Red Flags in Cat Adoption: Why Am I Being Denied?

So, you’ve decided to adopt a cat, filled out the application form, and eagerly awaited a response…only to be met with unexpected news. Your cat adoption application has been rejected. What went wrong?  

There are several possible reasons your application was not accepted — and understanding them can be the first step toward making positive changes to increase the likelihood of approval in the future. We’ll cover those reasons shortly, but first, let’s discuss some basics about the application process. 

Why is it so hard to adopt a cat?

The process of adopting a cat can feel challenging, primarily due to the rescue or shelter’s screening process. This might involve applications, interviews, and (occasionally) home visits. A thorough screening process serves several important purposes. 

First, it helps ensure the cat is going to a home where they’ll be properly cared for and loved for the entirety of their lives. Shelters want to minimize the risk of cats being returned or ending up in potentially harmful situations, so they take the time to assess potential adopters and their living situations.

The screening process also helps you find a cat who’s a good match for you (and vice versa). Each cat has a unique personality, needs, and quirks. It’s essential to determine a good match between the cat and the adopter. 

“For example, a shy or fearful cat may not be the best match for a home with many people coming frequently through, and lots of loud children,” says Rebecca Smith, Associate Director of Animal Placement at the San Diego Humane Society. “And we wouldn’t suggest a cat with an indoor-only history to an adopter who has a home with indoor-outdoor access.”

Another factor that can make the process challenging is competition. Certain breeds, kittens, and cats with specific in-demand characteristics often have many people wanting to adopt them, which can make it harder to secure a cat. (Don’t rule out cats who are considered less adoptable — they have lots of love to give, too.)

While the adoption process for cats may seem daunting at times, remember that it’s all in the best interest of you and the cats. 

Here are 10 red flags on cat adoption applications

The requirements that rescues and shelters have for adopters may vary by location. What might seem like a red flag on an application at one shelter might not be an issue at another. That being said, here are some common reasons your application might be rejected. 

1. You don’t have a suitable living space for a cat

Cats don’t need a ton of space to be happy and healthy (at least 200 square feet for one cat), but they do need enough room to play, hide, poke around, and unleash the occasional zoomie. If your living space is too small, it may not be suitable for a cat’s well-being. 

However, you can make a small space more cat-friendly by using vertical space. This entails investing in tall scratching posts, cat trees, shelves, and wall-mounted perches, so your cat’s territory is bigger than just the floor. 

2. Your lifestyle doesn’t work with a cat’s needs

Cats require your attention, care, and companionship. If your lifestyle involves frequent travel, exceedingly long hours away from home, or other commitments that prevent you from meeting a cat’s needs for interaction and care, your application may be turned down. 

3. You don’t have adequate finances

Being a cat parent comes with financial responsibilities, including purchasing food, litter, and various supplies, as well as covering the costs of regular veterinary visits and medical care for potential emergencies. If it’s determined that you don’t have the financial means to provide for a cat’s needs, you won’t be approved. 

It’s also important to note that shelters and rescues typically have an adoption fee ranging from $100 to $500. 

4. You plan to give the cat outdoor access

Allowing a cat to roam outdoors unsupervised can expose them to various dangers, including traffic, predators, diseases, toxins, and mean-spirited people. Some shelters and rescues require you to sign a document promising to keep your cat indoors or create an outdoor enclosure to ensure their safety.

5. You have too many pets in the household already 

Introducing a new cat into a home with too many pets can cause stress, conflicts, and overcrowding. If the shelter feels that adopting another cat is not the best option for your current pet family, they may reject your application. 

6. You’re not able to commit long-term

Cats can live for ten to 20 years (or even longer in rare cases), so adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. If the shelter feels you’re not prepared to care for a cat for their entire life, they may turn you away. 

7. You’re too young or too old 

Most shelters and rescues require adopters to be at least 18 years old and show current government-issued photo identification.

If you’re elderly, you may not be approved to adopt a kitten or younger cat unless you can confirm someone will be able to assume care of the cat if you’re no longer able to. A senior cat could be an excellent companion for an older person, though. Plus, the adoption fee is often waived for adopting a senior cat. 

