How to Rehome Your Cat A Guide for Cat Parents

 

Discover the safest, most responsible way to rehome your cat. Includes tips on screening adopters, preparing your cat, and avoiding shelters. A compassionate guide for cat parents.

I’m not someone who takes rehoming a cat lightly, because cats never forget their people. They don’t understand why they’re suddenly separated from the person they trusted. When you surrender a cat to a shelter or hand them off casually under the label of “rehoming your cat” your cat doesn’t see it as a new beginning. They wait for you. They look for you. They hold on to the bond you built.

I know this firsthand.
I was separated from my cat for years. She had been taken from me, and I had no idea where she ended up. It wasn’t until she landed in an animal shelter scared, confused, and alone that her microchip was scanned and I finally got the call. When I arrived, Nikki hesitated for a moment, unsure after everything she’d been through. But the second she realized it was me, she wrapped her paws around me and held on. She remembered.

That moment is why I believe so strongly that cat parents must take every possible step to find the right home a real home rather than surrendering their cat to a shelter. Rehoming should be thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in love.

If you’re facing the difficult decision to rehome your cat, this guide will help you do it safely, ethically, and with your cat’s emotional wellbeing at the center.

 

The Best Way to Rehome a Cat (Without a Shelter)

The best way to rehome a cat is through direct placement finding a loving, well‑matched home yourself using trusted platforms and careful screening. Prioritize your cat’s emotional and medical needs, and never rush the process.

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to rehoming responsibly.

 

 1. Evaluate the Need

Before making a final decision, pause and ask whether rehoming is truly necessary.

• Explore alternatives like behavior support, financial assistance, or temporary fostering.
• Ask yourself:
  • Can I meet my cat’s needs with help or adjustments?
  • Is this situation temporary or permanent?

Sometimes the right support can keep a family together.

 

 2. Define the Ideal Home

A successful rehome starts with understanding who your cat is.

Consider your cat’s:

• Temperament
• Health needs
• Preferences and routines
• Comfort level with kids, dogs, or other cats

Write a clear profile describing their personality, habits, and the type of environment where they will thrive.

 

 3. Prepare Your Cat for Adoption

A well-prepared cat has a smoother transition.

• Schedule a vet checkup to ensure they’re healthy and current on vaccines.
• Spay/neuter if not already done—it improves adoptability and long‑term wellbeing.
• Gather vet records, favorite toys, blankets, and comfort items to send with them.

These familiar items help reduce stress during the move.

 

 4. Create a Thoughtful Adoption Profile

Use reputable platforms such as Adopt‑a‑Pet’s Rehome program or Petfinder.

Include:

• Clear, flattering photos and short videos
• Honest descriptions of behavior, quirks, and needs
• Your expectations for the new home (indoor-only, no declawing, etc.)

Transparency protects your cat and helps attract the right adopters.

 

 5. Screen Potential Adopters Carefully

This is where you protect your cat’s future.

• Ask about their experience with cats, lifestyle, and readiness for long‑term care.
• Consider home visits or video calls to ensure the environment is safe.
• Use a written adoption agreement when possible.

A good adopter will appreciate your diligence.

 

 6. Support the Transition

Even after placement, your guidance matters.

• Offer a trial period if appropriate.
• Provide tips, routines, and reassurance to the new family.
• Stay available for questions during the adjustment phase.

Your involvement helps your cat feel secure as they settle into their new life.

 

 Avoid These Rehoming Mistakes

• Never abandon or surrender your cat to a shelter without exploring all other options.
• Don’t use anonymous online listings without proper vetting.
• Avoid emotional detachment your cat’s wellbeing still depends on your care, even during rehoming.

The Truth About Animal Shelters

Many people surrender their pets to an animal shelter because they assume the shelter will find their beloved pet a forever home. But the truth is that most animals will only see a cage and a cold table where they will be euthanized. Yes, I know that when you surrendered your pet that they told you “we will find a home for your pet, or we have a family looking for a cat just like yours” They will smile at you and you will leave knowing your pet was in good hands.

WRONG!

That is what animal shelter workers tell everyone.  It is in their employee handbook to say this to every person that surrenders a pet.  The truth of the matter is that animal shelters are in every city and on average they take in more animals than they adopt out. My local humane shelter wrote that they have room for 125 cats and 275 dogs and took in 800 animals in August this year. When I asked what happened to the excess animals I was told that 100 were adopted, other animals went to fosters and other pets that did not meet the standards of the shelter were euthanized.

On average, an animal shelter will keep the surrendered pet for seven days however if the pet is sick, feral or not socialized, or fearful of their new surroundings, or deemed not adoptable they will euthanize it to make room for pets that fit the profile.

If you are in a predicament where you can no longer keep your pet then I would recommend that you try to find a home for your pet before surrendering to a shelter and choose your shelter wisely. Better to surrender to NO Kill shelter. Best to keep your pet.

Example if your companion does not like your pet, then explain to them that your cat is important to you and that you will not get rid of it. My husband did not like cats, I did not get rid of my cats, and my husband learned to love them. We have been married 22 years.

The apartment that I like does not allow pets. Instead of getting rid of my cat, I looked for an apartment that accepts pets.

I am allergic to cats, the doctor asked me if I would get rid of them, I said no. I take allergy pills daily and use Earthbath grooming wipes daily to remove cat dander and saliva. Two things that I am allergic to. I took steps to live under the same roof as my cats. I did not surrender them to a shelter.

With so many cats being killed annually at humane shelters, please stop before you surrender your pet, see if you can make changes in your life to accommodate your pet or network community, neighbors, family and friends for a new home for your cat.

Best to Keep Rehomed Cats Indoors

As I general rule I think it is best to keep a rehomed cat indoors until the get comfortable with their new surroundings and their  family. I say this because if you adopt a cat that is an adult and it has lived with their family for a long time and you allow the cat to go outdoors immediately it will try to find its way back to the former home.

Know that most cats do not make it back to the former home because they become lost in their new neighborhood and some cats try to cross busy streets and put their lives at risk.

I recently adopted a neighborhood cat that had been abandoned by its family when they moved. I kept this rehomed cat indoors for about a month but it was not long enough because he got out two days ago and did run to his former home.

The little tabby cat that I adopted never forgot his former home and as soon as he was able to run outdoors he went back to the house where his people used to live, a home three blocks away and across a busy street.

This is why I say it is best to keep a rehomed cat indoors.