How to Re-Home your Cat

Many people who have a life change find that they can no longer care for their cats and seek ways to re-home them. Some open their door and allow their cat to venture outside; assuming that their natural instincts will develop and their cat will be able to survive outdoors. Overall, domesticated house cats will die if put outdoors as they lack foraging skills, to survive a life outdoors. The life of house cat that is abandoned may be a death sentence. If you are in a lifestyle situation where it is impossible to keep your cat then follow these tips on how to re-home your cat.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat’s medical records
• Large envelope
• Phone access
• Computer access
• Cat Flyer
• Camera
• Communication skills
• Questionnaire

1. Locate your cat’s medical records, purebred certificates and check to make sure they are current with all of their vaccinations. Put your cat’s medical records in a large envelope, along with an assortment of pictures. Place the envelope where it is accessible. This is what you will give the adoptive cat parents.

2. Contact your breeder if you purchased a purebred cat. Briefly explain your situation. Inquire to see if they would take your cat back or if they could ask around to see if someone would be interested in giving your cat a loving home.

3. Brush your cat and then take several photographs of your cat. Make a flyer with the pictures of your cat. Also, include brief bio that includes descriptions, characteristics such as gets along with other pets, loves kids, and include information concerning health such as is spay or neuter, or if your cat is declawed. Also, note if your cat is current on vaccinations. Include your contact information.

4. Circulate the cat flyer by emailing to your closest friends, co-workers and family. Take the flyer to your church and post on your community wall. Give a flyer to your Veterinarian as they may have a client that would be interested in your cat.

5. Arrange to meet with all persons interested in your cat. Have a list of questions to ask them. Determine if they are a cat lover, and ask if the cat will be live indoors if they reside in an apartment complex, make sure they have permission to have a cat. Make sure that you have a good feeling towards the adoptive parents, if you are unsure do not surrender your cat.

6. When you find a good match for your cat, share with the adopters important information about your cats mannerisms. Inform them of medical conditions or personality traits. Such as talkative, loving, sleeps in the bed, will climb on your back when you bend over, plays with toys, likes or dislikes other cats, dogs or children.

Tips & Warnings

• Should you surrender your cat to a shelter, know that most shelters have too many animals and only a small percent of cats are adopted. . It is better for you and is less stressful on your cat to re-home your cat yourself.

Resources

• Cat Care and Treatments

[kittycooks]

on 11/20/2009 Well written advice to have medical and personal records for your pet. It is a difficult situation when forced to give up a pet, and it is very important to not abandon a house cat. Thanks for sharing.

[abtex]

on 11/18/2009 This is a good article with some good tips. Another good method to find a good home for your cat is to call animal rescue groups in your area. They might be able to help you find the right person. 5*

[pat71896]

on 11/12/2009 Nice article. Take care of our 4 paw'd friends!

[goodselfme]

on 11/11/2009 tX for the ways to rehome a cat. Too often people don't take responsibility in doing these well explained activities. 5*

[xivyisazombiex]

on 11/9/2009 Great article. well written and logical.