Are the cats neutered before being rehomed?

All cats in our care over the age of 5 months old are vet checked, up to date with flea and worm treatment, neutered and microchipped prior to being adopted. 
Any kitten which is under 20 weeks old may not be microchipped or neutered depending on their weight. If this is the case, this must be done at the expense of their new owner and the kittens must not be let outside until then.

Are the cats vaccinated before being rehomed?

To keep the Adoption donation as low as we can, we do not start vaccination courses. In addition, some vets use different brands of vaccines which are not compatible with other practices. 
However if a cat is admitted into us with active vaccinations, we will keep up with these.

Should I get my cat vaccinated after adoption?

This is not a compulsory part of our Adoption Agreement and would be your choice. Most vets offer Health Plans / Clubs to cover vaccinations along with flea and worm treatment - speak to your vet for more information! 
If you would be looking to get in a Pet Sitting Service or put your cat into a boarding cattery in the future for holidays, vaccines are usually a requirement.

Should I get my cat insured?

Again, this is not a compulsory part of our Adoption Agreement and would be your choice. 
We are pleased to be in partnership with Agria and we will activate 5 weeks' free pet insurance for your Four Paws Pal on adoption!  Should you choose to take out a full policy with them, they will donate to us at no extra cost to you.

Do you carry out checks prior to visits?

Yes, we do carry out checks on your home and area prior to arranging a visit to view the cats. 

I live in rented accommodation, can I still adopt?

Yes you can! As long as you have permission from your landlord that you are able to have cats. We will ask for a copy of written confirmation.

Can I adopt a cat if I live in a flat / apartment?

We would advise on an indoor-only cat if you live in a flat unless you are on the ground floor with your own garden

I live near a main / busy road, can I still adopt?

Sadly, many cats are killed on busy roads therefore we'd recommend adopting an indoor only cat, or cat proofing your garden prior to enquiring about adoption

How much do you ask as an Adoption donation?

As of 1st June 2024, we ask a minimum Adoption donation of £80 for an adult cat and £60 for a kitten (under 20 weeks old and not yet neutered/chipped)

Can you claim Gift Aid on the Adoption donation?

Yes we can! Simply fill in a Gift Aid form with us at the time of Adoption and we can claim the Gift Aid! 

What is your process for adopting?

After filling in an Adoption Enquiry form for the cat you'd like to meet, we will get in touch with you. Should you and your home be a good match for the cat, we will invite you to come and meet them. We kindly ask that you arrive for your appointment on time.  
We ask that a decision is made within 24 hours after visiting as to whether you'd like to adopt to prevent any further visits for the cat being arranged, and we will then reserve the cat for approximately 1 week to allow you time to get in any supplies / set up a room ready for your new arrival.
It is important that everything is in place and ready for your new cat to come home! 

Will you change over the cat's microchip details?

All of the cats in our care over 20 weeks old are microchipped in our name and details. Within 2 weeks of adoption, we will contact you to arrange for the microchip details to be changed into your details. There is no additional cost for us to do this. 

How long should I keep my new rescue cat indoors for?

We advise keeping your new rescue cat indoors for a minimum of 3 weeks, unless they are an indoor only cat. 
Kittens need to stay indoors until they are neutered and microchipped. 
This is to ensure they are used to their new home and surroundings; so you need to be very careful of your doors and windows during their settling in period. 

Do you have any items we are able to take with us when we adopt?

If the cat is fond of a blanket, bed or any specific toys these will always go with them when they go to their new home. We will also provide you with a pack containing some essentials. 

How much does it cost the Rescue to care for the cats before finding them new homes?

Neutering costs, on average are £120 for a male and £160 for a female. 
Microchipping costs approximately £25 per cat. 
A standard vet check along with flea and worming treatment is approximately £60-£70. 
A large box of cat food that would last around 3 weeks per cat costs on average, around £15, as well as dry food. 
This does not take into consideration any further veterinary treatment or other supplies that a cat may need i.e if they require dental work, are pregnant or feeding queens, on medication etc.

I need to rehome my cat - can you help?

We ask that you fill in an admission enquiry form on our website so that we have all of the details that we need regarding your cat. We will be in touch when we're able to help by taking them in for rehoming. We will also get in touch with your registered vet for their clinical history.

What happens on the day of admission?

When we're able to take your cat in, your cat needs to be in a suitable travel carrier / basket. If they are fond of anything specific like a blanket or toys, please bring those along too. If you'd like to donate any of their food, this is always gratefully received. You will sign an admission form to legally transfer ownership and care of your cat to us. If your cat is microchipped, we will arrange for the microchip details to be transferred over into our name. If your cat is vaccinated, it is helpful to provide us with their vaccination card.

Do you offer home from home rehoming?

We not do not offer a direct rehoming scheme whereby you keep your cat in your care until a new home is found. The Blue Cross offer this service and we'd advise contacting your local branch to discuss the requirements further.

Do you accept donations?

We will always gladly accept donations of cat food and cat items to our registered address. We also have an Amazon Wishlist if you would like to send the cats in our care some toys, treats or food.

If you would like to make a cash donation, please visit the ‘Ways you can help’ page. We can also claim Gift Aid on cash donations; simply drop us an email for a Gift Aid form! 

Do you offer volunteer opportunities with the cats?

We are unable to offer work experience / Duke of Edinburgh / similar voluntary opportunities. We are only a small charity and would recommend contacting larger organisations if you are looking to volunteer directly with animals.

I have come across a feral cat / colony of feral cats. Are you able to help?

Unfortunately we do not have the facilities to accommodate and re-house feral cats, however we would advise getting in touch with Cat Charities that specialise in feral cats to assist such as The Cats Protection.

Can you look after my cat on a temporary basis?

We are not licensed as a boarding cattery so we cannot take in and look after your cat on a temporary basis. It would be advisable to contact boarding premises to take in and look after your cat, or you could ask a reputable pet sitting service to visit your home.

I have found a cat. What should I do?

Your local veterinary centre should be able to scan the cat for a microchip free of charge, or you can get in touch with a local Scan Angel for your area.
If the cat is microchipped, they will then be able to contact their owner. However please note that some cats will wander around their neighbourhood so it is best to check with neighbours first to see if they recognise the cat. You can also pop a paper collar onto the cat.
You can also get in touch with Pets Reunited who will advertise the cat in the hope to find their owner and you can post on any local social media pages. Within Oxfordshire, there is the 'Pets Lost & Found in Oxfordshire' Facebook page.
If all of the above has been done and you are unable to locate their home / owner, please do get in touch with us.

My cat has gone missing, what should I do?

Put up posters in your area as well as speaking to your neighbours, postman and/or milkman to keep an eye out.
Always leave food and water outside your home, some bedding and their litter box if they have one, to encourage your cat to come home. 
Shaking the Dreamies pot whilst calling them can sometimes help as well! It is a good idea to register your missing cat with Pets Reunited who will be able to advertise that your cat has gone missing, as well as helping to create posters and leaflets. 
Post on local Social Media pages (Within Oxfordshire, there is the 'Pets Lost & Found in Oxfordshire' Facebook page) and contact your local rescue centres and vets; any rescue centre or veterinary clinic will always scan a cat for a microchip.
Microchipping of all owned cats became law in June 2024 - please make sure the microchip details are up to date and that the chip company is notified if your cat goes missing.  

Can I view the charity's accounts?

Our accounting year ends each May and as a Registered Charity, our accounts are published on the Charities Commission website for public view. 
Our Registered Charity Number is 1138455 
https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search