06/16/2025
Edit: though we have amazing volunteers that help feed, clean, and socialize it is but one person who reviews applications, sets appointments, and does adoptions. That one person also does all our intake. Coordinates our vet care. Deep cleans. Does our social media. Writes grants. And more.
Please understand that we, as rescuers, love these cats as our own. Each one gets a piece of us. So we get to be picky on their next caregiver, because we nursed them back to health, taught them to trust, and watched them start to thrive. Personally, I still think about every cat I’ve ever adopted out, released from TNR, or adopted to a barn home. I hope you’re all well, darlings. You deserve to be loved and cared for, and I’m sure you are.
Let’s Talk About Adoption Applications — And Why You Might Not Hear Back 🌟
We know some people have been frustrated by not receiving a response to their adoption applications. We hear you, and we want to explain why that might happen and what goes into our decision-making.
First, please understand: we are not an open-intake shelter. We are a small group of dedicated volunteers who rescue cats directly from the streets. Many of these cats have been abandoned, neglected, or are in heartbreaking condition when we find them. We pour our time, money, energy, and love into helping them heal physically and emotionally. Because of this, we are deeply protective of where they go next.
Adoption is not first-come, first-served. It’s about the right match.
We know these cats, their quirks, their trauma, and their needs. The application is a tool that helps us find the best possible fit. Unfortunately, some applications show little to no thought. We’ve seen answers like “I want a cat” when asked why someone wants to adopt a specific cat. If this were a job interview, would that answer get you hired?
We have clear, non-negotiable policies in place to protect the cats. No, we don’t list them publicly. Why? Because we don’t want people tailoring their answers just to get approved. We want adopters who are genuinely aligned with what the cat needs, not just saying what they think we want to hear.
So why might you not get a response?
1. We’re a tiny team of volunteers who are also juggling full-time jobs, families, and the daily care and rescue of these cats.
2. When we send declines, we are often met with rude or aggressive responses. It’s emotionally exhausting and takes energy away from the animals we’re trying to save.
Please read bios carefully.
If we say the cat must be adopted with a sibling, please don’t apply for only one.
If we say the cat needs a pet-free home, don’t apply if you have other animals.
Every application is appreciated, truly, but no one is entitled to a cat. Our goal is not to make anyone feel rejected. Our goal is to protect cats who have already been let down.
And lastly, please only apply if you’re ready. So often, we go through the process and reach out, only to hear that the applicant has adopted elsewhere. That’s disheartening and wastes valuable time we could have spent helping another cat.
Thank you for understanding, and thank you for supporting our work. This is tough, emotional work, and we do it because we love these animals.
