Need advice writing ad in local paper to give away cats

technoid

TCS Member
Thread starter
Kitten
Joined
Nov 22, 2011
Messages
1
Purraise
0
Hi, I'm new here.  I have several stray/pet cats (half stray, half pet) that I need to find homes for.  They only live outdoors and I've been feeding them since they were born.  Unfortunately we are moving within a year or so and cannot take any of them to our new location.  I would like to see if I can find them homes myself first (for free) before sending them to a shelter.  All the local 3rd party shelters I've contacted are full and couldn't take them.  There are two humane society shelters here, but one is a kill shelter and has mandatory donation ($20 each, ugh).  The other is no-kill, but as I said, I would like to try to find them homes myself, I would just like to know how to word the advertisement.  One thing though is I am a little hesitant to do this, although I am desperate and I don't want to abandon them.  I am just scared I might attract weirdos and anyone that might want to harm me or the cats (once they take them). Know what I mean?  Another thing is that since they are outdoors and considered strays, they have fleas and stuff, no vaccinations, but they are pretty healthy.  I cannot afford to de-flea, de-tick, etc them unless someone here advises on a flea product.  So I'm not sure if I will be liable for any infestation the new owner might get from my cats. Of course I will be honest and tell them this. They are all pretty much friendly, I don't consider them feral at all.   I just don't want to abandon them, they might have a hard time finding food by themselves.  The local newspaper said they can put my ad in their paper for free (for as long as possible I think), since my ad is not for profit anyway (unless they change their minds).  

Anyway, please help and ask for further details if you require, thank you.
 

StefanZ

Advisor
Staff Member
Advisor
Joined
Sep 18, 2005
Messages
26,070
Purraise
10,773
Location
Sweden
  I am just scared I might attract weirdos and anyone that might want to harm me or the cats (once they take them). Know what I mean?
Oh yes, we know what you mean...  Another danger is, many people thinks what is for free is practically worthless.

Thus never ever give away animals for free, unless you do it as a special gift, and it is received as a special gift.

And payment you cant take, especielly as you are allowed to ads for free.

The trick in almost all such cases, is, you ask the new owner to donate a sum of money, minimum 20 dollars, more if you dare and can, to some worthy cause.  IN THE CATS NAME.

Not in the new owners name...  As long they themselves support the cause.

My favorites is Doctors without boundaries, but almost any help organizations may do. Or a nice Church group. Or say even a junior sport team they do advocate...

This trick creates a magical bond between the cat and the new owners, making them feel good and noble feelings of worthy sacrifice as soon they think on the cat.

My brother who twice got on himself litters of unplanned kittens (he was too late to the vet with his young female cats - twice!), his trick was to ad in the local newspapers.

He choosed preferably families with children 7-11 years old. His preferably set up was, the child gave the money - 10 dollars. With parents standing just behind and being there, witnessing.

As far as he knew, all of these cats lived good lives years after, when he tried to look and see.

So again an example of a magical bond...

About defleasing. Yes, the over the count medicines are often dangerous for cats. (dogs are not fully so sensitive).  Although some good stuff had been recently allowed for OTC...

What country are you in, USA?  As you mention dollars...

Tx for caring, your plans are very sound!

Welcome to the TCS Forums,

Good luck!  *vibes*
 
Last edited:

ritz

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
4,656
Purraise
282
Location
Annapolis, MD
Thanks for taking care of the cats.

Insofar as writing an ad, I'd do one ad for each cat in order to personalize it.  Emphasize personality, quirks.  Nothing negative in the ad, for example, 'street cat' not 'feral'.  "Beauty mark" or "dimple" not "birthmark on nose". 

And yes definitely indicate an "adoption fee" or contribution requested to weed out the weirdos.  You can donate the money to a charity of choise or your local SPCA or low cost spay/neutering clinic.   Ignore all responses that indicate they want you to ship the cat.  (Yeah, that happened to me twice.)

Speaking of which:  have the cats been spayed/neutered?
 
Top