Thinking About Rehoming Your Cat Find Out How We Can Help
Giving up your cat is never an easy decision after all, we know theyre beloved members of the family. From moving home to changes in relationship and family situations, there are many reasons why you may decide it would be best to rehome your cat.
Weve created this guide to help you decide if and when you should rehome your cat. It can also help you decide if there are any circumstances under which you could keep them, for example by addressing problem behaviour to prevent rehoming a cat that sprays.
Thinking about giving up your cat? We’ve put together a video full of advice and behaviour tips to help you when making this extremely difficult decision.
How Long Does It Take For A Mother Cat To Forget Her Kittens
Pet owners often try to explain the behavior of the pets by correlating them with human emotions.
Having a cat give birth to a litter can be a sight for most cat owners, and taking care of the mother cat and kittens becomes an essential job for you.
But you probably know that it is better to separate the kittens from the cats after 7-8 weeks from their birth.
It becomes hard for us to let go of the little felines, and we expect the same from their mother. You might ask how long it can take for the mother cat to let go of the kittens.
Many cat owners have reported that they have observed the mother cat crying and looking for her babies in the house.
However, this behavior does not always mean that the mother cat is missing the kittens. There can be several reasons behind it, and missing her kittens may not be one of them.
We are going to discuss everything you need to know about this behavior in the following sections.
Can I Ask The New Owners For My Cat Back
If you rehomed your cat through online listings, local bulletin boards, or friends, you could contact the new owners. Explain your reasons for why youd like the cat back, and ask if theyd be willing to return it. In some cases, offering to repurchase the cat will help cajole the new owners into agreeing. You should emphasize what has changed about your situation, not just your guilt.
Understand that the new owners are likely attached to the cat, depending on how long its been. Likewise, they probably didnt foresee this change and may not be welcoming of it. If the answer is no, take it with grace. At the least, youll be sparing the cat any stress from being relocated and unseated again.
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Home To Home: Shelter Bypass Service
The Home to Home: Shelter Bypass Service assists people who are looking to keep their pet out of the shelter system by re-homing them privately. Through this free service, The Anti-Cruelty Society creates a courtesy adoption listing on pet owners behalf to include on our website.
The Anti-Cruelty Society is an open door shelter. We accept animals:
MondayFriday: 10 am.4 p.m.SaturdaySunday: 10 a.m.6 p.m.
The Animal Intake Department is located at 157 W. Grand Ave. and is accessible by taking the elevator to 1R. Free parking is available in our garage on Wells Street just south of Grand Avenue.Please note:Due to COVID precautions, only one family member/person may be present during intake services. We ask that other family members wait in their vehicle or in the 157 W. Grand lobby near the elevator.
Important animal relinquishment information:
- We ask anyone looking to surrender a pet to call us in advance to schedule an appointment to help us provide the best service possible. While we do accept walk-ins, it is in your animal and your best interest and benefit to schedule drop-off in advance at 312-644-8338.
- A current drivers license or state identification is required to surrender a pet.
- A $35 surrender fee at the time of intake helps the Society cover the cost of this valuable service.
- Pet owners are asked to complete a personality profile for each pet to bring to the intake appointment. These forms provide crucial information about the animal you are surrendering.
A 6 Week Old Kitten Still Need To Learn From Its Mom
It is actually their moms who will teach them lifelong lessons like how to calm down, how to groom themselves properly, and most importantly for the humans of their lives, how to use the litter box properly â including how to bury their waste.
It is by interacting with their mom and siblings that kittens learn how to not play too rough, how to effectively âhuntâ, and many more.
Kittens who grow up alone and have limited contact with other animals during their developmental stages can actually develop the âsingle-kitten syndrome,â where they fail to behave appropriately around other animals, including humans. Nope, human interaction with your solitary kitten is not enough because humans simply cannot emulate the play behavior of cats â we simply donât have the same body language.
If they donât know their limits they may develop inappropriate play aggression â the one where they sneak attack your ankles. Painful.
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Schedule A Call To Discuss Options
There are many reasons you might consider rehoming your pet, and we understand that making this decision is very difficult. The Animal Foundation may be able to offer assistance so you can keep your pet or help you rehome your pet on your own. We are committed to working together to find the best possible solution for you and your pet.
Want to find out more about available options? Schedule a call Monday through Sunday. One of our team members will call you between 10am and 11am for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss alternatives and available resources.
When You Start Feeling Anxious About An Impending Adoption
Just remember:
- You did it! Whether your foster cat was scared, lonely, aggressive, injured, ill, or just in need of love, you helped them through, and theyre ready for the first day of the rest of their life with a loving family.
