Helping Persian Cats

Dear Unilocalers,
I posted the following review back on 6÷6÷2015, but the review is no longer viewable for some reason. I am re-​posting it in an effort to give credit where it is deserved. I hope this helps you in your decision-​making process.
Best,
Jack
Hello Cat Lovers!
I had the privilege of working with Venita, Nadia, and Erling when I was trying to adopt a beautiful British Shorthair named Delilah. Contrary to some of the other reviews posted, Venita always responded to me on the same day that I contacted her. I was very anxious to welcome Delilah into my life, so I was checking my email and phone like a crazy person when I did not get a response immediately. That being said, she DID get back to me within the same day. Please know that I am not insinuating in any way that other reviewers are lying about their experience. I would simply like anyone reading this to consider that emotions run very high when people want a special animal companion. Unfortunately, when people do not get what they want when they want it, sometimes it may inspire them to write a review that may not be entirely fair. Before you decide to adopt elsewhere, I would encourage you to consider all of the possible variables involved behind a negative review and weigh them against all of the positive reviews posted.
Nadia and Erling are Delilah’s foster parents, and they have additional cats available for adoption. Prior to meeting Delilah, Nadia was very giving of her time and answered my questions in a timely manner. Additionally, she made the extra effort to send me pictures of Delilah throughout the week. The screening process is simple and appropriately thorough, because they want to make sure that their beloved cats are placed in a loving home. It was apparent when I entered Nadia and Erling’s home that they are devoted to providing a foster home that is clean and VERY cat-​oriented. There are plenty of scratching posts, things to climb, toys, food, and water (even a water fountain for the cats that like drinking from circulating water). All of the cats are very well groomed, loving, and gorgeous! When interacting with the cats it is very apparent that they are in safe and loving environment.
It appears that I have developed an allergy to cats as an adult. :(As a result I was not able to follow through with the adoption. Keep in mind that I had several conversations with Nadia prior to my first visit with Delilah, and she was very giving of her time. Not once did she or Erling make me feel badly for not being able to follow through with the adoption or for taking their time throughout the previous week. It is clear that Nadia and Erling foster, because they want to find loving homes for cats that would otherwise be stuffed into a cage at a shelter or killed. Nadia and Erling are intelligent, compassionate, and genuine. I can assert with all confidence that some of the personal characterizations of the foster parents that I read in other posts do NOT apply to Nadia and Erling. You are in the best of hands if you adopt from these lovely foster parents.
Sincerely,
Jack B.

I am not surprised to read Cal W’s (and others) experience with Venita. I see she is continuing with that same attitude. I used to foster for and I can vouch that these bad stories are very real. She is also in it for the money. I’ve witnessed her having adopters outbid each other for these cats. It does seem like her inventory has shrunk from what it was before which is a good thing, maybe these shelters are catching on. Everything about Venita is dubious at best. I’ve seen her dismiss so many good homes and the only reason I can think of is because the adopters weren’t «white» enough. I am so sad that some of these cats are not always going to good homes. I’ve actually seen some of them come back for all sorts of reasons.
Thank god for Unilocal so that people can get the word out about this person and hopefully shut her down one day.

