Adoptables

Majo and Thistle (PAIR)

Majo (grey, 3 months) may be the smallest of her litter, but she’s always had the biggest old-soul energy. Found orphaned in Hartford with her brother at just a week old, she was lovingly taken in by Fable and raised as her own.

Majo is a little shy at first, but it truly doesn’t take long—give her a couple of hours and she’ll decide you’re safe, then she’ll lick you to absolute death. She also looks to Thistle for guidance and is slowly learning her sister’s goofy, chaotic ways. Most of the time, she watches her siblings from the sidelines until she’s ready to join in. This tiny girl has a gentle, wise spirit and loves a warm nap, especially after dinner.

Thistle (tabby, 3.5 months) is her complete opposite. A bold, curious little explorer who believes life is for climbing, bouncing, and discovering. Whether she’s scaling the cat tree, riding the Roomba, or wrestling her siblings, Thistle is always on the move. She does wonderfully with both cats and dogs and happily settles in for cuddles when she’s finally tired.

Despite being opposites, Majo and Thistle are true yin and yang. They balance each other beautifully and always end the day curled up together. We are looking for them to be adopted as a pair—they really do bring out the best in each other.

Both kittens are spayed, fully vaccinated, and F/F negative.

Sandwich

Let’s start from the beginning. We were contacted in April about a tomcat whose feeder was moving. This is what we do—TNR, or rehab and adopt out street cats. Great.

Upon meeting this cat, he immediately freaked out and injured me. He was so scared. Almost immediately we had him neutered, and due to his behavior we figured he would be best as a TNR into a new colony where he could still be fed and managed. Unfortunately, when we picked him up, the vet informed us he was covered in wounds and abscesses and was FIV positive. FIV positive we can handle. Releasing a cat back into the wild who is getting his ass kicked on the daily? Not so ideal. So we gave him a shot at behavioral rehabilitation.

Days, weeks, months passed... He still scratched me, but nothing crazy. He just was hiding—all of the time. We revisited the idea of perhaps letting him be someone's mouser or barn cat. That was it... it was like he heard and understood that he would end up back outside. Days later, there he was, sitting in the middle of his bedroom, waiting for dinner. He didn't run and hide upon sight; he meowed and then continued—quite loudly—until his food bowl came down. Over the next few weeks, I would feed him straight from my hand. He didn't always love it; sometimes he would take a bite and go running. Every day was better.

And now, today, he is living amongst his foster cat and dog brothers and sisters and thriving. He eats with them, he rubs my legs for pets, he yells at me for dinner, he steals the food straight out of my mouth. He's a different cat than he was in April, even July...

I can't believe I'm saying this but... Meet Sandwich. He is fully healed, estimated at 3 years old, fully vaccinated, neutered, FeLV negative, FIV positive, and basically my best friend. Saying he's ready for adoption is devastating, but we need the space to save more. He is a beast—a thick hunk of a cat, a void in the abyss, always hungry, always down for head scratches, and will not start a fight (mostly because he knows he can't win). He is good with cats, dogs, and birds. He will not love you the first day, but winning him over is worth it, I promise.

Carrot Cake

Carrot has been with us since March, and his dedicated foster has been working tirelessly to help him learn that indoor life is safe, cozy, and full of good things. He came to us completely on his own terms—quite literally walking into our trap when we were out trying to catch someone else! He had decided he was done with the streets, and honestly, we can’t blame him.

Since then, Carrot Cake has made incredible progress. He’s still a shy guy, but every week he shows us a little more trust and a little more curiosity. With patience and consistency, he’s blossoming into a cat who wants connection—he just needs someone willing to go at his pace.

A few things to know about Carrot Cake:
- He loves food. His photos might give it away… let’s just say he’s a boy who enjoys his meals and could stand to lose a pound or two.
- He LOVES other cats. He absolutely thrives around feline friends and will need a home with at least one social, confident kitty to show him the ropes.
- He doesn’t mind dogs either. His canine foster siblings don’t faze him.
- He needs a patient, kind adopter. Someone willing to continue his socialization and help him understand that house-cat life isn’t scary—it’s actually really wonderful.

Carrot Cake is FELV/FIV negative and estimated to be around 1–2 years old.

