Post-Adoption Support
“Please note that our post adoption team is all volunteer. We do our best to get back to adopters as quickly as possible. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please seek veterinary care.”
The main aims of the Post Adoption Team are:
To help you cope with the transition period that every cat goes through when they move into a new home.
Arrange the return of your cat to Toronto Cat Rescue if despite our help the cat is unable to adjust to your home, or you are no longer able to look after your cat.
To prepare you and your cat for the best start please read the attached Adoption Handbook. Knowledge of a cat’s needs and how to best meet those needs helps create a lasting bond between you and your cat. Some of the topics in the handbook include:
Providing for basic needs [food, litter boxes, scratch posts, etc.]
Providing environmental stimulation [wand toys, cat trees, puzzle feeders, harness, etc]
Setting up a safe room for your cat’s first few days
Integrating your new cat with your resident cat
Establishing predictable routines
Setting up Litter boxes
Troubleshooting common problems
Frequently Asked Questions
My newly adopted TCR cat has experienced health issues and I have reported it to the Post Adoption Team within the 7 day period. Will TCR pay for treatment?
TCR is financially unable to pay for every health concern experienced by a cat within its first 7 days after adoption. When a health concern is reported within 7 days the case is reviewed. TCR decides if it will help with costs on a case-by-case basis. The severity of the illness and whether or not it relates to a pre-existing condition factor into this decision.
Most upper respiratory infections and/or soft stools are not deemed pre-existing conditions. They are symptoms of stress in cats when introduced to a new home. Nearly all cats recover completely from both conditions.
My TCR cat is not eating and/or is lethargic. What should I do?
A cat that hasn’t eaten in more than 24 hours can be in danger because of their fast metabolism. Try offering them a buffet of different kinds of wet and dry food to stimulate their appetites. Often warming up wet food in the microwave for ten seconds will encourage them to eat. At the first sign your cat is not eating, contact our Post Adoption Team using this online form. Our trained Counsellors can give you further ideas on how to entice your cat to eat. If your cat continues to not eat and is lethargic, it needs to be seen by a veterinarian.
My TCR cat is sneezing, has watery eyes, and/or is congested. What should I do?
It is very common when a cat experiences a transition that they start showing signs of a cold or an upper respiratory infection (URI). If the cat is eating and has a normal energy level, they can often fight the symptoms on their own. If you are not sure how to deal with an URI contact Post adoption using this online form and one of our trained counsellors will help you. If your cat is lethargic and/or not eating or has been experiencing symptoms for several days with no improvement it is time to take it to a veterinarian.
My TCR cat has diarrhea. What should I do?
It is quite common for a cat to develop diarrhea when they experience a change in surroundings. This is often a result of stress and/or a change in diet. If the cat is on a high quality, consistent diet, the diarrhea should improve within a week. If you would like some help dealing with early stages of diarrhea contact Post Adoption using this online form and one of our Counsellors will help you. If the diarrhea gets worse or is not improving or the cat is lethargic, it is time to visit a veterinarian.
Has my cat been dewormed?
All TCR cats have been treated at least once for worms. They are only treated again if there is a positive fecal test or evidence of worms after the first treatment. Rescue cats may need additional treatments after they are adopted.
Has my cat been tested for FIV/FeLV?
Both of these diseases are relatively rare and the cost of testing is prohibitive so it is not standard practice for TCR to test our cats. Some TCR cats come to us already tested. TCR will test a cat for FIV/FeLV if the cat is not responsive to treatment or exhibits typical signs of the viruses.
For more information on this topic please read the following article Why are some shelters no longer testing all cats for FeLV and FIV?
I did not receive my cat’s health records. Can they be sent to me?
Yes, if you did not receive your cat’s health records, TCR can (in most cases) provide them. Please contact us through the online form, and we will get back to you.
I am experiencing an allergic reaction to my new cat! What should I do?
This is not uncommon! There are several things you can do to adjust to your new cat. Keeping the cat out of your bedroom, frequent vacuuming, purchasing an air purifier, and feeding your cat a good quality diet can all improve allergy symptoms. If you have tried these tips and continue to experience an allergic reaction, or your reaction is severe, please contact us through our online form.
Is my cat microchipped? And if so, how do I register the chip to my name?
Yes, TCR does microchip all of our cats prior to adoption. When the adoption of your cat is processed, the microchip is automatically registered to your name. You will receive confirmation of this by email sent directly by 24Petwatch. If you haven’t received confirmation within 10 days of adoption, please contact us via the online form.
I haven’t received a license for my newly adopted TCR cat. What should I do?
All adopters residing in the City of Toronto will receive a mandatory cat license for one year. It may take up to 4-6 weeks for your license to arrive. If you have not received it after that time, please contact us via our online form.
