Kitty Life

FAQ

Frequently Asked

HOW CAN I ADOPT A KITTEN?

Kindly refer to the adoption section on our website to learn more about our adoption process and to fill out an application.

 

WHERE DOES KITTY CARE GET OUR KITTENS FROM?

All of our kittens are rescues. They include feral kittens trapped and tamed, unwanted litters from owners who failed to sterilise their cats, kittens that have been dumped and surrenders.

AT WHAT AGE CAN I BRING MY KITTEN HOME?

At Kitty Care, we vaccinate kittens when they are eight weeks old and healthy. We will observe them for a few days after being vaccinated to watch for a reaction and then they may go home.

WHY CANT I ADOPT A YOUNGER KITTEN?

Our kittens come from difficult backgrounds and as a result, many of them require special and experienced care when they are in their first two months of life. We will only adopt a kitten once it has been vaccinated and is, to the best of our knowledge, healthy to ensure that their immunity is not compromised in a new environment.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO PASS A HOME-CHECK?

Our kittens are adopted out to loving families who provide their pets with quality care and a safe environment. These are some of the things that will make you a good candidate to adopt:

  • All of your pets are sterilised, vaccinated and preferably microchipped too.

  • You have never given away or surrendered a pet.

  • You are able to feed your pets well and provide medical care when necessary.

  • Your property is secure from roads, has no spaces where a kitten may fall or be injured and is ultimately safe for a kitten to live in. Here we may look at covers on pools, mesh on high windows, that you don’t live on a busy road etc.

  • All of your current pets are cat friendly and there is no risk that the kitten will be chased or harmed by another animal in the house.

  • If you have young children, they are gentle with pets and will love and respect the kitten.

AT WHAT AGE DO I NEED TO STERILIZE MY KITTEN?

Five months is generally a good time to sterilise. Remember, kitties can breed from as early as four months, so don’t let them wonder until they are sterilised even if they seem young.

 

SHOULD I ADOPT A MALE OR A FEMALE?

Gender should not be a big concern when choosing a kitten to adopt. If kittens are sterilised at the correct time and introduced to established cats correctly, there shouldn’t be an issue. Personality will play a bigger role.

IS IT TRUE THAT MALE CATS SPRAY AROUND THE HOUSE?

If you neuter your cat at the correct time, there shouldn’t be a problem.

 

CAN I SEND UPDATES TO THE FOSTER I ADOPTED FROM?

Absolutely! Nothing makes us happier than seeing how happy the kitties are with their families.

DOES KITTY CARE SELL KITTENS?

Kitty Care does not sell kittens, nor do we support or promote the buying or selling of pets. We ask a small adoption fee to cover the kitten’s initial vaccinations as well as deworming and flea control.

Why do I have to pay an adoption fee? Shouldn’t a rescue kitten be free?

We ask an adoption fee to help cover some of the vital care needed by the kitten. Knowing that an adopter is willing and able to pay an adoption fee to cover vaccinations and parasite control help us to establish that the adopter is financially able and responsible enough to care for a cat for the rest of its life.

HOW MUCH IS THE ADOPTION FEE?

We ask R450 to cover initial vaccinations and parasite control.

WILL MY KITTEN BE VACCINATED BY KITTY CARE?

Kitty Care kittens get their first vaccinations before being homed. Adopters will need to cover the rest of their vaccinations. Second vaccinations take place a month after the first round.

 

WILL MY KITTEN BE STERILIZED BY KITTY CARE?

No, at eight weeks old, your kitten will be too young to be sterilised and this will be for your own cost when they reach five months. Should you adopt a kitty five months or older, the kitty will be sterilised by Kitty Care before being homed.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DEWORM MY KITTEN/CAT AND WHAT PRODUCT SHOULD I USE?

Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until 12 weeks, then every month until six months, then every three months going forward. We recommend Milbemax tablets. Be sure to get the correct one and administer the correct dose – there is one for kittens and one for adults. The dosage is dependent on weight, so be sure to weigh your kitty before dosing. Overdosing or giving an adult tablet can be lethal for kittens.

You may also choose to use a product such as Revolution, which covers most parasites. In such cases, a separate dewormer may not be necessary. Remember to treat your kitty for fleas too, as fleas cause worms.

WHAT VACCINATIONS WILL MY KITTEN NEED?

You kitten will have their first vaccination with Kitty Care. A month later they will need their next vaccinations, which will include rabies. Should you wish to vaccinate against FeLV, now would be a good time to start. They will then require a rabies and FeLV booster one month later. Going forward, vaccinations will be done annually.

DO MALE CATS NEED TO BE STERILIZED TOO?

Absolutely.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY KITTEN LOOKS SICK?

Contact your vet immediately. Kittens can go downhill fast and waiting is never a good idea. If you adopted your kitten recently, please also alert the foster. While we will always try to help where we can, we are not vets and contacting a foster should be secondary to seeking help from a vet.