FAQ

How much are your adoption fees?
Our regular adoption fees are:
Kittens (up to one year old): $120
Cats (over the age of one year): $80
Prices are subject to change. Promotional events may occur that reduce these prices (for a limited time only).
Please make sure you speak to a WSC representative about adopting a special needs cat.
What do your adoption fees cover?
Deworming
Treated with a broad-spectrum dewormer for common parasites (tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms). Many cats show no symptoms, but severe cases can affect overall health.

Flea Treatment
Topical flea prevention is applied to all cats. Heavier infestations may also require flea baths and/or oral treatment (CAPSTAR™).

FeLV/FIV Testing
All cats are tested for Feline Leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency /

Core Vaccinations (FVRCP)
Protects against Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

Rabies Vaccine (4+ months old)
Administered according to age guidelines, with boosters required.

Spay/Neuter
Completed prior to adoption. Helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces behavioral issues, and lowers cancer risks.

Microchipping
A permanent ID chip placed under the skin to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Not a GPS tracker. Registration required (we will guide you).

Collar & ID Tag
Each cat receives a collar with a shelter identification tag.
Do I need an appointment to visit? Nope! Just stop in any time during shelter hours. Monday/Thursday 4pm-6pm Wednesday/Friday 2pm-5pm Please note that children age 10 and under are not permitted in our cat rooms, as some of our kitties are shy or easily stressed by younger visitors. We want to provide a calm and comfortable environment for all of the cats in our care. We understand this may be inconvenient and appreciate your understanding. If there is a particular kitty an adult family member is interested in, we are happy to try to arrange a time for a younger child to come in and meet them.
When can I take my new cat home? Cat or Kitten currently in the shelter and already fixed: once approved, you can take them home the next day we are open! Kittens at the shelter but not yet fixed: occasionally we will have kittens available for viewing who are waiting for their surgery dates. These kittens can be reserved but cannot go home until they've been fixed. You will be given a pick-up date when you reserve them.
How long does it take to adopt? You should plan on spending some time simply visiting with the cats to determine the right one for you. This is a lifelong commitment to another living creature, so take your time. Once you choose your new feline family member, you'll need to show identification and fill out a simple adoption application and contract. If you rent your home or apartment, you’ll be expected to provide your landlord’s name and phone number so our adoption counselor can verify that you are permitted to have a cat in your home. If you know your landlord will not be available via phone, please bring a copy of your lease agreement that specifically states that pets are permitted. After that the process is easy. Your application will be reviewed by one of our adoption counselors and you may be asked some follow-up questions. We do not do same-day adoptions, as we are all volunteers and the approval process does take some time, so please do not expect to walk out with your new family member that day.

May I drop off my unwanted cat?
Simply put, you can’t.
West Side Cats does not accept drop-offs because the drop-off issue promotes the thinking that cats are worthless and easily discarded. All of our cats are accepted by appointment only, and a minimum donation is required. To inquire about whether or not there is space available for new cats call 330-792-4228.
My cat is pregnant, what do I do? Pregnant cats can still be spayed right up until the moment of delivery very safely. This prevents unwanted litters from adding to the overpopulation and stops this problem from ever occurring again. Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment to have your cat spayed immediately.
Will you take a stray cat that I found?
Because we are a no-kill shelter we rarely have room for stray cats. Cats in a high-kill shelter who are in danger of being euthanized take priority over owner surrenders and strays. To find out if our shelter has room, please call us at 330-792-4228. A donation to cover the cat’s medical costs and routine care is required for all new cats.
In general, we recommend that you try to find a home for the cat on your own. A shelter should always be the last resort, not the first option.
I'm moving and can't take my cat… can I drop it off? Unfortunately, we are extremely limited on space and are not always able to take in owner surrenders, especially for reasons like moving. We strongly encourage trying to bring your cat with you if at all possible. Cats are family, and rehoming can be very stressful for them. Many rentals will allow pets with a deposit, and there are often ways to work around restrictions. If that truly isn’t an option, your best next step would be to try rehoming directly. We recommend reaching out to friends, family, coworkers, or posting in local groups. We’re happy to offer guidance on how to safely and responsibly rehome if needed. If you’d like, we can also add you to our surrender waitlist, but please be aware that wait times can be long and not guaranteed.
I am (or my child is) allergic to our cat and I need to get rid of it. Unfortunately, we are extremely limited on space and are not always able to take in owner surrenders, especially for reasons like allergies, especially when there may be alternatives to keep the cat in the home. Before considering surrender, we do encourage trying a few options that often make a big difference, like regular cleaning/vacuuming, using air purifiers, keeping the cat out of certain rooms, or speaking with a doctor about allergy management. If rehoming does become necessary, we recommend starting with friends, family, or local groups. We’re happy to provide guidance to help you do that safely. If you’d like, we can also add you to our surrender waitlist, but please be aware that wait times can be long and not guaranteed.
I found a cat, but am waiting for shelter space to open. What can I do? Check if the cat is owned Look for a collar or ID tag Ask neighbors or post in local Facebook groups / Nextdoor Check for lost pet posts in your area Get the cat scanned for a microchip Any vet clinic, shelter, or humane society can scan for free This is often the fastest way to reunite them with an owner Post found pet notices Facebook groups, local rescue pages, PawBoost, and neighborhood apps Include a photo, location found, and general description Do not assume they are stray Friendly, clean cats are often owned or recently lost Reach out to rescues and shelters early Many are full, but getting on a waitlist sooner helps Offer to foster the cat while they list it—this increases chances of intake

What is a feral cat and do you accept them at the shelter? Feral cats are cats that have had little to no human interaction and are not socialized to people. Unlike stray cats, who may have once had a home and can often adjust back to indoor life, feral cats live independently and are most comfortable outdoors. Because of this, a shelter environment can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for them. Being confined indoors, surrounded by unfamiliar people, noises, and other animals can cause intense fear and anxiety. Many feral cats will shut down, stop eating, or become defensive simply because they are trying to protect themselves in a situation they don’t understand. Our shelter is designed to care for and rehome socialized cats and kittens. Unfortunately, placing feral cats into this environment would not be kind to them, as it can cause more harm than good. Feral cats are best supported through humane outdoor programs such as trap-neuter-return (TNR), where they are spayed or neutered and returned to their familiar environment, where they can live safely without contributing to overpopulation.
What can I do about feral cats in my neighborhood? Managment of a colony of cats can be achieved when a resident feeds and cares for these cats. Cat shelters for the winter months can be made out of dog houses, sheds or wooden boxes with access holes for the cats. In order for colony management to be successful, ALL cats in the colony must be fixed to prevent a population explosion. This is accomplished by trapping the cats and taking them to a veterinarian to be fixed. You do not need to have any contact with the cat in order to trap it. Call 330-549-1111 to rent a humane trap for $50 from Angels For Animals. One of their volunteers will show you how to bait and set it. Trap the cat and take it to a vet to be fixed. You can tell if a cat has been TNR'd by a small tip on one of their ears.