The adoption and interviewing process often took many weeks. When people filled out our Adoption Application, we got to know them better; then together we figured out what color, or what sex, would suit a new owner...and what new
family each kitten would be best suited for.
Sometimes the prospective family changed their mind, or found another kitten. We may have decided that they may not be quite the right home for a FurryDance cat. A lot depended on how the kittens matured and how their personalities developed.
Was it the first person on our waiting list? Not necessarily.
Was it someone who contacted us frequently for kitten news? That certainly helped because we loved to hear the excitement and anticipation in their voices.
Was it someone who had fallen in love with the breed because they have had one Rex already, or someone who was a first time Cornish Rex parent? Well, the people who are already in love with these cats certainly made our job easier: the cats sell themselves.
We think that the joys of being a first time Cornish Rex owner, and experiencing just how wonderful these cats are, and the happiness of a former Rex owner over having another special cat in their home, are pretty much equal.
The kittens' eyes open at about 2 weeks of age and they begin to recognize our voices and scent.
At 3 weeks, they are learning to play and wrestle with their litter mates, and mom is teaching them manners, too.
At about 4 weeks, they were allowed to venture out of the kitten tent, which was set up at the foot of our bed, and could play in the safe confines of our bedroom. They learn proper litter box habits and get used to having their nails trimmed, ears cleaned and being bathed. This is something we started at an early age so they are comfortable with it as adults.
At around 12 weeks, they got to have full run of our home, with 3 levels of fun!
Finally, when they reached 16 weeks, they were able to leave their birth home at FurryDance and begin a new adventure with their adoptive families!
When we sold a cat, we always liked to show the new owners how to bathe and clean ears and trim nails. If they could pick the kitten up in person, these instructions are all an important "part of the package." Knowing how to perform these minor "beauty" routines comfortably will help the bonding and caring relationship between owner and kitten grow.
We also depend on communication to form and maintain a relationship with the people who adopt a cat from us. In fact, after 22 years of breeding Cornish Rex, we still know where all our kitties are. Through email, photos and even in person visits, we stay in touch, and we get enormous pleasure from knowing how all our "kids" are doing.
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