A Caring Guide for Rehoming a Cat
So you’re thinking of rehoming a cat? That’s a big decision – and there’s a lot to think about before you do it. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before finding a new home for your feline friend.
I’ll cover things like the best ways to find a new home, how to prepare your cat for the move, and what to do after they’ve been rehomed as well. With luck, this post will help make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your cat.
What Does Rehoming a Cat Mean?
At its most basic, rehoming a cat means finding them a new home when you’re no longer able to provide the proper care. This can be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from changes in your personal circumstances to an unplanned pregnancy or worsening health condition.
If you’re rehoming your cat, there are several things you need to consider. For example, how will you find them a new home, a suitable owner, and what type of environment would be for them? You’ll also need to prepare your cat for the transition, and think about what you’ll do after they’ve been rehomed.
A few things to remember when you potentially find a home for your pet feline…
Make sure you are selective when choosing a home for your cat. The environment and lifestyle of the new owner should be a good fit which offers reduced risk and limits behavior issues.
Your cat’s personality should be a good match to develop an early bond with their new pet parents.
Watch for any allergic symptoms when prospective adopters come to see your cat.
It would be an immense benefit to offer advice about their pet food, litter duty, and any behavior issues if necessary.
Some people assume they are dealing with appropriate animal lovers. You need to ask vital questions to help rule out criminal elements or backyard breeders.
Unfortunate Reasons for Rehoming a Cat
When it comes to your decision for rehoming your pet cat, there are many reasons why people need to do so. Here are some of the most common motives:
Allergies: While many people are allergic to cat dander, there are also those who are allergic to cats themselves. If you find that you’re suddenly allergic to your cat, it’s important to consider rehoming them before it becomes a health hazard for you.
Unplanned Pregnancy: This can mean that you’re not able to care for your cat as you’d like. If you’re pregnant and struggling to care for your cat, rehoming them may be the only solution for both of you.
Worsening Health Condition: If you’re struggling to take care of your own health, you may not be able to give your cat the level of care they need. Rehoming your cat can help ensure they stay healthy and happy.
Moving: Whether you’re moving to a different house or a new city, sometimes taking your cat with you just isn’t possible. If you can’t take your cat with you and don’t want to put them in a shelter, rehoming them is the humane thing to do.
Divorce or Separation: These pose unique challenges for cat owners, especially if you can’t agree on who will care for them. If you find yourself unable to care for your cat after a divorce or separation, rehoming may be the answer.
Lifestyle Change: From retirement to a new job, sometimes a switch in lifestyle means we can no longer care for our cats the way we used to. If you find yourself with less time or energy to take care of your cat, rehoming is likely the best solution.
New Baby: Bringing a newborn home can be stressful and challenging, especially if you have a young or elderly cat in the family. If you’re worried that your cat will pose a danger to the baby, you could need to rehome them.
Career Transition: Sometimes, a change in job or career means that it’s not possible for you to give your cat the attention and care they need. While many jobs are flexible when it comes to pets, some are not, and in these cases, you might need to consider rehoming your cat.
Unable to Care for Elderly Cat: As our cats age, they often need more care than we’re able to give them. If you’re struggling to care for an elderly cat and need to rehome them, it’s important to do so as quickly as possible.
Financial Difficulties: When you’re struggling with financial problems, being able to feed and care for your cat may become challenging. If this is the case, rehoming them can bring peace of mind that they’re getting the care they deserve.
Personal Circumstances: There may be other personal circumstances that make caring for your cat difficult, such as having to travel frequently or spending long hours at work. If rehoming your cat is the best course of action in these cases, then it’s important to find them a loving new home.
New People: Sometimes, even if you don’t change jobs or move far away, a change in who is living with you can mean that your cat needs a new home. Perhaps you’ve gotten a new roommate, or have moved in with your significant other, and they can’t (or won’t) care for your cat, you may need to find a new home for your kitty.
Kids Compatibility: Sometimes a cat can be disruptive, stressful, or even dangerous for young children. If your kids are struggling to get along with your cat, rehoming could be a viable option.
No Time to Care: If you have other pets or are barely able to care for yourself, then rehoming your cat may be the best option. Caring for a pet requires time and attention, and if your lifestyle doesn’t allow for this, then you might want to consider rehoming.
Other Pets: If you already have pets in your home, it may not be possible to care for another one. If this is the case, rehoming your cat can help to ensure they’re getting the attention they need.
Living Situation: If you’re moving to a smaller home, such as an apartment or condo, then rehoming your cat may be best. Cats need space to roam and play, and if your new home doesn’t allow for this, then they’ll be happier in another home which can accommodate them.
