
FAQ
We understand that you may have some questions about Hidden Gem Cat Rescue. Therefore, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions to give you a better understanding of who we are and what we offer. If there are any other questions you may have that are not listed here, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is always ready to assist you in any way we can.
- 01
We are completely Foster-Based, so we have no Facility! We serve the greater Seattle area, we have Foster Parents from Renton to Marysville, and out toward Monroe as well!
Our Executive Director that handles most concerns is located in Bothell.
- 02
Most of our cats come from transfers or owner surrenders all over Washington State, ranging from Tacoma to Yakima, but we never take in cats from out of state. We firmly believe that transporting cats from outside the state while our own state is still struggling with animal overpopulation would worsen the situation and result in more of the cats already here waiting longer to get adopted, or being left to their fate on the street. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
- 03
If you have another kitty at home, no!
If the kitty you want to adopt is UNDER six months old and you have no other cats at home, yes! This is to prevent single kitten syndrome!
- 04
Please contact us for donation drop off as we have a few locations!
- 05
Please read about fostering on our Fostering Page, and download our Foster Home Guidelines! Once you are comfortable and do not have any questions, fill out our Foster-Onboard form, we will contact you when we have kitties that match your home and foster situation.
- 06
When we have a single kitten and a group of four kittens that arrive on the same day, we must keep them separated for at least two weeks. Many illnesses and diseases have an incubation period of close to two weeks where there are no visible signs or symptoms. If we don't keep the lone kitten separated and it has a contagious disease like ringworm or FIP, the entire group of four kittens will be at risk. It may feel sad to keep them apart, but losing all five kittens to a fatal disease is much more sad! Therefore, we separate them for a short time, ensuring they are all healthy and safe to play together. The same is true when we send kittens off to Foster Homes, we want to protect your pets and we cannot guarantee the babies do not have any illnesses!
- 07
This question does not always have a specific answer, some cats are sick, trying to gain a healthy amount of weight, or are working on being socialized. We cannot put a date on this!
Generally, cats can be adopted after they have been Spayed/Neutered (after they weigh over 2lbs - usually around 8-9 weeks old), Microchipped, Dewormed, Flea Treated, FIV/FeLV Tested, and started on Vaccines.
- 08
Please refer to your Adoption Contract for any clauses regarding returns!
- 09
Many of the Neonatal Kittens are coming from Eastern Washington from
Dave Buster Rescues are a small husband and wife team but they are able to save hundreds a babies every year.
The kittens that come in, come from many places. Whether it is from feral colonies, owners where the momma kitty rejects the babies, or just babies unfortunately found outside, or in dumpsters.
They are able to save so many at large numbers as they take them on immediately, and once they are roughly two weeks old and a little stronger, they transfer them out to other rescues to make space for smaller, more critical babies!
That is where rescues like ours come in!
Other places we receive babies from are other rescues like the Humane Society, or straight from owners as surrenders.
- 10
The best way for you to get involved other than donating crucial supplies for Neonatal Babies would be to Volunteer, Foster, or help Advocate for Spay and Neuter wherever possible!
That includes speaking up to neighbors or friends when you see an unfixed pet, sometimes they don't realize there are programs out there and that people are willing to go to great lengths to help them make sure their pet gets the basic care of sterilization.
We also suggest furthering you education on Neonatal Care, if you are local our rescue is always happy to teach individuals. Otherwise, The Kitten Lady is a wonderful resource!
- 11
The Donations for the Neonatal Kitten Shower allow us to put together items for Foster Parents, necessary for raising many neonatal kittens. Last year we had over 104 neonatal kittens come into our rescue! The cost of formula to raise a neonatal kitten to the age of weaning is roughly $150, this does not take into consideration wipes, shampoo, bottles, nipples, heat disks, blankets and medications if they are ill (which most come in quite under the weather!).
All those little mouths take a lot of care and it adds up quick, the donations make a huge impact and allow us to continue to bring in more neonatal babies, where we may not have been able to prior without that support from donors.