- They did it! Your foster cat beat all the odds, overcame any number of difficult, even unthinkable situations. They found a loving and generous human to give them everything they needed to get better. And now they can settle into a beautiful, secure new life.
- Many people were part of rescuing and caring for this foster cat. Its a success for everyone who shed blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point.
- When one kitty door closes, another opens. You can start looking for your next foster cat as soon as you feel ready. You saved one life, and now you get to save another. And you get to experience the joy and excitement of getting to know another special animal.
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No One Wanted To Foster My Cat
On the very last day before I had to leave, I took KC to an animal shelter. I chose this shelter because Sarah, a woman whose cat donated blood to mine, ran the place. KC met a couple of cool guys at the shelter: Skittles and Squeek. They were very handsome fellows!
My cat was now up for adoption. When your pet goes to an animal shelter, he either gets adopted or put down. But, at this particular shelter, unless an animal is very ill, they do not destroy long-staying, non-adoptable animals. Delta Community Shelter tries very hard to find loving homes for its four-legged guests.
Making The Difficult Decision To Give Up Your Pet
Sometimes giving up a pet is the right thing to do, but it can be distressing for you and them, so it needs to be done carefully. Give your pet the best chance of finding a happy home:
- Contact the original seller to see if they would be willing to take your pet back.
- Contact a charity or rescue centre experienced in matching each pet with the right owner.
Many of our branches prioritise animals in need, so may not be able to rehome your pet. However, your local branch may be able to help, depending on the services they offer, so find your local branch.
If your local RSPCA branch can’t help, other charities are often able to. There are many organisations that can help you rehome your dog or cat. They all have different procedures, so research carefully before giving them a pet you’re no longer able to care for.
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Surrendering Pets To Md Spca
If youve exhausted all other options in finding your pet a new home, our admissions department is here to help. We accept cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies by appointment only. We arent able to accommodate requests for immediate surrender.
To discuss surrendering your pet and to make an appointment, call or email .
Do Cats Miss Their Owners
After your cat arrives in their new home, and the initial confusion and intimidation have passed, its common for cats to act sad or depressed.
Many owners of rehomed cats report that their cat spent a few days, or even weeks, looking around and calling for their previous owners. They can act lonely and defensive, and may also react badly to attempts to comfort or distract them.
This behavior is all because cats can bond incredibly tightly with their owners, and it naturally takes some time to adjust to losing those relationships. Just like it can take people some time to open up to new people after losing a friend or relationship, it can take a cat some time to recover and stop missing their previous owners.
The good news is that your cat can recover and move on if youve found a great new home with someone who will take care of them and help your cat through the transition.
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Im Allergic To My Cat What Can I Do
If you or somebody in your home thinks they may be allergic to your cat, no need to worry, there are lots of treatments available to manage symptoms. Its worth speaking to your GP before you consider rehoming your cat, as its possible you could be allergic to pollen, dust mites and even perfumes.
Here are some tips to help you manage cat allergies, without giving up your furry friend:
- avoid letting your cat lick you, as sometimes this can make symptoms worse
- create cat-free zones in your home, especially the bedroom
- keep windows open to ensure proper ventilation in your home
- keep your house clean and hoover regularly to reduce allergens
- speak to your GP about medication such as antihistamines
Im Having Trouble With My Cats Behaviour Should I Rehome Them
Problem behaviours are a common reason people choose to give up their cats, especially if this kind of behaviour is unusual for your cat. However, when looking into problems such as how to rehome a cat that pee inappropriately, you may be surprised to learn that this kind of behaviour can actually be symptoms of pain, illness or even stress.
Before you consider giving up your cat, its worth talking to your vet about these new behaviours. For example, if theyre less tolerant of being around you and being handled or if theyve become aggressive. Stress can also lead to problems such as soiling in the house. Understanding the cause of behaviour may help you resolve the issue and ultimately, keep your cat in the long run.
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I Am Leaving My Home To Escape Domestic Abuse Can You Help
We understand that your cat may be another barrier to being able to leave an abusive situation. Our specialist Paws Protect cat fostering service could help, offering a free, confidential, temporary foster placement as a short-term solution.
All information you give Paws Protect is completely confidential and you’ll receive monthly updates on your pet from our small, female-only team who are available to help with the process. Find out more about Paws Protect, including frequently asked questions, here.
