How Does The Process Work?

If you are interested in adopting a Garden Cat please contact us at adoptions@hssv.org or 408-262-2133 x150. Garden Cats that are available for adoption are currently housed at The Marilyn & Fred Anderson Community Cat Garden in our Animal Community Center (ACC) in Milpitas. In order to find you the right cat and provide the tools needed for a successful Garden Cat transition and adoption, we will discuss the program in detail and find out more about what you are looking for. Read about the requirements for housing, transition and ongoing care of Garden Cats here.

Is A Garden Cat For Me?

We are committed to adopting our garden cats into a safe environment. We are here to help you create a great place for a garden cat to work and thrive in their new outdoor home.

Things to Consider Before Adopting:

Is the property near a busy road or in an area with known predators such as coyotes?

• If so, are there adequate retreats or a safe alternative area for a free roaming cat to live?

Is anyone on or near the property using poison or bait to kill rodents?

• If so, find out who and if they are willing to stop or switch to a humane, live trap to remove rodents. Cats that ingest rodents who have been poisoned will also be poisoned.

Is there a safe, dry place for the cat to use for shelter?

• Cats are resilient but need a warm, dry place in cold or wet weather. Cats also need places to hide from humans, dogs or scary things like thunder and lightning. Check out easy to purchase shelter options in our Garden Cat Adoption Guide.

Will you or someone on the property be feeding and monitoring the cat?

• Garden cats need caretakers and cannot survive on their own. Food, water, shelter and monitoring health of Garden Cats is necessary for their well-being.

Where will your garden cat transition?

• Garden cats need time to transition safely in their new environment. A transition structure is necessary, and should be established prior to adopting a garden cat. This transition structure must be protected from the elements and predators, and set up with a litter box and a hidey-hole for them to feel safe during the transition. Our counselors can help review your transition space and make suggestions on how to set it up for optimal safety and comfort.

Are There Multiple Cats?

While Garden Cats may not enjoy the company of humans, many cats do enjoy the company of other felines! We wholeheartedly recommend adopting at least two Garden Cats (if you have the confinement space) for twice the benefit and so they will have companionship in their new home.

Is There An Adoption Fee?

Yes, the adoption fee for Garden Cats is $10 per cat. Donations are always welcome!

Required Items to Adopt: Please come prepared with a hard-sided cat carrier. One hard-sided cat carrier is required per garden cat. No other carriers will be accepted. We recommend this one!

Please review our adoption guide before reaching out to make sure a garden cat is the right choice for you. Our counselors are happy to answer your questions and get you and your garden cat set up for success!