Some cats are not appropriate for a traditional home environment. Often, this is because the cat was not exposed to people when they were young, which can result in a fear of people for the rest of their life. When these cats come into the care of Toronto Humane Society, non-traditional adoption placements can be their best option. Toronto Humane Society’s Feline Alternative Placement Program provides these cats with the opportunity to live in a safe, low-stress environment, where they can express their natural behaviours. These cats can help keep down rodent populations, reducing the need for traps and dangerous poisons. They can also help save you money on feed grain spoilage or loss, and even deter other animals from bothering livestock.
We don’t believe these animals deserve to be euthanized simply because they can’t go into a typical home environment. We recognize that they deserve shelter, access to food and water, and the enrichment that an alternative placement provides.
For the small cost of a bowl of cat food and water set out daily, as needed veterinary care and shelter in an insulated building, you can contribute to our life saving efforts. These cats are healthy, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and Toronto Humane Society will provide supplies to get you started. And because we spay/neuter these cats before they leave our facility, adopters never need to worry about endless litters of kittens.
If you are interested in adopting from our Feline Alternative Placement Program or would like to be added to our wait list, please click here to fill out an application.
What is the adoption fee?
There is no adoption fee for cats adopted through the Feline Alternative Placement Program.
Do I need to come to the shelter to adopt a cat through the Feline Alternative Placement Program?
No. We can complete the process virtually and we will drive the cats to your property.
What does the adoption process look like?
Are the cats social with people?
These cats are typically not suited to be indoor pets and are typically fearful of people. These cats are intended to be working cats, sometimes former street cats who are used to outdoor life and prefer minimal to no human contact.
What are the basic requirements to participate in the Feline Alternative Placement Program
Can I adopt more than one cat from the Feline Alternative Placement Program?
Yes! We prefer to adopt out cats from this program in, at least, pairs to ensure the cats have some social companionship.
What is the transition or acclimatization process?
This a period of time (at least six weeks) where the cat is contained in an enclosed space at the alternative placement location to help it to adjust to its new home.
For more information, please find our full Feline Alternative Placement Program here.
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