How to Find a Home for a Cat?

autumnnj · ‎03-09-2010

I took in a stray who was hanging around work, very thin and limping. He is very affectionate and well behaved, and the limping is just about gone (he had cuts on the bottom of his paws). We took him to the Vet and he is healthy. Because we have three cats, a small home and limited income, I just don't see how we can keep him, although I would love to. We have asked everyone. I hoped to give him to someone we know so that we know he is OK--any suggestions of how to find him a good home? Thanks!

luvmyteddy4 · ‎09-04-2010

All I can say is good luck! I kept the one I found and had no intention of getting another pet. That's a tough one. Do you have a no kill shelter available? See what resources you have available like Alley Cats, Pet Finders, CL or fostering and keep asking everyone you know.

I could have let mine back out after being in the TNR program but I didn't have the heart to do it. It's a big adjustment, maybe you could work one more in, especially if she's sweet.

I'm sure someone will have some other ideas.

lolakimono · ‎03-29-2012

Ask your vet if you can post a picture and description at the office, since the kitty has already been there. Then you know an animal lover will see it.

Has he been neutered?

autumnnj · ‎03-09-2010

Good idea about posting at the Vet, I don't want to put him into a shelter. Really hoping to find a 'friend of a friend'.....

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

We have had this problem repeatedly as we live in the country, and have animals dumped on our property on a regular basis. There are a huge amount of dog rescues out there now, and you can usually get help for a dog, but cats are another story. We have kept as many as three from one litter, but had to get rid of a second or third litter when we couldn't capture the momma to get her fixed.

At one time, we had a pet store that would take cats, whether they be older pets that you couldn't keep any more, or new kitties of a certain age, and after they had been to the vet. Unfortunately they have now gone out of business. So sad as this lady was offering a service that is very much needed. Call your local pet stores and if they don't take cats, they may have info about no kill shelters. We found that if you offer up money or supplies along with the cat, some no kill shelters will take them sooner.

Maybe social media could be a help. Spread the word to friends, but be very specific about the fact that you won't be giving the cat to just anyone, you want, like you said, to find a friend of a friend, so you know it will get a good, safe home.

There are very few options, and in our area, you are often on a wait list, if they will even talk to you when they are full. Good luck, and bless you for caring.

Jeremiah 2911 · ‎03-11-2014

First of all, I want to tell you what a wonderful person you are for rescuing and caring for the medical needs of this abandoned kitty. I admire good people like you.

Go to www.petfinder.com and put your zip code in the search. There should be some phone numbers of shelters and private citizens numbers that you can call and ask for help in finding this kitty a home.

I understand about financial considerations and that is certainly a valid reason for not being able to take on more pets.

However, if you have any inclination on keeping this kitty I would kindly suggest that you can save money by feeding grocery store brand cat foods and by supplementing your cat's diets with your leftovers (meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and other cat friendly foods...)

There are local (human) shelters who will help provide food for pets living in households that need help with pet food. In addition, there are pet shelters who will provide food to pet owners who need help with pet food.

People are now made to feel that they shouldn't care for pets unless they can feed them premium pet food. The result of the "premium pet food" campaign is that many people who might be able to afford a pet -- do not take the pet because they feel they are incapable of meeting the financial requirements of caring for a pet.

Of course one can afford to feed a pet premium pet food, then they have the option to do so.

But if a person wants to care for a pet and the pet food budget is limited -- then the better option would be to keep the pet, feed grocery store pet food and supplement that with (pet friendly) leftovers. This is a much better option than to leave healthy, wonderful family pet(s) at a shelter to be killed for no other reason than they don't have a home.

This is just a kind suggestion. Hopefully you will find a loving home for this nice kitty very soon.

autumnnj · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks for the great suggestions! I think we are going to keep him unless we can find someone we know, it's too hard to give him to a stranger!

Jeremiah 2911 · ‎03-11-2014

On 5/24/2014 autumnfaire said:
Thanks for the great suggestions! I think we are going to keep him unless we can find someone we know, it's too hard to give him to a stranger!

You're in good company here on this forum! There are lots of posters here who have rescued abandoned kitties who have become precious members of the family...

I know that if you keep him --- he will reward you by giving you many years of faithful & loving companionship.

mewsmomtoo · ‎03-05-2014

I should have posted this a few days ago, but every once in a while I get a little burned out on kitty rescue Smile Just wanted to say that if you do end up wanting to find him a home, the most important things are persistence, a great photo and a good story. The suggestion to go to Petfinder to find local rescues was a good one, you can probably also get a list from your local SPCA and you can call your local Petco and Petsmart to find out who they let use their adoption facilities. Photos and stories are key in getting someone's attention and persistence is necessary because chances are you will hear many, many "no's" before you hear that magical "yes".