How to List a Siamese for Adoption in the United States

What adoption criteria should you set for a Siamese?

Breed rescues publish their rules, and they are a good model. Austin Siamese Rescue, for example, requires that:

• Adopted cats live indoors unless they are on a leash and harness with a family member.
• Cats are not declawed. Declawing is also banned except for medical reasons in states such as New York, Maryland and Massachusetts.
• Resident cats test negative for feline leukemia, are vaccinated and parasite-free, and are spayed or neutered.
• The adopter has a plan for the cat's care if they can no longer keep it.
• Kittens under 6 months generally go in pairs or to a home with another playful pet.

Add the Siamese basics. CFA describes a cat with a need for closeness and human attention, and VCA notes some Siamese become anxious and over-groom when left alone, so look for a home where someone is around a good part of the day or where another friendly cat lives.

How much should a Siamese adoption fee be?

A fee shows commitment and covers vet work you have paid for. Compare with established groups:

Austin Siamese Rescue's fee includes spay or neuter, FVRCP and rabies vaccines, a microchip and parasite treatment. For scale, the ASPCA estimates about $150 for a spay or neuter and $20 for a microchip. State in the listing exactly what your fee covers.

How do you describe a Siamese honestly in an adoption listing?

• Breed. Unless you have papers, say Siamese mix or pointed cat. Austin Siamese Rescue notes that cats from shelters or strays may show color points without being Siamese.
• Color and type. Give the point color, and say whether the cat has the slender modern look or the rounder traditional type.
• Health. Vaccines, spay or neuter, FeLV/FIV results, any rdAc (PRA) DNA result, and conditions such as asthma, dental disease or eyesight problems.
• Behavior. How talkative the cat is, how it copes alone, how it does with cats, dogs and children, and any fabric-sucking or over-grooming.
• Photos. Recent, clear photos of the face, points and whole body.

When the description is ready, list your Siamese for adoption on PetzLover and keep your phone number out of the ad text so applicants message you first. Browsing current Siamese adoption listings helps you pitch the fee and wording.

How do you screen Siamese adopters?

1. Ask for a written application covering the household, schedule, other pets, housing and past cats.
2. Call the applicant's vet to confirm a history of care, as Austin Siamese Rescue does.
3. Hold a phone or video interview. Ask how they feel about a vocal cat and who is home in the day.
4. Visit the home, or ask for a video tour, especially where there are dogs or several animals.
5. Arrange a meeting with the cat and watch how the applicant handles it.
6. Take your time. Austin Siamese Rescue's process takes 7 to 14 days.

What should a Siamese adoption contract include?

• Names and contact details, the cat's description and microchip number.
• The fee and what it covered.
• Indoor living, no declawing, and spay or neuter by a set date if not yet done.
• A return clause: if the adopter cannot keep the cat, it comes back to you, not to a shelter or a stranger.
• Health and behavior issues you disclosed, signed by both parties.
• Agreed updates. Austin Siamese Rescue asks for reports quarterly in the first year, twice in the second and yearly for three more years.

How do you follow up after a Siamese adoption?

Check in after a few days, again after a few weeks and at any agreed points. A cat that cries constantly, over-grooms or stops eating needs a vet visit and more company or play. Transfer the microchip on adoption day and confirm the new owner has updated it.

If an adoption does not work out, take the cat back promptly, as your contract says. Adopters can read how to adopt a Siamese before applying. If you are an owner placing your own cat, how to rehome your Siamese responsibly and how to give away a Siamese for free without risk cover the private routes.