Consider methods such as putting up posters describing the cat, contacting all vet clinics in the area and asking them to take the details, informing local shelters, and even asking the local radio to put a call out for the owners to come forward. After 7 days of real effort to find the owner, the cat is considered adoptable.
A good question to ask is “What happened to your previous pet?” If their previous cat died in their sleep aged 20, that is a good answer. If the cat was killed in a traffic collision, then ask them what provision they have put in place to stop this happening again. If they surrendered their last cat to the shelter, then think carefully before handing the cat over and be sure that their circumstances have changed hugely and that they are prepared to put provisions in place, such as pet insurance, in order to meet all possible eventualities. [4] X Research source Avoid advertising a cat as “Free to a good home. " Unfortunately, people who have been rejected by standard places to get a pet (such as from a shelter) may resort to getting pets from want ads. Some unscrupulous people who arrange dog fights will source cats from free ads to use as bait to get the dogs riled up, so don’t risk this happening. At very least, ask for money to cover any veterinary expenses you have accrued or ask for a donation to the local shelter.
Search online or ask your vet for details.
For example, many people believe it is unsafe to have a litter tray in the house when they are pregnant and therefore look to rehome a much loved feline companion. This fear arises from the (albeit slim) chance of picking up toxoplasma infection. However, scientists now believe the main route of infection is inadequately cooked meat rather than cat feces. If you wear disposable gloves and a mask, and clear the poop within 24 hours of it being produced the risk of infection is negligible. These simple measures could prevent the need for rehoming. If in doubt speak to your veterinarian who can advise you further on protecting your health and minimizing the risk of infection.
If you are moving abroad, be aware that a pet passport scheme operates widely now. Make inquiries at the embassy of the country you are moving to and ask them about the necessary protocol to import a cat into their country. Your vet can work closely with you to ensure the relevant vaccinations, blood tests, and paperwork is issued, and it’s no big deal. It might be that you are moving within the country and just noticed your rental agreement has a ’no pets’ clause. Before rehoming the cat, be honest with the landlord and ask if there is the possibility of making an exception. Some landlords put the clause on as a matter of routine, to protect themselves should a tenant have a destructive pet. Many landlords are open to a discussion about pets. It is especially helpful if you can put together a portfolio of documents that illustrate how well-behaved and well-cared for your pet it. A dossier containing records of vaccination certificates, vet checks, references from previous landlords, pictures of your pet doing cute things, like sleeping, can all go some way to convince a wavering landlord.
Having a pet can reduce stress in owners of all ages. They can also provide love and companionship to their owners, which can be especially important to people who live alone or are house bound.
