Rehoming a Cat: Safe, Responsible Options

Helping you prevent unsafe or rushed rehoming to protect your cat's wellbeing.

Before Rehoming: Try These First

Many rehoming situations are caused by temporary challenges. Consider whether any of these supports might help keep your cat:

Payment plans with your veterinarian
Low-cost vaccine or spay/neuter clinics
Behavioral training/resources
Gradual introductions to resident pets
Feeding or litter box adjustments
Landlord/lease communication assistance

If the issue is medical or behavioral, early support often prevents surrender.

Steps for Responsible Rehoming

Follow these steps to ensure a safe transition for your pet.

1

Ask Trusted People First

Start with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors.

Share details about personality, medical needs, and compatibility to ensure a safe match.

2

Use Your Network

Ask your vet if they know adopters. Post flyers in clinics.

Many rescues will help cross-post cats, even if they cannot intake. This increases exposure while keeping the cat in a home.

3

Create a Strong Profile

Include clear photos, age, medical status, temperament, and known behaviors.

Be transparent about special needs or medications to prevent failed placements.

4

Screen Adopters

Ask about indoor/outdoor plans, vet care history, and home stability.

Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, decline.

5

Never "Free to Good Home"

Charging a small rehoming fee deters flippers and abusers.

Ensures adopter financial readiness and demonstrates commitment.

6

Adoption Agreement

Require return if it doesn't work out. Prohibit declawing.

We can provide a contract template if needed.

What NOT to Do

  • Abandoning outdoors
  • Dropping off without permission
  • Giving away without screening
  • Quick rehoming through Craigslist/no screening

These put cats at serious risk.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Contact rescues and vets quickly if a cat is:

Ill or injured
Pregnant or nursing
Abandoned outdoors
Elderly, disabled, or in crisis

Still Need Help?

If you are unable to keep your cat and need safe rehoming support, we may be able to cross-post, provide adoption contract templates, or share guidance on screening adopters.

While we cannot intake owner surrenders except in rare emergency cases, we will do our best to provide compassionate guidance.

Contact Us for Guidance