Life is better with cats, but we understand that it’s not always possible to keep them, no matter how much you may want to. Whether it’s finding a loving new home for your cat or providing the support you need to stay together, we’re here to support your journey.
Giving up your cat is never an easy decision; after all, we know they’re beloved members of the family. From moving home to changes in relationship and family situations, there are many reasons why you may decide it would be best to rehome your cat.
Watch our video or read our guide below to help you decide if and how you should rehome your cat.
Helping you understand your cat better means we can often avoid the need for you to give up your pet. You’ll find plenty of help and advice on our website, or you can contact us to see how we can support you and your cat. Our aim is to help you keep your cat wherever possible.
But when rehoming is the right thing to do, we look after cats with care and kindness and help them find a loving new place to stay. If you do need to give up your cat, find out how to rehome your cat with Cats Protection.
We know that having to give up your beloved cat is heartbreaking. If you would like to talk to someone who can provide a sympathetic ear during this difficult time, you can contact our Paws to Listen grief support service.
Taking care of a pet is a commitment, both emotionally and financially. If you’re struggling with vet bills, you might experience guilt over rehoming your cat. But it’s worth doing some research before you decide to give up your cat.
Several charities, including Cats Protection, can offer financial help to cover the cost of neutering. We believe that neutering is a safe and painless way of creating a balanced cat population, as well as preventing unwanted pregnancies. Find out more about our neutering scheme.
If you’re struggling to afford veterinary care for your cat, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with your vet. Financial help may also be available from charities such as PDSA or Blue Cross.
Problem behaviours are a common reason people choose to give up their cats, especially if this kind of behaviour is unusual for them. But when looking into problems such as how to rehome a cat that pees inappropriately, you may be surprised to learn that this kind of behaviour can actually be a symptom of pain, illness or even stress. This is something that can likely be fixed, meaning you may be able to keep your cat.
Before you consider giving up your cat, it’s worth talking to your vet about these new behaviours. For example, if they’re less tolerant of being around you and being handled or if they’ve become aggressive. Stress can also lead to problems such as soiling in the house. Understanding the cause of the behaviour may help you resolve the issue and mean you and your cat can stay together.
Cats are solitary animals and are not naturally inclined to live with other cats. If your cats have been introduced to each other too quickly or don’t have access to enough essential items, they may not get along. There are a few things you can do to help your cats live peacefully together.
The Renters’ Rights Act is now law, making it easier for those who rent their homes privately in England to experience the joy and companionship of living with a cat. The law gives tenants in England a right to request a pet which cannot be unreasonably refused. In practice, we hope this will mean that requests for a single cat are almost always reasonable and therefore must be accepted. This brings an end to ‘pet privilege’, where pet ownership has been predominantly enjoyed by those lucky enough to own their own homes.
We have campaigned for this change in the law for many years, and we hope that the other UK nations will soon follow closely behind. Find out more about our Rent with Cats campaign and find advice for tenants searching for cat-friendly homes.
Moving home is a big life change, and if you have a cat, you might be wondering if you need to rehome them. If you’re moving home, there are extra measures you can take to ensure your cat is as comfortable as possible.
If you’re emigrating, you might be concerned about the impact on your cat. For many healthy cats, emigrating shouldn’t be an issue as long as they have the relevant documents and vaccinations.
If your cat is elderly or has a serious health condition, it’s possible that the journey could be too stressful, and it may be best to find them a new home. It’s normal to experience guilt over rehoming your cat in this situation, and we’d recommend talking to your vet before making any decisions.
We understand that your cat may be a barrier to being able to leave an abusive situation. Our specialist cat fostering service, Lifeline, could help. Lifeline offers a free, confidential, temporary foster placement for your cat as a short-term solution.
All information you give Lifeline is completely confidential. You’ll be helped through the process by our friendly, female-only team, and you'll receive monthly updates on your pet while you’re apart. Find out more about Lifeline, including frequently asked questions.
Welcoming a new baby is a wonderful time for any family. But you might find yourself worried that your bundle of joy and your cat won’t get along, especially if this is your first baby.
You might be particularly concerned if you have a cat that bites. If you’re considering rehoming a cat that bites or gets very anxious about changes at home, seek advice from your vet or a qualified cat behaviourist. They will be able to help pinpoint and hopefully resolve the issue.
Most cats make excellent companions for children, and with our helpful guide, there’s every chance you’ll all be able to live in harmony.
Unfortunately, many people going into care homes find themselves in a position where they need to rehome their beloved cats. Separating from their pet can be hugely devastating. But some care homes may accept residents with their pets, depending on the policy in place. More information for finding a pet-friendly care home can be found on the Cinnamon Trust website.
If they can't keep their cat or if they haven't made provisions for their pet in their Will, get in touch. We can provide advice on the next steps, especially if you’re rehoming a senior cat who might be used to a quieter, calmer home.
If you’re taking care of a cat whose owner has passed away, the best thing to do is to check if their owner has already made provisions for their care. Many charities, including Cats Protection, offer services such as Cat Guardians. Owners can register in advance to ensure that their cat is safely rehomed in the event of their death.
If the owner has not left instructions in their Will or registered for a service, get in touch with us directly, and we can help you with the next steps.
If you or somebody in your home thinks they may be allergic to your cat, there’s no need to worry; there are lots of treatments available to manage symptoms. It’s worth speaking to your GP before you consider rehoming your cat. It’s possible you could be allergic to pollen, dust mites or even perfumes, rather than your cat.
Here are some tips to help you manage cat allergies without giving up your furry friend:
There are lots of reasons why your new cat might be struggling to settle in. It can be worrying when your new pet isn’t happy, especially if they are soiling in the house or hiding.
First impressions count, so take your time when welcoming a new cat into your home. Here are a few things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible:
It’s normal for new cats to hide away or seem quiet initially before they get to know their new environment. By giving them time and space, you’ll increase the chance of a harmonious household.
Eating less, scratching and spraying are all signs of stress that need to be tackled. It’s worth trying to address issues in consultation with your vet. Or, if you adopted your new cat from Cats Protection, get in touch with us, as simple adjustments could help.
Older cats often need a little extra care and attention as they enter their twilight years. They might also start to have some issues, such as accidentally soiling in the house or vocalising more than usual. If you’re struggling to cope with the needs of your older cat, there are things you can do to help make their life more comfortable.
If your cat has had kittens unexpectedly, you may be looking for new homes for them. Please don’t be tempted to give them away on social media or online. This could put them in danger, and you can’t be sure what kind of home environment they could end up in.
If possible, you should allow kittens to stay with their mother until they’re at least eight to nine weeks old. Also, having kittens socialised during that time is essential to ensure they will be less likely to experience high levels of stress or develop behavioural problems as an adult. It also means they will be more comfortable around humans and make better pets when they grow up.
But we understand that you may need to rehome kittens earlier. Please get in touch with your local Cats Protection so we can help.
To prevent future unwanted pregnancies, you should consider neutering your cat.
If you’ve considered all your options and decided you still want to rehome your cat with Cats Protection, here’s our step-by-step guide.
Please don’t be tempted to abandon your cat or advertise them for free online. This can be traumatic and even dangerous for them. If you need to rehome your cat urgently, please let your local Cats Protection know so we can provide you with support and advice.
If there isn’t a Cats Protection near you, you can contact our National Information Line for advice on how to rehome your cat.
Once we’ve found a new home for your cat, regrettably, we can’t release details of their new owner or location. So think carefully when considering whether you should rehome your cat.