How To Adopt A Cat In Singapore

Pet adoption is a big responsibility. This is one good reason why adopting a pet should never be done on a whim. Deciding to share your life and home with an adopted pet cat needs to be given a lot of thought. There are various important factors to take into consideration.

Adopting is a big commitment. You will be committing your time, effort, and finances in taking care of your pet for the rest of his life. If there are other persons in the household, they must be part of the decision-making process.

Many adopted pets ended up being abandoned because their owners became overwhelmed by the responsibility of taking care of their pets. Thus, being well-informed as well as proper planning and preparation are important so you can make the best decision for you and your family when it comes to pet adoption.

Where to adopt a cat in Singapore

There are many facilities and organizations in Singapore that are dedicated to housing and caring for abandoned pets. The animals that are in their care are all waiting to be adopted. Instead of buying, prospective pet owners should consider adopting pets from shelters. Aside from giving a poor cat a new lease on life, adoption frees a slot so another homeless and abandoned cat can be taken in.

If you are thinking about adopting, you should take the time to learn more about each facility or organization. Most have websites where you can get important information about them and the animals that are in their care. It is also a good idea to visit the place so you can see and interact with the cats that are up for adoption and also talk with the staff. Each of these facilities has their own procedures and policies regarding cat adoption. Some popular places in Singapore where you can adopt a cat include:

• The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• Causes for Animals Singapore
• Love Kuching Project
• Kitten Sanctuary Singapore
• Mutts & Mittens
• Animal Lovers League

How to adopt a cat in Singapore

Policies concerning cat adoption are quite similar in most facilities. The steps generally include the following:

1. Visit the website of the organization or facility and learn more about what they are doing and how can you help. Pictures of cats that are up for adoption are often available so you can already choose which one catches your fancy. Basic details about the cat are usually provided.
2. Some organizations have ‘adoption hotlines’ which you can call if you have inquiries about the cats that are up for adoption. You may also write an email signifying your interest in adopting one of their wards.
3. Make an appointment with the facility so you can meet your potential pet and spend time with the cats in their care. All members of the family may be required to go to the facility and meet the potential pet. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time and find out everything you can about the cat. Be conscious about the time of your appointment so you can maximize the time you spend with the cat.
4. Alternatively, look out for adoption drives and meet the cats there! These events will usually be announced on the shelter’s social media pages.
5. You may be asked to fill up an ‘adopter’s questionnaire’ so you can be assessed whether you and your home environment are suitable for a cat. The form is usually available online.
6. Representatives from the organization may visit your home and check out the premises and see if it’s safe for a cat to stay in. Family members may also be interviewed to make sure that you are all on the same page when it comes to opening your doors to an adopted cat.
7. A trial homestay will be conducted to ensure suitability for both the cat and the humans.
8. If you qualify, you will then be asked to sign important documents about the adoption. Be sure to read carefully the facility’s Adoption Contract that generally includes Terms and Conditions, the Adoption Agreement, and fees.

Some organizations, like the Mutts & Mittens, allow a home trial for a month or longer depending on the progress.

Why cat adoption applications are declined

There are several reasons why your application for adopting a cat from a shelter is declined. These include the following:

• Your home is not cat proofed.
• Your home may be filled with debris material that can pose a risk to a pet.
• You have long working hours and you might not have enough time to devote to your pet’s care and well-being.
• Your living quarters are too small.
• Your kids might get hurt or they may hurt the animal.
• You have too many pets.
• You are not mature enough to look after a pet.
• Your family status (for example an impending divorce in the family) may compromise a newly adopted pet that may need to be returned to the shelter.
• You may not be financially stable to provide for the basic needs of a pet, including its veterinary care.
• Your location may not be suitable for a pet.
• You have other pets that are not spayed or neutered.