Welcome to Itty Bitty Kitty, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Adoption and Foster FAQs
Does IBKNY charge an adoption fee?
My adopted cat isn't friendly yet, what do I do?
Why is it so hard to adopt a single kitten?
Yes, we do charge an adoption fee. Our adoption fee is $245 for a cat or kitten, or $225 each for a bonded pair of cats or kittens.
Why do we collect an adoption fee?
Our adoption fees help us cover the costs of food, supplies and associated medical expenses, not just for the cat or kittens you might adopt or foster, but all of the cats and kittens that we serve and protect, including ferals and 'unadoptables'.
We are a not-for-profit community service. We do not receive government grants or funding. We are not a charitable 501(c)(3) organization so it is difficult to hold fundraisers like others do.
Our costs are supported by the adoption fees and yet the fees we collect for adoptions still do not cover all the expenses associated with trap, neuter, vet, return (TNVR) and saving community cats. All cats deserve a chance to live a healthy and happy life!
We rely on the generosity of our friends in the community and our volunteers. The day to day care of the cats and kittens we rescue is provided solely by the volunteers who donate their time and talents, and often their own money, too.
We know adoption fees may seem dear to some. Please know that besides covering the cost of vaccinations as well as spay/neuter services, it allows us to continue the life saving business of rescue and TNVR.
Thank you!
Why is it so hard to adopt a single kitten?
My adopted cat isn't friendly yet, what do I do?
Why is it so hard to adopt a single kitten?
Many of our applicants want a kitten, and that's great, because there are far too many kittens born outside and who need loving homes.
Kittens are great, they are adorable and clumsy and cute, and everyone loves a kitten. But we rarely adopt out a single kitten. Why?
Kittens are much like human babies and toddlers--they have tons of energy, they are curious and wild. They need A LOT of playtime and attention, and they get into trouble all the time, climbing things they should not climb, eating things they should not eat, knocking things over, and just creating general chaos.
We always try to adopt bonded pairs of kittens, or ensure that the prospective adopter has another kitten or friendly young cat at home.
Believe it or not, having two kittens will make your life MUCH EASIER, because the kittens play together, keep each other entertained and this way they may be a little less likely to create so much trouble for you.
And remember, kittens grow up to be CATS. Cats with life spans of 15-20 years. If you love kittens, but don't love adult cats, don't adopt a kitten. Instead, consider being a foster for kittens, or visit one of NYC's Cat Cafe's where you can get your kitten fix without taking on the commitment and responsibility of cat ownership.
And remember, for as many kittens as there are needing homes, there are lovely, sweet, and very adoptable adult and senior cats who deserve love and affection.
So next time you think you want a kitten, think twice--literally, and if you can't take two kittens, or are not wild about a kitten who grows out of kittenhood, you might consider opening your home as a foster to help socialize adorable kittens and prepare them for their furever homes! Fill out our application to learn more.
My adopted cat isn't friendly yet, what do I do?
My adopted cat isn't friendly yet, what do I do?
My adopted cat isn't friendly yet, what do I do?
Adopting a cat or kitten from a rescue is an exciting time! But for many cats and kittens in rescues who may have come from the streets or been taken out of abusive situations or abandoned by their previous owners, this can be an incredibly stressful time.
Cats are highly territorial, and so coming into a new environment, with new smells and sounds and places where danger may be lurking is difficult, and many cats need lots of time--and patience on the part of their adopters--to adjust to their new surroundings and start to feel at home.
It can be helpful to remember the golden "rule of 3s" when you are bringing a new cat or kitten (or dog, for that matter!) into your home:
3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months. Many animal professionals agree that these are this is the general time frame for a cat to fully adapt to their new environment.
3 Days - Expect your cat or kitten to completely hide from you for the first 3 days. They may come out to eat or use the litterbox--usually when you are not around--but they will probably stay very hidden from you, maybe under a couch or bed. Don't worry, this is completely normal. Some cats need more time, some less, but 3 days is the average number of days that you can expect your new feline friend to hide herself away while her adrenaline goes back down from the transfer to your home.
3 Weeks - Your cat may be nudging out of hiding, starting to explore and get to know you and her new surroundings. She'll start coming out to eat and get to know you and build trust with you while she starts to get a handle of her new territory. She may start feeling like herself again, so all of her behaviors that she had suppressed during the first 3 days in hiding will start to re-emerge, and you'll start to get a sense of her new personality. She may still be shy or nervous, she may accept petting, but she may not want to be held or snuggle up to you on the couch, but with patience, and engagement with her, you can continue to build trust with her until she gets to that point.
3 Months - This is about how long before your new cat feels fully settled and at home in her new territory. By now, she probably trusts you and knows your sounds and smells. She's developing routines and she trusts you. She's understanding that she's at home now. Well done!
Of course all cats are different, and these general milestones will also depend on the environment you're bring kitty into--are there other cats or dogs in the home? Does she have deeper traumas or special needs that need addressed? Is your home adequately set up for a cat with plenty of places for her to claim as her own? All cats are different, but all cats will need some amount of time to adjust, build trust and feel at home.
So, when you're bringing a new cat into your home, be patient and kind. She's going through a traumatic experience and she can't be rushed through it.