FAQs

If you don’t see your question addressed below, be sure to check our Resources page!
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About Happy Cats

Your cats are safe here. Why shouldn't I adopt a cat who might die at a regular shelter instead?

We do take care of each and every cat or kitten until they are adopted. However, for every cat we rescue, there are dozens more waiting to come in. Each one you adopt from Happy Cats saves two: the one you take home and the one who then gets to come in. We are also committed to taking back any of our adopted cats, for any reason.

What can I do to help?

We have a few different options! Whether you’d like to DonateVolunteer, or Foster—we so appreciate your help! 

Why have a cat-only shelter?

Nationwide, around 9 out of 10 dogs in shelters find a home. For cats, it’s only about 1 out of 3. We’d like to put a dent in those horrific statistics by showing people what great companions cats can be. We also spay and neuter each cat to help reduce the kitten explosion that leads to over 3,000 cat and kitten euthanasias a year in the Pikes Peak region alone.

Why we think our cats and kittens are worth every penny of their adoption fees:
  • They are as stress-free as we can make them, which makes them healthier & happier
  • Lower stress also helps them show us their true personalities, so we can make the best match with you, the adopter
  • They (or a sibling or mother) have been tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency viruses, two of the deadliest & most communicable feline diseases
  • They are already spayed or neutered, helping to solve the problem of thousands of homeless cats & kittens in our region
  • They come with at least one upper respiratory vaccination, two if they are kittens
  • They are microchipped so they might be located if lost
  • They have a food & litter starter kit that gets them off to a good start, whether you change their food or not
  • They come with a free vet visit voucher for a well-kitty checkup to set them up in good health
  • They support each other. Kitten fees are higher to support the time, supplies and nurturing that older cats sometimes need to get adopted.
  • We think that getting something for free devalues him or her. All cats are living, feeling creatures who are worth more than a curb alert on Craigslist. If you can’t commit to an adoption fee, how are you going to commit to a cat’s expenses for the next 15-20 years?
  • You can take all the time you need to decide on your next best feline friend at Happy Cats. Our comfortable home-like colonies set the cats at ease and will set you at ease too.
  • The average price of veterinary bills for each cat or kitten is around $90. Our adoption fees help to offset that.
  • Our cats come with behavior advice or referrals for life. If we can’t help to solve a behavior issue, we know someone who can.
  • Our cats & kittens can be brought back for us to find a new home at any point. We want the best for them…and for you!

Cat Care

My cat got out and hasn't come home! What should I do?

Most fixed cats do not leave home unless something scares them away. Lost cats do not behave like they do in your home because fear can shut them down. The clock is ticking when your cat is missing. [Read More…]

I don't want my cat to scratch my new leather sofa. Why shouldn't I just have him declawed?

Declawing amputates the last bone in each toe, and severs tendons, nerves and muscles. During the surgery–even when anesthetized–cats often moan aloud as there is no anesthetic strong enough to remove the deep bone pain that declawing causes. [Read More…]

Why can't I just turn my new kitty loose in the house and let him figure it out?

Cats are creatures of habit and change can be very stressful for them. The best way to help him or her transition to your home, with the least amount of stress, is by creating a separate “safe room” to stay in for the first few weeks of coming into your home. [Read More…]

My cat did great in her Safe Room but is now hiding a lot. Can I move her back?

Absolutely! It is possible that the size difference from her “safe room” to the entirety of your house was too much change for her. You can always scale back the amount of space available to her. Put her back in her “safe room” for a week or so. When she starts acting confident again you can then open up a larger portion of the house to her for a few weeks. Play with her in this space so she has positive associations with it. Then, when she seems confident in this portion of your house, open up the rest of the place to her at that time.

I just found out I'm allergic to my cat! Is there anything I can do so I can keep him?

Yes there are! Many of us at Happy Cats have cat allergies, but have found ways to help us live with them. [Read More…]

Why did my cat stop using the litter box?

Most cats and kittens will instinctively use the litter box. If your feline friend has suddenly started eliminating outside their litter box they may have a medical issue or be trying to tell you something. Medical reasons can include: Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), arthritis, kidney stones, blockage, etc. [Read More…]

I've heard I should have a litter box for each cat plus one extra. Why can't they share?

Experts say the extra box is good insurance against litter box issues. All litter boxes should be easily accessible for your cat. If you have multiple cats you are going to want to have multiple locations for the boxes in case more than one kitty needs to utilize the box at a time. [Read More…]

How often should I clean my cat's litter box?

At a minimum, you should be scooping the litter box daily, but you can do more frequently if you choose.

I'm expecting a baby and want my cat to like him. Can I do anything for that?

Bringing home a baby changes everything…for everyone! Happy Cats ends up with many perfectly wonderful cats who weren’t given the chance to adapt to having a new baby in the house. [Read More…]

I have a dog but would like a cat too. Can cats and dogs ever get along?

Yes they can! We have lots of happy tales about our cats being best friends with their dogs. [Read More…]

My cat is terrified of the vet and I just hate taking him there. Is there anything I can do for that?

You’re not alone. Research says that 38% of people with cats get stressed just thinking about a vet visit…and we all know it’s way higher for cats! Here are a few things you can try. [Read More…]

What should I feed my cat?

People have very strong opinions about what to feed our little carnivores. [Read More…]