I was judged the minute I walked in! They acted as if I was barely good enough to care for cats. As if I found my way to the pearly gates of the kitty heaven when I arrived from a couple of the volunteers. Finally after being berated and barely passing that test I was able to adopt! I own my home, no debt, have a very stable job, I do not travel, I have no other hobbies other than to care for my cats, I have over 50 years of experience with cats that lived as long or longer than the average life of a cat. I went there to find a companion because I lost my cat and Spooky Doo should have some kittens to help him too. On the first weekend after I pre-adopted, I was asked to stay for after 5:00 because Brenda wants to offer me something that I would like! She offered to let me become a foster parent and take all four kittens because they felt the place here, they were at wasn't the best place for the foster who had a stroke and couldn't care for them as well. I mentioned later that I should have taken them up on the offer just so I can have my babies and bond with them. Brenda said oh, that was never said, and we wouldn't do that, and they are safe! I spent 4 weekends going up to visit and was told the wait process and because of the 4th of July it would be prolonged. I didn't care much about that, but I understood thinking the process would be just a few days longer than expected. They are NOT proactive, and you will have to reach out constantly for updates on the next steps and when I would be able to get the babies. I was told they didn't schedule the kittens to be fixed until the 18th of July and sometime a week after that would be available. That's 8 weeks of waiting to adopt kittens that were already almost 3 lbs. and, in this case, they would be almost 6 months old before I was able to get them! Not only was it exhausting dealing with this organization and being policed and not able to talk while other adopters are there and told to move and wait for the other adopters while you are having a play dates with your kittens for 4 weekends. I spent a lot of time with the kittens and I fell in love with them but after this experience, I will not be getting now. I was devastated and couldn't believe Brenda the founder's commits on how everything is my fault as in something is wrong with me. All the instructions from the volunteers and her were turned around and told that's not what was said. Brenda constantly said that's not what we said, and her volunteers shouldn't have said that because they don't know....blah, blah. By the way Brenda, you should also hear how your own volunteers speak about you when you're not there or roll their eyes and sigh behind your back when you are there. She proceeded to tell me that they did a background check on me and said that they ALL felt that I was a lonely drunk! If they did their background well enough, I have NEVER committed any crime whatsoever! Who does this to people and blames all the adopters for their shortcomings, and she has sooo much to do besides this and then deflects to make me feel bad for their ill behavior and unprofessionalism. Unfortunately, someone else close to Brenda passed away which is very sad but take a break or have someone else take over for a while or shut down until you can get back on track. How are we supposed to know this and then... deflecting from the conversation again, she told me she lost her only daughter which is again truly very sad. Why are the adopters to be the ones that are always WRONG and made felt subhuman and out of their mind. We don't wish you, Brenda, to suffer all the losses of life! This is a horrible process to go through in life. Don't punish others because of your pain. Thank you for giving me my money back and I wish the best for all the kittens to find a lovely home like I have to offer and provide company to all of us pet humans even the lonely drunks! read more

I've known Brenda and Mitchell for years, and know how dedicated they, and their wonderful volunteers, are to cats. The volunteers also foster many of these cats and the rescue goes the extra mile to be sure that the most suitable adopter gets each kitty. Wouldn't you want to be absolutely sure no horrific outcome happens to a kitten or cat you may have fostered and grown to love, maybe for months or even years? I've noticed that many of the one-star reviewers took issue with the length of the adoption application, and the requirements for adopting, such as keeping the cats indoors, harnesses, and other ordinary parameters that any reputable rescue includes. If you research any well-known cat organizations--ASPCA, Best Friends, Alley Cat Allies, etc.--you'll find that they promote all of the stipulations that Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue requires for the best outcome for their cats. The adopter who let a friend/neighbor/family member "cradle their new kitten lovingly in their arms" outside, already broke the contract. Indoor means indoor. Period. Why couldn't the loving person have come inside to pet the new kitty? Any unforeseen disaster could happen when an animal is outside--no matter how slim the chance is, it still exists. When adopting a kitten, it actually IS better for the kitten to have a playmate, as kittens can play for hours, and children do not have the same stamina as kittens. Kittens, and cats, like to curl up with each other to sleep, as well as with the kids, but people who don't understand cats well don't understand this. In addition, many kittens and cats are bonded, just one more reason that a responsible rescue refuses to separate them. That is actually the mark of a great rescue, not a shady one. If having more than one cat is an issue because of finances, I'd be leery of adopting to that family also. The family may be the most wonderful, caring people in the world, but if an extra kitty mouth to feed and provide litter for could break the bank, maybe waiting until you're more financially stable is the best option for both your family and the cats. No judgment, just being real. And buying the smaller cans of food for just one cat is actually more expensive that buying the larger cans to split between two. I have both fostered for and had kittens and cats adopted through this rescue. Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue sent me pics of the babies in their new home, kept a bonded pair of kittens together, and is making sure that a young cat I found goes to the perfect home, as she is not really fond of other kitties but loves people. All the information they require of potential adopters truly is necessary to make the best match for both cat AND adopter. I have volunteered and fostered for several cat rescues in this city, and I have to say that, hands down, this rescue goes further to vet their potential adopters than anyone else. They take into account the cat's temperament, and the family situation and environment, including other animals and children, for the best of reasons. They are not in it for profit or they'd adopt to anyone and everyone. Anyone this stringent is so because they truly care. read more

