Assisi Animal Sanctuary is Northern Ireland's largest independent animal welfare charity providing shelter for up to 200 companion animals - cats, dogs and rabbits.
Charity Reference No: NIC104594.
Kittens are great aren’t they? It’s hard to resist a cute face… Believe it or not, there is much more to raising a kitten than you would think! Kittens are very active and get into all sorts of mischief, they are known for climbing curtains, hanging from door handles and making as much mess as they can. Could you cope with this?
Playtime is vital for kitten development, it’s how they learn. They learn from their experiences which is why the correct environment is key to having a happy, well socialised kitten. Providing the right variety of toys that encourage different behaviours allows them to develop all of their natural behaviours such as hunting, chasing and climbing. Distance toys such as a mouse on a string are great for teaching them how to chase, these toys also keep them away from your hands and arms. A kitten that has been taught to wrestle with hands or arms will continue with this into its adult life, having a kitten wrapped round your hand is one thing, but a fully grown adult cat doing the same thing is not good.
Exposure to different household noises is important. If a home is too quiet the kitten will only learn to fear new noises and may turn into a nervous or skittish adult cat. At the same time too much noise during development can cause a kitten to become fearful too. It’s about getting the balance right. All of our kittens spend the first eight weeks of their lives in homes with our foster carers. That way they are exposed to normal household noises so they are more ready to move on into a new home as they are already familiar with the home environment. It makes the settling in period much less stressful for both new owner and kitten.
It isn’t just as simple as picking the one who is the cutest or the one you like the colour of, they have personalities and while one kitten may be better suited to your requirements another may not. As they grow their personalities develop, we cannot predict how they will behave as an adult as the things they experience when young will shape their characters. It is important to understand that a cuddly lap kitten may grow into an independent cat who prefers to be outside in the garden, whereas a nervous kitten may blossom into an adorable lap cat.
Young kittens cannot have access to outdoors until they have been neutered. This could mean you have to manage to keep a kitten from escaping for up to three months. You will need to make sure windows are not left open and that doors are shut properly. Could you cope with this?
When bringing your kitten home do not allow it to have full access of the house, this will only frighten it, too much space can be scary and it will take longer for your new kitten to settle in. Start off with one room where it has access to food, water and the litter tray. Spend plenty of time in there with your kitten, after a week you can gradually increase the number of rooms the kitten has access too. If there are rooms you don’t want the kitten to have access to then keep the doors shut. Make sure there is more than one litter tray available and that there are food and water stations throughout the house. Do not keep the litter tray near the food or water. It is also equally important to have water dishes in different locations to the food dishes.
Carefully follow the information you are provided with at the time of adoption, these are to help keep you right. Follow feeding instructions so that you do not over feed or under feed your kitten, incorrect feeding can cause the kitten to become unwell.
We can help you find the right kitten.
Every year ‘kitten season’ is very busy with lots of kittens coming in to find new homes. If you want to adopt a kitten we ask that you call into the Sanctuary and fill out an application form. This is designed to gather as much information about you and your lifestyle so that we can match you with a suitable kitten.
In the early stages of development, 8 – 16 weeks, kittens need a lot of care and attention, this can be difficult for those who are working long hours or if you are going through lifestyle changes such as moving house, going on holiday or having a baby. Please make sure you are ready to have a kitten in your lives before making an application to adopt.
My daughter zara and I are interested in re homing a kitten,if you have one that needs in the near future?thanks clare
Hi Clare, we have lots of kittens available at the minute. Please call up to the Sanctuary and have a look
Hello do you have any kittens still?
Counteney. We have kittens. If you are interested in rehoming one, please call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff. The sanctuary is only from 11am to 4pm every day except Mondays.
Do you have kittens for a good home
Sharon. We have lots of kittens – you will see some on the website and lots more at the sanctuary. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm from Monday to Friday – closed Mondays.
I am interested in a male kitten possibly tabby before Christmas
Imogen. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will explain the process.
