Introduction
It can be an extremely difficult decision to have to rehome a beloved cat. However, there are times in life when rehoming becomes the best option for both you and your cat. Significant life changes such as moving, marriage, new babies, or illness can all impact your ability to properly care for a pet. Finances may also become a factor if you face economic hardship or unforeseen medical bills for your cat. While heartbreaking, rehoming allows you to ensure your cat’s needs are met in a stable environment. This guide provides tips to help you make the transition as smooth as possible for your cat.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 2.1 million cats enter shelters each year as owner surrenders (https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics). While placing your cat into a shelter should be a last resort, other options such as rehoming with family or friends or using a cat rescue can help avoid overwhelming crowded shelters. The key is taking steps to ensure your cat is matched with a loving adopter capable of providing excellent lifelong care.
Assess your cat’s personality and needs
When rehoming a cat, it’s important to take the time to understand your cat’s unique personality and needs. This will help ensure you find the best possible new home that is a good match.
Consider if your cat is social or independent. According to Psychology Today, cats have different personalities – some are shy while others are more confident and playful. If possible, observe how your cat interacts with other pets and people [1].
Take into account any medical or behavioral issues your cat has. For example, an anxious cat may do better in a quiet home without children. Per Four Paws, researching your cat’s dominance, neuroticism, impulsivity and tolerance levels can provide insight into their personality [2].
By understanding your individual cat’s personality traits and needs, you’ll be better equipped to find an adopter well-suited to provide a loving forever home.
Consider relatives or friends
The best option when rehoming your cat is to find a new home with someone your cat already knows and trusts, like a relative or close friend. This will help minimize stress and disruption for your cat during the transition to a new home (Rehoming Cats: Always a Bad Thing?).
Think about family members or friends who have met your cat before and made a good connection. If there is someone your cat seems comfortable and familiar with, rehoming with that person is ideal. This allows your cat to move into a home with at least one person they recognize and feel safe with (Why Cats Need Rehoming: A Comprehensive Guide).
When rehoming with someone your cat knows, the adjustment period will be smoother. Your cat can rely on that familiar person for reassurance in their new home. A friend or relative is also more likely to take your cat’s personality, needs and care requirements into account during the transition.
Research local rescue organizations
When looking to rehome your cat, starting your search with local no-kill shelters and fostering groups is often the best option. No-kill shelters aim to find permanent adoptive homes for animals rather than euthanizing them, and many have excellent adoption programs and success rates. According to Yelp, some highly rated no-kill cat rescues in Nashville, Tennessee include Music City Cats, Eva’s Eden, and The Cat Shoppe.
Fostering networks can also help find your cat a new forever home. These groups work with a network of volunteer fosters who temporarily house cats in need until a permanent adopter can be found. Working with local fostering groups allows you to keep your cat in a home environment during the transition. Organizations like The Catfeine and Noah’s Ark Society operate robust fostering programs in Nashville.
When reaching out to local no-kill shelters and fostering groups, be prepared to provide information about your cat’s personality, medical history, and care needs. This will allow them to match your cat with potential adopters. Working with local organizations where your cat can remain in the community is ideal. And many provide post-adoption support and guidance if any issues arise in the future.
Vet potential adopters thoroughly
Before giving your cat to a new home, extensively vet the potential adopters to ensure they will provide a loving and caring environment. This process should include both an application and in-person interview to assess whether the adopter is truly ready for the responsibility of caring for a cat.
The application should ask questions about the adopter’s experience with cats, current pets, home environment, lifestyle and schedules, and plans for caring for the cat. Contact references provided and request veterinary records to verify past pet ownership. Reject applicants who seem unreliable or unprepared.
An in-home interview is also recommended before finalizing the adoption. This provides an opportunity to meet the adopter in person, see their home environment, and further evaluate if it will be a good fit. Look for potential hazards, cleanliness, space for a litter box, and overall suitability. Also observe how the adopter interacts with your cat during introductions. Someone enthusiastic and knowledgeable about cats is preferred.
According to the Adoptions Training Playbook from Best Friends Network, comprehensive screening helps set up successful long-term cat adoptions by matching personalities and lifestyles appropriately (Source). While vetting takes effort, it helps ensure you find the ideal forever home for your beloved cat.
