More Adoptables

Guacamole  (KN)

For years the RAPS tradition has been that adoptable cats go to the Adoption Centre, and that most of the Sanctuary cats are non-adoptable. And basically, that’s not changed much. When we take visitors around, they quickly realise that feral cats, scared cats, peeing cats and cats with medical conditions are not the best prospect for a long-term home.

Frank - all dressed up and looking for a home  (KN)

But we now know much more about feline behavioural issues, and about the things that might make a formerly feral cat more or less adoptable – and we are no longer so fixed on “that cat can’t be adopted!”, with better education for adopters.  So currently we have posted some cats in both the Front and Back Courtyards that we think might do well in a home, and visitors can ask to be introduced to some of the candidates.

Lomi is becoming more adventurous  (BC)

What makes a cat adoptable in our eyes?  It should be willing to interact with a human – that does not necessarily mean lap-sitting, or allowing itself to be picked up, but it should be happy with petting, treats and perhaps a little grooming. It should be mostly a litter-box user – though, at the Sanctuary there are many cats who prefer to use the gardens as their bathroom. We look for people who are cat-savvy, who are patient, who don’t expect that the cat will immediately bond with them, and who understand that a cat needs time to settle in a new home. They will often come to visit repeatedly, giving “their” cat time to get used to them.  A cat who is a stray will usually settle much more easily than a former feral, A cat who is adopted as an only cat will be much more likely to use a litterbox and not mark territory in unpleasant ways.

Polar is friendly, but wary of visitors  (BC)

Back in April's blog, Mycroft (Holmes) was still wary, but now he flirts with all the visitors; he's going to his new home this month. In May, I presented two of the Hotel Cats, Westin and Wyndham – one from the front courtyard and one from New Aids; both are enjoying attention from visitors. Bello had his blog in July, and went to his new home in September.  In August I introduced RootBeer, Frank and Lomi, all of whom are still looking for their own homes. The following week I introduced the Sushi Boys, Tobiko and Hamachi – Tobiko is certainly adoptable; Hamachi has annoyed other cats and had cage-time as a consequence (and, sadly, is cage-aggressive), but would probably do fine with his brother.  In September we met sweet Reef, who is getting braver all the time.  Background information can be found by following any of those links.

Speckle welcomes Hill House visitors (LBF)

Two of our Front Courtyard tabbies are on the list – generally you can find them in or around the Hill House. Speckle is particularly willing to come forward for petting at table-height – she’s 5-6 years old, and has been with us for four years, though it’s only in the least year or so that she’s become such a flirt. Kahlua is about the same age, all-tabby, and very friendly. Their buddy Chai who came in at the same time remains resolutely feral in behaviour and will have nothing to do with visitors.

Rosie is wary with strangers  (BC)

In the Back Courtyard there are two small black cats who refuse to emerge while weekend visitors are around, but who come out and make friends when things are quieter.  Both base themselves in the Newcomers area and the shelves around.  If you want to meet Arwen you will probably need to make an appointment outside regular visiting hours;  your chances are better with Polar, who loves petting and attention once most people have gone - he's not yet had his own blog page.  Another shy girl also inhabits the Newcomers; blond Rosie is a little picky about her people and needs a lot of patience, but is very sweet when she becomes trusting.

Kahlua is another Hill House inhabitant  (AG)

The most outgoing of the Back Courtyard adoptables is black Guacamole. He is almost always willing to come for petting and attention, and his only problem is that he refuses to wear his “adoptable” bandana. But you really can’t miss him – he’s our one tripod/tri-paw’d there, and the most likely to come and introduce himself.

Tobiko (SF)

These are all cats who are used to Sanctuary life and would not do well in the cages of the Adoption Centre. They would all prefer space to roam: an enclosed garden or a catio – but like all RAPS cats, they should basically remain indoor cats, and never have to know the terrifying life of a feral again.

Blog by Brigid Coult

Photos by Lisa Brill-Friesen, Brigid Coult, Sarah Faith, 

Akira Graham, Karen Nicholson