Is there many kittens in atm??:)
Olivia. We still have some kittens but kitten season is almost over so not as many as we had at the height of the season. Call and see who we have. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi there
Unfortunately a few months ago our beloved cat, Krystal who we had for 16 years passed away. Previous to that our 14 year old cat Rosie passed away 3 years ago. I know my mum would love another cat/kitten and was wondering if you had any that need homes? Caroline
Caroline. Ask your mum to call to the sanctuary and can complete a rehoming form and then the staff will introduce her to the cats they feel would best suit her lifestyle. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
We would like to adopt a kitten to be part of our family.
Michelle. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
hello do you have any kittens for rehoming? thanks lee
JamieLee. We have some. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Michelle. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Any kittens avaialble ??
Emma. Yes we have kittens. Call to the sanctuary and see who we have. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays
Interested in rehoming a kitten do you know when any are available for rehoming know it is early for kitten season thanks x
Kathryn. Give the sanctuary a call on 028 9181 2622 and ask for the kitten unit. We may have a few out on foster and they will be able to tell you when they are due to come into the sanctuary. We have some kittens under a year old which would be worth seeing. Kitten season is officially over and wont start to spring. Why not call to the sanctuary and meet the kittens and cat we have.
Hi. I. Would. Love. A Kitte
We have 1 kitten available currently and there has been a high level of interest in her so please call up to the Sanctuary and fill out an application if you’re interested in rehoming a kitten.
Do you have any kittens now? If not when do you think there would be any available to adopt
Leah. We don’t have any kittens at the moment. Kitten season is officially over to spring but sometimeds we will get some little late ones but not many. We have lots of lovely cats looking for a home. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the cat they feel would best suit your family. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tues to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Was looking at kitten for my wife. Never had one before. What would you recommend for fist time. A kitten or a cat.
Jonathan, It would depend on other factors aswell i.e work hours, children, other animals. The best thing to do would be for you and your girlfriend to call up to the Sanctuary and fill out an application form. The staff can then have a look at the form and give advice as to which kitten/cat would be best suited to your lifestyle.
do you have any kittens available at the moment?
No sorry we don’t have any kittens available at the moment but we do have some beautiful young cats seeking new homes.
i am very interested in a kitten do use have any?
Karen. All our kittens and cats are featured on our website and facebook page. Kitten season is officially over until the spring time although we will from time to time get the odd kitten. Keep an eye on our sites.
I am interested in one or two kittens at the moment, I was wondering if you have any left? If so, what kind of kittens, as an idea? Thank you 🙂
Sorry we don’t have any kittens available at the moment.
i am very interested in a kitten do use have any?
Mateusz. No young kittens at the moment – they have all been rehomed. We have some older kittens around 8 months to a year. And some lovely cats.
Hi, how long from a form is completed can you bring a cat/kitten home?
Thanks
Frances. Usually about a week. Depends on health checks being complete etc.
Do you have any kittens or young cats at the moment?
Muriel. We have young cats. Kitten season hasn’t started yet. Call to the sanctuary and see who we have.
Am I right in thinking the youngest you guys rehome kittens is 16wks?
Kirsty. A lot depends on the kitten and circumstances. If you are interested in a kitten call to the sanctuary and have a chat with the staff.
Hi I’m looking a young kitten for my autistic son have u any newborn ones
Deborah. We don’t have any newborn kittens ready yet for rehoming. Kitten season hasn’t really started yet. Keep an eye on our facebook page and as soon as we have any they will get posted. Why not call to the sanctuary and have a chat with the staff about who might be most suitable for your son. Sometimes a slightly older cat that has calmed is better but the staff will help you choose what is best for your family.
My partner and I would be interested in adopting two kittens. We have had many cats and can offer them a great life in the country. Do you have any at the moment?
Rachel, no kittens at the moment but please do keep checking our facebook and website as there is quite a few due in this month from our foster homes.