Prepare your cat for the transition
One of the most stressful parts of moving to a new home for cats is the transition itself. According to experts, there are some things you can do to help prepare your cat and make the move less frightening:
- Get your cat used to their carrier in advance. Leave it out with the door open so they can investigate it and become acclimated. Put treats or toys inside to create positive associations.
- Take your cat on short drives before the big move. Start small with 5-10 minute trips and gradually work up to longer drives. This gets them used to car rides.
- Consider using calming aids like Feliway or calming treats/supplements. These can reduce stress and anxiety during the transition.
- Keep feeding and playtime routines as consistent as possible leading up to and after the move. The more familiarity, the better.
Making the carrier and car less scary ahead of time, sticking to routines, and using calming products can go a long way towards easing the change. Be patient, move at your cat’s pace, and offer lots of comfort and affection.
Introduce your cat gradually
When rehoming a cat, it’s important to gradually introduce your cat to their new home and adopter. According to the Humane Society, “Your new cat should be kept in a single room during the initial stages of this introduction process. This is important for both the new cat and for any resident animals.”
First, have the potential adopter come to your home to meet your cat on neutral territory. Let them interact on your turf first so your cat feels more comfortable. The adopter can also learn your cat’s personality and habits in your home environment.
Next, allow short visits at the adopter’s home before overnight stays. As recommended by The Dodo, “Rather than bringing your cat to his new forever home and releasing him to freely explore, keep your cat in a single room during the first few days.” Transport your cat in a carrier and set up a dedicated room with food, water, litter box, toys, scratching post, bed, and hiding spots.
Limit visits to an hour or two at first. Then gradually increase visit duration over days or weeks based on your cat’s adjustment. Be sure to transport familiar items like beds or blankets that smell like home.
Provide supplies and information
When rehoming your cat, it’s important to provide the adopter with essential supplies to make the transition easier. These supplies include:
- Food – Provide a couple weeks’ worth of the food your cat is currently eating to minimize digestive issues from an abrupt food change. Gradually transitioning to a new food over 2-3 weeks is recommended.
- Litter and litterbox – Give the adopter your cat’s preferred type of litter and a litterbox, so the smells are familiar.
- Toys – Send along a few favorite toys, especially interactive ones, to provide comfort and familiarity.
- Vet records – Supply copies of your cat’s medical records detailing vaccines, medical conditions, medications, etc. This allows continuity of care.
Providing these supplies and information helps the adopter properly care for your cat as you would. It reduces stress for your cat adjusting to a new home.
Be available for follow-up
It’s important to check in with the new owner periodically to ensure your cat is adjusting well to its new home. Schedule a phone call or video chat 2 days, 10 days, and 1 month after rehoming to get updates on how your cat is doing.
Ask questions like “How is my cat settling in?”, “Is he eating and using the litterbox normally?”, “Does he seem comfortable with your other pets?”, and “Have you noticed any behavioral issues I should know about?”. Keep an open dialogue so the new owner feels comfortable reaching out if any problems arise.
If during your follow-ups you determine the adoption is not a good fit, offer to take the cat back. Rehoming can be traumatic so having the fallback option to return to you may provide some comfort to the adopter and cat. Make sure you are emotionally and logistically prepared for this possibility.
Even if the rehoming goes smoothly, keep your contact info available to the new owner indefinitely. You likely know your cat’s medical history best, so remaining a resource for questions can help with your cat’s continued care. Though no longer your pet, you still want the best for your cat’s new life.
Coping with rehoming grief
Rehoming a beloved cat can cause immense grief and heartache. It’s important to remember that this decision was made out of love, for your cat’s wellbeing and happiness. As hard as it is, try to focus on the positive – your cat is going to a home better suited to provide the care they need.
Some strategies to help cope with the grief include:
- Acknowledge your feelings of sadness and loss – it’s normal and expected
- Reflect on the happy memories you shared with your cat
- Stay busy to keep your mind occupied – spend time with friends, pick up a new hobby, volunteer, etc.
- Share stories and photos of your cat with others
- Write a letter to your cat expressing your love and well wishes
The pain of grief often comes in waves, so be patient and kind to yourself through this difficult transition. In time, the heartache will lessen and you can find peace knowing your cat is thriving in their new home. Focus on the positives – the great times you shared and the happy future for your furry friend.