All of these are valid reasons for why you might need to rehome your cat. If you find yourself in any of these situations, it’s important to take action and find them a new home as soon as possible. The sooner you do so, the easier it will be on both you and your cat.
Possible Kitties Who May Need Rehoming
While any cat can find themselves in a situation where they need to be rehomed, there are some kitties who may be more likely to need a new home than others. Under these circumstances, it’s important to be aware of the signs that you or your cat may be in distress, and act quickly if rehoming is necessary.
Kittens – While kittens are adorable, they’re also a lot of work. You may not be prepared for the level of care they need such as feedings every few hours, constant socialization, litter box training, and potential trips to the vet.
Special Needs Cats – These cats include those who are blind, deaf, or have a physical disability. They can be rehomed via special needs pet adoption programs, but you will need to research this option thoroughly.
Senior Cats – While older cats usually make great pets, they may start having age-related health issues requiring more frequent vet visits and medication that requires a financial burden which may be too difficult.
Feral Cats – A cat that’s feral has never been socialized to humans and tends to be skittish around people. These cats normally take a LOT of time and patience (which you may not have) to adjust to their new surroundings.
Stray Cats – Having been socialized to humans but currently not living in a home, these kitties might be more likely to need rehoming due to possible abandonment problems or other behavioral issues you can’t cope with.
Abused or Neglected Cats – Some cats that have had a rough past in their previous home could need specialized care and a loving family who is willing to help them heal. Not everyone is equipped to deal with this situation.
Aggressive Cats – Certain cats may be overly combative and rehoming is the only option. These cats typically require certain skills and patience to handle them properly. Owners often don’t have the time or experience to manage this behavior.
Unhealthy Cats – If a cat is sick or has a chronic health condition, they often need a capable owner who could provide the extra care and frequent veterinary bills which are quite costly.
Feelings About Rehoming a Cat
When rehoming a cat, there can be some emotional side effects for both the owner and the cat. It’s important to remember that rehoming a cat is not a bad thing, and is actually in the best interest of you and your feline friend.
Sadness…
It’s perfectly normal to feel sad when you think about rehoming your cat, especially if they’ve been a part of your family for a long time. It will simply take time to adjust to this change and that you should understand it’s ultimately the most loving thing you can do, given your current situation.
Worry…
You may have anxiety about what will happen to your cat after you rehome them. Will they be taken care of? Will they be loved? These are all legitimate concerns but, if you do your best to find them a good home, then you can take comfort in knowing they’ll be well taken care of by their new owner.
Guilt…
There is no need to feel guilty about rehoming your cat. You’re giving your kitty a chance at a better life. Sometimes you may not be able to provide everything they need, so it’s important to do what’s best for them in the long run.
Relief…
In some cases, owners may feel relief when they rehome their cat. If you’ve been struggling to care for them or if they’ve been causing problems in your home, this may be a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders.
Anger…
You might also experience frustration when rehoming your cat. This is usually directed at the situation that’s causing you to rehome them. For example, if you can’t afford their vet bills, you may be distraught about your financial situation. Try and realize that some things are out of your control.
All of these feelings are perfectly valid, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you make this transition. Rehoming a cat is often the best option for both the owner and the cat, so it’s okay to feel sad but also know that you’re doing the right thing.
Cat Rehoming Options
There are a few different ways that you can go about rehoming a cat, all of which are great options for getting them into a loving and caring home.
Contact a Local Animal Shelter
Many animal shelters and rescue groups would be more than happy to take in your cat. This option is usually the quickest and most stress-free for owners. Most shelters offer resources and basic rules for rehoming which means less stress for you. Please try to find a no-kill animal shelter.
Post an Ad Online or In a Newspaper
You can also choose to find a home for your cat by yourself. This involves placing classified ads and screening pet parents to make sure they’re a good fit for your cat. While this does take some extra time and effort, selecting the proper potential adopters is crucial.
Ask Friends or Family Members If They’re Interested in Adopting Your Cat
If you have someone close to you who’s looking for a new feline friend, this could be the perfect solution! You already know and trust them, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your cat is going to a good home.
Adopt-a-Pet
Adopt-a-Pet’s website helps connect potential pet owners with adoptable animals. This is a fantastic option if you want to have a say in who adopts your cat.
Get a Rehoming Kit
There are rehoming kits available online that can help you find a new home for your cat. These kits usually come with all of the necessary materials, such as adoption forms and tips on how to find a good home.
