Time to get serious!

[kimlovescats]

Well, it's time to get serious with my rescue efforts. Although I love each and every cat / kitten that is currently in my shelter, I must make a more visible effort to place them. If these cats are not placed, then I cannot take in any more....it's as simple as that!

Here is the link to my new rescue website ......
www.purrfectpetscatrescue.com

I decided not to have a lengthy application on my website (had one, then changed it) in order to not scare potential adopters away. I did this after having talked to a dear friend of mine, whom I know is a wonderfully responsible pet owner. She currently is living in a rental home, due to a divorce, and would love to rescue an adult miniature schnauzer as a playmate for her other dog. However, she is intimidated by all of the many questions on most applications ...... which I see as a real shame for those who would ordinarily adopt without this hassle! Sooooo, whether or not any of you here agree, I have decided to forego the strict application process. Instead, I have left a blank form for the applicant to express in their own words WHY they want a cat / kitten and HOW they plan to care for it! I believe that I will be able to make a pretty good judgment call by what they submit, along with further questions I will ask, once they have contacted me. I see no need to scare them off before they even inquire!

Hope you will spread the word about my little rescue in Middle Tennessee!!

[jenluckenbach]

Kim, I think it is terrific. Best of luck to you.

And here is a thought about the adoption application. People can LIE, so no matter how many great questions you put into an application, it is still a judgemnet call about who to adopt a cat to. So your way is just as good as any way.

[Fox-Gal]

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
And here is a thought about the adoption application. People can LIE, so no matter how many great questions you put into an application, it is still a judgemnet call about who to adopt a cat to. So your way is just as good as any way.

I agree, people will always put down what they think you want to hear. In the long run its going to be up to your judgement what type people you think they are. Our local shelter got rid of the long forms a couple years ago, they found that it did not insure a better home then the short form they use now.

[kimlovescats]

Thank you BOTH SO MUCH ..... that was my exact thinking, but it sure helps to know others support my "theory"!!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I checked out your site and you sure have a lot of gorgeous cats and kittens that need loving forever homes. I also agree that people can and will lie so I think that your kind of application is a great idea. Good luck.

[smokey the elder]

A face to face interview works best; that way you can get "vibes" or whatever you want to call it about the person. And don't forget how they interact with the cat in question. If the cat doesn't like them, fuhgeddaboudit!

[K & L]

Great website!!! Good luck to you.

[rg_girlca]

As you know Kim, I think you are doing a fantastic job in your rescue work. It is quite easily understandable that you can only take in so many kitties.
Here's a little something that might help you in finding new homes for your babies.
When I went to a foster home to get a kitty, the woman had no application for me to fill out or questionaire. We were invited in to sit at a table and then she proceeded to ask us questions.
After about half an hour, she introduced us to each foster cat and observed how we interacted with each one. Then we sat at the table again for about another half hour just talking like we were old friends. After about an hour we decided to take Katie as she was the one who came to us. To make a long story short, the woman said that she felt very comfortable with us, cause when she was asking questions, she watched for any kind of body language, like fidgeting, no eye contact and any kind of discomfort. She said there was none of that on my part, that's why she felt comfortable letting us take Katie home with us that night.
After we brought Katie home, she would call every 2 or three days to see how things were going. She even had a volunteer that we had met, make a house call after, about 2 weeks of having Katie. I didn't know that any of this was going to happen but I'm glad it did, cause it made me feel good to know that they weren't giving these cats to just anyone who came along.

Good luck to you my dear and believe me when I say, that if I lived closer, I would take little Newton in a hearbeat. He has always been my favorite. (But don't tell the others that ok.)
They are all precious.