Adoptions Viewings
Viewing Arrangements
When an adopter is interested in viewing your kitties, our adoptions team will email you both to connect you directly. The Adoption Counsellor will have already conducted an interview and initial "vetting" to ensure that this may be a good match.
It is then up to the adopter to arrange a time for the viewing. If you do not hear from them within 24 hours, please notify the adoptions team member by email. Once a viewing is scheduled, let the Adoption Counsellor know the date and time.
Please note that once a viewing notice has been sent, the kitty is effectively 'on hold' with that adopter.
Immediately after the viewing Please provide your feedback to your Adoption Counselor as soon as practicable, and within 12 hours, as delays may hold up the adoption process.
It is then up to the adopter to arrange a time for the viewing. If you do not hear from them within 24 hours, please notify the adoptions team member by email. Once a viewing is scheduled, let the Adoption Counsellor know the date and time.
Please note that once a viewing notice has been sent, the kitty is effectively 'on hold' with that adopter.
Immediately after the viewing Please provide your feedback to your Adoption Counselor as soon as practicable, and within 12 hours, as delays may hold up the adoption process.
Viewing Set Up
Preparing for an Adoption Viewing
- Tidy, comfortable space: Minimize clutter, provide toys, and have adopters remove their shoes. Expect adopters may sit on the floor.
- Encourage the kitty to come out: Use the smallest room possible with no inaccessible hiding spots. Let the kitty explore at their own pace, and tempt them with toys or treats. If needed, slightly delay feeding before the visit. For very shy cats, consider a “spy” viewing through a window or door.
- Share personality and habits: Talk about the kitty’s likes, quirks, and favourite games. Be honest, but frame challenges positively (e.g., “Likes counters, but responds well to deterrents”).
- Medical transparency: Always mention relevant medical issues. If unsure how to discuss a condition, refer the adopter to the adoptions team.
- Contact the adoptions team if unsure: For guidance on discussing behaviors or health concerns, reach out—they’re there to help ensure happy, permanent homes.
Scared/Timid Cats/Kittens
Virtual First, In-Person Second: Best Practices
1. Virtual Viewing = The First Date (Low Pressure!)Why start virtual?
🏠 2. In-Person Viewing = Quiet, Controlled, ShortSet the room up for success:
🧠 3. Set the Right Expectations (This Is Huge)Tell adopters clearly:
“You’re not meeting who this cat is yet — you’re meeting who they are while scared. The real cat shows up after they feel safe.”
🚩 4. Red Flags (Might Not Be the Right Match) Be cautious if adopters:
✅ 5. Green Flags (Great Shy-Cat Homes) Look for adopters who:
- Less stress for the cat
- Adopters can see the cat’s real baseline behavior
- Filters out mismatches before putting the cat through visitors
- 📍 Film or show the cat in their safe space (not in the middle of the room)
- 🛏️ Let them stay in their bed, box, or hidey-hole
- 🐱 Show:
- How they move around when calm
- How they respond to the foster’s voice
- Whether they’ll take treats or play a little
- 🗣️ Narrate what’s normal:
- “She usually comes out after 10–15 minutes”
- “He’s braver in the evenings”
- “She’s curious but cautious”
- 🚫 Don’t:
- Pull the cat out of hiding
- Chase them with the camera
- Over-sell confidence they don’t yet have
- Shy cats often shut down with strangers
- The cat they see on screen is likely more relaxed than in person at first
- Progress is measured in days and weeks, not minutes
🏠 2. In-Person Viewing = Quiet, Controlled, ShortSet the room up for success:
- 🛑 One quiet room only
- 🧍 Limit people (ideally 1–2 max)
- 🔇 Low voices, slow movements
- 🪑 Sit down—don’t stand over the cat
- 🐾 Cat should have multiple hiding options
- ⏱️ Keep it short (10–20 minutes is plenty)
- 👀 Let the cat observe first
- 🍗 Toss treats toward the cat, don’t force interaction
- 📖 Explain what they’re seeing:
- “This freezing/hiding is normal”
- “This isn’t her full personality yet”
- ✅ Success looks like:
- Cat stays in the room
- Cat peeks out
- Cat doesn’t panic or bolt
- ❌ Failure is not:
- Hiding
- Hissing
- Ignoring visitors
🧠 3. Set the Right Expectations (This Is Huge)Tell adopters clearly:
- 🕰️ Decompression can take weeks
- 🐾 The cat may hide at first in their new home
- 💛 Trust is built through routine, space, and patience
- 🌱 Personality blooms later, not on adoption day
“You’re not meeting who this cat is yet — you’re meeting who they are while scared. The real cat shows up after they feel safe.”
🚩 4. Red Flags (Might Not Be the Right Match) Be cautious if adopters:
- Want the cat to be “cuddly right away”
- Are uncomfortable with hiding or slow progress
- Have a loud, busy home and low patience for decompression
- Keep trying to make the cat interact during the visit
✅ 5. Green Flags (Great Shy-Cat Homes) Look for adopters who:
- Ask about decompression time
- Are okay adopting a cat they “can’t touch yet”
- Understand body language and stress
- Are calm, patient, and routine-oriented
At the End of a Viewing
It is very important for fosters to share their feedback about the viewing as soon as possible after the viewing. Please notify the Adoptions Counsellor immediately if you have serious concerns about the potential adopter. We always take our fosters' opinions into consideration.
After the viewing is finished, it is up to the potential adopter to get in touch with their Adoption Counsellor and let them know whether they want to adopt the kitty or not. Potential adopters are given 24 hours post-viewing to decide if it is a good match for their family. Kitties must not go home with the potential adopter, and do not promise the kitty to the adopter.
If the viewing goes well and it is a good match for both sides, the adopter must then arrange paperwork and payment with the Contract Team.
After the viewing is finished, it is up to the potential adopter to get in touch with their Adoption Counsellor and let them know whether they want to adopt the kitty or not. Potential adopters are given 24 hours post-viewing to decide if it is a good match for their family. Kitties must not go home with the potential adopter, and do not promise the kitty to the adopter.
If the viewing goes well and it is a good match for both sides, the adopter must then arrange paperwork and payment with the Contract Team.
It's a Match!
Adoption Process & Hand-Off
- Once the adopter notifies their Adoption Counsellor they want to adopt, you and the adopter will receive a formal confirmation email from the Adoptions Team.
- Paperwork & pick-up: Adopters have 7 days to complete the adoption contract and pick up the cat. After 7 days, a boarding fee applies: $15/day per cat or $20/day for 2 cats.
- If an adopter wants to pick up the cat but you haven’t received confirmation, email the Adoption Counsellor before proceeding.
- Required at pick-up:
- Proof of completed adoption paperwork- this will have been emailed to you by the Contract Counsellor
- Appropriate carrier (hard-sided with metal door)
- Microchip stickers and collar tag (give to adopter)
- Do not give out the intake form; adopters get their own copy of medical history via the database. The intake form should be returned to Ops.
- Optional: Send the kitty with favourite toys or cardboard scratchers. All other supplies (food, beds, carriers) must be returned to VOKRA for cleaning and reuse.
