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About Kate Tilmouth
Expertise
I can answer most day to day cat problems encountered by owners. I have a good understanding of cat behaviour and problems which may arise from changes to their daily routine. I can advise on cat training including litter training and general day to day cat care issues. I am not a vet and therefore cannot answer medical questions.

Experience
I run my own cat website at http://www.our-happy-cat.com and have been a dedicated cat owner for over 20 years. I have encountered many different cat problems and situations and feel that i have a good understanding of cats and cat ownership.

Publications
I am a platinum member of Ezinearticles where i write mainly cat related articles.

Education/Credentials
Educated to High School level and have since worked for many years in a customer support based environment, gaining vocational qualifications.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cats > rehoming

Cats - rehoming

Expert: Kate Tilmouth - 11/5/2009

Question
I had my first baby 7 weeks ago. I have 3 cats. One of 9 years old and the other 2 are 2 1/2. My 9 year old keeps to herself and the two young ones are best friends. I got these cats when having a baby was the furthest thing from my mind. However, now that I have a baby I have found it hard to care for my cats. My husband and I live in a small apartment and between us, our son and the cats it's overwhelming. Also my husband just got laid off and we can't afford to care for our cats medically. Can't even afford their shots. I love my cats dearly but I have found that my son takes up all my time to where I'm not giving my cats the love and attention they need. my 9 year old isn't going anyway but my husband and I have really been thinking about re-homing are other 2. I put a ad on craigslist and this guy and his girlfriend are interested in taking both of them together. I don't want to lose my cats, they are my babies but they're not getting the love they deserve and there is so much cat hair everywhere and it's hard to keep up with it among dealing with the baby. He seems to be developing allergies as well.

My question is, how can I go about re-homing my cats if that is what I decide to do in a way that will cause them as little stress as possible? The boy cat I'm not worried about, he is so social and loving, he isn't scared of anyone.The female however is so chicken. She only comes out for me and my husband and runs if anyone comes over. The have only known me and my husband since they were like 8 weeks old. I just worry so much about them feeling unwanted or scared by going to a new home. I don't want them to think they did something wrong or freak out. I just want them to be happy and able to have the attention they deserve. It's driving me crazy with worry about how they'll handle it.

How can I re-home them without making it harder or stressful for them.

Thank you in advance

Answer
Hi
I understand your worry and I think you are being very wise about the decision in rehomeing them if you are having difficulties with your new situation. It really is in their best interests if they can have a home where they get as much attention as possible and that is just not possible for you at this time I understand.

Firstly can I say, I really don't think that craig list of anything like that is a good option. Simply because you have no way of really knowing who will apply and how they will look after the cats. It amazes me how people will rehome cats and not really know what is involved.

There really is only two options, either find someone you know who will give them a good home or contact a no kill animal shelter who will be able to assess any new owners as well as giving your cats lots of care and attention to make the process easy for them, they are the experts after all. I recently gave a home to two cats who were at a animal shelter and I was absolutely amazed at the care they were receiveing and how careful they were about finding the right home for the cats involved ie if a cat is nervous they usually will recomend that they go to a quiet home.

I do not know where you live but there are hundreds of no kill animal shelters in America (this one is my favourite all though you may not live nearby http://www.cathouseonthekings.com/ ) but it should be easy to find one near you.

I know this is a hard decision for you but by making sure they are rehomed via animal shelter will at least give you peace of mind that you will know they have gone to a good home.

best wishes KAte

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