My experience with Helping Persian Cats was so astonishingly terrible that I feel the need to forewarn people of what will likely be an embarrassing and unprofessional experience.
So here’s what happened, my girlfriend and I were in the market for a Persian cat as she needed a service animal for anxiety. We saw this place and it seemed very promising. The Unilocal reviews did have some red flags but we disregarded them as many seemed favorable. We applied for the cat we wanted (which by the way there was no mention of how much it would be to adopt). We waited. And waited. Waited some more. We emailed them for an update and they said that «they were still processing our application». Understandable. It’s a non-​profit and I“m sure things take a little time. Time passes. No word. At this point we decided to go to the Santa Monica Petco and see if us being there in person would help get the ball moving. We arrive early. They’re setting up and we don’t see the cat we’re interested in. We speak with some of the volunteers and they say «the cat and it’s foster owner will be here shortly». To make a long story short, the foster owner eventually arrives, we speak to her and the other volunteers and it turns out that the foster owner «never received» our application and that another interested party was coming there that day to look at the same cat. At this point it became VERY CLEAR that this was a competition. We felt as if we were in a gladiatorial arena. The foster owner then gives us a very half-a$$ed review of our application on the spot and was very condescending. I realize that Persian cats are the Mercedes Bends of cats but just because we misbudgeted a few items not 100% to their standards doesn’t mean that we don’t have the ability to support the animal. So after this awkward 3 minute conversation we were basically told «we will get in contact with you» and they turned their backs on us. My girlfriend and I just kinda stood there slack-​jawed. At this point we decide to wait and see about the other people coming. In walks the other couple interested in the cat whom I’m guessing had their application actually looked at. They immediately hit it off with the foster owner and are laughing and talking as if they were best friends. At this point it became very clear that we were «not good enough» in the eyes of this foster owner who judged us based on our appearance and income. Needless to say girlfriend was heartbroken and worst of all, embarrassed because we were turned down for a cat by a pompous, uptight, persnickety (female dog). The other couple leaves and we decided, «well maybe if we go say good bye and attempt to win her over things will bode well in our favor?» Nope. We walk over there and she immediately gets standoffish (as if we were homeless) and walks away and awkwardly looks at her phone, pretending to look occupied. It was clear. Her mind was made up and we decided to leave.
What you should know:
1.) We were dressed well and could more than afford this cat. We are both employed and make great money and have a very spacious apartment. BUT THAT WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH. So, if you REALLY want a cat from this place, get a Louis Vuitton bag, put on some designer sunglasses and dress like you’re going to the President’s wedding. Get your car detailed ahead of time too. I’m sure they look.
2.) If the «Beverly Hills» wasn’t indication enough you can well imagine (see other reviews) that this «non-​profit» is strictly curtailed for the well off. The so called application processes is nothing more than a guise to screen income. So, if you have an application in your hand right now, I’d add a couple zeros to every budget item as they will scrutinize it and will say things to your face like «you know a lot of pet sitters charge like $ 25 an hour.» Also, try to use gold ink. They and defendants of HPC will say things like «they’re looking out for the best interest of the cat» or «Persian cats are a luxury animal that require a certain lifestyle.» These are all euphemisms for them being superficially and financially prejudiced.
3.) The cost wasn’t an issue at all. But they said that his cat was going to be somewhere around $ 260 to adopt. No big deal for us, but why not mention this earlier online or in the email correspondence? It wasn’t stated anywhere and that kinda frustrated me. So yeah, bring a blank check because the cost is a real tossup. My theory is they have a dartboard with random denominations written on it.
4.) Religiously inquire about your application because they may play the old «we’re still processing it» card.
Overall I wouldn’t recommend HPC at all. For those of you who’ve had similar crappy experiences I feel your pain. Good news though, in my job I deal with a lot of non-​profits, government agencies, charities etc. on a daily basis and I can tell you I will make it part of my life’s mission to let everyone know not to do business with these people.

I have to give it 0 for not getting call backs!
Haven’t adopted one from here and I probably won’t ever, just by reading on these reviews!
There are too many shelters that have Persian cats and Himalayan ones available and no headache about it what so ever!
Word of advice to whoever is in control!
Beside the other 101 issues mentioned by your other customers, there is another one that I should address you to!
Please take a note,
*Customer service and follow up is very important in this country!

I only have positive things to say about this organization and the volunteers who dedicate their time to fostering and finding homes for cats. I adopted my Gidget from Helping Persian Cats a few years ago and couldn’t be happier with both her and the organization.
The volunteers at HPC are understandably thorough with the application process. Persian cats require a significant degree of care and can face unique health issues related to the breed. (I adopted my first cat, Lulu, from a breeder and she passed away at age 4 from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). The time and dedication these volunteers put into this organization is therefore commendable. Given the high degree of interest in Persian and Exotic shorthair cats, I hope applicants do not give up on adopting if an application with HPC is not immediately successful. Try again through this organization or search cats at local shelters.
One final commendation: HPC foster mom Miriam was excellent and took the time to answer all my questions and concerns. She provided considerable details about Gidget’s personality to ensure that I would provide a safe environment for this curious little girl. I continue to remain in touch with her and provide her with regular updates about Gidget.
Ultimately, I cannot say enough good things about this organization and the valuable work they provide to all the feline friends they foster. (They often foster non-​Persian and Exotic shorthair cats as well!) I hope to add another member to my family in the future-​if Gidget allows!

