Preparing for adoption

IMPORTANT INFO for SmålandsKattens Support Home / Permanent Home

​

The average process from interest to permanent home is 5 weeks. We are always very full and very busy so we do our best to stick to this. Cats are not meant to be impulse purchases and we don't have the capability to support quick adoptions.

1. Replies to applications of interest: 1 week

2. Interview & home visit: 1 week

3. Home preparation (if needed): 1 week

4. 2 week test: 2 weeks

5. Adoption

Basics

​

• Our adoption fee, per cat, is 1800:-. We survive off of donations only. All cats get chipped, tattooed and vaccinated before getting adopted. Adult cats also get castrated. The cost for all of that is above the adoption fee we charge so consider it as a discount compared to what you would pay to do it yourself.

• Many of the cats we take in are in poor condition. Thin, dehydrated, worms in the stomach or ear mange. In some cases, they need to be medicated or receive lighter care at home. We will always be there to provide support and advice should your cat need it. It is better to get in touch once too much rather than once too little.

• The cat needs to have its own room or a smaller space at first as they can become stressed by large spaces.If the cat is to be the only pet, it is still recommended to have a smaller area to start with and not to give access to an entire house/apartment, cats have a great need to keep track of EVERYTHING that happens, the larger the area to start with thus causing more stress.

• If there are own animals in the home, these must be introduced to each other in three steps:

1. The cat needs its own space where it feels calm and can smell all the new smells. By spending a lot of time in the cat's room, you bring the scents between the cat and your own animals, in this way they get to know each other's scents. 

2. Set up a gate or barrier between the doors so they can see each other from afar.

3. When the time feels right and the animals have accepted each other from a distance, the gates can be removed. But leave the door to the cat's room/space open so it can run back into its safety if it needs to.

• All cats have different personalities. Not all cats like to be carried or lie on your lap and cuddle. They are their own individuals with their own moods and feelings. Respect it!

• During the first few days, it is not unusual for the cat to stay away and hide during the days. Cats are nocturnal animals and take the opportunity to look around while you are sleeping. Let it take time. Don't stress and let the cat come to you.

• If the cat is shy and not tame, a lot of patience is needed. Slowly but surely build the cat's trust. A scared cat can both bite and tear if it feels threatened.

• Entering the safety and warmth can be overwhelming. Some have never had a home and are therefore not used to, for example, the litter box. A tip if the cat pees outside the box can be to go outside and dig up some soil and mix in the sand. The sand is simply too clean to defecate in.

• If your cat is to remain an indoor cat, windows and balcony doors must be kept closed. (indoor or outdoor cat - those stated in the contract apply) If the cat is to stay on the balcony, it MUST be netted. (The Swedish Agricultural Agency's rules for cats) Windows must be secured with bars or nets (not fly nets) such as Allox Security Net, so that the cat cannot get out. As little as 5 centimeters is enough for the cat to get out. No windows that are "blocked halfway", even these can be put up. These are the conversations we NEVER want to have: "The cat has escaped".

• If your cat is to be allowed to stay outside, refer to individual contract for more information. Acclimatization period in an approved harness to get the cat used to the area on repeated occasions (steps written below). Let it take time so that the cat really knows where it lives, smells, sounds, routines. We recommend having feeding times to ensure that the cat comes in on time. Even if the cat is to be outside, supervision is required at least 2 times a day! (Minimum according to the Swedish Agency for Agriculture's rules for cats)

Harness: Train outside in 3 steps - 

1. Harness only indoors until the cat is comfortable with them

2. Harness indoors with a trailing leash until it is comfortable with them 

3. THEN you can try to go outside for short periods and continue from there.

Only harness approved by SMK, discuss with your support home contact. We do not approve harnesses consisting of only narrow straps - they are incredibly easy and fall off.

• Keep an eye on poisoned plants. Check more on Agria's website.

Dracaena species – Christmas rose – Cone palm – Coral berry – Lily of the valley – Lilies - Mistletoe - Oleander - Daffodil (especially the onion) - Angel's trumpet

• Keep an eye on other things that can be dangerous for cats. E.g. blind cords, rubber bands, tops, yarn or thread, plastic bags, lighted candles, gift cords, hot plates (please place a large pan of water on the plate that was hot)

• ALL TRANSPORT CAGES MUST BE SECURED WITH STRAPS / TIES DURING TRANSPORT! However safe a cage is estimated to be, it can ALWAYS split or the cage door can open. Do not make this mistake and have a cat on the run in an unknown environment.

 

Important! Always have a dialogue with us...then we solve them / Kikki & co