Discuss ten questions with your household
Record a person responsible and a place to check, not just yes or no. Clarify housing rules and costs before shopping, and plan for changes in your life.
- 1. Do the lease and building rules permit this cat and number of pets?
- 2. Does everyone in the household agree?
- 3. Who handles food, water, litter and cleaning each day?
- 4. Can you plan for routine costs and unexpected veterinary expenses?
- 5. Who can help during travel or absence?
- 6. Can care continue after moving or family changes?
- 7. Can you prepare escape prevention and a quiet space?
- 8. With existing pets, can you arrange separate space and seek advice?
- 9. Can you choose a clinic, transport and an out-of-hours contact?
- 10. Who can you consult if you become unable to provide care?
Ask about current routines before buying supplies
Ask what the cat currently uses and what is needed for the arrival day. This worksheet is not an instruction to change food or medical care yourself.
| Prepare or check | Ask the rescuer or relevant contact |
|---|---|
| Food, water and bowls | Current food and routine; instructions to continue |
| Litter box, litter and cleaning supplies | Current type and arrangement |
| Quiet space, bedding and scratching area | Usual habits, dislikes and advice with existing pets |
| Window and door security | Housing rules and escape prevention |
| Carrier and transport | Handover arrangements and the carrier's instructions |
| Care documents and contacts | Original health records, ongoing instructions and support contact |
Separate initial, routine and unexpected costs
Do not substitute a national average for your household's plan. Ask the rescuer about adoption costs, housing management about rules and the clinic about estimates. This is an original planning table. Record unknown amounts as unknown, not zero, and identify whom to ask.
| Type | Examples | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | Adoption, supplies and home setup | Itemized costs, recipient and housing terms |
| Routine | Existing food, litter and supplies | Actual products and household responsibilities |
| Unexpected / absence | Travel, clinic care and backup help | Provider conditions, payment and contacts |
- Separate one-off costs from recurring ones
- Record the source, check date and unknowns
- Discuss difficulties with the rescuer before adopting
Check this rescuer's adoption process
Visits, interviews, home checks, trials and final handover differ. Do not fill gaps with another group's rules. Ask about cost breakdowns and payees, and understand the agreement before deciding.
- Eligibility, required documents and household attendance
- Known health information and remaining unknowns
- Whether there is a trial, how to contact the rescuer and seek help
- Cost breakdown, handover date and ongoing support
Keep waiting as a valid option
If agreement or housing is not ready, do not rush. Record the obstacle, a contact and when to reconsider. You can also respond to a group's actual requests for supplies or practical help. An official website alone does not certify a group's safety.