This sweet, gentle boy has come so far already. Now he just needs a forever home that will give him the love, safety, and reassurance he’s been searching for. Could that be you?

Mindy

Mindy is a gentle ~9-year-old lady who has come so far since being trapped in Bridgeport alongside another adult cat we suspect is her daughter. Though she arrived shy and uncertain, it was clear right away that she wasn’t feral — just a cat who had gone too long without comfort.

Over the past few months, Mindy has blossomed in her foster home. She’s still a bit skittish when you approach her directly, but if you settle onto the couch, she will happily come to you on her own terms. She’s discovered how wonderful indoor life can be: cozy beds, warm blankets, and friendly feline siblings who help her feel safe. She now hops up onto the couch, snuggles in close, and gives the sweetest little head-butts to ask for affection. Rump scratches are her absolute weakness — she melts for them.

Mindy is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and FeLV/FIV negative. She will be available for adoption in January. At the end of December, she’ll be having a full dental extraction due to severe stomatitis, gum recession, and tooth resorption — a procedure that will finally bring her relief and set her up for a comfortable, pain-free future.

Bubeleh

Bubeleh is a 6-year-old tuxedo gentleman who came to us from a local community cat colony after developing a severe URI with bloody nasal discharge. After lots of care, he’s now healthy, thriving, and ready for a forever home. He’s vaccinated, neutered, FeLV-negative, FIV-positive (which is no big deal and doesn’t stop him from living with other cats), fully litter box trained, and has the cutest chubby cheeks you’ll ever see.

Bubeleh is an easygoing, mellow boy who enjoys snuggling in bed, sitting on your lap, lounging in his favorite cozy spots, and—most of all—snacks. He’s a total foodie with a soft spot for comfort and routine.

He currently lives in a foster home with multiple cats and does well with them, typically keeping to himself. He’s also fine with calm, older dogs, but he hides from younger, energetic pups who bring too much excitement for his gentle soul.

Bubeleh is incredibly sweet and affectionate, but beware the belly trap—no matter how much he shows it, he does not want his tummy touched! This sweet, soft-cheeked boy is ready to settle into a loving home where he can relax, feel safe, and enjoy the good life indoors.

 Adoption FAQs

  • Our kittens are getting ready for adoption, but we follow practices that put their long-term welfare first. One of these is our policy of only adopting kittens out in pairs, or into homes that already have another cat.

    Kittens raised without another cat companion often develop what’s known as Single Kitten Syndrome. Without another feline to learn from, they can struggle with:
    Rough play like biting and scratching
    Difficulty handling frustration or being left alone
    Overdependence on humans for stimulation
    Higher risk of behavioral problems as they mature


    Cats teach each other important skills through play, bite inhibition, body language, conflict resolution, and respecting boundaries. These are lessons humans simply can’t provide. A feline friend ensures healthier development, less stress, and a happier bond for both cat and adopter.

    Our goal is to set cats and adopters up for lifelong success. This may mean waiting a little longer to adopt, but it leads to stronger, healthier relationships.

  • We want every cat to end up exactly where they belong: safe, loved, and understood. Our process may seem a bit thorough, but that’s because we care deeply about each cat’s future (and we know the heartbreak they’ve come from). Here’s how it all works:

    1. Find Your Match

    Start by browsing our available cats on Petfinder or social media. Read their bio, we write them from the heart, so you’ll get a feel for who they really are. If you’re unsure who might be right for you, we’re always happy to help match you with a personality that fits your lifestyle.

    2. Submit an Application

    Once someone catches your eye, fill out our adoption application. This helps us get to know you, your home, and what kind of cat you’re looking for.

    Important: Please give your vet a quick heads-up that we’ll be calling for a reference. It speeds things up and helps us confirm your current pets are up to date on care.

    3. Application Review & Approval

    We review every application carefully. Not to judge, but to make sure we’re setting both you and the cat up for success. We may reach out with a few questions or just to chat about your setup and experience. Once approved, we’ll move to the fun part, meeting your potential new best friend.

    4. Meet & Greet

    After approval, we’ll arrange a time for you to meet the cat, usually at their foster home or one of our pop-up adoption events. This is your chance to spend some time with them, ask questions, and see if it feels right.

