What To Do When You Find a Cat

When you find a cat, there is a chance that someone is out there looking for him. Check the "lost" ads in your local newspaper. Look for "lost cat" posters in local convenience stores, grocery stores, veterinary offices. There may also be "lost cat" flyers posted throughout your neighborhood. Place a "found ad" in your local newspaper. Make flyers, preferably with the cat's picture on it, and distribute to local convenience stores, grocery stores, veterinary offices, schools, etc. Notify local animal control; however, we do not advise impounding the cat simply because the kitty will most likely be "put to sleep" after his initial stay of 24-72 hours. But it is important to communicate with animal control because the owner may contact them.

If the owner is not found, hopefully, you will be able to give the kitty a good home. If that is simply not possible, the following are some suggestions for finding a good forever home for the kitty.

Keep in mind that often cats have been missing form their home for a long period of time. Their owners may have given up looking for them, but it is a good idea to continue to look at the "lost ads" in your local newspaper, and, if you have access to them, it's helpful to peruse old "lost ads". (We once united a kitty and his guardian from an ad that had been place four months before we actually found the cat.)

Suggestions for Finding a Good Forever Home for Your Kitty:

When placing your cat with a person you don't know, please check out references of this person before letting that person have your cat. Animal dealers, cult worshippers, gang members, and other humans who will hurt your cat do exist and are a real threat to cats. They often come across as nice, caring, believable people and say they will give your kitty a good home. . .so BEWARE!!!.

Check out personal, professional, and veterinary references of any potential adopters. Make a home visit and evaluate the home situation. You can't be too careful! We have a veterinary reference form provided on this web site. You are welcome and encouraged to use that form. You are also encouraged to use the information provided on our adoption form available on this web site.

It is highly recommended that you ask for an adoption fee for your kitty. This will help safeguard you from adopting to an animal dealer or other undesirable person. If you are uncomfortable asking for money, then request that a donation be made to this rescue or another non-profit cat rescue organization.

1. Check with friends, family members, and co-workers first to see if anyone can take your kitty.

2. List your kitty on our web site. (and the web sites of other local animal rescue groups and shelters.) To be listed on our web site, the kitty must be spayed/or neutered; must be tested for Feline Leukemia (FeLeuk) and Feline Immune Deficiency Virus (FIV); and must be current on vaccinations. Please send us a picture or pictures of the kitty and provide us with pertinent information, including age, color, personality traits, medical history and social history.

3. Design a flier that has a picture of your kitty and a heading that states he/she needs a new home. Include any details about your kitty, including age and gender, personality traits, and any other information you feel is pertinent. Place these fliers in veterinarian offices, in schools, in your work place, etc. Distribute them at church or other social events.

4. Place an ad in the paper. Do not state that the Kitty is "Free to a Good Home". Free to Good Home ads often attract animal dealers who turn around and sell your kitty to research laboratories. . .a miserable existence for any living creature.

These animal dealers are real professional con artists and come across as nice, caring people. . . usually with great stories of what a good life they will give your kitty. . .often they say they live in the country and will provide a great country home for the kitty. It's best to put a price on the kitty to make the kitty less attractive to these dealers.

5. Some local rescues and shelters will keep a list of kitties available for adoption and who are not in their program. Check with local rescues and shelters to see if any are willing to do this.

6. If your cat is a purebred, such as a Siamese, Abyssinian, Ragdoll, Persian, etc., it is recommended you contact these breed specific rescues in regards to placing your cats. These rescue groups can easily be found on the Internet.

Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to read this. If often takes time, commitment, and patience to find a good home for your kitty. But it is possible. Please don't give up! You owe it to your kitty!

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