Adopt

In order to adopt a cat/kitten from Hong Kong Cat Refuge (HKCR), and to ensure our cats/kittens are going to good loving homes, we ask that the following conditions be met.

You can view the animals we have for adoption on our new website – www.hkcr.org.hk.

1. Adopters must be 21 years of age or over. Parents or guardians living at the same address must adopt on behalf of those under 21.

2. Adopters must satisfy us that they will provide a suitable home for the cat/kitten and look after it to the best of their ability. We regret that owing to the Housing Department’s strict regulations, no pets of any kind can be homed to those living in public estates.

3. Proof of residential address must be presented before an adoption is approved. The adoption agreement must be signed. We do ask that a donation is made to HKCR at the time of adoption.

4. HKCR reserves the right to refuse any application for adoption and to revise requirements without notice.

5. DESEXING IS COMPULSORY. Those who do not wish to have their pet desexed should not apply to adopt from the HKCR. Desexing prevents unwanted litters and disease in later life. We would rather prevent the birth of surplus kittens than see them on the streets. Some cats may already be desexed, however for kittens or cats that have not already been neutered we will require a HK$1000 desexing deposit per cat. A full refund will be made once proof of desexing (a receipt from a recognised vet) has been provided.

6. At HKCR we suggest that kittens are adopted in pairs (siblings or friends) or one kitten to a home with a lonely cat. Kittens need the companionship of another feline! If you are looking just for one kitten, we suggest adopting a young adult cat instead.

7. You cannot adopt on behalf of a family member or friend. The person who is going to adopt the cat/kitten(s) must come in person to view and adopt the cat.

8. Any cat adopted through HKCR cannot be de-clawed. No matter whether or not you feel this practice is cruel, it takes away the cats means of defense. De-clawing a cat also promotes biting, and a de-clawed cat will have the tendency to nip at other cats and other people. It also causes unnecessary stress in highly strung cats as well as being an unimaginably painful experience for the cat.

9. We ask that you cat proof prior to adoption for families living in high-rise apartments. Unfortunately the number of cases of cats falling out of windows in HK is very high (especially if your cat has been used to going outdoors and then is restricted to indoors, it may mistake an open window for access to the garden area etc). It is inexpensive to cat proof your windows and balconies and can save the life of your indoor cat.

10. We cannot guarantee the health of the cats/kittens. Many of them are strays and therefore we have no record of their medical history. We will provide medical details where possible and also provide a vaccination card (depending on whether the cat(s) have been healthy enough to have their first set of vaccinations prior to being adopted). We ask that you continue to keep all your cat/kitten’s vaccinations are up to date.

11. We also do not recommend the adoption of a small kitten if you have toddlers in your home. Kittens are easily stepped on, and when chased they may become traumatized and turn into skittish cats that hide and become unsocial. If you decide you would still like to adopt a kitten you should be fully aware of whether your child has any allergies (i.e. asthma) and to accept the fact that your baby may get the odd scratch or two from playful paws.