How to Rehome a Cat – Rehoming a Cat with Cats Protection

Are you considering rehoming your cat? Find out what to do next with our guide on rehoming with us.

Making the decision on cat rehoming

Giving up your cat is never an easy decision. From moving home and relationship break-ups to changes in the family and even bereavement, there are many reasons why owners have to rehome their cat.

While some situations are unavoidable, there are some circumstances where you may be able to keep your cat companion. No matter how desperate you are, please don’t dump or abandon your pet or even advertise them for free on social media. This can be traumatic for your cat and can even be dangerous.

Speaking to your local Cats Protection branch or centre will ensure your pet is in a safe place and can be placed in the right home.

Find your local branch or centre

Our video below explains the process of rehoming a cat with Cats Protection.

Rehoming your cat with Cats Protection and how it works

If you’ve made your decision that it’s necessary to give up your cat, here is our step-by-step process for rehoming a cat with us. Please consider it carefully as we will not be able to provide details of your cat’s new owner or location once they’ve been rehomed.

Plan as early as you can. There can often be waiting lists for spaces in our pens or with fosterers. Planning early means knowing your cat is in a safe place. In the meantime, and if possible, we encourage you to visit your vet to discuss any specific medical needs, and to make sure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date in readiness for entering our care.
Contact your local branch or centre. One of our team will help make sure that you have explored all your options and then arrange a time for you to bring your cat in. It will either be at one of our centres or a local branch (which our volunteers run from their own homes). The branch or centre may send out a Cat Profile Questionnaire to gather more information about your cat ahead of time.
Provide details about your cat. For us to take care of your cat and find them the most suitable home where they will feel happy and healthy, we will ask you to complete the questionnaire. You may be asked additional information about your cat such as their dietary requirements, whether they're an indoor or outdoor cat, any health concerns, how they are with children or other pets, their favourite toys and other preferences.
Bring your cat in. Once you’ve made an appointment, you will need to bring your cat in a suitable carrier, preferably covered with a blanket but still allowing good ventilation. This, alongside bringing your cat’s favourite toys and blankets, will help your cat feel calmer.

What happens once my cat is in your care?

Once you bring in your cat, they will be given their own secure space with various places to sleep and hide
Our vets will check their health and they may be neutered and microchipped if they haven’t been previously
Until your cat is ready to be rehomed, we will ensure to help them feel safe and as calm as possible by maintaining their routine and giving them time to adjust
When deemed ready, we will advertise them for rehoming which will include all necessary information potential adopters might need. We will ensure that every cat finds an ideal home for them based on their behaviour, previous experience and individual needs

What if Cats Protection can’t rehome my cat?

You might find that occasionally your nearest branch or centre is full or unable to assist with rehoming right away. In this case, your cat might be added to the waiting list. If your situation becomes more urgent, please let us know.

If you need more support with your cat’s behaviour or health problems, take a look at our help and advice pages to help you manage them.

Adopt a cat

Help and advice

Cats Protection blog

Making the decision on cat rehoming

Rehoming your cat with Cats Protection and how it works

What happens once my cat is in your care?

What if Cats Protection can’t rehome my cat?

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