For a healthy adult cat, a reasonable starting budget is approximately R500 to R1,200 per month, depending on the food, litter and veterinary care you choose. Premium diets, pet insurance and medical conditions can push costs considerably higher.

Remember to account for annual vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine veterinary visits and occasional replacements for toys and scratching posts. It’s also wise to set money aside for unexpected medical expenses, which can be substantial.

Yes, provided your landlord and the property’s rules allow pets. Some shelters may request written permission from your landlord or body corporate before approving an adoption.

Check your lease agreement carefully, particularly if you live in a sectional-title complex or estate. Consider any restrictions on the number of pets, outdoor access or alterations needed to make your home safe for a cat.

No. Many cats live happy, healthy lives entirely indoors, including in apartments. The important thing is to provide enough space, mental stimulation and opportunities to express natural behaviours such as climbing, scratching, hiding and playing.

Window perches, scratching posts, interactive toys and secure balconies or enclosed outdoor spaces can help create an enriching environment. However, some cats accustomed to outdoor access may struggle with a strictly indoor lifestyle, so discuss their individual needs before adopting.

Yes, but their previous experiences and temperament matter. A cat accustomed to outdoor life may need time to adjust to household sounds, unfamiliar surroundings and a new daily routine.

Cats that have lived closely with people outdoors may adapt well to indoor life with patience and appropriate enrichment. Truly feral cats with little human socialisation may find confinement and close contact with people extremely stressful.

Ask about the cat’s history and behaviour before adoption, and discuss suitable arrangements with the person or organisation responsible for their care.

Yes, some shelters, rescues and pet owners consider adoption enquiries from other provinces. However, organisations may have geographical restrictions, particularly if they require home inspections or follow-up visits.

You may also need to arrange suitable transport and cover the associated costs. Cats can find long journeys stressful, so discuss travel arrangements carefully and make sure the cat can be transported safely in an appropriate carrier.

Not necessarily! Many first-time cat owners make wonderful adopters. What’s important is that you understand the responsibilities involved and are prepared to provide appropriate care, attention and veterinary treatment throughout the cat’s life.

Some organisations may recommend a confident adult cat for someone with limited experience, while others may have specific requirements for kittens or cats with complex needs. Be open about your experience and ask plenty of questions before making a commitment.

Many animal shelters and rescue organisations arrange vaccinations, sterilisation and parasite treatments before adoption. However, this isn’t guaranteed, particularly for young kittens or cats rehomed directly by their current owners.

Kittens may still require additional vaccinations or sterilisation once they reach an appropriate age. Before adopting, confirm which treatments have been completed, which are outstanding and who will be responsible for any future veterinary costs.

You should request copies of all available veterinary records before completing the adoption. These may include vaccination certificates, sterilisation records, microchip information, parasite treatments and details of any previous illnesses or ongoing medical conditions.

If records are unavailable, ask for as much information as possible about the cat’s medical history and arrange a veterinary examination. Keeping an accurate health record will help your veterinarian plan future vaccinations, preventative care and treatment.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to certain infections. However, an FIV-positive diagnosis doesn’t mean a cat cannot enjoy a long, happy life. Many FIV-positive cats remain healthy for years with appropriate veterinary care.

FIV spreads primarily through deep bite wounds between cats and cannot infect humans. FIV-positive cats can sometimes live peacefully alongside FIV-negative cats, provided they have a stable relationship and don’t fight. Indoor living, regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of illnesses are particularly important.

If you’re considering an FIV-positive cat, discuss their health and household compatibility with a veterinarian before adoption.

Contact a veterinarian promptly, particularly if your cat stops eating, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhoea, struggles to breathe or becomes unusually lethargic. Some cats experience stress-related changes after a move, but symptoms of illness shouldn’t automatically be attributed to stress.

Inform the shelter, rescue organisation or previous owner as well. They may have useful information about the cat’s medical history or recent treatments. Review your adoption agreement to understand any provisions relating to veterinary care after adoption.

Some cats start to explore and seek affection within days, while others need several weeks or even months to feel completely comfortable. Age, temperament, previous experiences and the household environment can all influence how quickly a cat adjusts.

Start with a quiet room containing food, water, a litter tray, comfortable bedding and somewhere to hide. Allow your cat to explore gradually and approach you on their own terms. Hiding and cautious behaviour can be normal initially, but persistent stress or changes in eating and toileting habits warrant veterinary advice.

Sometimes an adoption doesn’t develop as expected, despite everyone’s best intentions. Behavioural challenges, conflicts with existing pets, unexpected health needs or changes in personal circumstances can make the arrangement difficult.

Start by discussing your concerns with the shelter, rescue organisation or previous owner. They may offer practical advice, additional support or recommendations for a veterinary or behavioural assessment.

