How Our Priority List Works

New to River Haze? See how to reserve a kitten.

1. 1

   Joining the Priority List

   Our Priority List is how families reserve their place in line. A $500 deposit holds your spot and is applied to your kitten's adoption fee. We only open it once kittens are born or a pregnancy is confirmed, so you're usually weeks, not months, from choosing.

   Our paid Priority List is the only way to be exclusively notified of new and current litters. Your $500 Priority List Deposit is non-refundable.

   Once kittens are available, we'll share photos and updates with our Priority List families. Your Priority List Deposit is valid for 12 months from the date it's paid. We do not keep a long Priority List, therefore wait times are significantly reduced.

2. 2

   Reservation Process

   Around eight weeks old, selections are made in order of deposits received to ensure fairness. Each member has 24 hours to sign the adoption contract and send the non-refundable reservation deposit of $500, bringing the total deposit to $1000. If both steps are not completed within 24 hours, the next person in line will choose instead.

   Helpful Tips

   • It is best to have multiple kitten choices in mind. If someone ahead of you selects your first choice, you will have backups.
   • If there is more than one litter on the Priority List at that time, litters are offered in order of date of birth. If you skip a litter, you will automatically move to the next one in the same order.
3. 3

   After Reservation

   Once your kitten is reserved with the full $1000 deposit, we will schedule a pickup date, usually about four weeks later. Kittens do not leave any sooner than 12 weeks old. Your kitten's pick-up location — Basking Ridge, NJ or Upper Saddle River, NJ — is listed on its litter. Out-of-state adopters can arrange their own travel or use a flight nanny. Our recommended flight nanny is SkyPetz LLC — we've used them several times, as do many breeders. You're also welcome to choose your own.

4. 4

   Availability After the Priority List

   After all Priority List families have each had their 24-hour selection window, any unreserved kittens will be listed on our website, and will be notified via our email list. Approved adopters outside the Priority List may then reserve them.

5. 5

   Thank You

   We are grateful you have chosen to adopt a kitten from us. We value our relationship and are always available for questions or concerns. We know you will love your kitten just as much as we do.

Follow the kitten timeline from birth to go-home day →