How to Rehome an Unwanted Cat

Knowing how to rehome a cat is an important part of pet ownership. While all pet owners hope this is something that they won't need to face, knowing how to is helpful should the time come when a cat can no longer be cared for. There may be other times when helping another person rehome a cat is required and being able to give support at this difficult time is extremely useful.

Why Rehome a Cat?

There are times when sadly much loved cats can no longer be cared for. There are many reasons for this, a family might move to a new home that is unsuitable for cats or a family's circumstances might change. Older people sometimes find that they are no longer able to look after their pet as they would wish. Recognising when a cat can no longer be cared for and knowing how to rehome him is a responsible part of being a pet owner. Organisations and pet welfare centres, such as the RSPCA, will not judge a family because they can no longer look after a pet, instead they will recognise the difficult decision that has been made and help people through this difficult time. Pet welfare organisations will never put someone under pressure to keep a pet that they can no longer look after.

Finding a Suitable Rescue Centre

There are many different types of rescue centre in the UK. These include national organisations such as the RSPCA through to small, independent local animal shelters. Some centres specialize in different things, for instance some prefer to look after and rehome dogs whereas others rehome just cats. One of the best ways to find a rehoming centre is through word of mouth. Many people are delighted to share their experience of a rescue centre or animal shelter. This can be a great way to get a better insight into different organisations. A local vet will be also have information about rescue centres and shelters.

Important Information to Provide

When a cat is to be rehomed, the new family will welcome as much information as possible about their new pet. Therefore it is important to provide the centre with information such as the cat's date of birth, what vaccinations he has had, details of any illnesses, how the cat reacts to other pets and children and what his main likes and dislikes are. Anyone looking to rehome their much loved pet will want to be assured that he is going to a loving home where he will have a long and happy life, and therefore giving as much information as possible to the rescue centre will help a cat find a suitable new home into which he quickly integrates.

Alternatives to Rescue Centres or Animal Shelters

There are alternatives to rehoming a cat through a rescue centre or animal shelter. Adverts placed in local newspapers, in the windows of newsagents or at the vets can sometimes find a family that is looking to give a home to a cat. One important thing to consider, however, is that reputable animal rescue organisations such as the RSPCA interview prospective adopting families and carry out home visits. This provides an additional piece of reassurance when someone is looking to rehome a cat.

The most important thing to remember when rehoming a cat is that this is part of being a responsible pet owner. Rehoming a pet when it can no longer be looked after properly gives a much loved pet the opportunity for a long and happy life.