How to find a home for a cat
Thank you for your efforts to find a home for a stray cat. Every year more than 500,000 cats and dogs are killed in California’s animal shelters. Re-homing efforts by caring individuals like you is helping to end animal suffering. It is much more possible to place a cat than most people think – it just takes a little patience and planning, and you have to work all the angles. This fact sheet contains tips for doing your own rescue. Remember, the more of these things you do, the better the chance you’ll find a home for the cat.
A few easy things that take no more than a few minutes to do:
a. Send out an e-mail to family, friends and animal-friendly work colleagues – not asking them to take the cat, but asking them to send your e-mail out to other people. You never know who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who has been looking for a feline companion. Include a picture of the cat in your e-mail and a description (see “c” for a website on how to write great adoption ads).
b. Ask people if they would be willing to foster the cat for a few weeks while you look for a home for it. Sometimes it’s easier for people to help out on a temporary basis, so they may agree to foster the cat rather than permanently adopt it. This buys you valuable time to find the cat a home.
c. Network on Facebook. Put the cat’s picture up on facebook, and let people know his or her story. Write about what is really nice about the cat, and let people know that he/she is available for adoption. Don’t forget to include an e-mail address people can easily see in the posting so they can write to you if they’re interested in fostering or adopting.
d. Make a flyer.
e. Put flyers up in vets’ offices, pet stores, and distribute them at community groups you’re part of (and ask people at those places to distribute them for you to people THEY know). Again, the friend of a friend could be the perfect home for your cat, and that person may just be an email or a flyer away.
f. Evaluate your situation. Is it at all possible for you to keep this cat? If a cat ends up in a shelter, the chances are great that he or she will be put to sleep. If you can keep the cat yourself, you would be doing the cat a great service. Sometimes things that seem like obstacles really aren’t. Many allergies respond to medication. Already have a resident cat that just won’t put up with a new cat? There are ways to properly introduce cats that will help the two cats bond and live happily together. Not enough room? Unlike dogs, cats can live in relatively small places – even a studio apartment can be large enough for a cat. Landlord says no? Ask if you can pay a pet deposit.
Whatever method you use to find the cat a home, we strongly recommend having potential adopters fill out an application, pay a small adoption fee and agree to a home check. These steps will all help ensure that the cat goes to a good home.
We at Long Beach Felines believe that there is a home for every cat. It is just waiting to be found. This is the story of Chiquita Belle. We believe that if Chiquita could find a home, any cat can.
Meet Chiquita Belle
My name is Belle (formerly Chiquita). I was adopted through Long Beach Felines in December 2006. This is me a year later.
I am six years old and the doctor said that I must have suffered a stroke. As a result, my hind legs were paralyzed, and I do not have any control over my bathroom habits. I didn't think I had much of a chance at being adopted - not many people want to take on the responsibilities of a special-needs cat. Luckily, I was adopted by a wonderful family who wanted to give something special to the world, and in their loving care, I've regained some of my ability to walk. My bathroom problem has been solved because I wear disposable diapers 24-7. This allows me free access around my house. (I am very patient with this process because I understand the need for the diapers. I recommend this for any other cat that has the same problem as me!)
I'm so happy I found a home with people who understand me. I knew they were out there - it was just a question of finding them! As you can see from my picture, I am very content.
I am six years old and the doctor said that I must have suffered a stroke. As a result, my hind legs were paralyzed, and I do not have any control over my bathroom habits. I didn't think I had much of a chance at being adopted - not many people want to take on the responsibilities of a special-needs cat. Luckily, I was adopted by a wonderful family who wanted to give something special to the world, and in their loving care, I've regained some of my ability to walk. My bathroom problem has been solved because I wear disposable diapers 24-7. This allows me free access around my house. (I am very patient with this process because I understand the need for the diapers. I recommend this for any other cat that has the same problem as me!)
I'm so happy I found a home with people who understand me. I knew they were out there - it was just a question of finding them! As you can see from my picture, I am very content.
