Adoption

Everyday, there are cats and kittens in need of rescue or just a new start in life. Whether they are living it rough on the street and having to fend for themselves, lost in a system of council pounds and shelters where they are at risk of being needlessly euthanised, or their previous owners have had to surrender them due to unfortunate circumstance which have left them unable to be cared for anymore.

We at Atlantis Cat Rescue are committed to rescuing cats and kittens from council pounds and shelters, as the only thing a cat needs to thrive is a caring, supportive environment and the chance to find their perfect 'furever' home, because, #CatsDeserveLoveToo. We are also here to support people who, through no fault of their own, can no longer look after their beloved cat or kittens and need to find a loving and supportive new home for their best friends. But, as we all know, it can be very easy to fall in love with a cute little bundle of fluff with sad little eyes. However, it's important to do your homework before signing up to adopt a cat or kitten, which is a lifetime commitment!

So, before you decide to adopt a fluffy new cat or kitten (or any animal for that matter), please ask yourself the following questions (a friend or family member with cats or other pets may be able to help you decide and/or give you advice):

• What do you want in a pet? And is a cat (or other animal) right for your situation? Can you accommodate the needs of a cat in you home?
• What type of cat will fit best in you home? Is a kitten necessarily the right choice for you? Or would a older cat be better for your lifestyle?
• Is this the right time to be adopting? Are there circumstances that might affect your ability to care for the cat into the future? (You might find that becoming a foster carer may a better option for you at this time!)
• If you have children or other pets, how are they around other animals? Will they have any trouble adapting to a new feline friend?

If you have asked yourself these questions, and you are ready to proceed, we would be happy to hear from you! Please take a look at our adoption process below, or feel free to view the cats we have in our care, either through our Cats for Adoption page, or social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram).

Our cats and kittens are kept in foster care homes, so they can become accustomed to sounds, sights, joys and expectations of living in a home environment. This give us a rare opportunity to assess their personality a lot more effectively in a home environment, and help match them up with the perfect new home and families. It also helps us to assist you in making an informed decision about the cat(s) you are deciding to share your loving home with. All of our animals have been vet-checked, desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. 

While the adoption processes can feel like a long and drawn out process, we aim to ensure that, not only is your home right for the cat or kitten, but also that they are going to be right for your household. We also want to ensure that we avoid the outcome being disappointing for you and your family wherever possible, as all suitable families should get their opportunity to welcome a wonderful new cat or kitten into their lives.

Step 1 - Submit an Adoption Expression of Interest Form

The first step is to submit an Adoption Expression of Interest Form. Any information you provide to us on the Adoption EOI and any subsequent stages of the adoption process will be strictly used for adoption purposes only and will not be used for any other purpose. The form helps us to get to know potential adoption candidates better, so we can be sure that we find suitable homes for our rescue cats and kitten.

Once the form is submitted, we will review your information and will make a determination as to whether to progress your application through to an Adoption Interview. Should you be successful, a member of our adoption team will contact you in 5-10 business days to arrange for an adoption interview. If, unfortunately, you are unsuccessful, you will receive an email advising you that you are unsuccessful with 5-10 business days.

Step 2 - Adoption Interview

The Adoption Interview will be undertaken through an online video call or meeting or via telephone. The interview will consist of a few questions to clarify some of what you have provided to us already, and to help get to know a little more about your family who may be looking to adopt a rescue cat or kitten.

Step 3 - Pre-adoption Checks

In the Pre-adoption Check stage, we will ask you to submit some pictures or video of the home environment and people that the cat or kitten will be interacting with on a daily basis. This is becoming increasingly common practice in animal rescue, as it helps people in the rescue space to identify any potential threats the animals may face, so it can be avoided.

As a result of the current Covid-19 pandemic, we will also be asking you to show proof that you are fully vaccinated. This is to protect the health and safety of all our team members, volunteers and all individuals using our services.

Step 4 - Furry Friend Meet and Greet*^

Today is the day you've all waited for: the day you get to come to meet all the furry faces awaiting their chance at a 'furever' home. As the name suggests, the Furry Friend Meet and Greet is your opportunity to come and get to know some of the potential cats and kittens, to see how their personalities work with yours. It's an opportunity to also ask questions of the foster carers and get their insights into who might be a great fit for your household.

After the Meet and Greet, you can either decide on the spot whom you might want to adopt, or give it some time and consider your options. Our team can help you to make the best choice for your family. If you don't find the cat you want to adopt, don't lose heart, we can always keep you informed when new cats are available for adoption that might be right for you. 

Step 5 - Adoption Day*^

You've made it and have been approved to adopt one of our beloved friends! We will arrange a date and time that suits all parties. We can arrange to bring your new best friend to your home to help settle them in or, alternatively, we can arrange a time and day for you to come to one of our main foster carer's homes to pick up your new cat, and we will provide you with adoption fee payment instructions.

On the day, you will be given the adoption paperwork to sign before you are taken to your new best friend. You will be given some tips to help you settle your new cat into your home, tailored for your specific cat and home environment, and will be give a small supply of the food your cat has been feed in our care. In case you are planning to change their diet, this helps ensure your cat seamlessly transition to the new food. Please be prepared to show proof of adoption fee payment, as no adoption can occur without adoption fees having been paid!

*Depending on the availability status of the cat(s) or kitten(s), you decide to adopt, and for your preparedness for the adoption to proceed, the Adoption Day may coincide with the Furry Friends Meet and Greet.

^Face mask and proof of full vaccination will be mandatory for everyone involved in the Furry Friends Meet and Greet and Adoption Day activities, in accordance with our health and safety policies. Masks must be worn appropriately at all time.

• Senior Cats (over seven years) - $200
• Adult Cats  (aged 1-6 years) - $250
• Kittens & Young Adults (under one year) - $250

Adoption fee includes:

• Desexing
• F3 vaccination
• Microchipping
• Flea, heartworm and worm treatment
• FIV testing for cats over six.