Welcome to Our Learn More Page
This page covers everything you need to know about how Cat Noir Rescue works—from our adoption process, fees, and what's included, to our return and surrender policies, and the many ways you can help. Whether you're looking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, this is the place to begin.
Adopting
Learn about our adoption process, fees, whats included, and our return policy
Get Involved
There are many ways to support our rescue and make a difference for cats in need.
At Cat Noir Rescue, our goal is to find loving, responsible, and committed homes for every cat in our care. To help ensure the best possible match, all potential adopters complete our adoption and screening process. Cat Noir Rescue reserves the right to decline an application if we determine that an adoption is not in the best interest of the cat.
The first step is to complete our Adoption Application Form, which can be submitted online or provided as a downloadable PDF upon request. Submitting an application does not obligate you to adopt a specific cat or kitten—it simply helps us get to know you, your household, and what you're looking for in a companion.
Once your application has been reviewed and approved, we'll schedule a video call and virtual home tour. This gives us an opportunity to learn a little more about your home environment, discuss your application, answer any questions, and make sure the cat you're interested in seems like a good fit.
Next comes the fun part: the meet-and-greet! You'll have a chance to meet and spend time with the cat or kitten you're interested in before making a final decision.
Whenever possible, meet-and-greets are held in the potential adopter's home. This allows us to complete the in-person home check at the same time and gives the cat an opportunity to experience the new environment. If everyone feels comfortable moving forward, the adoption contract can be signed and the adoption fee paid at that time, making the adoption official.
If the meet-and-greet takes place at the foster's home, we'll arrange a separate time to bring the cat to your home. This allows us to complete the required in-person home check before finalizing the adoption.
Our process isn't meant to make adoption difficult—we simply want to make sure each placement is safe, thoughtful, and set up for long-term success for both the cat and their new family.
Our Adoption Process
Adoption Fee & What It Covers
Adoption Fees & What They Cover
Our adoption fee is $175 for kittens and cats up to 10 years old. For senior cats over 10 years old, the adoption fee is reduced to $75.
Before adoption, all of our cats receive essential veterinary care and will have been:
Spayed or neutered
Microchipped
Treated for fleas and other common parasites
Dewormed
Vaccinated with age-appropriate vaccines, including FVRCP, FeLV, and rabies
Vaccine Series
Depending on a cat or kitten's age and how long they have been in our care, some vaccine series may still be in progress at the time of adoption.
Kittens receive a series of FVRCP vaccinations spaced several weeks apart as they grow. Similarly, a newly rescued adult cat may be adopted before completing all recommended doses in their FVRCP or FeLV vaccine series.
If any additional vaccine doses are due after adoption, the adopter is responsible for completing the remaining series with their veterinarian. We will provide the cat's available veterinary records so you know what has already been completed and what may still be due.
Where Your Adoption Fee Goes
Adoption fees do not cover the full cost of rescuing and caring for our cats.
In addition to routine veterinary care, we provide necessary medical treatment based on each cat's individual needs. This may include diagnostic testing, bloodwork, fecal testing, X-rays, medications, treatment for upper respiratory infections or other illnesses, and surgery for injuries or congenital conditions.
When a cat requires more extensive medical care, the cost to the rescue can far exceed their adoption fee. Additional donations are always greatly appreciated and allow us to continue helping cats and kittens who need us most.
Once an adoption is finalized, the adopter assumes responsibility for the cat's ongoing veterinary care and associated expenses for the remainder of their life.
If for any reason you wish or need to return a cat you’ve adopted from us, you can do so within 10 days for a full refund of the adoption fee.
After that — be it months or years later — if you need to give up your cat for any reason, we require that you must return him or her to Cat Noir Rescue. We won’t be able to refund the adoption fee, but we will place him/her in a new home. This policy is in place because we don’t ever want our kitties to end up on the streets or at a city shelter ever again.
Our Return Policy
At Cat Noir Rescue, we understand that surrendering a cat can be a difficult and emotional decision. As a small, foster-based rescue with limited space and resources, our ability to accept surrendered cats depends on current foster availability and the individual circumstances of each case.
Our primary mission is to rescue stray, abandoned, and at-risk cats from the streets of Los Angeles, so owner surrenders are not our primary source of intake. However, we do accept surrendered cats on a case-by-case basis when space and resources allow.
Eligibility & Requirements
We only accept healthy cats with no known medical or behavioral issues. Unfortunately, we cannot take in cats who are sick, injured, or require ongoing veterinary care.
All surrendered cats must be friendly, socialized, and safe to handle.
Cats must be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations prior to surrender, or additional fees may apply.
Surrender Fee
A minimum surrender fee of $600 is required to help cover the cost of care.
This fee may increase depending on the cat’s age, condition, or required services.
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid in full at the time of surrender.
How to Begin the Surrender Process
We do not accept walk-in or emergency surrenders.
To begin the process, please contact us directly to request a surrender form.
Once the form is submitted and reviewed, we will reach out to discuss next steps and potential foster placement availability.
If approved, you will be required to sign a Surrender Agreement transferring ownership of the cat to Cat Noir Rescue.
We Do Not Accept:
Cats with illnesses, injuries, or behavioral concerns
Feral or unsocialized cats
Our Surrender Policy
It takes a village to rescue, heal, and rehome cats—and there are so many ways you can be part of that journey. Whether you have time, space, or resources to give, your support makes a life-changing difference.
Foster a Cat
Open your home and heart to a cat in need. Fostering gives cats a safe place to decompress and prepares them for adoption. We provide supplies, vet care, and full support—you provide the love.
Adopt
Give a cat their forever home and change two lives: theirs and yours. Check out our adoptable cats and start your journey today. Every adoption makes space for another rescue.
Donate
Every dollar goes directly to food, vet care, supplies, and transport. You can make a one-time gift, become a monthly donor, or check out our Amazon wish list for items we urgently need.
Purchase Merchandise
Support the rescue while repping your love for cats! Shop our exclusive shirts, mugs, and more—with 100% of proceeds going directly to our rescue efforts.
Spread the Word
Follow us on social media, share our posts, and tell your friends and family about our work. Awareness saves lives—especially for black cats who often go unseen.
Volunteer
Transport cats, help with local events, or lend your skills (photography, web design, grant writing—just to name a few). If you have a talent, there’s a way to use it for good.