8. You plan to declaw the cat

Declawing is a painful, unnecessary procedure that involves amputating the last bone of a cat’s toes. It can lead to long-term physical and behavioral problems, so shelters and rescues typically avoid placing cats in homes where declawing is planned.

9. You have unneutered or unspayed cats at home

Responsible pet parenting includes spaying or neutering cats to prevent overpopulation and reduce the risk of health problems. If you have cats at home and are not willing to have them spayed/neutered, your application will likely be rejected.

10. You’ve returned multiple cats to the shelter before

Multiple returns of adopted cats may indicate a pattern of irresponsibility or an inability to meet a cat’s needs. Shelters and rescues carefully consider an applicant’s history of pet parenthood and previous adoption experiences when evaluating their suitability for adoption.

Before you adopt a cat

To ensure a smooth adoption process and a happy, healthy environment for your new feline friend, consider the following tips. 

Prepare for the pet adoption application

Completing a cat adoption application and/or partaking in an interview is often the first step in the process. Be ready to provide detailed information. For example, Smith says that while the San Diego Humane Society doesn’t require a written application, each potential adopter has an in-depth conversation with an adoption counselor. During this conversation, adopters are asked about their experience with cats, what qualities they’re looking for in a cat, if they already have the proper setup and supplies for a cat, if they have children or other pets, and their plans for integrating the new cat into their home.

Review the red flags discussed above, and be honest with yourself about what and how you can provide for a cat. If you have some fixable red flags, consider addressing them before applying. For instance: 

• If you have an unsterilized cat at home, get them spayed or neutered. 

• If you want to let your cat outside, create an enclosed catio so they can safely enjoy the outdoors. 

• If you live in a small space, make use of vertical space to make it more cat-friendly.

• If you are interested in declawing, reconsider this through research that explains why it’s not the right choice. (Frequently trimming your cat’s nails will do the trick.) 

Prepare for a home visit

Some shelters and rescues conduct home visits to assess the suitability of your living environment for a cat. Prepare for this by ensuring your home is clean, safe, and equipped to meet a cat’s needs. This entails: 

• Removing or putting away any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, small or sharp objects, and electrical cords

• Securing windows and balconies

• Setting up cozy hiding spots and vertical spaces for climbing, rest, and exploration

Read more on how to fully cat-proof and prepare your home for your new pet.

Choose a reputable shelter

When selecting a shelter or rescue to adopt from, research its reputation and standards of animal care. Ensure the cats’ living conditions are clean, sanitary, and conducive to their well-being. It’s best to avoid online platforms like Craigslist because you can’t be sure of a cat’s health status. 

Buy all the necessary cat supplies 

Before bringing your new cat home, gather all the essential supplies they’ll need, including:

• Food and water bowls

• Cat food and treats

• Litter boxes and litter

• Scratching posts

• A cat tree

• Cat-safe toys

• A cat bed

• A cat carrier 

• Grooming tools

• Cat-safe cleaning supplies 

Being prepared with everything your cat requires will help them settle in comfortably from day one. Adopt a Pet is a legitimate and leading pet adoption online platform connecting potential adopters with pets available for adoption from shelters, rescue organizations, and individuals across the United States and Canada. Ready to adopt? Connect with a reputable cat rescue near you.

Commonly asked questions

What to avoid when adopting a cat?

When adopting a cat, avoid choosing a cat solely on appearance or breed. Look for a kitty match by considering personality, energy level, and lifestyle needs.

What should I consider before adopting a cat?

Before adopting a cat, consider your lifestyle, living arrangements, financial readiness, existing pets, and commitment to long-term care. 

How do I avoid adoption scams? 

Some tips to help you avoid adoption scams include researching the individual or organization, visiting in person, asking lots of questions, and being mindful of red flags such as asking for payment upfront. 

What to ask when adopting a cat? 

When adopting a cat, it’s essential to ask questions about the cat’s history, health, and personality. The answers will help you determine if you can provide the care and environment the cat needs to thrive.

References 

Picking the Right Adopter 

Questions to Ask Potential Adopters of Kittens