Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do your cats cost to adopt?
7. Will you re-home my cat for me?
8. I have lost my cat; can you help?
9. I have found a cat; can you help?
1. How much do your cats cost to adopt?
Our cats and kittens cost £65 to adopt. Your cat will be fully vaccinated against flu/enteritis and feline leukaemia before it leaves the shelter and it will also be spayed/neutered. Kittens that are too young to be spayed/neutered will come with a neutering voucher, this will entitle you to a free neuter at our vets – Highfields vets on London Road.
2. Do you have any kittens?
Kitten season tends to be from April/may until September/October, depending on the weather. We often have some kittens outside of that period, but the majority will be born during that time. We advise anyone wishing to adopt a kitten to either call in at the Shelter between 1:30 – 3:30 pm any afternoon or to ring our reception on 0114 – 2724441 between 1:30 – 4pm and the warden will be able to tell you what we have available.
3. How do I adopt a cat?
To adopt a cat you will need to visit the Shelter during the advertised opening times and complete a registration form. You will need to bring some proof of ID and address with you, for example a utility bill. You will also need your tenancy agreement if in rented accommodation. You will then be shown around the Shelter and if you see a suitable cat and that cat is available, you may take it on the day – so you will need to have a strong cat carrier with you also (we do sell new and second hand carriers at the Shelter if you do not already own one).
4. How do I become a member?
You may complete a membership form at any time. Please click here to download a membership form (it will open in a new window) and details of membership costs. All adopters will automatically receive temporary membership for three months.
5. How do I volunteer?
The Shelter needs volunteers to get involved in many different aspects of Shelter life. We have volunteers who help with: cleaning, fundraising, helping at special events like Open Day, and even with DIY at the Shelter. If you are interested in helping to clean and look after the cats at the Shelter, then please visit our volunteering page.
6. How is the Shelter funded?
The Shelter receives no Government support. Our funding comes solely from the general public, either in the form of membership fees, donations, legacies or fundraising . The Shelter costs approximately £100,000 per year to run. If you would like to support us by sending a donation or by becoming a member, then please do contact us. We are very grateful for all the support we receive. Currently we receive donations by cash, cheque or standing order; you may request a standing order form from our reception on 0114 2724441. We hope to introduce online donations shortly.
7. Will you re-home my cat for me?
Every year we take in approximately 350 cats for re-homing. Many of these are strays, but many come from homes where circumstances have changed and the cat’s owner needs to find a new loving home for their pet. If you would like to arrange for your cat to come to us, please ring our reception on 0114 2724441 between 1:30 and 4pm any afternoon. The warden will take your details and advise you when we may be able to admit your cat. The Shelter is very busy and unfortunately you may have to wait some time before a place becomes available, therefore it is advisable to ring us with your details as soon as you know that you wish to re-home your cat. The wardens will also be able to give you other numbers of sanctuaries that may be able to offer you a place.
8. I have lost my cat; can you help?
The Shelter maintains a Lost & Found register on reception. If you have lost your cat, please ring reception on 0114 2724441 between 1:30 and 4pm. We will take your details and also check our register to see if anyone has reported your cat as found. We will also be introducing a Lost Cat register on this site shortly.
9. I have found a cat; can you help?
If you have found a cat, then please ring reception on 0114 2724441, between 1:30 and 4pm so that we can add the found cat to our Lost and Found register. We will then search our records to try to reunite the cat with its owner. If you wish, we will also take your details to arrange to admit the cat to the Shelter for re-homing.