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Please do not turn to rescue for a safe haven for your cat unless there
is absolutely no other choice. There are many purebreds in shelters who
need those rescue spaces and if a rescue takes your cat that may well
mean another purebred pet in a shelter will be killed.
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Spay and neuter your pet if not already spayed or neutered.
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Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations
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Wash and groom your pet before taking pictures or showing your pet to potential
adopters
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Prepare a history of your pet including veterinary history, favorite treat, what
food the cat is used to eating, what litter the cat is used to using and what
sort of litterbox. Preparing a cat resume to
give to potential adopters is a good idea.
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Screen all potential adopters. Ask about their
experience grooming a Persian and clipping nails. Ask how much time they are at
home and what arrangements they make for a pet when they are away or ill. Ask if
they have ever declawed a cat. Ask if they ever allow their cats outside. Ask to
for their permission to speak directly to their vet about their history with
animals, including how up to date the animals are on vaccines, how diligent they
are about maintenance issues like teeth cleaning, and under what conditions they
have euthanized pets, if ever. Ask if they have ever brought an animal to a
shelter to relinquish the cat. Find out what other animals they have and have
had and what experience they have with grooming. Find out if any people in the
household have allergies. Ask if they will allow you to visit their home before
you place the cat there. Ask if they have arrangements in place for someone to
care for the cat should they become ill, are hospitalized, or die.
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If the cat is a purebred, contact the breeder and ask if they will take the cat back or help you rehome
the cat
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If the cat is a purebred, contact the appropriate Breed Rescue to see if they can help you advertise your
cat.
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Advertise your cat and charge a nominal fee for adoption (do not offer for free as it
attracts undesirable interest from those who may not value your pet:
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Describe the appearance, size, and age of the animal.
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Describe his/her nature and appealing qualities.
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Include the pet's name
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State that the pet is spayed or neutered.
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Define any limitations, e.g. not good with cats/small children/ other dogs/other
cats.
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Use a good photograph. Color is best. Copy places like Kinko's can help with
these.
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Be sure to put in your phone number, and time you can be reached.
A cat "resume" provides an opportunity to present potential adopter with a
summary of your pet's best qualities and an example of your commitment to your
pet. We suggest that you include the information below in their cat resume:
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Tell the potential adopter what foods your cat is used to and what litter you
normally use. Provide the cat's usual litter box, dishes, toys, scratching post,
if possible, and a worn article of your clothing to place in their bedding - the
familiar items and the scent of you will make the transition easier.
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Provide a complete veterinary history from your veterinarian for the adopter to
take to the new vet. If your cat is not spayed or neutered, please make
arrangements to have spay or neuter done prior to placement in a new home.
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Describe your pet's age, activity level, and/or breed traits. Describe
characteristics that make your pet suited or unsuited for living with other
animals.. Tell the adopter something special about your pet's personality, and
how much you care about your pet. There can be a big difference between a
10-year-old cat and an active, inquisitive kitten. If your pet is quiet, calm
and/or less active, point that out. If you have an active cat, explain how you
fulfill his/her exercise requirements and what cat toys are used during play
times.
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Give examples of your pet's good behavior. If your cat has lived in other homes
before temporarily and is accustomed to changes, be sure to say so. If you have
more than one cat or a dog, let the new home know how your cat gets along with
the other animals. If your cat uses a scratching post, say so and make sure to
note that your cat is litterbox trained.
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Explain any bathing or grooming requirements, including frequency of claw
clipping and grooming, and shampoos used.
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Describe any behavioural quirks, difficulties with certain situations (the vet,
other animals, thunder storms, etc). The foster home needs to know what to
expect for them to be a "good fit" for your cat.
In addition to your cat's resume, you may also want to provide addresses of your
cat's usual groomer, veterinarian and a picture of your cat.
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