Hi I am looking for a white kitten or a Bengal one if you have in
Tristan. Not at moment. Keep an eye on our facebook page and website or if you live near the sanctuary call in on a regular basis and see what we have.
Hello, I was wondering whether it’s possible for you to email me a copy of your rehoming form? I would like to consider a kitten after my holidays in mid-August.
Suzanne. When you come back from your holidays call to the sanctuary and you can complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will then introduce you to the kitten they feel would best suit your family. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi! We already have a kitten about 12 weeks old, we’re looking another kitten to keep him company as we think he needs more social interaction. Our kitten even has his own room! If you have any kittens that would be suitable please let me know 🙂
Michelle. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the staff and they will introduce you to the kitten they feel would best suit you. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Monday.
Hiya I’m looking for a fluffy kitten preferrable near to Christmas ?
Chloe. Kitten season goes from around Easter to September so it would be quite unusual to find a kitten at Christmas. They will probably be around a few months old at that time.
Hi there I would be interested in adopting a kitten do you have any at the moment
Babs. You will see our current kittens/ young cats and cats on our website and facebook page. Kitten season is coming to an end. We will get some but not lots. Have a look at our cats – we have some lovely ones looking for a home.
Hey do you have any kittens at the minute and does it cost to adopt
Caitlin. You can see some of our kittens on the website. We ask for a minimum donation of £55 for a kitten/cat and that covers them being wormed and deflead, vaccinated, microchipped, neutered and you get 4 weeks pet insurance. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi- I would like to adopt 2 kittens this Christmas- experienced cat owners one of whom is retired.
Thanks,
Lesley
Lesley. When you are ready to rehome call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and then the staff will review the form with you and help you choose the right pet for your family. It may be unlikely that we will have kittens at Christmas as kitten season officially goes from around Easter to around now. There will still be some kittens around but they are now getting less and less.
Hi we would love to rehouse a kitten. Would you have any avaible. Thanks Kelly.
Kelly. You will see most of our current kittens on our facebook page. Best to call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and then the kitten unit staff will have a chat with you and help you choose the right kitten for your family. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hey ther .. I was looking to home one of your kittens if ther are any ? 🙂
Joanne. You will see the current kittens on our web and facebook page or call to the sanctuary. They may know if we are expecting any more in.
Hi. I would like to make an application to adopt vicki the kitten. My wife was enquiring earlier today about housing it with our chow and I don’t think it would be an issue with slow introduction as the dog has spent plenty of time with cats in the past. I would appreciate your consideration as we would love to add vicki to our family. Thanks
Ronnie, we have had a lot of interest in this little cat. Please call up to the Sanctuary if you are interested in rehoming a cat but if it is only this cat you want please call us on 02891 812622 before you travel to see if she’s still available.
Hi I am interested in getting 2 or 3 kittens as it would be lovely for them to have company would you have any available?
Alan. You will see the current kittens available for rehoming on our facebook / website. Kitten season has officially ended until spring time and we will get some kittens but not a lot. Keep an eye on facebook for any becoming available for rehoming.
Me and partner are extremely interested in re homing a kitten. Can you advise if you have any at this time
Jordan. Kitten season is officially over to spring although we will get a few kittens but not many. Please call to the Sanctuary and complete an application. The staff will then have a chat with you and help them choose the right pet for you. If your application is successful we ask for a suggested minimum donation of £55 for one of our kittens/cats. That goes towards the cost of neutering, microchipping, 1st and 2nd vaccines, worming and defleaing and we will give 4 weeks free pet plan insurance and a food sample to help them settle in. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. If you do not see something you like on your visit we keep your form on file for 6 months so if you comae back you don’t need to complete another fomm. Ask Reception staff and they will retrieve it for you. As we will only get a few kittens they will get booked quickly and sometimes are booked before we have time to photograph them and put them on facebook.
Can I get a kitten?
Hi Assisi,
We are interested in rehoming a puppy or kitten. Ideally we would love a puppy however I am allergic so hypoallergenic breeds narrows the list. Would you have any kittens or puppies that we could come visit?
