general adoption information
We have approximately 100 cats and kittens of all colors, ages, and personalities looking for their forever homes at any given time. We take our adoption process very seriously because our goal is not to adopt out the highest number of cats, but to place each cat in a loving home where he or she will live for his or her entire life.
Our adoption counselors are experienced matchmakers, ready to suggest candidates for your ideal lifetime companion. They will also provide information to you on a variety of topics, such as nail trimming techniques, proper ways to medicate a cat, and introducing your new cat to your home.
Adoption Hours
Saturdays 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sundays 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Weekdays by appointment
Sundays 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Weekdays by appointment
If you would like a weekday appointment, have general questions about adoption, or need help with a cat adopted from Good Mews, please email adopt@goodmews.org.
Adoption Process
The adoption process may take 1 – 2 hours, so please plan on setting aside this block of time when you visit. You may submit your application to adopt a cat prior to your appointment through our online CATalog page. You only need one application for all of our animals. Once you submit an application, please visit our shelter so that we can help you select the perfect cat. We are unable to hold or otherwise promise a particular animal until you have visited our shelter in person.
*Good Mews has the right to refuse any applicant for any reason. All submitted applications become the property of Good Mews.
Adoption Fees
Kittens – $125 or two-fur $200
Adults (less than 10 years) – $100*
Seniors (10 years and older) – $50*
Adults (less than 10 years) – $100*
Seniors (10 years and older) – $50*
* Adoption fees for breed-specific cats may be higher
All Good Mews cats have been examined by a veterinarian, tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV, spayed or neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated with age-appropriate vaccines. Records and information regarding any other vetting, surgery, or blood work that may have been completed prior to adoption will be provided to the adopter.
In addition, all cats receive a complimentary bag of Science Diet cat food and a variety of items generously donated by our supporters, including toys.
Bonded Pairs (Buddy System) – We have some cats that are very bonded and are required to be adopted together. In this case the adoption fee for a mandatory pair is the cost of a single adoption. This applies to adults and seniors only, but does not apply to breed-specific cats.
Adoption Discounts – There may be other adoption discounts available; be sure to check the Programs and Promotions page for details.
Why do our adoption fees vary?
Although all our residents are equally deserving of our mission to find good homes for good kitties, we know that some cats and kittens will be adopted more quickly than others. Kittens tend to need more medical care as they grow up and get ready for adoption. Additionally, we believe that senior cats thrive better in a home environment than the shelter, so we provide an incentive for adopting an older cat. We hope this reduced fee allows owners to have more funds to provide for their newly adopted pet. For all these reasons, we have a higher adoption fee for kittens than adult cats, as well as a lower fee for senior cats. Since there is no time limit on how long a kitty can stay at our shelter, having variable fees allows those who are adopted quickly to provide a financial legacy to cats with special needs, as well as those who may remain at the shelter longer.
Although all our residents are equally deserving of our mission to find good homes for good kitties, we know that some cats and kittens will be adopted more quickly than others. Kittens tend to need more medical care as they grow up and get ready for adoption. Additionally, we believe that senior cats thrive better in a home environment than the shelter, so we provide an incentive for adopting an older cat. We hope this reduced fee allows owners to have more funds to provide for their newly adopted pet. For all these reasons, we have a higher adoption fee for kittens than adult cats, as well as a lower fee for senior cats. Since there is no time limit on how long a kitty can stay at our shelter, having variable fees allows those who are adopted quickly to provide a financial legacy to cats with special needs, as well as those who may remain at the shelter longer.
Policies
You must be 21 or older to adopt. Bring as many members of your household as possible, including children, to be sure that your family and the cat are compatible. A counselor will interview you about your expectations and guide you through the shelter to meet our many residents. After that, it is up to you—and many times the cat will choose you!
Once you have chosen your cat, your adoption has been approved, and you are ready to sign an adoption contract, we will need to see a photo ID bearing your current address. If you rent, we require a copy of your signed lease agreement outlining pet requirements and the name and phone number of your landlord. Good Mews accepts the following forms of payment for the adoption fee: Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Special Note Regarding Adopting Kittens
Good Mews follows the advice of many leading animal behaviorists when designing our adoption policies. Research shows that kittens do best in environments with other cats or kittens because it helps them be better socialized, better behaved, and less likely to exhibit destructive behavior because they are less likely to be bored. As a result, we will only adopt kittens under the age of 8 months to a home with another cat or kitten, or in pairs from our shelter if the home does not already have a cat in residence.