Is My Foster Kitty Ready for Adoption?

Every kitty is different, so there isn’t necessarily a single definitive set of goals a cat will need to hit before they are ready for adoption. However, the list below will give you a general sense of the behaviours we’d like to see prior to listing a kitty for adoption. 

Please discuss your foster kitty's readiness for adoption with your Foster Navigation Team, and if the foster family wishes to adopt and foster win, prior to submitting their adoption bio.

 We like to adopt bonded kittens together.  Are your kittens bonded?  Here is a check list to confirm.
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Signs of Bonded Kittens
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• Mutual Grooming (Allogrooming): Kittens groom each other’s fur, showing trust and affection.
• Allorubbing (Rubbing Against Each Other): They rub against one another, reinforcing their bond.
• Sharing Resources: They comfortably share food, water, and litter boxes.
• Sleeping Together: Often curled up or close together for comfort and companionship.
• Playing Together: Engage in chases, wrestling, and other kitten play.
• Touching Noses: A friendly greeting and sign of affection.
• Unique Vocalizations: They may develop special meows or purrs for each other.
• Seeking Each Other Out: Prefer spending time together.
• Approaching with Tails Up: Indicates positive and friendly interactions.

Readiness Checklist

☐ The kitty willingly and confidently approaches for hand sniffs.
☐ The kitty is comfortable being touched and enjoys petting (e.g., leans into your hand, arches their back).
☐ The kitty is relaxed and confident within the foster home and will sleep in your presence.
☐ The kitty is fully transitioned to VOKRA-approved food and litter.
    • This may vary based on dietary or medical needs, but typically includes FirstMate or Kasiks wet food and pine pellet litter.
☐ The kitty reliably uses the litterbox for both urination and defecation.
    • If litterbox issues are present, please refer to the Kitties with Litterbox Issues section.
☐ The kitty is accustomed to everyday household sounds, including different voices and unexpected noises such as the TV or vacuum.
☐ The kitty is comfortable with new people and visitors in the home.
☐ The kitty tolerates gentle handling of paws, ears, head, and other potentially uncomfortable areas.
☐ The kitty does not respond to normal household activities with hissing.
☐ The kitty appropriately communicates needs and boundaries.
    • Appropriate communication: moving away when uncomfortable, gentle nipping or batting.
    • Inappropriate communication: freezing, panicking, scratching, biting, or hissing.
    • For additional support, refer to Socializing Adults and Older Kittens


▢ The foster has begun to work on cooperative care training: nail trims, carrier training and picking the kitty up.