there is a strong perception that you have to jump through hoops to adopt a rescue cat a
I have heard that before but can never understand why. Unless people see a couple of phone calls and a homecheck as jumping through hoops. I would think any true animal lover would appreciate the reasons it is done. Maybe MSE types don't like the idea of parting with a donation 
Maybe so!!
I think there are a few issues, certainly some people don't like what they deem the 'intrusion' of the homecheck, but there is little that can be done about that as the homecheck is essential. There do seem to be an awful lot of potential adopters reporting negative experiences with one or more rescue, depending how negative the first contact this can be the only attempt they ever make at adopting from a rescue! Some branches will not home where there are young children, some will not home to either a busy street or contemplate an indoor only environment, or to anyone working full time. All told that is an awful lot of potential adopters being turned away ...
Speaking for myself, I contacted three rescues when looking for Noah - Adel CP, RSPCA and another local one. I was very clear in my e-mail what sort of home I could offer and what I was looking for - stable environment as homeowner, no children, work part time, previous experience of rescue cats, happy to take an adult with a health condition as would have to be indoor only. RSPCA came back to me first and were really VERY rude basically saying they didn't approve of indoor homes: it honestly was enough to make me doubt that I had a suitable environment for a cat, that perhaps I was being selfish.
Luckily there are fabby places like Purrs
where we can send those jaded MSE folks and be sure that the regulars will bend over backwards to match the right cat to the right home, even if that means referring to other rescues or going outside the area.
