Furrever Friends Rescue and Volunteers, Inc.
24 Hour Hotline - 856-845-8554
Adoptable Pets
FAQS / LINKS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Furrever Friends take an animal that I found and/or can not care for?
What can I do if someone in my household is allergic to animals?
What can I do if my landlord wants me to get rid of my pets?
How should I introduce a new cat to my current cat(s)?
Where can I find information on low-cost spaying/neutering?
What is Furrever Friends' policy on declawing?
My cat won't use the litterbox. What can I do?
Should I give a pet as a gift?
What are the advantages of adopting two kittens instead of one?
>> Other Links / Resources <<
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this site is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified veterinarian who is familiar with your pet(s). Also, mentions of product or services do not necessarily imply endorsement by Furrever Friends Rescue & Volunteers.
Q: What types of animals do you rescue?
A: Although we will strive to find a home for whatever animal crosses our path, cats are our specialty. We have rescued dogs on occasion; also, we can provide references for rescue groups specializing in other types of animals. Our PetSmart Adoption Center in Deptford, NJ, hosts only cats.
(By the way, we have no relation to a small dog rescue called "Furrever Friends" in Erlanger, Kentucky. That rescue, which used to own the furreverfriends.org web site address and is still listed on some online directories, is no longer in operation.)
Q: Can Furrever Friends take an animal that I found and/or can not care for?
At this time, we are unable to take in any more animals. We are overwhelmed with requests. We hope to have space available in the near future.
Please see more info found on our page: How To Find a Home For a Cat
Q: What can I do if someone in my household is allergic to animals?
A: These days, many solutions are available to allergy-sufferers so they can continue to enjoy their pets. Talk to your doctor about allergy medications (over-the-counter or prescription), allergy shots, or air filtration systems for your home. Talk to your veterinarian about products for bathing and cleaning dander off your pets so that they will be less likely to produce allergens. For more information on managing animal allergies, download this document.
Q: What can I do if my landlord wants me to get rid of my pets?
A: Offer to pay a monthly fee to keep the pet. An extra $25 a month may make your landlord reconsider.
Q: How should I introduce a new cat to my current cat(s)?
A: In short, carefully. Many cat owners are concerned that bringing in a new cat will be highly disruptive and stressful to their existing cat(s). But with care and planning, it can be done so that both new and established cats will acclimate nicely. For details, download this step-by-step instruction sheet.
Q: Where can I find information on low-cost spay/neutering?
A: Many resources are available to help pet owners defray the cost of spaying/neutering their pets. In South Jersey, Save The Animals Foundation (STAF) offers low-cost certificates that pet owners can present to their veterinarians for spaying or neutering. Nationally, Spay USA provides a similar service. The Animal Protection League of New Jersey (APLNJ) maintains a list of spay/neuter resources in New Jersey. Additionally, consult with your vet or local SPCA or Humane Society chapter about resources available in your area.
The following video stresses the importance of spaying/neutering in a fun way (with apologies to the Beatles)...
Q: What is Furrever Friends' policy on declawing?
A: Furrever Friends, like most animal welfare organizations, has a strict no-declaw policy. We do not declaw cats in our care, and adopters must sign a contract stating that they will not have this amputative surgery performed on one of our animals even if the animal causes damage to belongings. Some of the reasons why can be read at www.declawing.com; we urge you to visit this highly informative site.
Furrever Friends does, however, intake cats that have previously been declawed. Potential adopters interested in a declawed cat should review our cats for adoption to see if a declawed cat is available.
Q: My cat won't use the litterbox. What can I do?
A: Most cats take to their litterboxes naturally, but sometimes, cats refuse to use them. That, of course, is a problem... but there are solutions to getting your cat re-acquainted with her litterbox:
- Make sure the litterbox is clean and contains fresh litter. Cats will often not use a box that has not been cleaned. Litter should be changed or scooped at least once a day, and the box should be washed out regularly.
