How to create an effective adoption listing
If you’re trying to find a home for a rescued cat, your listing is the first real contact between the cat and its future adopter.
Our experience shows that people often decide whether to apply within seconds — based on the photos, the first lines they read, and how clearly the information is presented.
A well-prepared listing attracts the right people and leads to more successful adoptions.
Start with complete and accurate details
When creating your listing, you’ll be asked to fill in key information such as date of birth, sex, color, location, and health status.
Make sure everything is filled in as clearly as possible. If you don’t know the exact age, give a realistic estimate rather than leaving it blank. Small details like this help adopters quickly understand the basics and decide whether to continue.
Complete information also supports a smoother moderation process and builds trust from the start.
Write a description that tells the full story
The description is where people get to know the cat.
Think of it as introducing the cat to someone in person — keep the tone natural and include specific details that help paint a clear picture.
Focus on what makes this particular cat unique and include:
- where the cat was born and has lived
- how it came into your care
- whether it has been seen by a veterinarian
- any medical needs or special care requirements
- personality and behavior
- how it interacts with other animals and children
Honesty is especially important. If the cat is shy, needs time to adjust, or has specific needs, it’s best to mention it upfront. This helps attract people who are prepared and genuinely suitable.
Do not include your phone number, personal contact details or links to posts in social media in the description. Adopters will send their information through the Purrs platform.
Add clear and engaging photos
Photos are one of the strongest drivers of interest.
In our practice with thousands of listings we are seeing that adopters need at least 4 good photos to feel confident enough to apply. More quality images usually lead to better results.
- Try to take photos in natural light, ideally near a window during the day.
- Make sure the cat is clearly visible and easy to recognize. Shots taken at the cat’s eye level tend to feel more engaging and help people connect more easily.
- Try to show the cat in different situations — relaxed, curious, or playful — so adopters get a more complete impression.
The photos and the description should support each other and tell a consistent story.
You can also enhance your listing with a short AI-generated video, where our platform will animate your selected photo with subtle, realistic movements, helping the cat stand out and capture more attention from potential adopters.
More information here: https://purrs.bg/app/ai-studio/videos
Add location and transport details
Always include the correct location. If you’re able to help with transport, mention it clearly.
This can make a big difference, especially for adopters who are not nearby but are otherwise a great match.
Define adoption conditions clearly
Your listing should also set clear expectations for the future home.
Focus on the most important requirements, such as indoor-only living, a safe environment (secured windows, no free roaming), or any specific needs based on the cat’s condition or personality.
Keeping these conditions clear and straightforward helps attract people who are already aligned with what the cat needs.
Moderation and visibility
All listings go through moderation before they become visible on the platform and social channels.
Well-prepared listings with complete information and good photos are usually approved more efficiently and perform better once published.
Optional: Purrs Verified
If you’d like to increase visibility and speed up the process, you can use Purrs Verified.
This option gives you access to publishing without waiting for approval (while still following all requirements), sharing in Purrs social channels, and international visibility through purrs.com. It also adds a verification badge, which helps build trust with potential adopters.
In addition to improving reach, this option supports the platform’s mission to maintain a safe and effective adoption environment.
More information here: https://purrs.bg/app/upgrade
Next steps and communication
In Purrs, adopters apply through a dedicated form that includes their contact details and additional information.
When someone submits an application, you receive a notification and can review their answers before continuing the communication.
Timely communication is an important part of the process. All applicants should receive a response within the next day. Even a short message acknowledging the application helps keep the process smooth and respectful.
Focus on clarity and the right match
Before publishing, it’s always worth taking a moment to read your listing from the adopter’s perspective. The goal is to make it easy for someone to understand the cat, feel confident, and take the next step.
Clear and honest listings lead to better matches and more stable adoptions in the long run. 🐾