Advertising Kittens
You know how wonderful your foster kittens are—but now you have to communicate that to potential adopters! Advertising kittens is a lot like marketing. You want to help people feel a personal connection with the animal and inspire them to take the next step. The best way to do this is through providing beautiful photos and powerful bios.
Cast a wide net; share your kittens in as many ways as possible. Some ideas include:
Shelter/rescue website
Social media
Neighborhood listservs/online communities
Local newspapers
Petfinder
Craigslist
Old school flyers posted around town
Don’t worry about sharing your kittens in the wrong place and attracting bad people—the point is that you’re casting a wide net, then weeding through the dirt to find the gems. There are fantastic adopters out there, even on Craigslist, but you may have to look through several inquiries before you find the right one. Remember that just because someone applies for your kittens doesn’t mean you have to say yes, so advertise them as far and wide as you can so that you have your pick of the litter!
Click here to learn about how to take great photos of your foster kittens.
What Makes a Good Bio?
Writing a description of your kittens is what’s going to help you communicate what makes them so special—so don’t skimp on this! Remember to focus on the positives and give fun details that will help the adopter envision how the animal might behave or fit into their own life. It helps to write a catchy title that describes the kitten’s looks and personality. Get creative! Your bio should include:
Basic information such as the kitten’s name, color, age, sex
Positive physical qualities (ie: “the softest fur,” “the most stunning green eyes”)
Positive or quirky behavioral qualities (ie: “purrs like an engine,” “loves chillin’ in cardboard boxes”)
Any health information (ie: dewormed, spayed)
Your contact information (or contact information for the rescue program)
Keep it short and sweet, but detailed enough that the reader starts to feel connected with the kitten’s character. Be sure to focus on the positive—even if the kitten had a rough start, sharing sad details can actually deter people from being interested. Be sure that any sad details are presented in an uplifting and hopeful light, showcasing the animal’s strengths. Don't forget to include a great photo!
SAMPLE BIO
Meet Bearclaw, the world’s cutest and cuddliest tabby kitten!
Bearclaw is a 2 month old brown tabby male kitten with lots of love to give! We call him “Mister Perfect” because he’s perfect in every way…we’re pretty sure his parents were a beanie baby and a Lisa Frank drawing. He’s got a stunning spots and stripes, big beautiful green eyes, and a belly that demands kisses. When he’s not running around playing with his mouse toys, he likes to lounge on his favorite stuffed donut or in your lap, purring himself to sleep. You won’t believe how cuddly this little guy is! Bearclaw is neutered, dewormed, flea and parasite free, FIV/FeLV negative, and ready for his loving forever home. Could it be you?
If you’d like to express interest in adopting Bearclaw, please fill out an application at (website) or contact Hannah at (email.)
