Adoption process
To avoid disappointment, please make sure you understand everything on this page before you visit us with the intention of adopting a cat. You should also read through our cat care and kitten health pages before adopting a new cat.
We're here to help the cats
Our aim is to help cats and kittens find the right home, with the right owner. There are many different aspects to this, including the personality of each cat, the personality of the owner and the kind of home a cat will be going to. When you visit Chestnut Cat Sanctuary we'll learn more about you, and help you learn more about the cats we have available and which may be suitable.
Please do not be offended if you are refused a particular cat. We take our rehoming responsibilities very seriously: if we think a cat isn't suitable, we will tell you why. We get to know them very well and we're pretty good at predicting where, and with whom, a cat will be happiest.
Visiting Chestnut Cat Sanctuary
When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a registration form before we show you all the suitable cats. This helps us work out which cats will be suitable.
- All householders/children/parents must attend!
- Please bring proof of address and ownership or tenancy
- If you are a tenant, we'll need to see a letter or email from your landlord confirming that you can have a cat in your home
- If you're under 20, please bring proof of age and visit with your householder, if you don't own your own home
- If you plan to take a cat home, bring a suitable plastic or wicker cat basket. Cardboard boxes are NOT suitable. We have baskets available at discount prices if you don't already have one
- Cats can be rehomed in any area. We have even homed to Jersey!
- Home checks are carried out at random
- The whole process, from choosing a cat to filling out the paperwork, can take up to 2 hours so allow plenty of time
- We have to consider YOUR age too! If you are over 65 we would suggest a less lively older lap cat that can spend the rest of it's life with you.
Far too many elderly want to adopt a young cat. But every week we are taking in cats that are still young and yet their owner has passed away or gone into care.
Choosing a cat (or, how cats choose their owners)
Please come with an open mind! Many cats choose their owners, which often results in a very happy rehoming.
Remember that different cats have different needs. A young cat needs room to explore, inside and outside - a flat with no garden access is not ideal. An elderly cat has needs, too, but is more likely to be content to stay indoors and sit on your lap. It's all about matching the cats with you and your home, and we're happy to advise you.
- You'll be able to enter the pens and meet the cats in person. It's best to choose a cat that interacts with you when you meet them - so this is the crucial moment!
- Having said that, PLEASE remember that some cats find the rehoming process a bit traumatic - so don't overlook them just because they don't leap up to greet you. In a normal home they soon come round!
- There are notes on the pens that tell you more about each cat, their history and personality
- Male or female? Once they've been neutered there is very little difference ...cats have their own temperament and personality, and this isn't dictated by their sex
- What colour? It doesn't matter. If you're looking for a 'designer cat' we won't help you
- Please approach the cats slowly and quietly. Not all cats like being cuddled before they've got to know you - so proceed with caution
- We accept no liability should you be scratched or bitten
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A note about kittens
The main complaint we get is from people wanting a single baby kitten from a litter. We believe it is not right to separate the equivalent of a 2 year old child from its brother or sister, and condemn it to a life on its own. Baby kittens are extremely cute, but after a few months will be approaching the size of an adult cat. So, if you're adamant that you want one cat only, it makes much more sense to adopt one that's around a year old - not remove a kitten from its siblings.
When we do rehome kittens they go in pairs... if there's an odd numbered litter, the last kitten will be paired with its Mum or a kitten of similar age from another litter. That's our policy, and we will not do otherwise.
How to make your donation
You need to donate to adopt a cat, and you can find out more on our donations page. You can make your donation by:
- Cheque, with a banker's card
- Cash
- Card (with a card charge of £3.50). We accept
- We do NOT provide refunds: we're dealing with a living creature here, not a product - so think hard before adopting, ask our advice, and choose carefully!
Vaccinations, neutering & microchipping
Your donation includes all necessary vaccination, neutering and microchipping work for your new pet. Find out more on our donations page!
What to do if it doesn't work out
Some cats settle in quickly; with others, it can take a little while. Our cat care page has lots of helpful health and care advice to help ensure a happy adoption.
- We will take a cat or kitten back if you have given it long enough, and the adoption isn't working. But please - if you really think it's not working out - ask our advice first!
- We do not ask for a donation if you do have to return a cat to us
And remember...
Our sole aim is to find a loving home for unwanted cats and kittens. We are ONLY interested in the wellbeing of the cat... so if you are refused a cat or kitten, please do not be offended! We hope you understand.
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| Mother & Baby unit |
Relaxing grounds
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All are welcome to Chestnut Cat Sanctuary
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Relax and choose
your cat!
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