Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for a quick answer to a questions you just want answered already? Browse through our FAQ topics to see if we just can't get that answered for you!

 

ADOPTIONS

Q: Why should I adopt a cat from TLC?

A: We are the 2nd largest rescue next to our local SPCA. We adopted out over 2,650+ cats and kittens last year. By adopting a TLC cat, you are helping us achieve our mission of furthering, promoting and enhancing all cat life. 

By adopting a rescue cat, you are helping break the cycle of pet overpopulation and showing that these cats are just as valuable and lovable as a high-priced purebred. You also help diminish the market of backyard breeders looking to breed highly sought after cat breeds that often have health issues and complications due to the breeder's lack of knowledge and experience. 

All TLC cats come spayed/neutered/combo tested, micro chipped, vaccinated, and treated for fleas and worms! We ensure our cats and kittens are set up for success by placing them in households that best fit their personality. 

 

Q: How do I know which cat to adopt?

A: Good Question! We’ve found that choosing a cat is often more a matter of the heart than the head, and this is why we always ask you to meet a cat before making a final commitment to ensure their personality and temperament is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

Some people come to us with a list of characteristics they would like in a new pet (short hair, not too old, female vs. male, etc.) and end up falling in love with someone unexpected. The most important thing to consider in a cat is, again, its temperament and personality. Does it get along with other cats? With Dogs? Is it alright being alone during the day or does it prefer more company? Is it a lap cap or more of an independent soul? It is playful? All these questions are important when choosing your lifetime companion.

Luckily at Ten Lives Club, we can help guide you to a good match. Decide on what personality traits matter most to you and keep an open mind about everything else.

 

Q: How do I adopt a TLC cat?

A: To adopt a TLC cat, follow these easy steps!

  1. Stop into any of our 14 Adoption Locations to meet our kitties or visit our adoptable cats page to look through pictures and information on all of our available cats.

  2. Schedule a Meet & Greet with your assigned Adoption Coordinator.

  3. Complete the Adoption Paperwork. Here's what you will need:

  • A Valid Driver's License

  • A Cat Carrier (available for purchase at certain locations)

  • A form of payment to cover the Adoption Fee (we accept Card, Cash and Check!)

4. Establish a Primary Veterinarian for your cat. 

 

Q: How much are your adoption fees?

A: Our adoption fees vary depending on the cat/kitten and our fees are as follows:

  • Kittens 8 months & younger: $195 or 2 kittens for $370

  • Kittens 9 months - under 1 year: $125 or 2 for $230

  • Cats 1 year & older: $95 or 2 for $170

  • Senior Cats (6 years+)/Special Needs/FIV+/FeL-V: $50

  • Declaws (two paw or four paw): $150

 

Q: If for some reason the adoption doesn't work out, can I return the cat to you?

A: Absolutely, yes! We want to ensure that we set our cats up for success and will always take TLC adopted cats back into our program if the adoption doesn't work out for whatever reason. Call our shelter at (716) 646-5577 ext. 9 if you need to discuss the return of your cat. Please note that your adoption fee will not be refunded to you as it is considered a donation.

 

CATS

Q: How long should I expect my new cat to adjust to it's new life?

A: There is not one correct answer as all cats are different and can take different lengths of time to settle in. Typically, we recommend you give your new cat at least 4 weeks to get acquainted with their new schedule, new guardians and new surroundings. Everything is quite new to your new pet and it is best to be patient with you pet until they feel comfortable enough in their own home.

 

Q: Where do your cats come from?

A: A majority of TLC cats come to us as strays from the Western New York area as these cases are our organization’s priority. We do accept surrenders of personally owned cats when space within our organization permits. Often times, we assist other local and out-of-state rescues when they are over-crowded or facing difficulties due to natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

 

Q: What does FIV+ mean?

A: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) effects members of the feline family and is detected through a simple blood test. FIV is not transmittable to humans or other animals. FIV can only be transmitted from cat to cat and usually occurs when an FIV+ cat bites a non-FIV cat. Even if a cat is tested positive for FIV, many cats can live apparently healthy, symptom free lives for many years - in many ways, they are just like any other cat!

Ten Lives Club suggests that owners of FIV+ cats have semi-annual vet checks to ensure that the symptoms are managed. There are many over-the-counter and prescription items that can boost your cat’s immune system. Please consult with your veterinarian about what supplements would be best for your FIV cat.

 

Q: Will my newly adopted cat be litter trained?

A: Most cats carry a natural instinct to use the litter box and typically have no issues with figuring out how to use. Kittens typically start using the litter box at about 3 - 4 weeks, and again, typically have a good idea of what to do and how to do their business. By the time they are adoption ready at about 12 weeks of age, they will have been using the litter box for a good while and should have no issues.

If you notice your cat urinating and defecating outside the litter box, this could be indicative of a medical issue such as a Urinary Tract Infection or potential bladder stones blocking the urinary tract. If this should occur, it is strongly recommended that you take your cat into your primary Veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons.  

 

Q: Do you ever get purebred cats?

A: Very Rarely, if ever. If we do receive purebred cats, it is strictly by chance. We are unable to take requests from potential adopters for these types of cats as we cannot promise what will be accepted into our program. Our suggestion to potential adopters looking for these types of cats is to make continual visits to any of our adoption locations or to check our website regularly.

 

Q: What should I do if I find a stray cat?

A: Please visit our Surrender page for more information.

 

Medical 

Q: What should I do if my pet becomes ill after adoption?

A: Should your newly-adopted TLC cat become ill within the first 14 days of bringing your pet into your household, please call us at (716) 646-5577 ext. 3 (Medical Extension) and leave a message. One of our members of our Vet Staff will return your call and determine the need to schedule an appointment to come in for a check up. Please note that if you choose to take your cat to a private vet practice, TLC is not responsible for reimbursement of the services rendered. After the 14 day window, we will ask that you take your new cat/kitten to your own private veterinary clinic/hospital. 

 

Q: What symptoms of illness should I look for?

A: Becoming familiar with the signs of normal health helps you notice any changes that could signal illness or injury. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your primary veterinarian immediately:

  • Eyes: should be clear and bright with no red or yellow discoloration, tearing or cloudiness. If discharge collects in the corners of her eyes, clean them with a cotton ball moistened with warm water.

  • Ears: should be free of discharge and odor. Have your vet show you how to routinely clean you pet's ears with cotton balls (not cotton swabs) moistened with water.

  • Mouth: Healthy gums are pink, with no redness or swelling at the tooth margins. Teeth should be free of tartar build-up and shouldn’t have bad breath.

  • Nose: Your cat’s nose should be clean and free of any discharge.

  • Skin & Coat: Her skin and coat should be free of lumps, tumors, fleas and ticks. A normal coat is smooth, thick and shiny, free of greasiness, dandruff and bare patches.

  • Legs: Check your cat for swollen joints and inspect feet between the toes for excess hair, objects lodged there and the condition of the cat’s nails.

  • Other Symptoms: any excessive vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing. Excessive itching and scratching. Feels warm to the touch or seems to have a temperature. Lethargy, etc.

You are the best judge of whether or not you feel your cat is acting well or sick. Should you have any concerns, please call our Medical staff within the first 14 days, or contact your private Veterinarian service.