​Adoption Related Questions

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• I only want ONE kitten.  Do you adopt single kittens?

No.  We only adopt baby kittens (animals under 6 months of age) in pairs to homes, unless you already have a young cat and are looking for a friend for it. Cats are very social creatures that do best emotionally and psychologically, with a feline companion.  Young kittens are especially needy for time and energy, and can become restless, depressed or aloof without constant playful engagement.  Plus, bringing two requires the same as one, as you already have to buy all the materials for a single cat, adding a second takes no extra additional supplies (aside from extra food), and gives you the benefits of watching two babies grow, learn, and play as a team. Very often we get litters where specific kittens are bonded, and breaking that bond to adopt them to different homes is emotionally damaging and can cause potential issues to outside adopters.  This is especially true if the litter is a pair of orphans.  Because they are without a mama, they will spend ALL of their time with each other, and will be deeply united. 

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• I want the smallest, most tiniest baby you have.  I'd even love one with a bottle!  Do you adopt neonatal kittens?

Never.  The level of care and medical attention neonatal kittens need comes with hours of training and education.  Taking on a neonatal kitten is taking on the care of a life.  Young kittens are subject to all kinds of illnesses, diseases and gastrointestinal issues. While we know how cute a tiny baby is, we also know how fragile they are, too, and how quickly they can fail.  Trust us - the best kittens are the healthy ones, ready for a home at an age-appropriate time.

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• Do you only have baby kittens for adoption?

While we tend to work mostly with neonatal and orphan kittens, we often have older kittens (over 6 months of age) and friendly adults looking for their furever homes!  One of our specialties is working with mama cats and their babies, and when mom is done doing her job, she needs a home too!

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• We already have a cat and are very nervous about getting a second cat!  Help!

For adopters looking at adding a new furry addition to their family, it’s important to remember it takes time, care and patience to slowly introduce a new animal into an established animal's home.  Usually older cats do best adjusting to a younger kitten, as they feel less threatened. But, in time most animals adjust and become fast friends. It is critical to know that if you are going to bring a new animal into your family, you must be patient and not expect instant friendship, and you must support and love both your current pets and your new ones, as they make the transition. 

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• Can we bring our cat to meet the kittens and see who gets along?

No.  For the safety of the kittens and your cat, we do not allow trial introductions.  It is far too stressful on the animals.  Cats are territorial and deeply rooted in routine.  Your cat doesn't want to leave their palace for a new, scary place- and most certainly not one full of other new cats to fight off!  Any introduction of a new animal needs to take place in the animals forever home, post adoption, where they can feel safe in their space, set boundaries and establish a relationship.

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• We're not sure we are ready to commit to a new cat.  We'd love to take one or two of your kittens home and try them out!  Is that ok?

No. We do not do trial adoptions. Prospective adopters needs to be ready to welcome an animal into their home forever at the time of application.  Adjustment to a new space is difficult for a kitten and can cause undue stress.  Kittens under our care are on a strict diet with regulated medical care.  Sending a kitten into an unknown environment and potentially exposing them to illness or new foods, only leads to unnecessary veterinary care.  

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• I would love to come play with the kittens!  Can I just visit?

As cute as they are, for their safety, we only offer visits to prospective adopters with completed applications. 

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• Do you have an adoption fee?

Yes.  As with all rescues, animals with Itty Bitty City Kitties are subject to contractual obligation and an adoption fee.  The fee for a single animal is $175. Bonded pairs are a single kitten fee.  It is payable via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Check, or Cash, and due at the time of adoption.  This fee includes the Kitten Starter Kit, all kitten well vet care, all vet records, and of course, the animal!  ​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TNR, Community Cat, Medical Care

and Personal Pet Related Questions

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• There is a stray cat in my yard.  Can you please remove it?

No. We are not an exterminator.  Community Cats call many places home.  There are several options on the internet for humane ways to keep cats off your property.  Please remember- poisoning an animal is a crime and punishable by law.

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• There are several stray cats around my home/work/etc. and I would love to get them help.  Can you help me with TNR?

Absolutely!  If you are local to Rockaway Beach, NYC, we can happily assist.  There are also plenty of ways to get involved yourself and we would be happy to guide you!  Check out our "TNR" page for more information.

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• I feed a colony of cats and need help providing them with food.  Can you help me?

Thank you for caring for your local cats!  If you are local to Rockaway, NYC, use our "Contact" page and reach out for help.  We can't help everyone, and we can't help all the time - but we try our best to provide when we can.

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• I found baby kittens!  What do I do?!

If they are in immediate danger (out in the middle of a road or overly exposed to the elements) place them in a safer place as close to where you found them as possible (under a bush, in a box on it's side, etc).  If possible, check back on them in a few hours.  Mom is likely right there, watching you.  She just needed a break (as all moms do!).  If the kittens are still where you left them hours later, then place them in a safe container and get them to a local shelter or rescue. If you are local to Rockaway, NYC, use our "Contact" page and reach out for help or click HERE for help!

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• I no longer can keep my pet.  Can I give it to you to find it a new home?

We are sorry you are in your situation, however, we are not a shelter and do not accept personal pets.  There are several options local to NYC that can assist you.  See our "Resources" page for more information. 

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• My cat needs to be spayed/neutered.  Can you provide free help?

Unfortunately, we are not a vet.  However, if you are local to Rockaway, NYC, and low-income (proof required) use our "Contact" page and reach out for help.  One of the main goals of Itty Bitty City Kitties is to help local low-income, high-needs members of the community with access to free spay/neuter and vaccinations, when possible.

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