FAQ: What You Need to Know about FUR

We’d love to meet you, but we’re open by appointment only, seven days a week from 1–4 pm. This helps us give every visitor — and every kitty — the attention they deserve. Schedule your visit here.

We’re at 38 Safe Haven Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786. You can also reach us at 1-855-FUR-CATS (1-855-387-2287) or furofwnc1@gmail.com.

FUR is a cage-free sanctuary, which means the adorable furballs roam freely throughout the space. You’ll get to meet the cats on their own terms — some will climb right into your lap, others may take a little longer to warm up. Either way, it’s a pretty wonderful experience.

Yes! We welcome families. We just ask that children be supervised at all times and that adults help little ones interact gently with the kitties. Some of our residents are shy or have had difficult pasts, and calm, quiet energy goes a long way.

Our adoption fee is $100 for a kitten (up to 8 months old) or $75 for an adult. We offer discounts for those adopting two kittens ($150) or two bonded adults ($125). Every kitty goes home already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped — at no extra charge.

The fee helps offset our costs, but it doesn’t come close to covering what we spend caring for each animal. The rest is funded by generous donors like you. If you’d like to give a little extra at adoption time, we won’t say no!

Start by reviewing our adoption application to make sure you can meet our requirements. Then schedule a visit to meet the kitties. If you find your match, one of our lead volunteers will check your personal and veterinarian references and — if you rent — request landlord approval. It’s thorough by design, because we want every placement to last a lifetime.

You can absolutely come in with a cat in mind! That said, we encourage you to keep an open heart. Sometimes the cat that chooses you isn’t the one you expected. Our volunteers know each cat’s personality well and are happy to help make a great match.

It happens, and we know it’s disappointing. We’d encourage you to visit anyway — there are many wonderful kitties waiting to meet you.

We do consider out-of-area adoptions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss your situation.

We ask that you return the cat to FUR rather than rehoming them on your own. Cats returned to us are welcomed back and given whatever time and care they need before finding their next furever home. Please reach out to us — we’d rather help you work through any challenges than see a cat end up in an uncertain situation.

It varies! Our volunteers can tell you what we know about each cat’s history and temperament. We’ll always be upfront about a cat’s needs and quirks — we’d rather help you find the right fit than place a cat in a home that isn’t a good match.

Yes. We reserve the right to decline any application, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our decisions are based on what’s best for the cats — considering factors like home environment, lifestyle, and whether the match feels right. Our experienced volunteers may also simply trust their instincts; years of working with cats and people gives you a sense for these things. At the end of the day, our goal is to find each kitty a happy, loving home that will last a lifetime.

Fostering means opening your home — and your heart — to a cat or kitten on a temporary basis. Foster cats may need extra socialization, medical recovery time, or simply more one-on-one attention than they can get at the sanctuary. You provide the love; we provide everything else.

FUR does. We supply food, litter, and any necessary veterinary care for all foster cats. All we ask for is your time and your home.

It happens more than you’d think — we call it a “foster fail,” and honestly, we consider it a success. If you’d like to officially adopt your foster cat, just let us know, and we’ll walk you through the process.

It varies. Some kitties need a foster home for a few weeks; others may need a few months. We’ll always be upfront about the expected timeline, and we’ll work with your schedule as best we can. Learn more about fostering here.

We understand that life happens. If you can no longer take care of your fostered feline friend, just let FUR know. We will arrange alternate care for the kitty or, if there is room at the Sanctuary, bring them to FUR.

We receive far more requests than we have space for, so we are not able to accept all surrenders. Please contact us to explain your situation and we’ll do our best to help — whether that means taking your kitty in, adding you to a waiting list, or connecting you with other resources in the community.

We’re glad you’re looking out for them. For strays, the first step is always to check whether they’re actually lost — many cats who appear stray have an owner nearby. For feral cats, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is often the most humane path forward. Read our TNR guide or contact us if you need guidance.

First, make sure they actually need help — if you found them outdoors, mom may be nearby. Observe from a distance for a few hours before intervening. Read our guide on what to do when you find kittens. If they’re truly abandoned or in danger, contact us right away. We’ll do everything we can to help.

First, make sure she doesn’t already have a home — ask neighbors, post in local community groups, and check for a collar or microchip. If she’s truly a stray, contact us right away. A pregnant kitty is always a priority, and the sooner you reach out, the better.

Not at all. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. What matters most is a genuine love for cats and a reliable commitment. Learn more about volunteering here.

We have volunteer opportunities for all schedules. Some volunteers come several times a week; others come once a month; still others help at events or with specific projects. Tell us what works for you, and we’ll find a fit.

Yes, with parental consent and adult supervision. Please contact us for details.

Yes. FUR of WNC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

Almost entirely through donations — from individuals, businesses, grants, and community events. We don’t receive government funding. Every dollar goes directly toward caring for the cats in our sanctuary and foster network.

It costs approximately $190,000 per year to operate FUR and care for the 100+ cats in our care. You can review our financial information here.

Lots of things! We accept donations of supplies, services, and professional skills. Check our current needs here, visit our Amazon or Chewy wish lists or learn about donating services.

Absolutely, and it’s a beautiful way to honor them. You can make a memorial donation on our donation page or even purchase a memorial brick to be placed permanently in our Sanctuary’s Memorial Garden.

Yes — and it means more than you know. A legacy gift ensures that FUR can continue saving lives long into the future. Learn more about planned giving here.