    5. Finalize the Adoption

    If everyone agrees it’s a match, we’ll go over the adoption agreement, collect the adoption fee, and get you ready to bring your new family member home. Every cat goes home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped.

    6. Welcome to the Family

    Adopting from us means you’re part of the Despurate House Cats family. We’re here for you long after you bring your cat home. To answer questions, celebrate milestones, and offer support as they settle in. Watching these once-forgotten cats thrive in homes of their own is what keeps us going.

  • Our adoption fees help us break even on the cost of the basic medical care every cat receives before adoption and sometimes, not even that. We’re a donation-based rescue, not publicly funded, so these fees are what allow us to keep saving lives.

    Our current adoption fees are:

    • Kittens (under 6 months): $450

    • Adults (6 months to 8 years): $400

    • Seniors (8+ years): $300

    Although, our seniors and bonded pairs cost the same (if not more) to vet, we offer a discounted rate to encourage adoption. These are the cats that too often get left behind.

    Every cat adopted through us is spayed or neutered, vaccinated (including boosters for kittens), microchipped, dewormed, and treated for fleas/ticks. They’re also tested for FeLV/FIV and receive any additional medical care needed while in foster.

    We’re often asked about discounts, but we can’t offer them. Not because we don’t want to, but because our fees already just cover the basics. In fact, when a cat comes to us sick or injured (which happens often), we usually lose money on their care. Your adoption fee directly supports both the cat you’re bringing home and the next one waiting for rescue.

  • Our goal is to make sure every cat lands safely and securely in a home that truly fits them. Many of our cats came from hard beginnings, and we owe it to them to be thoughtful about where they go next. Here’s what we ask of adopters:

    • Be 21 or older.
      Adopters must be legal adults able to take full responsibility for the cat’s lifelong care.

    • Indoor-only homes (catios encouraged!).
      All Despurate House Cats are adopted as indoor-only companions for their safety. We’ve seen too many cats lost or injured outdoors, and we never want that for ours again. If you have a secure catio, enclosed porch, or enjoy supervised outdoor time, that’s wonderful — enrichment and fresh air are encouraged, safely.

    • Landlord or homeowner approval.
      If you rent, please be sure cats are allowed in your home and that any pet deposits or rules are handled before applying.

    • Current pets up to date on care.
      We do require that any resident pets are spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines. It’s a sign of responsible care and helps protect our cats from preventable illness.

    • Vet reference (please call ahead).
      We’ll reach out to your veterinarian as part of the application process. Giving them a quick heads-up that we’ll be calling helps us move things along quickly. If this is your fist pet, please let us know, we are happy to give you pointers on finding a vet!

    • Stable, safe environment.
      You don’t need a big house or fancy setup. just a safe space, time, and love to give. Cats need stability and a calm place to adjust and grow.

    • Commitment to lifelong care.
      Cats can live 15–20 years or more. Adopting means you’re committing through all stages of life, from playful kitten energy to slow senior snuggles.

    • Out-of-state adoptions welcome (with travel responsibility).
      We do adopt out of state! We just ask that adopters understand they are fully responsible for transportation both for pickup and for returning the cat to us if, for any reason, the adoption does not work out. We do not ship or deliver cats.

    • Senior applicants.
      We happily adopt to older adults. We simply ask that if you have any health concerns or are of advanced age, you identify a designated caretaker or family member willing to take over ownership if needed. This ensures your cat will always be safe and loved, no matter what life brings.

  • We know that sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, an adoption just isn’t the right fit and that’s okay. Life happens, personalities clash, and not every match works out the way we hope.

    If that happens, we ask that you contact us right away so we can arrange for the cat to come back to our rescue. As stated in the adoption contract, our cats must be returned to Despurate House Cats. They cannot be rehomed, gifted, or transferred to another person, rescue, or shelter. This ensures we always know where our cats are and can keep them safe for life.

    Please note that adoption fees are non-refundable, as they go directly toward the medical care, supplies, and housing that made the adoption possible in the first place. Even when things don’t work out, your fee helps the next cat waiting for a second chance.

    Our promise to adopters (and to our cats) is simple: if it doesn’t work out, we’ll always take them back — no judgment, no guilt. We just want them safe, loved, and cared for, no matter what.