Rehoming a Stray - What to Ask?

Hi everyone! I've been a long-timer lurker who is in need of some collective wisdom from this forum . As mentioned in the Cat Health forum, we had Buddy come to us (actually, dumped is more like it) at our acreage in November... the rescues were all jammed full, so we decided to take him on, get him neutered and his shots, and try to get him rehomed this spring... we have three other neutered males, and frankly Buddy is having "issues" with them (stalking and charging)... he's absolutely a fantastic cat one-on-one with humans, but doesn't have the social skills to interact with the other three, most likely because of earlier abuse... it's an ongoing project and there are glimmers of progress, but we really think he would do better in his forever home as either top cat or only cat.... I've put a poster up at the vets, and will likely do another one at the local pet store... my question is this... when (or if!) someone calls, what do I ask them to make sure they are a suitable home for Buddy? Would it be rude to ask them what their qualifications are, whether they are able to provide a secure home, etc.? What questions would you ask?

If no one ends up calling, Buddy will stay with us, and we will make it work somehow... because of the aggression issues we have him living in the garden house away from the other three (to give all four a break!), but it would be nice to have him be happy in his own home...

Thanks for your input...

Great thread. Recalling my own cats, their previous guardians didn't really ask me much at all! Although they probably should've (I guess) e.g.

1. Did you grow up with cats/pets?
2. Do you know what's involved in cat care?
3. Who's the cat for?

Penny's guardian was a co-worker in an old job so when we discussed Penny it wasn't Q&A, it was more 'conversational' but that's because we knew each other.

I thought Daisy's guardian would ask questions but she really didn't. She was a cat rescue lady with many kittens/cats so it's odd she didn't ask. Maybe she didn't have alot of time.

I hope others here on TCS will chime in with better questions so you can compile a list of which ones you like best.

HI!!!! Could your refresh my memory?? I think I remember something about Buddy in the health forum. How old is Buddy, an estimate?? If he was neutered later like past eight months, he could have already had hormones flaming before he was neutered and is retaining some of those behaviors. Also, we don't know his history if he had established any cat relationships before he was dumped with you. So he would need a cat to put him in his place and I bet he would back off, big time. He needs a PIPSQUEAK, my four year old cat knows exactly how to do this, how strong to be, if more or less is needed. Don't know if any of your cats are trying this with Buddy or just running off, which will just fuel his confidence in this new game.

As far as questions to ask prospective adoptors. I would ask the following, and these are just suggestions.

1. Have you ever owned a cat? Where is the cat?
2. Would the cat be kept indoors?
3. How much do you expect to pay yearly for cat food, care and vet care?
( I like to hear that they are expecting at least $700 and even more, especially if there are medical probs.)
4. Do you have any other animals?
5. What about introductions to those animals?
6. (Most important) Are you willing to be patient with this cat in the adjustment period and acclimation to the home which could take months? And be prepared for ups and downs during this transition.
7. What type of food do you plan on feeding?
8. Be willing to take on this cat for at least fifteen years!! Like adopting a "real" baby

At least some of these questions will tell you if the people are serious. I wouldn't give the cat away free either. This would not be good, as people will come out of the woodwork with a bunch of BS to tell you what you want to hear and use the cat for other abusive purposes. You can donate the small fee to a rescue/shelter. I actually make the people (if I don't know them) sign something promising to stay in touch with me and that if for some reason they can't ever care properly for Buddy that they would return him to you immediately. Hope this helps and good luck with everything!!!!!!! :vi bes:

Here is a copy of my application form- you are welcome to use it change it whatever:


Adoption Questionnaire
Your Name___________________________ Date of Birth______Age____


Address____________________City____________State_____Zip_______
P.O. Box___________City____________State______Zip_________

Own____ Rent_____How long_______ Landlord Approval____________

What county do you live in?_________________________________________

Previous address if less than 2 years:_________________________________
_________________________________

Home phone_____________________ Cell Phone__________________
Work Phone_____________________
Email___________________________

Household Members: Name Relationship Ages Occupation






Do you have any pets now?
What kind? Gender Spayed/Neutered Inside/Outside




Will the cat be an inside cat________ Inside/Outside _____ Barn Cat _______

How many acres do you have ______ Do you live in the country_______ In town______

What brands of pet food would you feed?____________________________________

What kind of flea control would you use?_____________________________________

What kind of animals you have owned in the past 5 years, and if not
with you now, what happened to them?



Is anyone in your home allergic to cats?__________

How many hours of the day will this cat have human companionship?

Who will be responsible for the care of this animal?___________________

If the pet exhibited a bad behavior how
would you handle the situation?

Have you ever adopted from a shelter?____________________________

Have you ever taken an animal to a shelter that you owned?______

If yes, tell why.__________________________________________________

Who is your Veterinarian? Name______________


City:_____________, State:_______Phone number:____________________


Our pets receive vet exams, and treatment, but some animals may have further health concerns. Are you able to provide any medical care needed for this pet?________

Two References: Address Phone number




What is your stance on declawing?


Will you spay and neuter?


Why do you want this cat?


I understand that in filling out this form, it in no way means that I am approved for adoption. I understand that a home and reference check will be performed prior to taking ownership of the cat of my choice. I further understand that there is an adoption fee of $_____for a cat or kitten I agree upon signing this agreement that I will provide routine veterinary care for the cat, never declaw the cat or kitten and if the kitten or cat does not work out within 90 days, I can return it to _____________and forfeit the adoption fee.

Signed this day:__________________ By: ________________________

Originally Posted by c1atsite

1. Did you grow up with cats/pets?
2. Do you know what's involved in cat care?
3. Who's the cat for?

Click to expand...

Such interview (may probably be made in form of a friendly chat over coffe and cake). You must also know what to do.

Is it as a screen to have a good excuse to say a firm no?

Or it is as a screen to have follow up advices and info?

If you have plenty of of adopters in spe, the easiest is to say no to everyone who isnt really good.

If there are only few adopters in spe (most probably) - you must do with what you have. You try to screen out the directly unsuitable - and try to teach the rest...
Many, although ignorant, are really wanting well. They just dont know, but if teached with tact and amiable - they will make it.
I think.


Good luck!


ps. And as always. Never ever give away for free, unless it is really special circumstances - and thus the cat de facto and de jure - being a precious gift.

"what is for free is almost withouth worth" feels most people.

If it is sensitive to ask money, do agree they give money to some nice and worthy cause - in the cats name. Really. The cats name being there as the sender of the money. This makes ALSO a magic bond - they connecting the cat with the nice feeling of giving good money to a worthy and noble cause.
Thus. If they readily do agree and do pay up say 50 dollars - you know they at the very least are strong candidates.