It can seem daunting to look for a new home for your cat yourself, but many cats would be much happier going directly into a new home instead of going into a shelter. Here are a few ways to get the word out and find a loving new home for a cat.
- Word of mouth. Ask everyone you know if they are interested in adopting a cat or if they know anyone who is. You’ll often find a friend, relative, coworker, or neighbor who was thinking about getting a cat and is interesting in taking in the cat you’re rehoming.
- Social media. Post information and photos on your social media pages to let your network know about your cat; encourage friends and family to share your post with others—maybe a friend of a friend is ready to adopt!
- Great marketing. Create a compelling flyer with nice, color photos of your cat. Show and describe your cat’s great personality traits, as well as any challenges they may have. Post this flyer on trusted community boards and at pet supply stores or veterinary offices.
- Use advertising. Online pet classifieds are a popular way that people find new pets. Post about your cat on pet-friendly message boards, pet adoption forums, and pet classified sites. You can even post your pet using the Rehome Service on Adopt-a-Pet.com. Be smart when you place your ad: request a vet reference, charge a small rehoming fee, and meet potential adopters in person.
- Ask for an adoption fee. Asking for a fee will not deter good families from inquiring about your cat. Don’t be shy about asking questions when you meet potential adopters. You want to make sure your cat goes to a great home. Ask about children, other pets in the home, whether they have ever had a cat before, whether they prepared for any of your cat’s medical or behavior needs. Consider your cat’s best interests—you may ask potential adopters if they will allow you to visit their home prior to placing your cat with them. You should also require a valid form of ID and record the driver’s license number for your records.
- See your vet. Make your cat desirable to adopters by getting a current cat health exam. Other vet care that can help your cat find a new home includes spay/neuter, getting your cat current on vaccinations, have your cat tested for FeLV and FIV; groom your cat and trim your cat’s nails; only adopt out kittens once they are fully weaned and at least 10 weeks old. A cat who is already spayed/neutered and vaccinated has a greater chance to find a new home!
