PACIFIC ANIMAL FOUNDATION
( P.A.F. )

Registered Charity # 87302 1752 RR0001

1. Kittens should NEVER be given away "free". A small charge should always be asked. If someone is reluctant to pay a small fee, chances are they may also be too cheap to pay for proper veterinary care for vaccines, deworming, neutering/spaying or good food. Sometimes people who answer "free" kitten ads are wanting them for snake food or laboratories and will be discouraged if a small fee is required as an adoption fee. You may be saving your kitten’s life !

2. Kittens should remain with their mother for a full EIGHT weeks, if at all possible, to give them the best chance for a healthy life. Kittens obtain valuable life-long immunity against certain diseases through their mother's milk. Mother cats also teach their kittens how to groom properly and train them to use a litter box. Sometimes kittens taken away from their mother before eight weeks don't properly learn to groom or use the litter box.

3. At EIGHT weeks, take the kittens to a veterinarian for an examination, first vaccinations and deworming. Booster shots should follow within a month. It is IMPORTANT that your kittens receive these shots so they will build immunity to a number of feline diseases. After their vet visit, the kittens can be put up for adoption. Charge the prospective adopter for the kitten’s shots and deworming. Your vet fees will then be recovered and you will not be out of pocket.

4. DO NOT ADOPT TO JUST ANYONE WHO CALLS ! Ask questions of any prospective adopter to make sure the kitten will be properly cared for. Some sample questions to ask a prospective adopter:

a) have they had cats/dogs before and what happened to them ?

b) was their previous animal neutered/spayed and did it have regular vet care ?

c) what is the name of their veterinarian ?

d) do they plan to spay or neuter the kitten when it is 6 months old?

e) do they live on a busy street; is their yard fenced to prevent dogs coming in ?

f) is someone home a lot or will the kitten be alone all the time ?

g) can they devote time to grooming the kitten every few days ?

h) will they declaw the kitten ?   (this should NEVER be done !) - suggestions for re- training a kitten/cat for inappropriate scratching of furniture found on our web-site web site under "Alternatives to De-clawing"

i) will they use a flea control such as Advantage or Program which can be purchased through their veterinarian ? (Do not use flea collars as they may contain chemicals that irritate the neck and can make the cat sick over time). Remember, fleas can carry tapeworm and be passed to your cat so good flea control is necessary.

j)  if possible, go visit the future home of your cat to see that it is clean and meet the prospective adopters.  Responsible people don't mind a home visit beforehand.  

If the prospective adopter does not plan to neuter or spay the kitten and you let the person adopt the kitten, then YOU will be contributing to the problem of overpopulation of homeless cats and kittens. Only good, responsible homes are wanted for your kittens ! If you have any hesitancy about the prospective adopter and future home environment for the kitten, DO NOT AGREE to the adoption or permit the person to take the kitten. Wait for the RIGHT home – not just ANY home – the rest of your kitten’s life depends on your choice !

While you are keeping kittens for adoption, please remember that:

a)  Kittens are especially vulnerable up to 6 months of age. Please supervise any interaction with children, dogs or other animals.

b)  Be sure to "baby proof" your home. The following items should NOT be left anywhere that a kitten can find them:
- dental floss                       - paper clips
- rubber bands                    - safety pins/bobby pins
- small toys and objects that could be swallowed or pulled apart such as leggo pieces

c)  Make sure all toilet lids are kept CLOSED and all windows above the ground floor are screened so that kittens/cats cannot fall out of a window.

d)  It is MOST IMPORTANT that you check and double-check that a kitten has not jumped in a clothes dryer or washing machine when loading and unloading. DO NOT LEAVE WASHER OR DRYER DOORS OPEN AND UNATTENDED.

e)  When transporting your pet, ALWAYS use a pet carrier as many accidents happen if an animal is not contained in a safe, sturdy carrier.

Here's a trusting little guy who has now found a good home...

(click on the photo to enlarge)