- Ensure that the litterbox is in a convenient, unobstructed place for the cat. Some cats prefer that the box be in a discreet location, so you may need to try different locations to see which one your cat prefers.
- Choose a litterbox design (open, enclosed, high sides, etc.) that your cat likes. This might be a "trial and error" process, so observe your cat's litterbox habits to determine which type of box would suit her best. Pet stores sell a variety of litterbox designs.
- If you have multiple cats in your household, make sure that you have more than one litterbox. Ideally, have at least one litterbox for each cat.
- For kittens having difficulty learning how to use a box, use a training litter that contains attractants. These litters are available at most pet shops. More details on how to litter-train kittens are available here.
- To litter-train a cat that has previously been living outside, put outdoor elements such as dirt or sand in the box. Then, as the cat becomes accustomed to the box, replace these with ordinary litter.
- Some cats will refuse to use a box with scented litter. Switch litters to an unscented type. Again, choosing a litter type that your cat will like may be a "trial and error" process.
- Declawed cats may find regular clay-based litter irritating to their paws, and may be reluctant to use the box as a result. Try paper-based or grain-based litters, which a declawed cat might find more comfortable.
- To train or re-train a cat to use a litterbox, keep the cat in a confined space for awhile, so that she cannot miss her box (and will not "go" in other areas of your house).
- If your cat suddenly stops using the litterbox, this could be a sign of a health problem such as a urinary tract infection or a blockage. Consult your veterinarian, who can prescribe medications and even a special diet to correct the problem. It could also be a sign of stress or anxiety; in this case, remove the stressor. Your vet can also prescribe an anti-anxiety medication if necessary.
Q: Should I give a pet as a gift?
A: Since the adoption of a pet is both a deeply personal decision and a long-term committment, pets should never be given as gifts, even if the recipient claims to want one. Furrever Friends will not adopt out any animal that is to be given as a gift. Instead, the recipient must complete an application, and upon approval, the animal will be adopted directly to the recipient.
If you would like to "surprise" the recipient, you can present him/her with a card and note saying you will pay the adoption fee for a Furrever Friends animal. Then, the recipient can view our website or visit our PetSmart adoption center for possible animals to adopt. An alternative gift idea is to make a donation to Furrever Friends in the recipient's name (and since we are a non-profit organization, the donation is tax-deductible).
Additionally, pets should not be introduced to the home around Christmas or any other time that is unusually busy or when you expect lots of company; instead, wait until after the holidays to adopt. For more information about why pets should not be given as gifts, visit this web page.
Q: What are the advantages of adopting two kittens instead of one?
A: When considering whether to adopt a kitten, consider adopting two instead of one. There are many advantages to doing this that will make the adoption and acclimation process easier, will keep your new friends entertained, will save you work... and will allow you to save two lives instead of just one! Read more reasons why two adopted kittens will double your fun... (.pdf)
Other Links/Resources
Links of Interest For Animal Lovers
Downloadable Information
- Furrever Friends TNR Instructions (.pdf)
- How to Find a Home for a Homeless Pet (.pdf)
- Top 10 Reasons Why Two Kittens are Better than One (.pdf)
- How to Introduce a New Cat into Your Home (.pdf)
- Coping with Allergies (.pdf)
Other Shelters and Rescue Organizations (Regional)
- Animal Adoption Center, Lindenwold, NJ
- Animal Orphanage, Voorhees, NJ
- Animal Sanctuary, Mt. Laurel, NJ
- Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees, NJ
- Associated Humane Societies / Popcorn Park Zoo, Forked River, NJ
- Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Philadelphia, PA
- Tri-State Bird Rescue, Newark, DE
Animal Health
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Resources
- APLNJ resource list
- Save The Animals Foundation, Deptford, NJ
- Spay USA
Feral Cat Care / TNR
- Alley Cat Allies
- Furrever Friends TNR Instructions (.pdf)
- How to Release a Skunk from an Animal Trap
- Project TNR (APLNJ)
Advocacy Organizations
Other Resources