The Cathouse

Adoption Process

1. Inquiry & Initial Contact
Begin by browsing the available cats on our website or through our listings. If you find a cat that clicks with you, reach out to express your interest. We’ll guide you through the process and provide details about the cat, including temperament, health, and background.

2. Form Completion
To ensure a perfect match, we kindly ask all potential adopters to complete a standard questionnaire. This helps us understand more about you, your household, and your experience with animals.

We understand that some of you may find the questions intrusive; however, our priority is to ensure that our rescued cats receive the care they need. Some new cat parents may not be fully aware of the potential dangers or the expenses involved in caring for a cat, and this process helps us provide the right guidance and support.

3. Reservation Deposit

Once you’ve chosen a cat and we’ve agreed to proceed, we request an upfront reservation deposit of €150. This ensures that the adoption is secured, and the cat’s listing will be marked as reserved.

The remaining adoption fee varies, as some cats have undergone costly surgeries due to road accidents or required more extensive medical treatment. The final amount will be confirmed based on the individual cat’s medical history. Payment of the remaining fee is due upon delivery of the cat.

The standard adoption fee is €400 for a pair of kittens and €200 for a single adult cat. Please feel free to reach out for further details.

Please note: for our Royal Companions—cats with rare traits, special stories, or exceptional character—adoption fees may differ. Kindly contact us directly for more information about this category.

 

4. Confirmation & Travel Planning
Once the adoption is confirmed, we will provide you with all relevant details regarding the flight escort, travel itinerary, and any additional preparations needed to welcome your new family member.

5. Preparing for Arrival
We will provide you with advice and guidelines on how to prepare your home for the cat’s arrival. This includes ensuring that your space is cat-safe, securing toxic plants or hazards, and understanding their dietary needs. Adopters must also bring their own secure cat carrier when picking up their new feline companion to ensure a safe and comfortable transition. If an adopter does not have a carrier, we can provide one for purchase, which is also suitable for air travel.

6. Settling Into Their Forever Home
When your cat arrives, it’s essential to make their transition as smooth as possible. Cats are sensitive to change, and relocating is a stressful experience. Remember:

  • The journey involves three transitions: from the shelter/foster home to the airport, from the airport to a short-term foster home in the Netherlands, and finally to your home.
  • Each location has different smells and environments, which can be overwhelming.
  • Adopters need to be patient. It is completely normal for kittens to hide or even refuse to eat for the first three days. With time, they will gradually start exploring, interacting, and familiarizing themselves with their new environment.
  • Rehoming should be a last resort, but if necessary, we are here to guide you and find a new family for the cat.

Post-Adoption Responsibilities:

  • Microchip Registration:
    Register the cat’s microchip in your local database (e.g., NDG in the Netherlands). Provide us with the microchip details so we can update the Greek database.

  • Adjustment Period:
    Allow the cat time to settle in their new environment and bond with you. All our cats have only known indoor life. Adopters with a balcony must ensure it is fully cat-proofed for safety. Those with a garden should first build a strong bond with their cat before introducing them to the outdoor space—this process may take up to five months.

7. Adjusting With Existing Pets
7.1 Adjusting With an Existing Cat

  • Introduce the new cat slowly, starting with separate rooms to let them become familiar with each other’s scents.
  • Use controlled, gradual introductions with short supervised meetings, and always monitor their interactions.

7.2 Adjusting With a Dog

  • Begin with scent swapping to familiarize both animals with each other’s smell.
  • Use a leash to control the dog during the initial interactions, and keep the meetings short and positive.
  • Always provide safe spaces where the cat can retreat if they feel uncomfortable.

8. Ongoing Support
We’re always here to help! Whether you have questions about behavior, diet, or health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our mission is to ensure that every rescue finds a safe, happy, and loving forever home.

Adoption Fee Policy – No Refunds

Please note that adoption fees are strictly non-refundable.

These funds are not a purchase price but a contribution that directly supports the care and safety of the animal. The fee covers veterinary expenses, vaccinations, health certificates, microchipping, and international travel costs. It also helps ensure that each animal is healthy and fit to travel prior to adoption.

We do not operate a shelter or have foster families in the Netherlands, and we are solely responsible for covering the costs of accommodation, food, and ongoing care for the cats until they find a permanent home.

Adoption is a serious, lifelong commitment to a living being—not a trial period. We urge all prospective adopters to consider their decision with care and responsibility. Returning an animal due to a change of heart undermines the well-being and stability these rescued animals desperately need and deserve.

By proceeding with an adoption, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

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