Many rescue organisations have policies that require an adopted cat to be returned to their care if the arrangement fails. Check your adoption agreement before making alternative arrangements, and never abandon or release a cat because an adoption hasn’t worked out.

We are a South African pet adoption directory that helps prospective adopters discover cats in need of homes and connect directly with the people responsible for their care.

Each listing includes contact options, allowing you to enquire about an animal’s availability, background and adoption requirements. We provide the platform for these connections, while the relevant people or organisations manage applications, screening, adoption decisions, fees and handover arrangements.

We encourage responsible adoption and recommend that prospective adopters verify listing details and discuss all requirements before making a commitment.

Yes, legitimate adoption fees are permitted. Animal shelters and rescue organisations often charge fees to help cover the cost of sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatments and other veterinary care.

However, Adopt a Pet strictly prohibits the sale of animals. Our platform exists to support responsible adoption and rehoming.

If someone requests payment that appears to be a purchase price, refuses to explain the charges or pressures you to transfer money before you can verify the arrangements, proceed with caution. Report suspicious listings so we can investigate.

If you encounter a listing that appears misleading, fraudulent or connected to the sale of an animal, please contact us directly or use the listing’s report option, if available.

Include the listing URL, a brief explanation of your concerns and any relevant screenshots or correspondence. Examples of suspicious activity include requests for unexplained payments, misleading information about an animal or attempts to sell cats through our adoption platform.

We take reports seriously and review concerns brought to our attention. If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, contact your local SPCA or relevant animal welfare authorities, particularly if the animal appears to be in immediate danger.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to certain infections. However, an FIV-positive diagnosis doesn’t mean a cat cannot enjoy a long, happy life. Many FIV-positive cats remain healthy for years with appropriate veterinary care.

FIV spreads primarily through deep bite wounds between cats and cannot infect humans. FIV-positive cats can sometimes live peacefully alongside FIV-negative cats, provided they have a stable relationship and don’t fight. Indoor living, regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of illnesses are particularly important.

If you’re considering an FIV-positive cat, discuss their health and household compatibility with a veterinarian before adoption.

Contact a veterinarian promptly, particularly if your cat stops eating, vomits repeatedly, has diarrhoea, struggles to breathe or becomes unusually lethargic. Some cats experience stress-related changes after a move, but symptoms of illness shouldn’t automatically be attributed to stress.

Inform the shelter, rescue organisation or previous owner as well. They may have useful information about the cat’s medical history or recent treatments. Review your adoption agreement to understand any provisions relating to veterinary care after adoption.

Some cats start to explore and seek affection within days, while others need several weeks or even months to feel completely comfortable. Age, temperament, previous experiences and the household environment can all influence how quickly a cat adjusts.

Start with a quiet room containing food, water, a litter tray, comfortable bedding and somewhere to hide. Allow your cat to explore gradually and approach you on their own terms. Hiding and cautious behaviour can be normal initially, but persistent stress or changes in eating and toileting habits warrant veterinary advice.

Sometimes an adoption doesn’t develop as expected, despite everyone’s best intentions. Behavioural challenges, conflicts with existing pets, unexpected health needs or changes in personal circumstances can make the arrangement difficult.

Start by discussing your concerns with the shelter, rescue organisation or previous owner. They may offer practical advice, additional support or recommendations for a veterinary or behavioural assessment.

Many rescue organisations have policies that require an adopted cat to be returned to their care if the arrangement fails. Check your adoption agreement before making alternative arrangements, and never abandon or release a cat because an adoption hasn’t worked out.

We are a South African pet adoption directory that helps prospective adopters discover cats in need of homes and connect directly with the people responsible for their care.

Each listing includes contact options, allowing you to enquire about an animal’s availability, background and adoption requirements. We provide the platform for these connections, while the relevant people or organisations manage applications, screening, adoption decisions, fees and handover arrangements.

We encourage responsible adoption and recommend that prospective adopters verify listing details and discuss all requirements before making a commitment.

Yes, legitimate adoption fees are permitted. Animal shelters and rescue organisations often charge fees to help cover the cost of sterilisation, vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatments and other veterinary care.

However, Adopt a Pet strictly prohibits the sale of animals. Our platform exists to support responsible adoption and rehoming.

If someone requests payment that appears to be a purchase price, refuses to explain the charges or pressures you to transfer money before you can verify the arrangements, proceed with caution. Report suspicious listings so we can investigate.

If you encounter a listing that appears misleading, fraudulent or connected to the sale of an animal, please contact us directly or use the listing’s report option, if available.

Include the listing URL, a brief explanation of your concerns and any relevant screenshots or correspondence. Examples of suspicious activity include requests for unexplained payments, misleading information about an animal or attempts to sell cats through our adoption platform.

We take reports seriously and review concerns brought to our attention. If you suspect an animal is being abused or neglected, contact your local SPCA or relevant animal welfare authorities, particularly if the animal appears to be in immediate danger.