Critical: Professionalism WARNING: adopted a kitten... Took it home and went to get cat food at local pet supply. Told by shelter I violated their contract rules: 1. Kitten has to stay INDOORS (it was technically indoors) ....I would never place a kitten in grass or outside at an early age -shelter didnt say it had to be IN my house only until they called me after I adopted the kitten and they saw the kitten being held lovingly in someones arms 2. Leash/Harness on kitten (they say it's a big NO NO) Where in the contract is that listed? They mentioned it but I forgot. Sadly the black kitten (hardest color cats to adopt out) was surrounded back to the shelter instead of a happy home. What concerns me is their other contract rule about taking the adopted cat without my permisson in my house or on premise. * VERY illegal to enter a place without permisson...even apartment management cant do this read more

Save a Purrfect Cat Rescue - Contract rules for Indoor cat only (nothing about a harness/leash not allowed. It may have been spoken but I had forgotten) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue is an outstanding organization dedicated to helping feline adopters find a suitable feline friend. As a cat foster, I am grateful for their tireless efforts. read more

The best cat rescue ever! Brenda, Deb, and Mitchell are all fantastic and you can tell they put in a lot of effort and passion into what they do. I've been here on several occasions and worked with them when I was both looking to adopt a kitten, and surrendering one. In both instances they've been nothing short of amazing. Whether you're looking to adopt or surrender, they will not only make sure the adopter is a good fit for the cat, but also the cat is a good fit for the adopter. Acquiring a new pet is a serious commitment and they will do their best to make sure all decisions are made without doubt, uncertainty, and regret. If you are serious, give them a visit and you will not be sorry! read more

Rarely take time to review on this platform but I needed to step in and provide some counterpoints to these negative reviewers. I stopped by on a whim while visiting a family member and the ladies were welcome, upbeat, accommodating, and genuinely interested in the well-being of their cats and community. Mitchell and Brenda took every care to answer my questions and teach me about their process. These guys are doing so much good in the world by fostering cats and taking on the responsibility of finding good forever homes for these sensitive deserving loveballs. There's so much love and work that goes into every step of the process and I wouldn't have it any other way. although I didn't walk away with any cats, I left with a full heart and a lot of kitten loving. read more

The majority of reviews for this "cat rescue" are one star for a reason. I had a HORRIBLE experience in my attempt to adopt a kitten they found on the street. After matching with the kitten online, I filled out an extensive (more like excessive) online adoption form and followed the process to adopt. NO RESPONSE. Phone calls, emails, social media messaging, and even stopping in person were no use. A harsh woman finally answered the phone one morning and before I could even finish inquiring about my application status, she cut me off and went on the defensive about how "understaffed" and this was "100% volunteer basis" so she wasn't able to perform a normal business function. My issue lies with the LACK of communication and not setting expectations on timeline. That doesn't require a full staff to do. She finally asked me which kitten I was interested in, but told me I wasn't allowed to adopt as I would be putting the kitten in "danger" if I didn't have other animal companions for it. Note: I work from home and would 100% dedicated to caring for a cat, but that didn't matter to her. Apparently having a single pet is a violation to their extreme rules which prevent finding loving homes for the animals they supposedly care so much about. I told her I disagreed with her opinion about this mandate and was disheartened I couldn't move forward with the adoption. She started yelling at me over the phone for disagreeing with her so I hung up. Her behavior is the reason people elect to go to breeders versus adopting animals in need. They make it impossible and extremely complicated to adopt which sadly impacts the animals from finding their forever home. I don't leave reviews often but I wanted others to be aware of this illegitimate shelter. Save yourself the time, and go somewhere else. Most importantly, don't get your hopes up, as you will become disillusioned from your experience with the staff. Poor animals! :( read more

Save a Purrfect Cat Rescue - Don't expect a response from these people. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Houston, Texas

