Where to Put Your Cat Up for Adoption

Sometimes there's no choice. You need to rehome a cat. Finding new homes for cats is never easy, and placing yours could take months. For the cat's sake, screen carefully, charge an adoption fee and make sure the potential adopter is a good match for your cat. Also be honest about the cat's shortcomings. Believe it or not, people are willing to adopt very shy cats, older cats and cats with litter box issues. But it's only fair to let them know ahead of time. Here are some places to advertise cats in search of new homes.

  1. Rescue Groups

    • Contact rescue groups in your area and ask if they'll do courtesy listings for your cat on their websites.

    Craig's List

    • Craigslist.org is the first place many people look when they want to add a new cat to their household. It's possible to find great homes on craigslist.org. Screen carefully and include a photo of your cat against an attractive, uncluttered background.

    PetFinder.com

    • Individuals may post free classified ads on this huge pet rescue website. Again, screen potential adopters carefully.

    PennySaver and Your Local Newspaper

    • Ads that appear in newspapers also are posted online. It's worth repeating: Screen potential adopters carefully.

    Coffee Shops, the Library and Pet Supply Stores

    • Post fliers on the bulletin boards at coffee shops, the library and pet supply stores. Feed stores also are a good place to advertise cats that would enjoy living in a barn. Use a great photo and bullet points to describe the cat's good traits.

    Breed-Specific Email Lists

    • If you have a purebred cat, a breed-specific email list on Yahoo! Groups can put you in touch with potential adopters. On the Yahoo! Groups website, search for your cat's breed. If you decide to ship the cat to an adopter in another state, check references and arrange for a home check before you send the cat to its new family.