Need to rehome my cats, really sad and want to find them an excellent home. Where do I start? And how to cope?

[chloejessmeg]

Really, really sad about having to do this but I know it is for the best. I need to find my cats a new home. But I only want them to go somewhere really nice.

Where do I start? I don't want them to go to a cattery or anything while looking for a new home.

And how the hell do you deal with it? I am so attached to them and love them to bits. It brings me to tears just thinking of it but I know it needs to be done.

Don't want to "sell" them but also a bit wary of people just wanting a free cat and not that bothered?

Hiya I used to volunteer for CPL as a fosterer. They'd give you help. They are not judgemental and are very aware that people who love their cats very dearly might need to rehome them, for any number of reasons. So please do not feel bad or guilty about this.
They will follow your wishes. If you give them as much info about the cat(s) as you hand it over they will match the cat with it's new owner. They are more concerned about the cat's welfare. For instance if you have a cat that doesn't like kids, hates dogs, would suit a single working female, believe me they will wait until the single childless, dogless career woman comes along! And they vet new owners very seriously, trust me, they call out to there homes and everything. And while the cat is in care it is with a loving foster family, well fed and given any vet treatment as and when it needs it.
Hope this helps, I really would recommend them they are lovely people.

See, I don't really want them to go into foster homes, which is what worried me. I used to foster dogs for Mayhew so I know how it all works. But I am happy to keep them here until they find a good home - to save them going to a foster home. I know foster homes are fine, and much better than a cattery, but I think staying her and then going to a new home is better than being here, then going to a foster home and then just as they settle in, move them to their new home if you see what I mean?

Anybody have any ideas of things I can ask this lady when she phones back/I phone her?
Would like to get a list together so we can sort a lot of it out over the phone so we don't waste out time:

• Is she willing to take both cats together
• Will the cats have access to outside
• Are you prepared to keep up with vaccinations, flea treatments etc
• Have you had cats before?
• Do you have other pets?
• Do you have a house/flat?
• Are you local?
• When would you be looking to take them on?
• Do you have any equipment for them?

Oh and do you have children

Does she mind if you come and had a look around the house - you could take the cats with you and see if they "work" together.

I personally could not let any of my pets go without first meeting who was going to have them and making sure that they didn't live in a houseshare with a dog or something.

Also check that she actually owns her own house or has permission from the landlady/council etc to own pets or your beloved pets may end up being released onto the streets if the non-petloving landlord finds out.

These are just a few questions I have to ask when I do homechecks for the foster cats I have. If you want the full list let me know.

if I were looking for new cats I would be look at taking one or 2 that were being rehomed precisely because you know what your getting then.

Sadly we decided financially it was not prudent to get anymore for the time being.

Right I have just spoken to the Lady interested. She is going to come and visit on Wednesday to see the cats and have a chat. Have been on the phone to her for a good 45 mins talking about everything.

She sounds really nice and has already looked into vets, knows what equipment she is going to buy and has planned a whole "settling in" routine for them to make the process as easily as possible. She has a garden, big house, cat flap, no other pets but lots of expeience with cats. Knows exactly what jabs etc they need and is familiar with treatments etc. She has 4 children, youngest is 4, which is no problem. She owns her own house too so no landlord problems, although we are renting
ourselves anyway.

Found out today that the area of wee on the carpet is bigger than I thought so I am spending the whole day cleaning. . Am having to scrubb everything from top to bottom.

Does anybody know if I can use washing powder in my carpet cleaner?

Feel really mean but all 3 of them are now shut in there because I simply need to scrub the whole of downstairs and wash carpets etc. They all want to come back out and I feel awful. But if it doesn't get cleaned properly then
a)I won't know when they do it
b) They are going to do it more
c) I have a crawling baby to think about
d) the house stinks

Is there something, like vinegar or lemon juice or something that might help them not go there again?

You need to wash the area with a strong solution of biological washing powder, you could possibly add some white vinegar or lemon juice to the solution. Cats do not like citrus, but then there could be a possibility the lemon juice may bleach the carpet?

I do know tho that bio washing powder is supposed to remove the smell, so then they don't sol the same place again.

Yes have done it with bio washing powder. We usually use a solution of washing powder, water and sometimes nappy san but doesn't work. Area still stinks and cats still continue to go there .

Can I ask where you found the black light? I've been looking for one for ages (same problem ) but no luck.

I got it from Amazon. Isn't actually from them so you still have to pay postage. I found it on a couple of other places but Amazon was cheaper. Let me see if I can get a link for you....

My parents answered an advert in the local paper for two 6yr cats to be re-homed together.
The owner came round with the cats and they settled quite well and then the son of the owner came round a few weeks later to see them as he was missing them and he saw that they were well treated and they have lived there happily for over 12yrs.
They died last November strangely within a few hours of each other and they are buried together in their garden.

Aww ripeberry, hope they go to a home like that. The lady I have spoken to says she will send pictures etc