Adopting a Kitten: The Process
Every breeder’s process is slightly different. I am constantly trying to perfect my adoption process so that it is smooth and easy for the buyers, the kittens, and the business.
For you, the buyer
Step 1
The first step is to fill out the kitten application on my website. This helps me determine if it is a good fit or if I can help you find a more suitable cattery to work with. It also gives me an idea of the best personality for your home, and the travel requirements for the kitten (I do not ship kittens and there are hefty fees if you are taking it to Canada). I review this information later to help you pick the best kitten.
Step 2
Once I receive your application I will review it and then contact you. In this message, I will answer any questions you had on the application, ask any questions I may have, and give you payment information if you decide to secure your spot on the waitlist with a deposit.
Step 3
You send the $400 deposit to secure your spot. As soon as I receive the deposit I let you know your spot on the waitlist. Your spot determines when you are eligible to pick out a kitten from a litter. The group of buyers that get a kitten from the litter choose in the order they are on the waitlist. I reserve the right to not sell a kitten to someone that I do not think is a good fit (due to the energy of the kitten, experience with cats, etc). I help pick kittens based on the personality of the kittens and your answers on the application.
Step 4
Waiting for the litter to be born is the hardest part. Once the kittens are born I will email those on the list eligible for that litter to give them the good news. And you get to be bombarded by kitten pictures on my Instagram, Facebook, and weekly on the website! I post pictures weekly of each kitten. If I have multiple litters born within a month, the eligible buyers can pick from either litter but must know which litter by the time the oldest litter is 6 weeks old.
Step 5
At 4-5 weeks old I reach out to everyone on the list to discuss possible matches. Picking your kitten will be completed 6-8 weeks old.
Step 6
Pick your kitten by 6-8 weeks old in the order of the waitlist.
Step 7
At 8 weeks old kittens have their first vet appointment, vaccines begin, and depending on the vet’s recommendations, weaning starts. This is a busy time for me and a stressful time for the kittens.
Step 8
I try to assess the stress and readiness of the kittens to go to their new homes at 10-12 weeks old. I like them to weigh 2.5-3.5 lbs and be eating normal food with no distress from weaning before they leave. I will try to give you an accurate time for pick up so you can schedule the vet appointment (I ask that you do this 3-5 days after receiving your kitten) and travel (if flying, always get insurance in case timing must change). I will send you a “kitten wishlist” of all the things your kitten will need (and want). I try to send the pick-up dates out at 8 weeks, but I determine this based on the kittens.
Step 9
I will email sales agreements to be e-signed at 9 weeks old. Please review and sign in a timely fashion.
Step 10
Pick up your kitten! We will have scheduled this time for you to pick up your kitten. I will send you home with a small bag of their food (in case you are switching) and health records. The remaining balance of the kitten is due by pick-up (in cash if in person, Venmo or Paypal if paid before). I am located near Bend, OR. I sometimes will commute to Portland for an additional travel fee but that is not guarenteed.
Step 11
You now are home with your kitten! The transition period can take some time depending on your household and your kitten’s temperament. I recommend keeping your kitten in a small room (such as a bathroom) for 2 weeks. This lets the kitten get used to this new space and you/your family. After the initial 2 weeks, I recommend introducing the kitten to other pets gradually over 2-4 weeks depending on how it’s going. I like to start by introducing smells (with blankets), then seeing each other through a barrier (carrier, baby-gate, screen), then let them meet face-to-face. Keep these interactions supervised until you are sure they are comfortable with each other. At 4-6 months (or vet’s recommendations) spay/neuter your kitten. Once I receive proof of alteration, I will send the pedigree information.
