Putting a Cat Up for Adoption

Taking care of a pet cat is a big responsibility. Occasionally circumstances no longer allow you to keep your cat, due to money, living arrangements or illness. If there is no possible way for you to continue life with your cat, it is your responsibility to find the best possible living arrangements for your cat from that point on. It may be a difficult decision and process, but it is possible to rehome your cat in a loving and healthy environment.

Things You'll Need

  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Current vaccinations
  • Camera
  • Computer with internet access
  • Printer/scanner
  • Paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your friends,family, veterinarian and co-workers to see if any of them or someone they know may be interested in adopting your cat. Personal networking is the most direct methodk, and enables you to know where your cat is going and be confident that it will have a good home.

    • 2

      Contact the organization or person from which you adopted your cat. They may be willing to take the cat back or help you find a new home for it.

    • 3

      Spay or neuter your cat (if you have not already done so) and make sure it's vaccinations are current. This makes your cat more appealing to potential adopting families.

    • 4

      Take photos of your cat. Make sure they are flattering photos that accurately depict its best qualities. Download these photos on your computer and make adoption flyers and posters with the photos, your cat's name, age, gender, a brief and amusing description of your cat and its likes/dislikes and your basic contact information. Post the flyers and posters around town in veterinary clinics, offices, pet stores or even grocery stores.

    • 5

      Use the photos you took and register your pet on an online pet adoption site, such as Pet Finder. These sites make your cat accessible to millions of potential homes. You can also post free ads on your local craigslist site online.

    • 6

      Interview potential adopters thoroughly to ensure a good home for your cat. Visit their homes and ask tough questions about whether they can provide proper food and veterinary care if necessary. Ask about the presence of other pets or children in the home. Make sure each potential adopter is serious and can provide the care your cat needs.

    • 7

      Sign up on an adoption waiting list if you must place your cat in a shelter. This way, if your cat is not adopted, you have the option of removing it from the shelter before they euthanize it. Also, if you must place your cat in a shelter, try to place your cat in a no-kill shelter or animal rescue organization so that it will not be euthanized if it does not find a home right away. Adult animals are always tough candidates for adoption, and a no-kill shelter or rescue organization will provide a safe haven for your cat for as long as necessary until it is adopted again.