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.
Cats make wonderful companions, they are all so different and entertain us with their quirky ways!
Choosing the right cat can be tricky, they know what sort of person they want as much as we know what sort of cat we would like. Quite often we find that cats will choose their owners, there will be some sort of connection that will let you know that a certain cat is for you. Some cats are more demanding than others so it is important to find a cat that fits your lifestyle so keep an open mind and try not to be swayed by colour too much.
Quite often a cat will choose its new owner (or slave!) but it is important that you do have an idea of what sort of cat you would prefer. Try not to dwell too much on age, sex or colour, it is the personality that really counts! Cats are as different as we are and your home may just not be suitable for a particular type of cat. If you live near a very busy road then a cat that wants to spend most of its time outside would not be well suited. In the same way a cat who is very nervous and easily frightened would not suit a home where there is a lot of hustle and bustle, the cat would never get a chance to settle in and find it’s feet. It is all about finding the right cat for your home and lifestyle.
Older cats are often overlooked for younger, more active cats. In actual fact older cats have just as much love to give and once settled into a home of their own they may actually begin to play and behave much younger than their years! In a cattery environment it can be hard for our older cats to show themselves off, the youngsters usually get there first! Don’t be put off if an older cat has a few health issues, young cats will get to this stage in life too, and we have measures in place such as long-term fostering for older cats with health issues.
If you are thinking about adopting a cat please call in to our Cattery and meet some of our lovely cats who are looking for homes to call their own. The application process is very easy, our application form is designed to gather as much information about you, your lifestyle and the sort of cat you are looking for. This enables us to show you the most suitable cats.
All our cats would love to be homed as soon as possible so please make sure you are ready to take on a new friend. It takes a few months before your cat is fully settled into it’s new home so please make sure you have plenty of time set aside for this. If you are planning on going on holiday or moving house it is always best to wait until you are settled and organised. Cats don’t like upheaval and it will take them much longer to settle in.
I have a 9yr. Old female terrier. Would a kitten or cat be more suitable for our home? Josie.
Josie. A lot will depend on your dog. How does she get on with cats. With the right introductions a cat who has lived with dogs before can be introduced but a lot will depend on your dog.
I am looking to adopt an older cat. I have a 6 year old shit-zu who is very placid and likes cat. I was wondering could I come and visit your sanctuary & discuss if you have anything suitable?
Thanks
Stacey
Stacey. Please call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form and the staff will have a chat with you and recommend the cat(s) that they feel would best suit your lifestyle. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
I live alone with my 2 and a half year old daughter and I want a companion for her as she loves animals and would also love a companion for myself also I suffer from depression and would love a cat that isn’t too playful but would love to sit on my knee for cuddles and affection. Would there be cats that would be suitable for me and my daughter or is my daugherter too young? Thanks very much and look forward to your reply
Megan. Call to the sanctuary and complete a rehoming form which will ask various questions about who lives in your house, who visits, etc and then the staff will have a chat with you and introduce you to the cat they think would best suit your family.
Is there any cats suitable for living on a farm? Katie
Katie. Call to the sanctuary and have a chat with the staff and they will know whether any might be suitable. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Hi
We have a cat called Fergal. He is more of a feral cat and we have just had a small baby and we can’t take the chance that he might scrab her. He doesn’t like to be held and is an out door cat. I’m thinking that he would be better of as a farm cat. Has anyone any ideas of how I can go about re homing him?
Many thanks
Kevin
Kevin. If he is an outdoor cat and doesn’t like being held it would be very unlikely he will come to your daughter and as she grows up you can teach her to leave the cat alone and you will find that the cat will stay away from her if he doesn’t like people. If you feel a farm would be best and know anyone who has a farm ask them or ask your friends if they know anyone who has a farm, stableyard or outbuildings. You would want to ensure that the person would provide food and shelter as your cat isn’t used to having to find its own food so if it was a farmer who expected the cat to hunt for its own food then the cat has never had to do this. Also your vet will have a noticeboard where you could post a poster about your cat. Hope you find a suitable solution for everyone.
I would love to give Vicky the cat a home I have a small dog and a afcain grey parrot please get back to me many thanks
Jackie, 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.
I had a cat from she was a kitten who sadly was killed on the road this past Easter, Crosby. I also have a miniature schnauzer who is 18 mths old, Frank. When we got Frank he would have chased Crosby as well as lie by the fire with her. We are considering another cat, but would be concerned at Frank’s reaction. We think a kitten might be more appropriate as Frank seems more gentle around younger pets (puppies for example). I’d be grateful for advice and to call in possibly. Thanks
Sinead. The sanctuary is open from 11am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays. The best way forward is to call to the sanctuary, complete a rehoming form which will cover questions such as who lives in the house, visits, other pets etc and then the staff will review your form and help you choose the right pet for your family. if there is no one suitable on your visit we will hold your form on file for 6 months and then if you call back within 6 months you do not need to complete another form.
This is great thanks for the advice
I’ve a female cat 7/8 mnts and now that she is settled would like to adopt another.
I live in a block of flats so I would love to adopt an indoor cat
Kim. That would be okay. We don’t always have indoor cats, but call and complete a rehoming form and if there isn’t anything suitable when you visit we can keep your form on file for the future. We are open for rehoming between 11am and 3pm daily except Mondays.
How long is the adoption process please if you have the right connection with your cat? Our family cat passed away yesterday at the young age of 4yrs and the house feels so empty without him 🙁 I also have free dogs. Many thanks