Adopting from Alfie's is a structured, thoughtful process. Our guiding principle is simple: we match the most suitable home to each cat's individual needs– never just the first applicant. Here's what to expect.
Read honest profiles covering age, personality, any medical needs, indoor/outdoor requirements and how each cat gets on with children or other pets.
Tell us about your situation. Some questions matter more than you might expect – they help us picture the home each cat would be walking into.
We usually ask about:
A volunteer compares your circumstances against the cat’s needs. This is the heart of how we work: the rescue chooses the most suitable home – not simply the first applicant.
We may call for a friendly chat to talk through expectations, costs, behaviour needs and any safety considerations. It’s a conversation, not an exam.
A quick assessment – in person, over video, or via photos – to make sure the space is a safe fit.
We gently look for:
Meet your potential companion at their foster home. If it feels right, you may pay a deposit or sign an adoption agreement to reserve them.
A set fee helps cover a portion of the veterinary and rehabilitation costs already invested in your cat.
Typically covers:
The best bit. We send you off with settling-in advice, behaviour guidance and ongoing support – we’re only ever an email away.
Your adoption fee reflects the care already given. Every cat leaves us fully prepared for their new life.
Thanks to Petplan, every cat rehomed from Alfie's leaves with 4 weeks' free insurance – covering vet fees for illness or injury while they settle in. No bank details needed, and no obligation to continue.
Provided by Petplan. Terms, conditions and excess apply. About the cover
Every adoption moves at its own pace. A few weeks from application to collection is common.
Fast match
A few days
When the right home appears quickly for a sociable, ready cat.
Average
1–4 weeks
The typical journey from application to collection day.
Complex cases
Longer
Nervous cats, special needs, or finding exactly the right fit takes time – and that’s okay.
Sometimes we have to say no. It's almost never about you.
Bringing a cat home is the beginning, not the end, of our relationship.
A simple guide to help your new cat feel safe and at home in those important first weeks.
Questions or wobbles? We’re here to help you both adjust, for as long as you need.
If a placement ever doesn’t work out, your cat comes back to us – never rehomed privately.
Ownership transfers via an adoption contract and updated microchip registration, in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and England's mandatory cat microchipping rules.
Browse the cats currently looking for homes, or start an application – we'll take it from there.