FINDING A NEW HOME FOR A CAT

IF YOU ARE AN OWNER LOOKING TO REHOME YOUR CAT:  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.

BASIC SUGGESTIONS FOR PLACING YOUR CAT:

• Spay and neuter your pet if not already spayed or neutered.
• Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations
• Wash and groom your pet before taking pictures or showing your pet to potential adopters
• 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.

• 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.

ADVERTISING YOUR PET:

1. If the cat is a purebred, contact the breeder and ask if they will take the cat back or help you rehome the cat
2. If the cat is a purebred, contact the appropriate Breed Rescue to see if they can help you advertise your cat.
3. 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:

• Post an ad on http://www.petfinder.com/post/classifiedhop.html
• Make flyers which display your cat's photo and put your contact information on it. You can make a flyer here: http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/flyermaker/flyermaker.cfm. Ask your vet to post it in his/her office. Put them up at work. Ask to post them at the local pet stores and food markets. Post them at your church. Post them on community bulletin boards. Give them to your friends and family and ask that they post them where ever they can. Post them at the local grooming establishments.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper - charge a minimal fee to discourage those who would sell to research laboratories
• Do NOT put an advertisement on Craig's list. There is too much danger of getting the wrong type of inquiry!
• If the cat is a purebred, sign up for the message/photo board here:
  http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/forums/register.php?action=signup,
  then login and leave a message and picture on our bulletin board here:
   http://purebredcatbreedrescue.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=22.
  Note: All cats posted on this site must be spayed/neutered and must be posted for rehoming in indoor only homes.
• If you are placing a Persian or Siamese, you can advertise them on our email lists. To join go here:
       * Persians: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Persian_Rescue/
       * Siamese: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/RescueSiamese

PREPARING FLYERS:

• Describe the appearance, size, and age of the animal.
• Describe his/her nature and appealing qualities.
• Include the pet's name
• State that the pet is spayed or neutered.
• Define any limitations, e.g. not good with cats/small children/ other dogs/other cats.
• Use a good photograph. Color is best. Copy places like Kinko's can help with these.
• Be sure to put in your phone number, and time you can be reached.

PREPARING A CAT RESUME:

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Explain any bathing or grooming requirements, including frequency of claw clipping and grooming, and shampoos used.
• 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.