These guys are amazing! However, you need to go in to get things done! They have so much going on that they don't have much time to look through y'all's applications. Go on the app and look for the kitties that you like, then go in person and fill out an application. They want wants best for these babies! Got two of my own today! Love these guys!! read more

Good luck reaching anyone here to adopt a cat. Sent an email over a week ago asking how the adoption process works to adopt one of their Siamese kittens and never got a response. Did my own research and completed the actual adoption form and then emailed it to them. Still no response. Called their number a bunch of times and nobody picked up or returned my call. Called again during their Saturday hours since the site doesn't say Saturdays are for appointments only. Of course nobody picked up either. You wouldn't know if your application was approved or denied since they never contact you. This seems to be a common problem from other reviews on here. Save your time and energy and find another shelter to adopt from that actually communicates with people and doesn't gatekeep cats. Ridiculous. read more

I feel, that they are accepting those applications just to get personal information. Week later, - no response. Is this how you want to make world better? But here is the reality, - they don't want those cats to be adopted .They want them to struggle. read more

They seem to only respond and let a certain crowd adopt the cats or kittens. you can see it clearly all over their fb page. very sad i think. read more

It makes me sad to see all these poor reviews for a shelter that doesn't even have an actual shelter. The kittens and cats here are cared for by people who love these animals. I spent an afternoon talking to each volunteer and petting all of the cats. Some of the older cats have been under foster care for up to 2 years! I'm not sure if the negative reviews make people not want to come here or if it isn't a well known shelter, but there are many sweethearts waiting to find their forever homes. I wanted to adopt them all, but I already have 2 cats and my landlord won't allow 3. Visit their address on saturday & sunday from 12-6pm to see some of their cats. They also have some animals available at petsmart by trader joes on saturday from 1-6pm! read more

The worse person ever!! I told her I have kids and the first thing she said immediately was oh no ! The kitten can't live with kids age 6 and 8. She then said I can look at some other cats she has bla bla and that the kitten I wanted was also going to be adopted with another kitten , I told her I don't mind 2 kittens and that my kids are at the perfect age they listen to me and they love animals. So she goes on telling me how she has 200 applications and already had interviews bla bla she mad a bunch of excuses basically I don't think the kittens will be adopted and Iam sure she is keeping all of them. For her cats are more important than humans. read more

Some of the comments here are from folks who don't understand the cat adoption processes. I am with a different cat rescue so I understand why and what SaPCR is doing. First, we always encourage people to have more than one cat. Cats get lonely and need companions. Which is why people who only want one cat are encouraged to adopt two. Second, the people fostering these cats know the personalities of the cats and will discourage adopters who want to take a cat that, for example, may be more aggressive or more shy. Cats are fostered by many loving foster moms and dads. So sometimes it requires coordination to get the cat to the center for showing. Rescue and fostering is purely voluntary and it's hard work done out of love for the animals. We take seriously the happiness and future of the cats. So, I understand the frustration of some posters, but wanted to give you another perspective. read more

Applied for a kitten, was told "I'd make a good fit" and id be called back. Never heard anything, left messages, sent emails, and silence. A few days later I saw the cat I applied for was adopted on FB. Thanks for letting me know! Very unprofessional- will not be applying here again. Also, it seems they cater to a very "particle" type of crowd. Check out their FB photos. read more

Wow, I also contacted them about "Olivia" and after they found out I wasn't interested in adopting multiple cats they stopped replying to my emails. I had an Oriental Shorthair for many years until he was over 15 yrs old. I was interested in Olivia because of my history with the breed. Trust me, I know what special and specific care they need but I never got the chance to even discuss that with them because I wasn't interested in multiple cats. After reading the review from Veronica V. from a year ago about the same Cat all I can say is Jacob D. is defending the wrong person. Think about it this way, How many of those cats could already have a forever home but don't because their potential loving forever owner didn't fall for the bait and switch scam? Sad really... read more

Unfortunately, I have had the same experience as many other people have explained. I emailed and called for a couple of weeks, but tried to be understanding of the volunteer only organization. Then I finally got an email that said the cat I wanted was available and I could come meet, but I never got a response to that email. I went ahead and drove to the shelter and was told the cat was not there because she was fostered elsewhere. I went ahead and looked at all the cats but really wanted Becca still. They said they'd contact the foster home and call me the next day - after telling me Becca wasn't as cute as her pictures and had a feisty attitude. I gave them an application and so thankful I didn't give the money because I've never heard back from them. I feel sad for their cats if they continue to do this to other people, and I hope they aren't profiting off of this kind of scheme. read more

