note: Microchipping is not included in the standard adoption fee, but can be added for an additional $30.
Cats do not need a backyard, especially since we require them to be inside pets, but if you rent or live in an apartment, we do verify landlord permission and any pet policies or limits before approving an adoption.
We consider out-of-state adoptions on a case-by-case basis. However, adopters must be willing to travel to meet the cat in person and handle transport, as we do not ship animals or perform long-distance transports.
Single kittens require a lot of socialization and stimulation during the day. We generally adopt young kittens out in pairs or to homes that already have a young, friendly resident cat. Adults or independent older cats are great candidates for single-pet homes with traditional work schedules!
Fostering & Volunteering
We would love to have you! Fill out a Foster Application on our website. Once reviewed, a team member will contact you to discuss your living space, experience, and the types of cats (kittens, adults, medical recovery) you’d be comfortable hosting.
No! The Cat Advocates provides all medical care, vaccinations, medications, food, litter, and essential supplies. You provide the safe space, love, and daily care.
It varies depending on the cat’s age and needs. Kittens usually find homes quickly (a few weeks once ready for adoption), while adult or special-needs cats may stay in foster care for a few months.
Yes, as long as your dog is cat-friendly and you have a separate room (like a spare bedroom or bathroom) where the foster cat can safely decompress and settle in away from the dog.
Volunteers under 18 can participate through family fostering or assist at adoption events alongside a parent or legal guardian.
Absolutely! We always need volunteers to assist with adoption event setup, handling cats during events, transportation to vet appointments, administrative tasks, and community outreach. Please fill out our Volunteer Application & Agreement and we review it and be in touch shortly!
Surrenders & Stray/Feral Cats
While we don't have dedicated officers for field response, we can provide guidance and potentially loan trapping equipment (subject to availability) to help you humanely trap the cat for medical care or TNR.
Do not feed them cow's milk, as it causes severe digestive issues. Neonatal kittens require KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) and specific warmth/feeding protocols. Please contact us immediately so we can assess intake availability or guide you on emergency care.
We do not take owner-surrendered cats into our direct rescue program. However, we can assist you with guidance on self-rehoming resources or setting up a verified courtesy post on our channels to help you rehome your cat safely.
Because we are foster-based and regularly at full capacity, direct intake is very limited. We can work with family members on a courtesy post and application screening to help find a loving home that will keep them together.
Yes! TNR is a core part of our mission. We coordinate community cat trapping, sterilization, and return, and we can guide you on humane trapping techniques or assist with trap loans based on availability.
Post-Adoption & Behavior Support
Yes, completely normal! This is called the "decompression period." Moving to a new environment is overwhelming. Give them time, keep them in a small, quiet space with their food, water, and litter box nearby, and let them come out on their own schedule.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are common in shelter/rescue transitions due to stress. Please contact our rescue team directly right away so our medical coordinator can evaluate the situation and provide care through our approved partner vet network.
Introductions take time and should be done slowly! Keep the new cat in a separate room and do "scent swapping" (exchanging blankets) first. Progress to visual contact through a baby gate before full face-to-face interactions. Contact us if you’d like our detailed step-by-step introduction guide!
Yes! Because our cats live in real foster homes, their foster parents can give you detailed insights into their exact personality around dogs, other cats, and children.
Financials & Donations
We gladly accept unopened cat food and clean, gently used supplies! Please contact us directly or message our page to coordinate a drop-off time or location with one of our coordinators. (Note: We generally cannot accept used fabric litter boxes or damaged plastic items for sanitation reasons.)
Yes! The Cat Advocates is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, making your donations tax-deductible. We can provide a receipt for any cash or item donation upon request.
Yes! We maintain active wishlists on both Amazon and Chewy loaded with the food, litter, and medical supplies our foster cats need most. The items ship directly to our team.
We are an all-volunteer organization with no paid corporate staff. The vast majority of every dollar donated goes directly toward veterinary bills, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, medication, and essential care items for the cats.