Why doesn't anyone want my cat?

[FrankTheCat]

I've posted this in The Litter Tray, but am also cheekily posting here for traffic.

Hello,

I have to, reluctantly, give up my 2-year-old Maine Coon boy. For personal reasons I can no longer provide him a suitable home.

I've put up an advert on Pets4Homes, and NO-ONE is interested. He's a friendly energetic boy, GCCF registered, neutered, up to date with all of his jags, cuddly if you catch him in the right mood, and completely gorgeous.

AIBU to think SOMEONE would be interested in rehoming my cat, or is everyone just interested in kittens?

Have you tried a rescue?

I would be wondering why you want to rehome him FrankTheCat,

Aren't main-coons one of those ones you have to keep indoors by some kind of contract?

Where are you?

Try facebook maybe? What about an ad in the local newsagents? Maybe ask the vets if they know someone who is looking for a cute young cat...... He sounds cute,.. Good luck.

Aren't cats on Pets4Homes generally for sale?

Maine Coons are large aren't they? Maybe people are put off by that?

Still lovely looking cats!

Where do you live? I have just lost my precious boy and would happily re-home him if he gets on with other cats

Have you explained the reasons for rehoming? I would be wary in case it was an issue with him.

Lots of people are also unwilling to privately adopt cats when they could go to a shelter. A cat from a shelter is guaranteed to be vaccinated and worm free, and any behavioural issues will be disclosed. When it's a private adoption you don't know what you're getting. It's very frustrating for you when you have been a responsible owner! But people might just be wary.

Have you spoken to a local shelter about whether they could help?

How much are you charging?

Did you get him/her from a breeder? If so they usually want them back to re-home themselves. There's also a few Maincoon groups on Facebook, just join them - he'll get snapped up

Are you asking money for him or just a general rehome? I found when looking for a certain breed of cat a while back some people were asking almost as much money for an adult who needed a new home as a 10 week old kitten.

Not criticising, just pointing out.

He's an indoor cat, yes, but there's no contract . . . ? I'm sure he'd be happy as an outdoor cat too, although the brushing would get more difficult!

I haven't tried a rescue yet, because I thought they're quite overwhelmed?

And I don't really want to say here why I can't keep him - it's very personal, and of course I wouldn't be doing this if there was any other way.

Are you selling him or just looking for a home for him?

I've contacted the breeder already, but have only received radio silence.

Inform his breeder who should help you or try a Maine coon rescue

I have a five year old male maine Coon, and they're fantastic cats, so friendly and laid back. My boy is so affectionate as well

We put him up for sale, because my DH pointed out that we would be more likely to get someone prepared to invest in him - and therefore more likely to be legitimate.

It was not close to kitten prices, however.

I am just eager that he is looked after very well. We do really love him, and we are heartbroken, really.

Maine coon rescue then, get in contact they have people waiting to rehome older Maine coons

So, I'm not necessarily looking for a sale - just loving new owners.

If you contact a rescue & can keep hold of him whilst they network him it would be so much better. Rescues are always struggling for space, but many will willingly help rehome if the owner can house the cat (or dog) until a home is found

That's probably the issue then. Not many people would want an adult Maine Coon for a large price.

Maine Coon priced have massively increased recently too. A few years ago, a fantastic kitten would be roughly £375. Now I see them on the place that should be banned Pets 4 Homes going for £600+. Nothing has changed to warrant this.

Contact breed rescue. I'm finding it hard to understand why you can't get hold of your breeder though. Reputable Maine Coon breeders would have made you sign a contract saying that if the cat ever needed to be rehomed, it would go back to them.

Where are you OP?

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can't imagine being forced to give a cat up I am not sure that it's true that selling a cat brings people who are more likely to invest - there are some unscrupulous breeders out there.

I would love to help, but I have an old boy myself who is dead set on being the only house cat. I hope you can find a new owner. Maybe a bit of a blurb explaining the vague outline of your situation, and your desire to find a loving home rather than to achieve the maximum price, would help?

In my experience main coons are very large, smelly cats who shed hair everywhere and need lots of brushing. All the ones I've known were very moody!

Most people prefer smaller short haired breeds. There are so many unwanted kittens it's a bit of a gamble buying an adult cat who could have behavioural issues.

Have you tried a rescue centre?