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Realising that you can no longer keep your cat and making the decision to rehome them is difficult. You’ve probably already spent some time with your feline friend and grown to love them. However, in some situations, giving up a cat for adoption is the best thing you can do for both.

If you’re finding yourself making the often heart-breaking decision to rehome your cat, we put together this article on how to best deal with this tough choice. We’ll explore the challenges pet families face when deciding to give up their cat and offer advice and resources to help make the process as smooth as possible. Read on to learn how to make sure your feline friend finds the home they need and deserve.

Is rehoming my cat the best option?

It’s natural to feel hesitant about whether giving up a cat for adoption is the right decision. But although it might not seem like it, rehoming might be the best possible option for both you and the cat. If you’re unable to provide the resources needed for taking care of your pet due to different reasons, finding a new loving home for them may be the right thing to do. However, it’s important to consider all the options before making such a significant decision and to keep in mind that your cat’s health and happiness should be the top priority.

Five reasons for giving up a cat for adoption

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There are many reasons why people would consider rehoming a cat but it’s important to note that putting a cat up for adoption should not be a last resort. There are ways to address certain challenges when it comes to caring for a cat. Here are a few:

1. High costs

Having a cat can be costly and some pet owners might find themselves in a situation where they struggle to afford costs of medical care, food, and other expenses. If you’re struggling to cover these costs, know that there are charities that can offer financial help. In the UK, some charities may be able to help with financial assistance for vet bills and there are several organisations that have food banks and can offer pet food to those who need it. These include:

Blue Cross – in England and Wales

PDSA

Cats Protection

Pet Aid – in Scotland

Pet Food Bank Service – in South Wales

RSPCA – in England and Wales

Edinburgh Dogs and Cats Home

Being the owner of a pet comes with many responsibilities and the financial part is an important aspect of this. If your cat requires medical treatment and you don’t have the resources for the bills, you should know that there are charities that can help. PDSA for example, can help out with low-cost medical appointments, as can some other local animal welfare organisations, and it may be a good idea to also look into getting pet insurance as this you can afford this, it can drastically lower your vet bills over time.

2. Lack of time

Sometimes it’s difficult to predict exactly how much time you’d have for the daily task of caring for a cat. Although cats can be very independent, they also require time and attention daily and if you’re unable to be home for a great part of the day, they might react negatively to this. But giving up a cat for adoption doesn’t have to be an option in this case, as there are plenty of pet sitters out there that can look after them while you’re out – or you could ask friends or family members Take this into consideration first and try it out for a while, see if it could be an option.

You could also consider increasing your cat’s environmental enrichment giving them more activities they can enjoy in your absence.

3. Changes in living situation

Lifestyle changes can make it difficult to continue caring for your cat. Moving to a new place, for example, can be challenging as many don’t allow pets. If you’re in this situation, it’s worth talking to your new landlord and providing ways in which they can make sure you’re a responsible pet owner. This might include references from your old landlord or the possibility of paying a pet deposit, ensuring that if anything gets damaged, your landlord will not be affected.

If you’re moving across country and your cat doesn’t travel well and gets stressed, there are ways you can safely bring them along with you. Consider contacting your vet (or vet behaviourist) and they can recommend reliable drugs, pheromone sprays and/or supplements that can be a huge help in keeping your cat calm when traveling.

4. The cat isn’t settling into the home

Cats are very independent so getting used to a new home might take time. It’s perfectly normal for them to be quiet at first. The first signs might be that your cat is constantly hiding, eating less and not interacting with anyone at all. However, there are some things you can do to make sure you make the transition as smooth as possible.

The first step would be to bring something old of theirs to the new home like the litter or toys, or maybe the bedding, scratch posts or, even, litter trays. Prepare a separate place for them, in a different room as they need their own space to feel comfortable and safe. Add all their things there, like their bed, bowls, and toys. To get them used to you, offer your cat a piece of your clothing which has your smell.

Settling into a new environment can take a long time for a cat – who will need to be totally convinced their new space is ‘safe’. Pheromone diffusers and products can help with this process.

5. Behavioural issues

Some cats might have a challenging personality and you might find yourself struggling to live with their behaviour. Maybe they’re predatory, aggressive or destructive. In these cases, it’s worth considering a contacting a behaviourist who specialises in cats. Sometimes these behavioural issues can be the result of an illness or stress, or are due to a lack of enrichment or outlets for their natural hard-wired behaviours. Either way, they can help you improve or even completely solve the problem, and you'll be able to enhance the coexistence between the cat and the family.

How to rehome my cat?

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If rehoming your beloved pet is the best option, there are several resources available that can make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Check out the steps you can follow to make sure your cat finds their well-deserved forever home.

1. Get in touch with your friends and family first

When looking to give up your cat for adoption, it’s a good idea to first contact the people closer to you and ask if they might be looking for a new pet. This is one of the best options as you’d know that your cat is with people you trust, and you would also get to see them from time to time.

2. Contact the person you got it from

The person that sold you the cat might be willing to them back – especially if they are a breeder. Good breeders will feel responsible for the kittens they breed. If you got them relatively recently, the chances they might take them back are probably better. You can explain the reason why you can’t keep them anymore and they might help find them a more suitable home.

3. Look up reliable shelters or charities

Research the shelters in your area. In the UK, any of the organisations that work with cats who are members of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes will be able to help or give advice. This way you will know that before you leave them at a shelter, you know that they’re trustworthy and reliable.

4. Pack them a bag with their things and favourite food

A change as big as moving home and changing owners can be stressful for a cat. To make this transition easier, you can pack them a small bag with some of their things. This will help with the process and make them feel more comfortable. Make a list of their personality, what they like and dislike, and what their behaviour is like. This will give their new owners a head start on settling them in.

Remember, it’s never easy giving up a cat for adoption, but by making this decision, you’re taking an important step towards ensuring their well-being. While the process might be stressful and difficult, know that you’re doing the right thing for your cat and for yourself.

Finally, we know that taking this step is also very difficult for you. Don't hesitate to seek help from a therapist who understands pet ownership, and lean on your family and friends to make the process as painless as possible for you.