Do I need to rehome my cat?

If you have a problem with your cat there are things you can try before asking for our help to rehome them.
Article: I need to rehome my cat
 
Allergies
Please see your GP to confirm that it is actually your cat causing the allergic reaction in your household as allergies to dust, perfume, detergent, etc can have the same symptoms.  Your GP can recommend anti-histamines - tablets or nasal sprays - which can relieve symptoms.
Symptoms can be reduced by creating ‘cat-free’ zones in your home and regularly cleaning and vacuuming the cat’s areas.
More information about allergies

Take a look at this video with tips about managing allergies.

Babies
Despite the often repeated old wives tales you don’t have to give up your cat just because you’re expecting a baby!
Firstly, ensure your cat is in good health by have a vet check up and then practice your normal good hygiene and try these tips:
  • Get someone else to change and clean the litter tray.  If that’s not possible then wear disposable gloves and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  • Before your baby arrives gradually create ‘cat-free’ areas in your home where your baby will be, especially the nursery, by shutting out your cat from the room(s).  Remember to provide areas elsewhere where your cat can escape to and feel safe and secure when you bring home your new arrival.
  • Keep the baby and cat food separate so they can’t be accidentally mixed up!

Never leave your cat and baby together unsupervised but remember that with all the disruption your cat will need your reassurance so finding the time to play and cuddle is important.

Here's a lovely story about a woman who actually adopted a cat while she was pregnant
and an article about cats and babies.
Information about pregnant women and toxoplasmosis
and a video of a doctor, vet and mum talking about the realities of toxoplasmosis.
 
Children
  • All cats need time off from being played with so offer plenty of escape routes to safe places up high, e.g. top of a wardrobe, or down low, e.g. under a bed, where your cat will not be disturbed.
  • Educate children how to behave around cats, quietly and with consideration, and how to hold and handle them appropriately and always supervise young children.
  • It is important that your cat has places that feel like his or her territory so, for instance, your cat’s bed should not be moved suddenly and he or she should be left to eat peacefully.
More information about cats and children

Moving House
  • If you are moving into rented accommodation then you will need your landlord’s permission to keep a cat, otherwise, with a bit of preparation, your cat can move with you.
  • Where you are moving only a short distance consider putting your cat into a cattery while you move house.
  • If your cat will be travelling with you then you will have to consider things such as getting him or her used to the cat carrier, designating and preparing ‘safe rooms’ at the old and new houses so your cat is not accidentally let out amidst all the upheaval.
  • Once you have moved, gradually introduce your cat to the rest of the new house, always ensuring that he or she can retreat to the safe room.
  • Do not let you cat outside for a minimum of 3 weeks after moving so your cat becomes accustomed to your new home and does not get lost or set off to try to find your old house.
More information about moving house with your cat
 
Aggression and not getting on with other pets
Cats are solitary animals and may react with aggression if they feel under threat or that their territory has been invaded.  There are many things to consider if your cat becomes aggressive:
  • Providing safe places – up high, down low, or even a cardboard box – and easy access to them can relieve stress and stop a disagreement escalating to violence.
  • Aggression in cats is often a sign of pain so, especially if the behaviour is new and sudden, you should take you cat to see a vet.
  • Anything new to the cat’s environment, such as a new pet, should be introduced gradually beginning with short sessions, which are always supervised and never forced.  In time, the existing cat and new-comer should become tolerant of each other.
The gradual introduction process can be repeated at any time if either side becomes stressed or aggressive.

More information about understanding your cat's behaviour

More information about managing your cat's behaviour

If you decide you do need to rehome your cat we don't usually have the capacity to take in cats at short notice so it's probably worth trying some other organisations. There is a list of UK rescue centres on the website: https://www.catchat.org/index.php/cat-rescue-centres-bedfordshire