Giving up an animal may feel bittersweet, like parting ways with a longtime friend. You should only consider rehoming your cat for serious and unpreventable reasons and if both parties benefit. Change is a giant stressor in a feline’s life, so don’t make your final decision without a lot of thought. Exploring your possibilities can help you determine whether it’s actually necessary to rehome your cat. If you do decide that your home isn’t the best fit, we’ll help you find one where they can thrive. Relocating your cat to a safe place can also alleviate any rehoming guilt you may feel, as you can rest assured that they’re being loved by their new family.

Click below to jump ahead:

• Why You Might Need to Rehome Your Cat
• The 5 Reasons Why You Might Not Need to Rehome
• The 4 Ways to Safely Rehome Your Cat

Why You Might Need to Rehome Your Cat

Let’s start this conversation with a list of reasons you shouldn’t rehome your cat. It goes without saying, but cats are sentient beings who form close bonds with their humans. Even if your cat may act aloof when you offer them their food, deep down they really need you whether they realize it or not. Acting as if they’re a novelty item is never a good excuse to rehome them.

For example, you shouldn’t adopt a cat and then give it away once it’s no longer a cute kitten, or once the holiday season has passed. You should only rehome your cat if you feel like you can’t provide for them in the way that they need. Taking a job where you’re gone from home for more than 12 hours a day or facing a debilitating financial situation where you can no longer feed them may warrant rehoming them if the situation looks like a permanent change. If it’s not, you might consider how you and your cat can cope until the crisis has passed.

That’s why it’s important to fully evaluate your circumstances before you adopt.

It’s impossible to completely foresee the future, but if there are already red flags, you probably shouldn’t proceed. For example, if your fiancé sneezes every time they even see a cat, adopting one isn’t going to work out…unless you decide you want the cat instead, which isn’t entirely out of the question.

The 5 Reasons Why You Might Not Need to Rehome

Before you start looking for a home for your cat, consider the reasons you’re considering giving them up. Here are 5 reasons you might not need to give up your cat.

1. Your problems are temporary

Jobs and financial circumstances don’t last forever. If you’re going through tough times financially, your local humane society or animal shelter may be able to help you with pet food. Even loving friends or family may pitch in if they know you’re in dire need. While it is important to spend quality time with your pet, you might want to hire a sitter if you still want to keep them but also work long hours across town. The grind doesn’t last forever, so it’d be a shame to lose your cat over a job that you might not even keep for long.

2. You’re moving

While relocating is a common reason for relinquishing an animal, is it impossible to find a pet-friendly place? Having a pet does, unfortunately, limit your rental options, but you usually can find pet-friendly apartments as long as you’re willing to pay a pet deposit and possibly rent. Alternatively, you might consider registering your cat as an emotional support animal. While this designation doesn’t give them the full rights of a certified service animal, it may help you get into restricted housing. You can read more about the process of registering your cat as an ESA here.

3. There’s a new baby in the house

Having a new baby who’s unfortunately allergic to your cat is a tough spot because you obviously do have to keep your own child. Is there any way you could limit your cat’s domain to a couple of rooms away from the child, or let them have outdoor access? If keeping them separate from your child isn’t feasible, you may have to rehome them.

4. They’re misbehaving

Behavioral issues are one of the most common reasons cats are surrendered. Some behaviors such as inappropriate urination may actually be a sign of emotional and physical distress. Stress can actually cause physical problems in cats, such as bladder stones, so your cat might need to see a vet. They can diagnose the problem or refer you to a cat behavioral expert if they determine the problem is purely psychological.

5. You’re bored

Like any good relationship, it takes time and energy to build a friendship with your cat. Even if your cat doesn’t seem too thrilled with you, don’t give up. Learn their love language and then find ways to spoil them, whether it’s through treats or extra cuddles.

The 4 Ways to Safely Rehome Your Cat

If you’ve decided your cat does have to go, you should take a few careful steps towards securing them a stable home. Never, ever abandon your cat, and only relinquish them to a shelter as a last resort. Here are some ways you might start your search:

1. Ask people you know and trust

Obviously, this is a great arrangement for you too, especially if you live nearby since you might still be able to see your cat occasionally. Even if no one you personally know is looking for a cat, maybe your friend’s sister may know someone. It never hurts to ask.

2. Look locally

Once you’ve exhausted your list of contacts, you might scout local social media pages to see if anyone is looking for a cat or check pet store bulletins for ISOs. While you don’t have to charge a hefty sum for your cat, avoid advertising that you have a free cat. Such claims may attract people who tend to shy away from commitment, which raises the chances your cat will have to experience rehoming again or even end up in an abusive environment.

3. Reach out to a rescue

Animal rescues may be able to foster your cat until they find a home, which means they’ll never see a shelter. At the very least, their adoption screening process is a bit more thorough than the shelter.

4. Surrender them to a non-kill shelter

If no one has been able to help you, it’s worth taking the time to drive to a non-kill shelter. Cats are twice as likely to be euthanized as dogs, and even less likely to be adopted unless they’re kittens. By avoiding dropping them off at a standard pound, you may save their life.

Conclusion

Rehoming a cat isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. Beyond the emotional connection you share, your cat may suffer as they rely on you for food, shelter, and safety. Cats don’t like to change the status quo, so moving them to another environment where you’re not there can be a scary experience. However, sometimes outside circumstances force forever and always to come to an early end. If you do decide you need to rehome your cat, it should always be a mutually beneficial arrangement where you’re confident they’ll be loved and provided for.

Leaving your cat in the shelter should always be a last resort, especially if you live in certain parts of the country where the euthanasia rates are high. Ideally, you’ll find someone you know who you’re confident will care for your cat. As an added bonus, you might still get to see them occasionally, or at least receive updates about how they’re faring in their new home.

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