How Do I Cope With All These Emotions
Its all fine and good for me to tell you to look on the bright side. But how do you actually do that? How can we work through those deeper feelings that creep up on us, sometimes unexpectedly? Here are some helpful suggestions.
Do it Your Way
Everyone handles the emotions of fostering differently. You do you! Cry if you want to cry, be it happy or sad tears. Focus on a project to take your mind off of it. Call a friend and let loose. Have an internal dialog therapy session. Or hash it out with a professional therapist. Find the process that works for you.
Throw a Goodbye Party
As I’ve said, goodbye is the goal. Its the marker of success. So why not celebrate it. Turn adoption day into a party. You did it! Your foster did it! Time for a video montage and a cocktail.
Its Okay to Be Sad
And dont let anyone tell you differently. Whether youre saying goodbye as your foster heads off to a new home or suffering a loss, its completely reasonable to feel whatever youre feeling. We all do that thing. I shouldnt be upset. I know what Im going through is nothing compared to what other people have been through. Thats a bunch of malarkey. Everyone has a right to their emotions . Your feelings are justified. The way you choose to deal with them is yours. And you have no reason to diminish what youre going through. Let yourself feel it so you can move through it.
Look to the Future
Turn it into a Learning Opportunity
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I Am Emigrating Or Moving Across The Country Should I Rehome My Cat
Moving home is a big life change and if you have cats, you might be wondering if you need to rehome them. If youre moving away from home, there are extra measures you can take to ensure they are as comfortable as possible.
- Use pheromone sprays to keep them calm
- Try to keep your routine such as feeding times the same when packing
- Create a cat-safe zone in your current home and your new home
- Help them get comfortable with their cat carrier by leaving it out to explore
- Provide food and water for long car journeys
- Check with your vet if your cat doesnt travel well as they can provide advice
If youre emigrating, you might be concerned about the impact on your cat. For many healthy cats, emigrating shouldnt be an issue as long as you have the relevant documents and vaccinations. You can find lots of information on how to emigrate with your pet here.
If your cat is elderly or has a serious health condition, it is possible that the journey could be too stressful and it may be best to find them a new home. Its normal to experience rehoming a cat guilt in this situation and wed recommend talking to your vet before making any decisions.
What Alternatives Do I Have To Surrendering A Cat I Can’t Keep
Rather than bringing your cat to a rescue or shelter, you can post him online to help find a new home! With this option, both you and your cat can remain in the comfort of your home while you search for someone to adopt your cat.
Begin With Your Network
The first step to take is asking people you know if they would like to adopt your cat. Call your friends and family, ask your neighbors, or post to social media to see if anyone is interested in adopting your cat. This option will give you peace of mind, because your cat will be with someone you know and trust.
Create A Profile On Rehome
If no one in your network can adopt your cat, it’s time to make a profile on Rehome! This peer-to-peer service helps you to find a suitable new home for your cat by posting them on Adopt-a-Pet.com for millions of possible adopters to see. Making a profile is quick, simple, and there is no cost. Once you fill out all necessary information, your cat’s profile will be available for people to view.
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How Can I Rehome My Older Cat
Older cats often need a little extra care and attention as they enter their twilight years, and they might also start to have some issues, such as accidentally soiling in the house or vocalising more than usual. If youre struggling to cope with the needs of your older cat, there are things you can do to help make their lives more comfortable. Find out more about caring for elderly cats here. If youre sure youre interested in rehoming a senior cat, get in touch.
Do You Need Help With Your Pet
Please be aware that all support services and admissions are by appointment only to ensure that we have the available resources to meet your pet’s needs during their time with us. Please review the information below and follow the steps to schedule a support service appointment with us either in person or over the phone.
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Do Cats Get Sad When Rehomed Things To Consider
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While ideally, you would never have to give up a cat or have your cat rehomed, the unfortunate reality is that there are many reasons why a cat owner might have to give up their cat and have them rehomed. The first concern of many pet owners is how their cat will be affected by being rehomed. Its an understandable concern since we know that you love and care for your cat. So, do cats get sad when rehomed?
Cats can get sad when rehomed. A cat that is rehomed is often intimidated by the process of rehoming. Cats can also miss their previous owners and become sad or depressed. Gradually introducing the cat to the home will help them recover and adjust to their new location.
If youre facing a situation where your cat needs to be rehomed, we know that its hard. We also understand that considering your cats reactions can make the whole process even harder.
We also think that you must understand how rehoming can affect your cat so that you can make the best decision possible.
You need to know how your cat might react to being rehomed and what steps you can take to make the process easier for your cat and yourself.
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