Aisling. Before you adopt an animal you would be best finding out whether you can live with one. If you haven’t we would suggest getting your allergies tested for dogs and cats. If you have a friend who has a dog or cat, take the dog for several walks, call into your friends house and play with dog, stroke it and be around it for a period of time so that you can see how you would react if you lived with a dog. Do the same with a cat, play with the cat, stroke a cat, groom it and feed it. Be around for a longer than normal length of time so that you can see if you have any reaction to it.
Hi there I am looking for a kitten for my daughter . Have you any in at the moment ?
Lucy. Kitten season has officially ended to the spring. We will get a few kittens but only a few. Keep an eye on our website and facebook page for any becoming available for rehoming. We have lots of lovely young and older cats looking for a home.
Hi I have a family of 5 and we were wondering when your next litter of kittens will be ready many Thanks
Olivia
Olivia. We don’t know that. Keep an eye on our website and facebook but maybe a bit early yet.
Hi would you have any kittens in at moment ? Many thanks
Sharon. None at the moment but that will probably change any day soon. Keep an eye on our website and facebook for kittens becoming ready to rehome.
Hi,
Was wondering if you had any kittens would libretto possibly brothers or sisters.
Thank you marie
No young kittens ready for rehoming but we have a couple of lovely pairs of cats. Have a look at the cats section of our website.
We are looking for two kittens that are good around children and are quite young too , we are coming down to look at the kittens today. Do you have any suggestions?
Georgia. Sorry – only seeing your message ow. We don’t always get time during the day to look at the website. Hope you had a successful visit.
Hi , I was wondering if you had any kittens available ?
Sarah. Yes we have. Please call to the Sanctuary and complete a rehoming application form and the staff will review the form and help you choose the right pet for you. We ask for a suggested minimum donation of £55 which covers the cost of spay/neuter, microchip, vaccinations, worming and de-fleaing. You also get 4 weeks free pet plan insurance and a food sample to help them settle in. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 3pm for rehoming Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. At the weekends we operate an appointment system- call 028 9181 2622 to make an appointment for the weekend We cannot guarantee that the dogs will not shed.
We are interested in adopting a kitten at theend of September beginning of October and would like to be put on waiting list if possible
Ann. We don’t operate waiting lists. When you are ready to rehome a pet, give the sanctuary a call and make a rehoming appointment.
Hello me and my children would love to have a kitten as our beloved cat is been missing since last month and we haven’t got any good news yet….we are very upset and we are still hoping to find him but I would like to get a kitten to get them back their smiles…please let me know thanks.
Bruna. Please call the sanctuary on 028 9181 2622 and make a rehoming appointment.
I’ve wanted a kitten for ages, finally allowed to get one! Are there any kittens up for adoption? And just out of interest are there any blue eyed or siamese kittens? Thanks
Hi Aimee, We have a few kittens available. They are all in our kitten section on the website. We don’t have any blue eyed kittens or Siamese kittens as these are quite rare in a rescue.
Hi Looking to adopt a young kitten, live in a very quiet part of the countryside can you help.
Helen. We are open for rehoming from 11am to 3pm. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and have a chat with the cattery staff and they will help you find the right pet for your family. We don’t have any young kittens ready for rehoming yet.
Hey there ! Me and my daughter is trying to look for a kitten for her birthday but how do we get one asap ? X
Hello the same day rehoming is not available. In order to find out more about them we ask that you call up to the sanctuary between 11am and 3:00pm Tuesday to Sundays and complete a rehoming application form. The form will give the staff more information of the type of kitten you are looking for and more information about you. Should you book a kitten you would not be able to rehome the same day as we need to carry out a Google check to see how close you are to a main road, a vet check if you have previous animals and a landlord check if applicable. We will then arrange for one of our home visitors to call out with you. We suggest a donation of £55.00 for a kitten or cat which goes towards the cost of vaccinations, neutering, microchipping and general care the kitten has had during its time with us.