How does one go about "rehoming"?!

danimarie

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If I have to rehome two of my cats, it will absolutely break my heart into pieces...but in my current living circumstances, that may very well be the case.

I am fighting it, but I need to be prepared. I've asked friends and family and none are interested (just as I suspected) in taking older cats, even though they are perfect, friendly, well behaved, well cared for cats.

Is there support out there for cat lovers who need to rehome for reasons beyond their control??

I cannot do a "shelter" or have my babies put in cages...it would destroy me.


Has anyone here seen or gone through anything like this? I may get into specifics later in the thread, but if there were any way possible for me to keep them, I would (and will if I can, which is doubtful).


I also fear, since they've eaten premium food...wet twice a day and free fed dry...that it'll be a shock to their systems to change because whoever they go with will not care as much.

I'm so heartbroken, but I need to do the right thing here before it gets too late.


Please help!!!!!
 

ldg

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I can't imagine such a heart-breaking situation, but I'm sure you'll work to do your best by them.


You can list them in the classifieds section of Petfinder. You can post about them after registering to join the Best Friends Network - forums are in the "go local" section - add tags so people can search on key words.

You can print out a brochure and stick it up everywhere. You can ask your family and friends to ask their family and friends. You can ask people wherever you go - the person standing next to you in line, the person checking you out... If anyone does express an interest, at a minimum ask for a vet reference (and call) - wouldn't hurt to ask for verification of employment, and definitely ask for proof of ownership of the home, or if they rent, make sure you get a copy of the lease that shows animals ARE allowed. You definitely do not want them to get abandoned or rehomed again.
I'd also use an adoption contract when the lease and reference(s) check out, and charge even a small fee to make sure they're serious.


As to your concerns about their food, whoever does end up adopting them, if it comes to that, should be told that cats have to switch foods slowly or they get upset stomachs and often diarrhea. This is true. Whatever food they're going to feed should be 1/4 (or less) of the food they're given, and the amount of the new food should be very gradually increased, so that in two weeks' time they're at 100% "new" food.

things work out so that you won't have to rehome them.
 

p&r

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So sorry and I hope things work out for the best. Check craigslist, pet finder, ect. I hope that, IF you have to rehome them, you can find fabulous homes. Just don't be afraid to ask questions or even for a vet reference. Good luck!
 

Winchester

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Do you have petsitters in your area? If so, check with them. Sometimes they may know of somebody who wants to give a forever home to a kitty or two. Good luck.

ETA: Call your vet, too.
 

kailie

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Things will work out for the best hun, whatever that may be. Sending vibes.

Adevertise, advertise, advertise. Tell everyone you know, get them to ask around. Local classified websites are great and work well for me when it comes to adopting out my fosters, but yes, ask for references and check out their home if you can.
 

icklemiss21

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How old are they?

I have had a lot of luck checking through the vets when helping people rehome adult cats, shelters may also be willing to do a curtesy listing on their petfinder for you (they just post the notice with a note to contact you directly). They know the people who actually care for their cats and have recently lost a pet or have mentioned getting one etc

I would give them a decent supply of the food to keep them on it, I know when we got Scully they gave us 2 days worth of his food in a ziplock bag and didn't know exactly what type it was, just that it was Iams
 

otto

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Originally Posted by P&R

So sorry and I hope things work out for the best. Check craigslist, pet finder, ect. I hope that, IF you have to rehome them, you can find fabulous homes. Just don't be afraid to ask questions or even for a vet reference. Good luck!
Do NOT advertise your cats on craiglist. That's where the cat tortures go for new targets.
 

frankthetank

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I have gotten two of my kitties on Craigslist...however I don't know how I would feel about actually rehoming a cat on Craigslist. I know that a lot of people one Craigslist are not trustworthy, but I got two kitties off there, and love them so much and am giving them a wonderful home, so I can't really say everyone on Craigslist is awful.



I think PetFinder is a good option, maybe your vet can mention it to people at the office, or just spread the word to everyone you know.
Good luck!
 

otto

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Originally Posted by frankthetank

I have gotten two of my kitties on Craigslist...however I don't know how I would feel about actually rehoming a cat on Craigslist. I know that a lot of people one Craigslist are not trustworthy, but I got two kitties off there, and love them so much and am giving them a wonderful home, so I can't really say everyone on Craigslist is awful.



I think PetFinder is a good option, maybe your vet can mention it to people at the office, or just spread the word to everyone you know.
Good luck!
GETTING cats from craigslist is very much different than advertising them. Those cats you adopted were very lucky you chose them.

Not all are so lucky.
 

catsknowme

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Originally Posted by otto

GETTING cats from craigslist is very much different than advertising them. Those cats you adopted were very lucky you chose them.

Not all are so lucky.

I like the word-of-mouth suggestions best - vets often know someone who's just lost a kitty and may need comforting from a kitty. Petsitters tend to have that info as well.
Sending mega prayers and vibes that if you need to find a home for your kitties, it goes very well. It must be heartbreaking for you, just the thought of it

I had a friend who had to rehome a dog - I adopted her and she was the best dog I'll ever have. Cats couldn't ask for a better friend. And the dog just adored me - she & my cat, JC the First, would travel all over California with my girls and me - none of the 'kids' were ever left behind, and if someone wanted my visit, they had to welcome all of them. JC the First had many converted 'former cat haters' on his list of friends
 
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