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): $375

• Adults (6 months to 8 years): $275

• Seniors and FIV+ (8+ years): $225

• Bonded Pairs: $500

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.

Simply, no. We require adopters to personally pick their new family member directly from the foster or an adoption event.