I've had a similar case with Becca, the declawed Bengal, as the users below have had regarding Olivia. We have two gorgeous Bengals who are 3 years old that we love. We have been looking for a third and final family member and were so moved by Becca's story that we decided to try and adopt her. These people really don't seem to be interested in placing cats in loving homes. I'd contacted them for multiple weeks, sent in my application and asked specifics regarding her diet and such so we could have everything ready for her should our application be accepted. We tried emailing and calling but never heard back. I'd even asked for them to let us know if our application was denied and if so why, just so we knew to stop trying. They don't even have the decency to do that. Don't waste your time on these people. read more

Wonderful, caring non-profit is dedicated to finding forever homes for cats. Fosters and volunteers commit their time and passion to these deserving kitties caring for them until they are adopted. They are 100% volunteer run organization. It's sad that anyone would post a negative review of one of the most revered rescue groups in Houston. Perhaps their applications were denied for valid reasons as they have a screening process to insure cats not only go to good homes but to the right homes. read more

Bait and switch a bait and switch? Well we inquired about the 2 Persians - Ada and Taffy. We talked to several people while we were there but a few things were a little off. They have an adoption binder and when we asked about the 2 Persians neither were in the adoption binder...if these kitties were up for adoption then why would they not be in their ADOPTABLE binder? So when the girl asked about the 2 cats why they weren't in the binder the gentleman told her they were in some other folder or binder. That was the first red flag (bait?) so after spending some time there we talked to Michael (the one who looks like Dr. Dubrow) he seemed very nice and we were talking about car stuff of course and our past cats and our home and what not. So he told us one of the Persians wouldn't be good with kids (we have a toddler) but he never met the other one, and then he offered Amberlee we said she was cute but we were really interested in the other two cats and he suggested another cat . After talking a while about the kitties he told my husband how amazed he was to let his precious cat take a year to get adjusted because Ada had been previously adopted (THROUGH THEM) and the woman called and asked to bring her back after having her for 2 days only. So pretty much they'll judge you and see whether or not they think your fit from an application rather than seeing how the family is with the cat. I received an email from Hope on the 4/20 because I sent in an inquiry online before going to the cat house. I emailed her back and let her know that I haven't heard from anyone because Michael said that they would contact us to go see the cats at their "volunteers home" where the cats live. Didn't get an email back to that but Michael emailed me back the next day on the 21st "I'm sorry it's taken so long to get back to you about Amberlee. I finally had a chance to talk with her foster, and unfortunately it doesn't seem that she would be a good cat with a 1 year old child. She and a crawling infant likely would not be a good mix." We never inquired about Amberlee...and we had discussed that our WALKING TODDLER is very good with cats because he pays no mind to cats. My husband also pointed out they have online a senior Maine Coon for adoption but when talking to Michael he said he's not up for adoption because he should pass away soon? Just everything was kind of confusing and had red flags. They seemed like very nice people but I think I see the bait and switch everyone had left reviews about. Despite reading all of the reviews I still have the benefit of the doubt read more

(please also see "Save a cat" rescue - they are the same exact rescue. Sneaky!) This is everything that a rescue should not be. The director asked me to adopt multiple cats, when i was only prepared to adopt one. That one cat is being held by the director to entice other people (the cat is exotic). It was a grave, heartbreaking process as I waited days, then weeks for her to return my calls and emails. When we met initially, she made me stay all day at her rescue while she tended to other people/animals. My time was completely devalued. The next day, when I gratefully asked to rescue Olivia, with whom I truly felt a connection, she never returned my calls. She also continues to field requests for people who want Olivia, but has never released her. (I know this because she accidentally sends strange emails that are directed to other recipients. I'm not sure she understands how email works.) I doubt seriously that much re-homing happens with this rescue. Certainly it's subject to many factors that are irrelevant to provision for a homeless cat. The description for "Olivia" and her asking to be loved in a Forever Home was just this rescue owner's way of attracting people who found Olivia beautiful/charming. She herself admitted she's had hundreds of people interested, but "none of them were good for Olivia." This is why people go to animal shops/pet stores/breeders instead of trying to help rescues. I would have done anything necessary to provide a loving, safe, permanent home for Olivia, and she completely blocked that opportunity and unprofessionally at that. read more

See my extended review under "Save A Cat Rescue". We have two cats from this rescue. We had none of the "bait and switch" tactics implied here. We adopted one kitten and made a special request for a specific breed which they were able to accommodate a few months later. We adopted a Handicapped cat, so had some hurdles to convince them that we knew what we were doing. This is really in the best interest of the animals. This shelter has, IMO, some of the most interesting senior cats, as well as a continuous stream of kittens. So if you are willing to spend the time, you should find a good match. read more

