Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Fumipets
How to Rehome Your Cat in a Responsible and Humane Way
When circumstances arise that make it necessary to rehome your beloved feline companion, it’s crucial to ensure the process is done responsibly and compassionately. Rehoming a cat involves finding a loving and suitable new home where your pet will receive the care and attention they deserve.
This article will guide you through the steps of rehoming your cat in a responsible and humane manner, ensuring the well-being of your furry friend during this transition.
How to Rehome Your Cat
We never consider the possibility of having to rehome our dogs when we first adopt them. But various circumstances can necessitate rehoming our cat.
There is sometimes very little you can do to prevent this painful predicament, regardless of whether you’ve endured a financial or physical setback or maybe the necessities of your living environment have altered.
There is a proper method to rehome a cat when the time comes. Finding the ideal owner should be your priority in order to minimize the stress your cat experiences. A stressed-out cat may result from any significant life change.
1. Reach Out to Your Local Animal Shelter
Yes, you may just leave your cat off to the animal shelter in your community. Nevertheless, some shelters provide initiatives to assist in keeping your pet out of the shelter. Some shelters may be able to assist you if all you’re having difficulties with is buying food.
If you’re giving up your pet primarily because you can’t afford the medical fees, many shelters may also direct you to low-cost veterinary treatment.
Additionally, you have the option of “fostering” your pet while the shelter locates a new home. You won’t need to be concerned about your cat spending a day at the shelter after that.
Although the capabilities of various shelters vary, it is usually better to contact and inquire. You never know what kind of assistance they may be able to provide you!
2. Avoid Posting Classified Ads
It’s not a good idea to advertise your pet on Craigslist or any comparable classifieds website. Even if you are anxious to find your pet a new home, you should never rehome your pet for free.
Adopted dogs from Craigslist are sometimes used as bait in dog fights. Your cat may be used for “training,” even if it is evident that they are not canines.
Black cats and kittens suffer the most since they are often mistreated. During the period when they are seen as unlucky, around Halloween, this issue is particularly widespread.
Free dogs may be sought after on Craigslist by hoarders, backyard breeders, and other criminal groups. Because of this, we strongly advise against buying your cat via this classified advertising.
3. Use a Pet-Matching Service
You may find someone seeking a pet via one of the many pet-matching services available. For instance, one of the most popular services is definitely Adopt-A-Pet.
Never, ever give your pet away when you rehome it. We strongly advise always requesting payment. This will aid you in avoiding con artists and criminal elements that often exclusively seek out free kitties.
Someone is probably not in a position to care for a cat at all if they are unwilling to pay for your pet.
Utilizing these pet-matching services is preferable to using Craigslist, but that doesn’t mean they are 100% secure. Always use caution while locating a new residence for your pet. Just because someone is listed on a service doesn’t guarantee that they have been verified to assure they won’t hurt your cat.
4. Breed Rescues
You may be able to contact a breed-specific rescue if your cat is of a certain breed. These often entail pet foster care, ensuring that your cat won’t wind up in a shelter setting. In addition, they often have an advantage over your cat’s particular breed and may be able to find them a new home much more quickly.
These breed rescues often accept mixed breed animals.
If your cat is just a “cat,” you may be able to locate a local cat-specific rescue. The stress for your cat is much reduced compared to what it may be with a regular shelter since they are often faster-based.
But admission to these groups is sometimes quite restricted. It depends on how many animals their foster homes can accept since they don’t have a shelter facility!
Once they’re at capacity, they can’t accept any more animals until they’ve found homes for some of the existing ones. Some rescues can have a waiting list, while others would not accept owned animals at all. Many of them concentrate only on wild animals.
5. Have All Veterinary Records on Hand
Before handing your pet over to anybody, you should have all of the medical documents on hand. Since they need less initial investment, cats who have been spayed or neutered are often preferred by prospective owners. Also be careful to provide immunization records.
For their own protection, your cat may be re-vaccinated if they don’t have vaccination records. Most rescues and shelters won’t just believe what you say!
6. Advertise Through Your Network
Spreading the word to your friends and relatives might sometimes help you locate a good owner. Someone could be aware of someone who needs a cat. Most often, via social media, and request that your friends keep an eye out for anybody looking for a cat.
Frequently, veterinarians will also let you advertise in their facilities. They could be aware of someone who wants a new pet.
Additionally, you may distribute fliers in and around your place of employment, the institution of higher learning, or place of worship. You may post ads for cats with the majority of these groups.
Of course, be sure to conduct your research before entrusting a stranger with your cat. You generally don’t need to worry too much if a close friend chooses to take your cat. But if you go any further away than that, be careful to do your homework before giving your cat to someone.
Although we would want to believe that everyone has our best interests in mind, this isn’t always the case.
7. Always Screen
Screen adopters at all times if you just take away one piece of advice from this article. There are those hunting for free pets, including animal abusers and dogfighters. Make sure your cat is not one of them.
The majority of these criminals’ queries will be filtered out if you at least charge a minimal price. Nevertheless, you should still question anybody who inquires about your cat.
Before you handed over your cat, visit their house. Watch out for warning signs, such as when a person doesn’t truly ask many questions about your cat. Another cautionary sign is if you want to remove your cat “right now.” The majority of conscientious cat owners will enquire deeply before deciding whether to adopt your cat or not.
Additionally, you may get the medical history of any pets they currently possess. You may want to think twice before allowing them to take care of your cat if they don’t have them.
Veterinary examinations are perhaps the most significant screening method. After all, the majority of offenders don’t take their pets to the veterinarian, including dogfighters, hoarders, and abusers. The candidate is probably an excellent choice for your cat if they have a generally positive history with a vet.
Final Thoughts
Although finding a new home for your cat is never fun, there are occasions when it is simply required for their welfare. Sometimes our lives change in unexpected ways, leaving us unable to care for our kitties.
There is a proper method to rehome your cat if you ever find yourself in that scenario. It’s crucial to vet prospective employees since it keeps abusers out of the possession of your pet. Your cat may be able to find a new home through a variety of sources. Rescues are consistently a good choice. Perhaps someone seeking a new cat also knows someone in your family and friends.
Q&A: Responsible Cat Rehoming
Why might someone need to rehome their cat?
Various life circumstances can lead to the need to rehome a cat, including changes in housing, allergies, financial constraints, or personal reasons. It’s essential to prioritize the cat’s welfare when making this decision.
What steps should be taken before rehoming a cat?
Before rehoming your cat, ensure they are up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered. Prepare a complete medical history and gather essential supplies, such as food, toys, and bedding, to accompany the cat to their new home.
How can one find a suitable new home for their cat?
Start by reaching out to friends and family who may be interested in adopting your cat. Utilize social media platforms, local shelters, and reputable rescue organizations to connect with potential adopters. Screening prospective owners is crucial to ensure a safe and caring environment.
What should be considered when evaluating potential adopters?
When evaluating potential adopters, assess their living situation, previous experience with pets, and willingness to provide proper care. Ask about their daily routine and commitment to the cat’s well-being. A home visit and reference checks can provide valuable insights.
How can the transition to a new home be made easier for the cat?
To ease the transition, provide the new owner with all relevant information about your cat’s habits, preferences, and medical history. Familiar items, like toys and bedding, can offer comfort during the adjustment period. Gradual introductions and patience are key to helping the cat adapt to their new surroundings.
