Giving up your cat is never an easy decision. From moving home and relationship break-ups to changes in the family and even bereavements, there are many reasons why owners have to rehome their cat. While some situations are unavoidable, there are some circumstances where you may be able to keep your feline friend. No matter how desperate you are, please don’t dump or abandon your pet or even advertise them for free on social media. This can be traumatic for your cat and can even be dangerous. Speaking to your local Cats Protection will ensure your pet is in a safe place and can be placed in the right home. Our guide explains how to rehome a cat at one of our local branches.
If you, or someone in your household, think they might be allergic to your cat, don’t panic. There are alternative treatments to try before you begin thinking about giving up your cat.
Visit your GP to determine whether the symptoms are related to your feline companion. It could be that pollen, dust mites or even perfume are to blame! If your GP confirms that your allergy is caused by your cat, you can discuss treatment.
Cats can make great companions for children but it is understandable if, while pregnant, you begin to worry about the addition of a new baby to your home. Concerned about cleaning litter trays during pregnancy, or worried about how to ensure your cat and baby get along? There’s no reason you should need to rehome your cat when you’ve got kids in tow.
Signs of aggression, inappropriate toileting and destructiveness can be unsettling, especially if your cat has never displayed these behaviours before. In the first instance, speak to your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Talking to an animal behaviourist may help in reducing these unwanted behaviours too.
Before giving up your cat due to expensive medical bills, it is worth doing some research. Some vets offer payment plans and other organisations may be able to assist with medical bills. You may be eligible for financial assistance to have your cat neutered with Cats Protection.
If you’re looking to find your cat a new home, you’ll need to plan as early as you can. There are often waiting lists for spaces for cats in our pens and thinking ahead means knowing your cat is in a safe place. Speak to your local Cats Protection branch or centre - you can find your nearest one here. Please be patient – our branches are run by volunteers and will aim to get back to you as soon as possible.
Think carefully. Once the decision has been made and your cat has been rehomed, no details of the new owners can be released.
By transferring your cat into the care of Cats Protection, they’ll be put in their own pen and will be well looked after while they are waiting for rehoming. It helps if you give us as much background as possible about your cat to ensure they are placed in the right home for them.
It is completely normal to worry about what will happen to your cat after you’ve gone. Cat Guardians is a free service provided by Cats Protection, giving peace of mind to concerned cat owners. Through the service, you can plan for your cat’s future so that in the event of your death, your cat can be taken into a Cats Protection branch or centre.
Find out more about Cat GuardiansIf you’d like more advice on rehoming your cat, call our National Information Line on 03000 12 12 12.