First, We live in San Diego and have adopted 3 Persians from the Rescue over the span of 9 years. We had made the drive and eventually left for home after a minimum of 3 – 5 hours of communicating/​familiarizing with ALL of the persians available, before we and our new family member selected eachother and the Rescue group was satisfied with (the interview &) OUR FAMILY dynamic as well, overall.
…understand the amount of care and compassion and recognize the dedication given to every potential adoptee… get it yet?

I agree with all the disappointed comments!!! I have been set on adopting an exotic shorthair for years now and have tried a couple of times to adopt a cat from HPC, but has always been very disappointed!!! Who are their «perfect» candidates??? I am a loving single ready for a furry friend, but they seem to be taking that away from their cats!!! Do you have to be a millionaire to adopt??? Funny cause the cat will never know how much the bed they sleep in costs! As long as they are loved and well taken care of the cat doesn’t know the difference!
Shame on you HPC!!!
HORRIBLE!!! STAY AWAY!!! DONT EVEN BOTHER, YOU’LL JUST BE DISAPPOINTED!!!

Been meaning to leave a review. These people are rude and unprofessional. I faxed my application twice, no phone calls back & got an attitude when I told them I faxed twice with a confirmation. Some poor cat could had have an awesome home if these people would just follow up. I got sick and tired of messaging them regarding my app. And hearing the same story. They should be hustling a$$ to get these cats home but they don’t!

Let me start with this… I’m sure there are lots of people who have been satisfied, even thrilled, with their experience with HPC. My partner and I are not included. My partner has a love for Persians/​Himalayans, and we both believe in adopting. So we started with HPC. We fell in love with one of the cats on the site. I emailed an inquiry, was told to fill out an application (which I labored over to make just right). We were told the app looked good. Venita did mention two other cats that may be good fits as well (we like cuddle cats), but we wanted to meet our original selection and hopefully take him home. We told our apt complex that we would be adopting a cat, and all was well there. This was right around Christmas, so I tried to be understanding when Venita experienced difficulty getting in touch with the cat’s current owners, claiming they must be out of town for the holidays (who are giving up the cat basically because they don’t have time for it?!). So I waited, checking the site daily to make sure the cat was still posted. Despite consistent communication and determination on my part, that cat is STILL not in our home. Venita claims that the owner has been «too busy» to set up a meeting. DUH!!! That’s why she’s adopting out the cat! Go knock on her door, Venita. OR take the cat off the site. The cat, btw, is still on the site as available – but it is NOT available. It has now been 3 months+ since my original interest. At the beginning of this month, I tried one final time to reach out via text. My partner and I became so frustrated with the situation and the excuses and the fact that the *cat* (who is really the victim in all of this) is STILL basically jailed in a home where the owner feels he isn’t getting enough attention and yet refuses to let him go. We are so disappointed that the cat we were showing off to our friends and preparing our home (AND HEARTS) to welcome into our lives is still «available» on the website. It’s hard not to think that this animal is being used as a pawn and a way to get website hits. While I don’t truly feel that my personal information in the application is being used maliciously, and I do think that Venita made somewhat of an effort to contact the owner (though not enough, in my opinion), I think Venita should consider removing this particular cat from the website. It’s just not fair. As for my partner and me. .. well, I guess there are plenty of other cats up for adoption out there. We won’t be getting our new family member from HPC, though, it appears…

3 of my cats came from HPC. What is up with all these Unilocal haters? The only way I can explain nasty reviewers is they 1) don’t have enough 1-​star reviews or 2) they screwed up on their applications and are ticked off. If you want to get an exotic cat, just monitor shelter listings like these volunteers do:
.
Persian and other exotic cats are high– maintenance. That means, they need to eat food with healthy ingredients, they have flat faces so you have to get their teeth cleaned often and nose checked. Their watery eyes need to be wiped clean daily. They have long coats so they need to be brushed often and professionally groomed. They can’t go outside because they do not have coping skills.
Please keep your negative feedback for places that deserve it. The Helping Persian Volunteers are selfless people who are angels to animals in need.

