Cat Adoption FAQ

Q. How do cats end up in rescue?

A. The majority of the cats at Noah’s Ark Society come to us through over-filled shelters in Middle Tennessee. We also assist law enforcement and national agencies such as HSUS and Animal Rescue Corp in large scale animal seizures. In some circumstances we take in owner release cats when we have space available.

Q. What is the adoption fee for a cat through Noah’s Ark Society?

A. We ask for a $150 adoption donation for all adult cats. The kitten adoption fee is $200. The cats in our program are all spayed/neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, tested for heartworms, and given a general wellness exam. The average cost of this vetting is over $200 per animal. If you are willing or able to donate above the adoption fee, it is a 100% tax deductible donation and will go directly to the cats in our program.

Q. What happens once I submit my adoption application?

A. After we look over your application, we will talk with you on the phone about the cat you’d like to adopt, and tell you more about any of his or her special needs. Then, we will do a home check. A home check is done by a Noah’s Ark Society member in your area; it helps ensure that the cat you’re selecting is the right fit for you, and gives you the opportunity to ask any additional questions you have about rescue.

Q. Do you adopt to outdoor homes?

A. We base our home decisions on what is best for the individual cat. Different cats have different levels of indoor access needs. However, we require all cats that are not feral to be considered indoor with outdoor privileges. If a cat comes to rescue declawed it will be required to be 100% indoor. We do assist with TNR programs for feral cats, and will allow a truly feral animal to be established 100% outdoors in an appropriate home. In the case of a feral cat, the adoption fee is waived, and we will simply request a donation of the adopters choice.

Q. I have young children and/or nice furniture, can I declaw my adopted cat?

A. Declawing a cat is similar to cutting of a human hand at the first nuckle. It can cause permanent nerve damage, lead to litterbox and other behavioral issues. The United States is one of the few modern societies that has not outlawed the practice as cruel and inhumane. There are numerous reasons why we prohibit de-clawing in our adoption agreement. Please look at our reference library for more information on this topic.

Q. What do you feed the cats in rescue?

A. We base our feeding choices off of the needs of the cats. Some cats need high potassium diets, some grain free, some have limited protein diets. We provide food assistance for our foster homes that require it, other foster homes simply feed their foster cat what they feed their own cats. When you are matched to a cat we will discuss any special requirements with food or medications and give directions on how to transition your cat to a new diet as seamlessly as possible.

Q. If I adopt a cat can it be delivered?

A. We prefer all adopters to meet their cat in person, however with some adoptions, this is not always possible. If you are adopting long distance (which is only possible if we have a site visitor in your area), you will be responsible for all transportation costs for the cat. This includes ground or air transport fee ($200-$400) and in some cases a health certificate fee of $50. If we have to provide a crate for the transport we will purchase a new crate that will stay with the cat as it is transported, but the actual cost will be added to the adoption fee.

Q. Can you recommend an veterinarian?

A. We have vets listed on our links and referrals page.

Q. I live out of state, can you adopt to me?

A. Possibly. A site visit is required for ALL adoptions, so it depends on if we have a site visitor volunteer in your area. If the adoption does not work out, you will also be responsible for bringing your adopted cat back.