Do you live in Surrey or Sussex and are you able to offer a permanent home to a feline friend?  These cats would be so grateful to have the chance of finding a loving home.

Felines 1st is based in Crawley and is entirely run by volunteers. Coronavirus is still with us and a concern for some people.  Please postpone viewing or collecting a cat if you’re feeling ill or have tested positive for Covid-19.  Also please be prepared to wear a mask for safety reasons, if any of our volunteers request this, and we will do this for you if requested.  We appreciate your co-operation.

Some of the cats in our care may not yet be on our website.  Details on how to adopt a rescue kitten/cat can be found below the cat photos. Please note that an adoption fee applies.

We are all volunteers, many with full time jobs. We will respond to you as quickly as we can, and appreciate your patience while we work through enquiries received.  If we are unable to match you with your perfect feline companion immediately, you can ask to be put on a waiting list, and we will contact you if a suitable cat becomes available. 

Our cats and kittens in search of new loving homes all have their own unique story and individual personalities. If you are looking to adopt a cat please follow the steps outlined below so we can help you to find your perfect feline companion.

How to adopt a rescue kitten/cat

Step 1: Complete the online application form.

Homing Application Form (on submission this will be emailed to you as well as to Felines 1st). 

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*Please note: If we do not receive a full home address (i.e. house number, street and full postcode) we will not be able to process your application.  We are also unable to reserve a cat for you until we have received a fully completed homing form and the pre-check and home visit have been completed. Please also note that an adoption fee applies.

Please direct follow up queries to: homing@felines1st.org

Step 2: Pre-check and home visit.

When we receive your application form, we will do a virtual check to ensure that your location is suitable. For most of our cats that can have access to outdoors, this means that your home must not be located on or near a busy road. We occasionally have cats in our care that need to be indoor only cats, such as FIV+ cats. These cats would be suitable for people living in flats or on a busy road where the cat will be kept indoors.

If your location appears to be suitable, we will contact you to arrange a home visit for a mutually suitable time. We may also require you to show us proof of address (utility bill / similar). At the home visit we give you advice on feeding, general cat care, enrichment and creating a happy and as safe an environment as possible for your cat.

Step 3: Choosing your cat.

Dependent on the outcome of the home visit, our Homing Officer will be in contact with you to discuss suitable cats in our care or suggest other options with you.

Step 4: Meeting your cat.

When we have discussed and agreed the best cat(s) or kitten(s); we will arrange a viewing for you and/or your family. During that time, you can ask questions of the fosterer to make sure that this is a suitable fit for both you and the cat.  If you decide that you would like to adopt, you can then arrange for a suitable time to collect your new feline friend(s). Assuming both parties are happy with each other, and you have everything you need for your new cat (see Step 5), you also have the option of adopting at the viewing and you can leave with a new family member or two!

Step 5: Preparing for the arrival of your cat.

There are quite a few items that you will need for your new cat, which are detailed here.  Please make sure that you have all of these set up in a single room which is safe and quiet before bringing your cat home.  We recommend that you keep your cat confined to this room until they have eaten, used the litter tray and are comfortable in your presence, before letting them out to explore the wider house.

Step 6: Follow-up home check.

Once your cat has settled into its new home, normally within 3-5 weeks of adoption, we will carry out a follow-up visit. We will see you and you new feline(s) and be able to discuss and give further advise if necessary.

Introducing a new cat or kittens to your home can be rewarding, exciting and maybe challenging at times. It may take a little while for them to settle; however, remember you are not alone. Felines 1st are here to support you and your new feline friend, all you need to do is contact us.

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Please be aware that Felines 1st is comprised entirely of volunteers who give their time to the Charity; we may not be able to immediately respond to you. We aim to respond to messages within 2-3 working days. Thank you for your patience and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.