This is an absolutely wonderful organization. I adopted Eleanor Rigby from one of their events at Petco a couple of weeks ago. I went specifically to look at another cat, but she had already been adopted. That’s when I found Ellie.
Despite how frightened and upset Ellie was in her cage at the event, Dawna assured me that she was the sweet and lovely lap cat that I had been looking for. She was absolutely right!
I then filled out an application, and was approved on the spot. Venita talked with me about the food that she was on, and even knocked 10 dollars off of the adoption fee because it was a little pricey. She also explained that she could be gradually moved to a less expensive food if I chose to do so.
Ellie also has a small cyst on her neck that had been looked at when they had taken her to her intake check-​up at the vet. Venita told me that if I was worried about it, they would refer me to their vet and have it biopsied at no cost to me.
Since having Ellie home, we have been having an issue with her not using her litter box, and Dawna has continued to correspond with me via e-​mail with advice.
It’s clear that these cats are loved and well cared for in foster care, and that the volunteers go out of their way to help. Just take a look at their Facebook page and it’s obvious that these cats are loved. It is because of them that Ellie was healthy, sociable, and happy from the moment she was brought home. She is absolutely perfect, and I’m so glad that I found Helping Persian Cats, and am grateful to them for taking such great care of Ellie.

I adopted my cat from HPC a year ago. His name is George and he is the most precious, perfect cat. I must say I am very surprised reading these reviews. I am in my mid twenties and before George, did not own any cats. None of that was a problem when I sent in my application. After emailing back and forth for a few weeks, I went to the adoption at Petco to meet the cats. All the volunteers were very kind, even going as far as taking George into the bathroom so I could play with him out of his cage. I picked him up the following Monday, at a Vet office in the Valley. I am very thankful for my experience with HPC, nothing but love and kindness from all the volunteers and for the amazing cat I now have because of this organization.

I have adpopted one Persian and one Himalayan cat over the last five years from this organization and I also donate to them regularly, because I know they are a wonderful, heartfelt group of people who love cats, especially Hims and Persians, as do I, as you can see from my e-​mail address.
What you describe does not reflect my experience with them at all, and I simply don’t believe you. They rescue these gorgeous creatures to find good homes for them, not push people away. What you decribed is totally contrary to the purpose and soul of this wonderful organization.

The people who work at Helping Persian Cats are wonderful. They save a lot of cats of both Persian and exotic breeds directly from the shelter. These are good people and the cats are very well cared for by the time you adopt them. My wife and I have adopted our second cat from this organization and their love and care for the cats is exceptional.

HPC is a wonderful organization through whom we adopted our beloved brother cats Troy and Barnaby. Our experience was very positive. The contact we had with the volunteers and foster mom was very professional, caring, and always felt the organization’s major concern was advocating on behalf of and in the best interest of the cats. Their screening process is simply to ensure the best adoption match occus. Thank you HPC of BH.

Sorry to say I think Sabrina is right about this rescue. I was looking to adopt one of their cats and submitted an application right after they received a cat I was intending to adopt.
I was extremely honest on my application informing the rescue that I do not have cats. I went a few days and finally after some prodding was responded to about 5 days later that they only adopt to ‘multiple cat homes’. RED FLAG when an agency does this to people it makes me think they know nothing about cats as a species. Cats are solitary creatures, not like humans where you think they need ‘friends’.
Anyways I was told the cat was already adopted to another family. Good for that kitty! Except for the fact that the cat was still up for adoption 3 weeks later.
After reading reviews about this agency being snobbish I decided to submit an application that was to their liking. Claiming I lived a multi million dollar lifestyle (compared to my upper middle class income). Funny thing I received a response right away! I did not go through with the adoption because I do not support groups like this.
lf this group would focus on finding these cats homes with families that are right for the specific cat, and not trying to match the color of the persian to the families $ 50,000 area rug then you would have a MUCH higher turn over and be able to help MORE cats. Isn’t that the point?