Tips and Advice for Rehoming Your Cat
There are a few things to keep in mind when rehoming a cat to make sure that the process goes smoothly.
Choose the Right Home
It’s important to do your best to find a home that’s perfect for your cat. This means taking into account their personality, age, health, and any other special needs they may have. You might also try and find a home that’s close by so you can easily check in on them and make sure they’re doing well.
Get References
When you’re rehoming your cat to someone you don’t know, it’s always a good idea to get references if possible. This way, you can verify that they’re a responsible and caring pet owner who will treat your cat well.
Do a Home Visit
It’s always a good idea to do a home visit before you finalize the adoption. This will give you an opportunity to see the home firsthand and make sure that it’s safe and suitable for your cat. Several follow ups in the months to come are also advised to make sure the cat is happy and of course, for your peace of mind.
Preparing Kittens
If you’re rehoming a kitten, they may not have ever been away from their mother or litter mates before. It’s important to spend some time preparing them for their new home so that they can adjust easily. This includes socializing them with people and other animals, teaching them basic manners, and getting them used to being in different environments.
Be Open and Honest
Finally, it’s important to be open and honest with both the adopter and your cat throughout the entire process. This will help to make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Preparing Your Foster Cat for its New Home
Now that you’ve chosen the best rehoming option for you and your cat, it’s time to start prepping them for their new life. This process can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to make it a little easier on both of you.
Set up a meeting with potential adopters ahead of time.
If possible, try and arrange a meeting between the adopter and your cat before the actual adoption takes place. This will give them a chance to get to know each other and see if they’re a good match.
Give them plenty of attention.
Spend as much time as you can with your cat in the days leading up to the adoption. They’ll need all the love and attention they can get during this difficult time.
Make sure they’re healthy.
Before you rehome your cat, take them to the vet for a check-up. This will ensure that they’re healthy and don’t have any underlying health problems. Be sure and obtain up-to-date veterinary records for the new owner as well.
Create a comfort zone for them.
Set up a safe space for your cat with all of their favorite things. This could be a bed, some toys, and anything else that will make them feel comfortable and loved.
Help them adjust to their new home.
Once your cat is settled in their new home, make sure to check in with them regularly. This will help them adjust to their new surroundings and get used to the routine of their new family.
By being thoroughly prepared, you can help ease your cat into a happy and stress-free life after rehoming. With a little patience and love, your kitty will quickly settle into their new family and feel right at home.
Questions to Ask Potential Adoption Parents
If you’ve decided to rehome yourself, here are 10 questions you should ask anyone who wants to adopt your cat to be sure they’re the right fit.
1. How much time are you willing to spend with their new cat each day?
2. What kinds of toys and activities do you have for them?
3. Do you have any other pets that they’ll be living with?
4. What kind of vet care will you provide?
5. What is your experience with cats?
6. How did you hear about me and my cat?
7. Why do you want to adopt my cat?
8. What type of home do you live in (e.g. apartment, house, etc.)?
9. Are you familiar with the rehoming process and what is involved?
10. How will you ensure that my cat is happy and well-cared for in their new home?
By asking these questions, you can get a better sense of whether or not the potential adopter is a good fit for your cat and make sure they’re prepared to provide them with all the love, care, and good health they need.
Life After Rehoming Your Cat
It’s normal to feel sad and even a little guilty after rehoming your cat. They were a part of your life for so long, and it can be hard to let them go. Just remember that you did what was best for them. They’re in a loving home where they’ll be well-cared for and have everything they need.
Focus on the positive and know that you made the right decision for both you and your cat. And if you’re ever feeling lonely without your feline friend, there are plenty of other ways to fill that empty space in your heart.
Cat Rehoming Resources and Information
If you’re considering rehoming your cat, I’ve compiled a short list of available resources where they can provide you with all the information you need.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this article has helped you! Rehoming a cat is never an easy decision, but with the right preparation and support, it can be the beginning of a happy new chapter for both you and your furry friend.
Take comfort in knowing that you did what was best for them, and hold on to all the memories and good times you had together. While they may no longer be by your side, they’ll always have a special place in your heart.
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Hello and welcome! I’m a genuine cat lover and devoted parent of two adorable kitties. As you can see, cat adoption is meaningful for me. I believe it’s a humane and loving option. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the people who operate rescue shelters. To show my gratitude for their selfless dedication, I’ve designed this website to help enlighten potential feline owners and raise awareness for cat adoption. Please join me and other cat lovers in our efforts to ensure every kitty has a happy, healthy life!
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