Intake Closure Situations
What is a “critical” case for your rescue?
Critical cases are life-threatening or urgent, like severe trauma, uncontrolled pain, failure to thrive, or medical emergencies that cannot safely wait. These cases get first priority.
Do critical cases always get approved?
Not always. We still need an open foster home, funding for care, and a safe plan. When we can’t help, we try to share resources or networking options.
Can Owner surrenders be denied?
Yes. We prioritize the stray cat population first. if a stable owner surrender is being processed and we are alerted to a stray in severe distress, we will prioritize that stray over a stable owner surrendered cat.
What is a “non-critical” case?
Non-critical cases include stable medical or behavioral issues that are important but not immediately life-threatening, such as chronic but controlled conditions. These cases get second priority.
Why do you sometimes close intake?
We close intake when all foster homes are full or medical costs are at capacity. This protects the cats already in our care and prevents burnout for our team.
What can I do if intake is closed?
We encourage you to contact local shelters/rescues, work with your vet, and use rehoming tools. We may be able to share your cat on social media when possible.
Owner Surrender Policies
Can I surrender my cat to The Calico Coalition?
We are a small, foster-based rescue and can only accept a limited number of cats at a time. Approval depends on space, medical needs, and whether your cat fits our special-needs focus.
What kinds of cats do you prioritize for intake?
We focus on special needs cats and kittens with traumatic injuries, disabilities, or serious medical conditions who have no other safe options.
Why might my surrender request be declined?
We may decline if we have no open foster homes, if your cat’s needs fall outside our mission, or if another local resource is better suited to help.
What information do you need to consider a surrender?
We ask for medical history, behavior notes, current medications, and how your cat does with people and other animals, plus photos or videos if possible.
Is surrendering my cat a guarantee you will take them?
No. Submitting a form only starts the review process. We approve based on space, safety, and our ability to provide proper care.
Foster-to-Adopt Support
Q: What is a foster-to-adopt trial?
A: It’s a set trial period where the cat lives with you as a temporary foster while we stay the legal owner. If it’s a good fit, you finalize the adoption at the end.
Q: Why do you require foster-to-adopt instead of standard adoptions?
A: Many of our cats have special needs. Trials let you learn their routine, vet care, and limitations with our support before making a lifelong decision. We want to ensure our cats and adopters feel supported in their decision to open their hearts to a forever companion. This rule applies to even the cats without special needs!
Q: How long is the foster-to-adopt period?
A: Trial length can vary by cat, but we set a clear timeframe up front so everyone knows when we’ll decide together about final adoption. FTA Trials typically last between 2-4 weeks.
Q: Who pays for medical care during the trial?
A: During foster-to-adopt, we typically remain responsible for approved medical care through our partner vets, as outlined in your foster agreement.
Q: What if the cat isn’t a good fit during the trial?
A: Your honesty keeps cats safe. If it’s not working, we bring the cat back into our program, collect feedback, and work to find a better-matched home.
Q: When do I become the cat’s legal owner?
A: You become the legal owner once the foster-to-adopt trial is approved and the adoption contract and fee are completed.