Background
Meet Your Match®, developed by The ASPCA, is designed to increase the likelihood that newly adopted cats (and dogs) are a good match with their new family.
The Meet Your Match Feline-ality™ Adoption Program is a research-based program that pairs distinct Feline-alities with adopters whose personality and lifestyle fit them best. Good matches help make strong bonds, and bonding is the key to successful adoptions.
The Feline-ality Adoption Program is built around the Feline-ality Assessment that reliably predicts how an individual cat is likely to behave when the cat arrives at their new home. In addition, the Cat Adopter Survey identifies the aspects of your preferences, expectations, and lifestyle that correlate with specific Feline-alities.
Part 1: The Assessment
In a brief evaluation, a cat’s general ‘feline-ality’, including valiance, playfulness, and adaptability is assessed. Each cat is scored and then categorized. Each category (shown below) describes the cats’ feline-ality in common language terms. Each animal’s classification will be listed on their cage card at the shelter, as well as on their individual Petfinder.com ad on our web site.
We complete this assessment for cats aged 9 months and older.
The Feline-alities
PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
I’m working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you’re under surveillance. I can vanish into thin air if anyone or anything interferes with my investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.
SECRET ADMIRER
When it comes to relationships, I’m very level-headed. I don’t leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I’ll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of me – but I’ll be thinking of you!
LOVE BUG
Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading on your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I’m looking for “someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness.” Could that someone be you?
THE EXECUTIVE
I have to say, I’m a busy cat. First, I’ve got to check out what’s happening out the window. Next, I’ll see if any closets or cupboards need looking into. And then there are my naps – can’t be late for those. I can fit a little socializing into my schedule. Shall we plan on breakfast and dinner? I hope you like kibbles.
SIDEKICK
Like all sidekicks, I’m just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don’t go looking for trouble but I’m no scaredy-cat either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
You’re working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I’ll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I’ll just plop on your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don’t you? I’ll help you with all your chores, and I’ll help you relax when we’re done. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without me.
M V P
I’m a savvy cat who knows the score. I’m pretty unflappable, too. I don’t mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you’re looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat.
PARTY ANIMAL
I’m a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I’d love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes. If you’re looking for some laughs and someone to liven up the party, think about inviting me.
LEADER OF THE BAND
I’m a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things – I like to lead the parade. I’m an adventurous cat, but I’ll still make plenty of time to show you my affectionate side. I’m the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who’s brimming with confidence? That’s me.
Part 2: The Match
As part of the program, adopters complete a simple 18-line questionnaire to identify how they envision a new cat fitting into their home and family. Following a review of the questionnaire, which results in the home also getting a “feline-ality rating”, adoption counselors will point out cats which will best match their rating. It is not required that an adopter choose a cat with the same feline-ality as their questionnaire indicates, but matching them is generally successful in determining whether the cat-to-human-home fit is going to be a good one.