Adopting a cat in Birmingham—my Kitty Kat Haven story

Are you considering adopting a cat? The Greater Birmingham Area is home to many reputable animal shelters and rescues where you can find a furry BFF. As a fellow feline fan who recently adopted a cat, here’s why I chose Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue.

Adopting a kitten in Birmingham—our story

My family and I were considering getting a cat; our 16-year-old cat had recently passed away and our other kitty, Gizmo, seemed bored and lonely. 

One morning, I opened a local e-newsletter that included an adoptable pet section. A few clicks later, my screen greeted me with an adorable kitten named Bop who was being fostered by Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue (KKHR)—a locally operated nonprofit in Hoover whose mission is to save abandoned strays and injured cats and kittens.

Before I knew what was happening, I had filled out an online adoption form and clicked submit. 

Within 24 hours, KKHR contacted the references listed on my application, and a few days later I had a call scheduled with KKHR to discuss adopting.

Finding your new kitten at Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue

KKHR’s adoption process takes about a week from start to finish.

First, go here to see cats and kittens available for adoption.

If you see a cat you feel may be a good match, fill out an application. It will will be reviewed and processed (allow 4 to 5 business days). 

If your application goes through, KKHR will schedule a call with you. Expect a fairly lengthy call (mine lasted about 45 minutes). Why so long? KKHR doesn’t just give their adoptable kitties to anyone. They want to get a good feel for who you are as a pet owner and what kind of home their cats will be living in.

Here are some things to expect during the call: 

• You’ll be walked through your adoption application.
• You’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have and even get some tips on cat ownership.
• You’ll learn about any KKH adoptables you have an interest in.

If KKHR feels you are a good fit, you’ll move forward in the adoption process.

It was during this call I was told there were many applications ahead of mine for Bop the kitten. So, we moved on and started looking at other KKHR adoptables.

Meet Kitty Kat Haven’s adoptable cats

Feline love. (Patience Itson / Bham Now)

KKHR has both adult cats and kittens available for adoption. Here are some things to know:

Adult cat adoption info:

• Adult cats are available for visitation at Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue as well as Gatos and Beans Cat Café in Avondale.

Kitten adoption info:

• All KKHR kittens live in foster homes. They are not located at Kitty Kat Haven for visitations.  
• Kittens must be 8 weeks, 2 pounds, vaccinated and microchipped to go to their forever homes or participate in an adoption event.  
• Pre-Adoptions are possible for kittens between the ages of 6-8 weeks. 
• With an approved application, a meeting can be arranged in a foster’s home or at the Haven if the kitten has been vaccinated.

Cats that are old enough for adoption (over 6 weeks) will visit Pet Supplies Plus in Pelham on weekends. Here you can meet their foster parent, ask questions and, best of all, meet the cat or (cats!) you’re interested in adopting. 

While all interested adopters are welcome to visit kitten adoption events, a pre-approved application (one approved by an adoption coordinator) is required to adopt on the same day as your visit. Otherwise, your application will be processed the next business day.

You can follow KKHR’s Facebook page to keep up with their local kitten adoption events.

It was during our visit to KKHR’s adoption event in Hoover that we found our newest fur-baby—Parker.

KKHR found him abandoned with his three siblings at just a few weeks old. All were very sick with terrible eye infections. A KKHR foster took them in, providing them around-the-clock-care (including giving them each medicine every four hours!) until they were nursed back to health. 

While all kittens are adorable, we felt a connection with Parker. We paid the fee via Venmo that night and the next day we met Parker’s foster mom at a designated spot to pick him up. 

We decided to rename him Theo and have been in love with him since the moment he became ours.

How did our older cat Gizmo feel about having a little brother? Let’s just say after 24 hours of hiding under the bed, he and Theo bonded over the fascination of a laser pointer and have been best buds ever since.

Adopting your new kitten from Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue

When you find your fur-ever feline, you’ll be asked to pay an adoption fee. 

• Single Kitten/Adult $135 
• $210 for 2 Kitten/Adult (pairs are always best!) 

If you think this is costly, you’ll likely change your mind when you discover the many savings KKHR provides its adopters. 

Before a cat is adopted, KKHR provides them with these things:

• 3 FVRCP shots
• Spay/Neuter certificate (if animal has not already been altered)
• Rabies shot (if older than 6 months)
• Combo test for FIV/FeLV (All cats or kittens must be negative for
• Deworming + flea treatment
• Microchipped (owner will pay to activate the microchip)

More Birmingham animal rescues + shelters

If you’re considering adopting or fostering a cat, KKHR is a wonderful place to do it. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with adoptable, events and more.

Interested in other local animal rescues helping cats, dogs and more? There are many in the Greater Birmingham Area to consider. Check out some in the list below:

• Alabama Spay and Neuter
• Bama Bully Rescue
• Dixie Girl Rescue
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society
• Saving Grace Animal Rescue
• Two by Two Rescue
• Uno’s Home for Wayward Cats and Dogs

For more stories like this including adoptable pets around Birmingham,sign up for Bham Now’s free newsletter today.