Behavior and Medical Issues

It is critical that you first reach out to your veterinarian, consider a second veterinary opinion, contact a feline behaviorist, research helpful websites or Facebook groups, reach out to shelters or rescue organizations or family and friends regarding issues that you and your cat are facing. Many times, cats are given up because the owner has “given up” believing there is no resolution. Often there are solutions that result in being able to keep your cat at home and in your life versus facing euthanasia in a crowded shelter situation.

Some options to consider:

If you MUST rehome your cat, first go back to the source.  Many shelters, breeders and rescue organizations, including Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue requires that the cat be returned to them.  Please check with the source.  They will often be your best resource.  Check your purchase or adoption contract for details.

If you have exhausted all these options and must move forward, know that the most effective, most successful and safest option is for you (the guardian) to find kitty a new home.  No one knows the cat and its needs better than you do.  It is important to allow for ample time to do so. The longer the window of time (a month or more) that you can afford, the greater the chances of a successful rehoming and the less likely the chance your cat will be euthanized or placed into the wrong hands.

Some steps that have served many well during the rehoming process are found in these links:

You can also get assistance and find your animal a loving forever home, via Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet and Petco Foundation. This is a new, safe, no-cost way of finding a new home for your animal.

  • Create a profile
  • Review applications with help of Adopt-A-Pet staff
  • Meet adopters
  • Finalize adoption