A Sequenced Process Before Physical Intake
The FELINE TRANSITIONS® intake process is intentionally staged. Each phase has a purpose: understanding the cat, reviewing the records, documenting the care pathway, identifying the resources required, and confirming whether the program is the right fit before intake is scheduled.
Structured Re-homing Is Not the Same as Surrender
Many cats entering re-homing conversations are not simply “available for adoption.” They may be grieving, hiding, overgrooming, medically sensitive, behaviorally overwhelmed, socially mismatched, or struggling in a home that no longer supports their regulation.
FELINE TRANSITIONS® creates a documented process for understanding those cats before placement decisions are made. The goal is not speed. The goal is a safer, more informed transition with a stronger chance of long-term success.
How FELINE TRANSITIONS® Is Supported
FELINE TRANSITIONS® is funded through a combination of guardian contributions and substantial in-kind support provided by Cats in the City. This support may include facilities, staffing, transportation, housing infrastructure, administrative services, behavioral observation, clinical grooming resources, and adoption placement efforts.
At present, Cats in the City Rescue does not receive dedicated funding sufficient to fully underwrite each transition. Until long-term funding sources are secured, meaningful participation from guardians is requested to help support the costs associated with assessment, stabilization, housing, rehabilitation, and placement.
Contribution pathways are designed to share responsibility for the transition while allowing Cats in the City Rescue to continue serving cats with a wide range of medical, behavioral, and financial circumstances.
Understanding Program Participation
FELINE TRANSITIONS® is a privately funded program. Unlike many traditional shelters, Cats in the City Rescue does not receive dedicated government or institutional funding sufficient to fully subsidize the assessment, housing, stabilization, rehabilitation, and placement services provided through the program.
As part of the assessment process, guardians who wish to proceed receive a Structured Re-homing Contribution document outlining projected costs and available participation pathways.
While every case is unique, guardians should anticipate that meaningful financial participation is typically requested if they choose to move forward with the program.
Submitting an application does not commit you to any contribution level. The assessment phase exists so that everyone understands the cat’s needs, the resources required, and whether the program is the right fit before any participation decision is made.
Program Participation Is Reviewed After Assessment
Submitting an application begins the assessment phase. If FELINE TRANSITIONS® appears to be an appropriate fit and the guardian chooses to proceed, Cats in the City Rescue provides a Structured Re-homing Contribution document outlining the projected investment and available participation pathways.
Full Cost Sponsorship
Supports the full projected cost of the cat’s structured transition, including assessment, housing, care, placement, and follow-up.
Shared Care Contribution
Allows the guardian and rescue to share responsibility for the transition while Cats in the City Rescue underwrites remaining costs.
Community Support Contribution
Provides an entry-level participation pathway when the rescue combines guardian support with broader program resources.
Care Now Plan
When appropriate, selected contribution levels may be eligible for installment arrangements before physical intake is scheduled.
FELINE TRANSITIONS® Structured Re-homing Application
This application begins the assessment phase. It does not guarantee acceptance into the program. After application review, veterinary record review, and assessment preparation, Cats in the City Rescue will provide next-step recommendations.