Great organization. Cats only live in home environments with fosters. VERY knowledgeable volunteers. There's an application process that is not that difficult. This is just because of the high turnover rate of adoption. Given that there's no money in this, it makes sense that if an adoption is done it needs to be done right. My girlfriend got her cat a year and a half ago and it's been great. Brenda and Mitchell are a wealth of knowledge, I seriously recommend you ask them all of the cat questions you have. I don't think I've ever learned so much about cats in my life! The other reviews seem very specific to an exotic cat. I don't know what's up with their experiences, but I know that people seek out exotic cats like buzzards to carrion as evident by the responses. Just go try out the place yourself. read more

Seems to be a pattern. After reading the reviews my experience with Save a Purrfect Cat Rescue is the same. Went to meet a cat "Louis" was told to come back the next day only to have the foster caregiver contact me and suggest that although she initially agreed for me to take Louis that she felt that he should be with other kittens and suggested I get multiple cats. Looks like this is scam or a bait and switch operation. Very sad. The cats suffer while the organization manipulates and the foster parents are in on it. read more

I appear to be one of the legions who have tried to adopt Olivia over the last two+ years. First they try to offer you another cat. Then they try to get you to take Olivia's companion. Then after filling out their elaborate and detailed application they (may) call you and continue to try to get you to take two cats instead of just the one you enquired about. Then they go dark. No response to phone calls or emails or phone messages. Then they claim they have contacted you but 'must be having trouble with their phone'. This cat is a loss leader. They are NEVER going to allow anyone to adopt her and, as some of the other reviewers have said, they are more then likely keeping her on the site to attract those of us who love Oriental Shorthairs in the hope that they can talk us into another cat. I have suggested they take her off the site, but I doubt that that will happen. This cat is NEVER going to be adopted. Don't even try. She is clearly already in her 'forever home' (gag!) now. Suspect this org is run by crazy cat hoarders, so don't waste your time. read more

I got my three cats from this rescue. I had a very good experience. Like another reviewer, I wish I could have taken all of them home. I had inquired about a specific cat and made arrangements to meet her at the "cat house." I ended up getting her and another cat that I fell in love with at first sight. It does take a long time to transact business, it seems, but I didn't mind. I love being there. read more

I saw a picture of a very cute kitten on their Facebook page I immediately inquired and submitted an application in person. Then I was told there was a lot of interest in that cat and that they wanted her to go with her foster mate. I said I would be willing to take them both together. I had to get back to work but before I left I felt bad for all the kitties so I left a $20 donation. I tried calling them, and writing and it wasn't until I wrote them again over a week later, that they said the foster mate that had to go with the kitten I was wanting was ADOPTED! Then said good luck to finding a cat to adopt! What a scam, show a picture of a beautiful cat and then not have it truly be available, and when someone comes for that one try to show every other cat in the place. I have never had this problem with any other group! read more

I had a great experience with Save a Purrfect Cat Rescue. I found a wonderful kitty last year and contacted Save a cat for help with finding him a home. They were able to help me in getting him a wonderful forever home, something I couldn't do on my own. They ask a lot of questions and not everyone qualifies as an adopter. Because of this I felt comfortable that the people adopting my rescue kitty were good people who would take care of him. I was so impressed with the group that I became a volunteer. read more

Same story as a lot of people on here. I emailed and called multiple times over 3 weeks and even messaged them on Facebook. I can see that the message was read about 10 minutes after I sent that but the organization still has not bothered to contact me in any way. Not even so much as a "We'll get back to you when we can." I've adopted 4 cats in the past and this has been the worst experience I've ever had with any rescue center. read more

Brenda and crew are dedicated to and expert with their cats and kittens. They want the cats to be loved and cared for before AND after the adoption process. It may be hard to understand why one has to prove themselves worthy of adopting a cat. So many places make it as easy as buying a pair of shoes on sale. But the cats need a forever home where they and the owners will be permanently happy together. Our three (unrelated) cats, adopted as a group from Save a Purrfect Cat Rescue, couldn't be happier with each other and us - and we with them. I'm grateful Brenda takes the time to get to know all of the cats and know which ones get along swimmingly before an inquiry is about adopting a cat. Brenda got to know our family, to learn about our habits with our previous cats, and educated herself about our relationship with our vet before she allowed us to become the foster family of one very tiny kitten and to adopt two of his older kitten friends at the same time. I'm grateful for the attention to the cats and to us. When you go through this process, it means that you, like us, will be in love with your cat(s) forever and your cat(s) will thrive in their forever home. read more