Question 1

Why adopt a cat from Mykonos?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a cat from Mykonos is a compassionate choice that goes beyond welcoming a new feline friend into your home. With approximately 30,000 stray cats enduring daily hardships on the island, your decision to adopt becomes a life-saving gesture. These resilient cats bring an exceptional sweetness to their new surroundings, often displaying an innate gratitude that makes the adoption experience transformative for both you and your new companion. By opening your heart and home to a cat from Mykonos, you're not only offering them a second chance at a better life but also giving hope to our efforts and raising awareness about the plight of strays on the island. Your adoption helps us garner more support and collectively improve animal welfare in the community.

Question 2

How long does the adoption application process typically take?

Accepted Answer

It typically takes about a week from completing the application to approval, depending on our current availability. If you are adopting from a country where we have an upcoming flight escort, we will expedite the process.

Question 3

I have completed the adoption application, when should I expect to hear from you?

Accepted Answer

Once we receive your application, you can expect a response within 3 days. If you haven't heard from us after 3 days, please reach out through our website's contact form or via Instagram.

Question 4

Will I receive notification if my application is not approved?

Accepted Answer

If your application is not approved, we will inform you. If you don't hear from us within 3 days of applying, please reach out via our website or Instagram for an update on your application status.

Question 5

What are the adoption fees, and what do they cover?

Accepted Answer

You can find a detailed breakdown of the adoption fees here.(https://www.mykonoscats.org/adoption-cost) These costs include veterinary fees required for your cat to travel, travel expenses, and any additional services you choose. We always advise consulting with your veterinarian or conducting your own research before deciding which services you want.

Question 6

Why is the cost of adopting a cat from you higher compared to local rescues?

Accepted Answer

There are three main reasons for this difference. Firstly, all our cats come from Mykonos, which means added expenses such as the pet ticket, carrier, rabies vaccine, and passport are necessary for their relocation. Secondly, we do not aim to compete with local rescues; we encourage adopting locally before considering international options for your future cat. Lastly, none of our donations are used for adoption purposes; every donation directly supports cats still on the streets and aids in our sterilization efforts. Many established rescues have sufficient funds to help reduce adoption fees, but our primary goal is prevention. That said, our adoption costs are still lower than if you were to undergo the same veterinary procedures outside of Greece. If you're unable to afford the initial adoption cost, you may face challenges meeting your cat's future needs.

Question 7

I'm in Mykonos and want to adopt a cat that I found, can you help me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We're here to assist you throughout the entire adoption process. Whether it's helping you book your ticket or scheduling a vet appointment for necessary documents, we'll be by your side every step of the way.

Question 8

How are cats selected from Mykonos for adoption?

Accepted Answer

Our priority is to rescue and rehome the most vulnerable cats from Mykonos. This often includes abandoned kittens who are unable to survive on the streets without their mother, as well as chronically ill cats, those facing bullying, white cats susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, and cats from areas where their caregiver is leaving, leaving them at risk of hunger. Additionally, we consider cats who demonstrate a strong affection for people and a desire for indoor life.

Question 9

Are the cats that you adopt out healthy?

Accepted Answer

All our cats available for adoption come from the streets with unknown backgrounds, so we unfortunately cannot guarantee their health. This is clearly outlined in our adoption application and contract to ensure potential adopters understand the risks. However, we would never knowingly give someone a sick cat without disclosing the illness beforehand. At least 3 days before travel, our cats undergo a health check by our vet to get clearance to fly. Despite this, hidden illnesses can sometimes present symptoms after the flight due to high stress levels.

Question 10

What is the best way to educate myself and create the ideal home for my new pet?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prepare and create an ideal home for your new pet is to start with research. Learn about the specific needs, behaviors, and health requirements of the type of pet you're adopting. This can include reading books, articles, or reliable online sources, and consulting with veterinarians or experienced pet owners. Create a safe and comfortable environment by pet-proofing your home, setting up necessary supplies like food, water, bedding, and toys, and ensuring you have a regular schedule for feeding, grooming, exercise, and veterinary care. Finally, be patient and understanding as your pet adjusts to its new surroundings, providing love, attention, and positive reinforcement to build a strong bond. For more tips you can read our adoption guide here.(https://www.mykonoscats.org/adoption-guide)

Question 11

Why do you not send cats to the U.K.?

Accepted Answer

Pet travel to the UK is notoriously challenging and expensive due to stringent regulations aimed at preventing the spread of diseases like rabies. The process typically involves extensive paperwork, microchipping, rabies vaccinations, blood tests, and waiting periods that can span months. Additionally, pets must enter the UK through approved travel routes and designated points of entry, adding to the overall cost and complexity for pet owners. Due to the extensive costs involved, which can amount to upwards of 900 pounds, we believe that the effort and expense of pet travel to the UK are not justified. Therefore, we do not facilitate adoptions to this destination and recommend exploring local rescue organizations where adoption costs are typically lower and more manageable.

Question 12

Is it possible to adopt if we're outside Europe?

Accepted Answer

We do not send our cats outside of Europe. We recommend that adopters outside of Europe search for a local rescue to find a cat that matches their criteria. The exception to this is if someone is on vacation in Mykonos and falls in love with a cat, wanting to take it back home with them. In such cases, we are happy to assist with the process to ensure the cat travels safely.