Adoption Process


๐Ÿพ Interested in Adopting?

Hereโ€™s What We Need From You

Once a kitten or cat becomes available on our website, please send us an honest email telling us about your home, lifestyle, and what youโ€™re looking for in a companion.

We need more than just โ€œfamily of four looking for a tabby.โ€
We do not adopt based on colour โ€” we carefully match personalities and energy levels to the right home and lifestyle. After all, you wouldnโ€™t choose a companion for the next 12โ€“18 years based on hair colour alone.

Why We Ask for Details

Your information helps us understand you, your household, and your expectations. This allows us to make the best possible match, so honesty is important.

Please donโ€™t be discouraged if we suggest a different cat or kitten than the one you enquired about โ€” it simply means we believe another may be a better fit for your home.

  • Busy households may not suit shy or sensitive cats

  • Quiet homes may not suit highly energetic kittens

  • Homes with young children may not suit kittens that are still learning boundaries

Finding the right match ensures the best outcome for both the cat and their new family.

All Kitty Haven Cats and Kittens Are:

  • Microchipped

  • Desexed

  • Vaccinated

  • Flea and worm treated

Adoption Donation

  • Kittens: $250

  • Adults: $150

  • Seniors (8+ years): $100

  • Purebred: Price varies depending on breed, age, and temperament

A Commitment for Life

We want the very best outcomes for our cats and their families. Adoption is a long-term commitment of 12โ€“18 years, and itโ€™s important we get it right for everyone involved.

If, at any stage in your catโ€™s life, your circumstances change and you can no longer keep them, we ask that you contact us. We will always support you in finding the best possible outcome.

Essentials for Owning a Cat
๐Ÿพ Everything your cat needs to feel safe, healthy, and at home

Bringing a cat into your life is a long-term commitment. Having the right setup from day one helps them settle quickly and reduces stress for both of you.

Safe Environment

  • A warm, quiet space to settle in (especially for the first few days)

  • Secure windows and doors while they adjust

  • A safe indoor space or a secure outdoor plan

Food & Water

  • High-quality dry and/or wet food (consistent diet is important)

  • Fresh water available at all times

  • Separate food and water bowls (not right next to each other is ideal)

Litter Setup

  • At least 2 litter trays (rule of thumb: number of cats + 1)

  • Good quality litter

  • Scoop daily and clean regularly

  • Place trays in quiet, low-traffic areas

Comfort & Rest

  • Soft bedding in a warm spot

  • Safe places to hide (boxes, covered beds, quiet corners)

  • Elevated spots if possible (cats feel safer up high)

Enrichment & Play

  • Toys (wand toys, balls, chew toys)

  • Scratching posts or pads (to protect furniture and support natural behaviour)

  • Daily interaction and playtime

Health Care

  • Regular vet checks

  • Up-to-date vaccinations

  • Flea and worm prevention

  • Desexing and microchipping (all Kitty Haven cats already have this done)

Ongoing Costs

  • Food

  • Litter

  • Routine vet care

  • Unexpected medical costs (important to plan for)

Time, Patience & Commitment

  • Time to bond and build trust

  • Understanding that adjustment can take days or weeks

  • A commitment of 12โ€“18 years

๐Ÿพ Kitty Haven Tip
Every cat is different. Some settle in straight away, others need time. Go at their pace, keep things calm, and let them come to you.

Kitty Haven Online Store โ€“ FAQ ๐Ÿพ

๐Ÿ“ฆ When will my order be sent?
We usually send orders within 2โ€“3 working days.

๐Ÿšš How long does delivery take?
Around 2โ€“5 working days (a bit longer for rural areas).

๐Ÿ“ Can I pick up my order?
Yes! Pickup is available from Northcote, Christchurch โ€” but strictly by appointment. Message us to arrange a time ๐Ÿ˜Š

๐Ÿ”„ Do you accept returns?
We can help if your item is faulty or incorrect โ€” just contact us within 5 days with a photo.
We donโ€™t offer returns for change of mind.

๐Ÿ’ณ Is payment secure?
Yes โ€” all payments are processed through secure providers. We donโ€™t store your card details.

๐Ÿฑ Where does the money go?
Every purchase helps fund food, vet care, and rescue work for our cats and kittens โค๏ธ

โ“ Still have questions?
Send us a message โ€” weโ€™re always happy to help!

Thank you for supporting Kitty Haven ๐Ÿพ

.Kitty Haven โ€“ Store Policies

Thank you for supporting Kitty Haven. Every purchase helps provide food, medical care, and shelter for cats and kittens in need.

Shipping Policy

We aim to process and dispatch all orders within 2โ€“3 working days.

Delivery Timeframes:

  • Standard delivery: 2โ€“5 working days after dispatch

  • Rural delivery may take longer

Shipping:

  • NZ-wide shipping available

  • Shipping is calculated at checkout or offered as a flat rate

Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary due to courier delays.

 Returns & Refunds

As a registered charity, all purchases directly support our rescue work.

We will offer returns or refunds if:

  • Your item arrives damaged or faulty

  • You receive the wrong item

Please contact us within 5 days of receiving your order, including a photo of the issue.

We are unable to offer refunds for:

  • Change of mind

  • Used items

  Privacy Policy

We collect basic information (name, contact details, and address) to process your order and communicate with you.

Your information will:

  • Only be used for order processing and support

  • Not be sold or shared, except with trusted services (couriers, payment providers)

All payments are processed securely through third-party providers. Kitty Haven does not store payment details.

  Terms & Conditions

  • All prices are in NZD

  • Kitty Haven is not currently GST registered

  • Orders are processed within 2โ€“3 working days

  • Products should be used appropriately and under supervision (for pet items)

Kitty Haven reserves the right to update policies as needed.

 

Local Pickup

Pickup is available by arrangement from:

51 Morrison Ave, Northcote, Christchurch

  • Appointment only

  • We will confirm a suitable time before collection

  • Please do not arrive without confirmation

As this is a working rescue and clinic, we appreciate your understanding and respect for our space.

If you have any questions, please get in touch โ€” we are always happy to help.

Thank you for supporting Kitty Haven ๐Ÿพ