First a disclaimer: I am a volunteer with Helping Persian Cats
This is not a business, it is a non-​profit rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of cats in southern California (and beyond).
This group relies on volunteers and fosters that dedicate their time, energy, money and endless unconditional love to these beautiful creatures, sometimes pulled from high kill shelters and sometimes taken in from the streets, neither are kind to Persian and other exotic breeds (to say the least).
Please check out the website and read more about HPC, and visit the Facebook page too which gets updated with photos and stories daily!
Volunteering with this group of amazing people has literally changed my life.

This organization is amazing and the people who work there are equally amazing. I got my cat Percy from them. They saved him and he is my little angel. He recently passed away after six years — he was a senior when we got him — and I will never forget him and Helping Persians for saving him. He was like a child to me. In time, when my heart heals I will only go to Helping Persians.

I had nothing but a positive experience with Helping Persian Cats. These kitty foster parents are ANGELS, often nursing near-​death cats back to health and giving them the love and happiness they deserve — as well as «forever» homes. After one of our beloved cats passed away, we were able to get another darling and sweet kitty from HPC. The application process with thorough, but straightforward enough — and we couldn’t be happier with our cat.
HIGHLY recommend getting a kitty from these folks, who go above and beyond.

If I could give this organization zero stars I would. It is really unfortunate as the cats are beautiful and many of them I’m sure could be in excellent homes by now.
My experience at one of their «adoption events» at PETCO in Santa Monica was one of the most uncomfortable of my life.
I walked in with my fiancé last year, hoping to add a furry member to our family. New condo, new kitty, we were so excited! This is probably where I should note that we are an interracial couple. I had already communicated with the women in advance about a few of the cats, and was expecting a warm welcome. Au contraire, mon ami!
My fiancé and I were looked over by these Beverly Hills housewives as if we were the scum of the earth. I mean they looked completely horrified that we would even consider adopting one of their cats. I halfway expected one of them to ask my fiancé for proof of citizenship. My fiancé happens to be a very relaxed, easy going guy, and even he leaned over and said «Sabrina, it isn’t going to happen, let’s just go». After a few minutes of whispering one of the «volunteers» decided to speak to me, «can I help you?».
But wait, it gets better. In denial, I went ahead and filled out an application for a nice gray persian cat, while my fiancé walked around the PETCO looking for an appropriate litter box. At the time I was an executive at NBC Universal. I noticed a white family interested in the same cat as I was, so I quickly filled out the application and handed it in. Five of the women scrutinized it, until I clearly heard one of them say «I don’t think she really works there. See? She didn’t put a phone number». At this point I was furious. I leaned over and asked if there was a problem. Told them I had the office phone number on me if they needed it.
Meanwhile I asked another volunteer if I could pet the persian, and she opened the cage door for me. The kitty was fast asleep at the back of the cage. My fiancé called my name and I turned around, a split second later one of the «volunteers» leaped across the floor and slammed the cage door shut, shrieking «Omg see?!? she was going to let the cat out!!!». I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock. The cat was still sleeping peacefully at the back of the cage. She then tells me that she is going to have to give the cat to the white family, who by the way still hadn’t filled out an application.
My fiancé and I walked out immediately and headed straight to the Santa Monica shelter. We adopted a gorgeous black and white tuxedo kitten who is the princess of our life. We are so happy to have her and treat her like a family member every single day.
If you are considering adopting with this organization do yourself a favor, and adopt a kitten who really needs the help from a local shelter. Leave these women to their cats, they definitely have all the time and money necessary to take care of persians all by themselves.