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Original poster

Rehoming our cat :(

47 replies

jealy · 14/05/2025 12:54

Unfortunately due to life circumstances I have to rehome our cat, who I have had for fourteen years. I have held this decision off for the longest time because I didn’t want to let her go. I’m in London, I want her to go to a loving home. How does one do this? I’m so scared she’ll go to a shelter and they will put her down.

OP posts:
TomatoSandwiches · 14/05/2025 12:56

Unlikely someone will take a 14+yr old cat. Do you have any family that can take her?

MiGataCalico · 14/05/2025 13:13

So sorry, what a horrible decision to have to make Flowers

Have you spoken to any local rescues? Some will re-home direct without the cat having to go to kennels/foster first, they do all the home checks etc and the cat goes straight from you to their new home.

There definitely are people who will re-home older cats.

Eyesopenwideawake · 14/05/2025 13:16

At 14 being put to sleep before she starts to develop age related health issues is an option. Is it one you would consider?

Original poster
jealy · 14/05/2025 13:29

Eyesopenwideawake · 14/05/2025 13:16

At 14 being put to sleep before she starts to develop age related health issues is an option. Is it one you would consider?

Possibly but she’s still very young and sprightly, she’s a lovely cat with no issues at the moment so it doesn’t seem right. At her last check up she was in perfect health. Do age related issues tend to come on slowly or all at once? or is it like humans, you can’t ever know?

OP posts:
Original poster
jealy · 14/05/2025 13:29

MiGataCalico · 14/05/2025 13:13

So sorry, what a horrible decision to have to make Flowers

Have you spoken to any local rescues? Some will re-home direct without the cat having to go to kennels/foster first, they do all the home checks etc and the cat goes straight from you to their new home.

There definitely are people who will re-home older cats.

I haven’t - I’ve just googled a couple and called one now. Do you know anywhere/ have recommendations in London?

OP posts:
lunar1 · 14/05/2025 13:38

Your poor cat, she’s given you so many loving years. She will never be the same if you go through with this. Have you really explored every other option, what changed that you have to get rid of a family member?

MiGataCalico · 14/05/2025 13:44

jealy · 14/05/2025 13:29

I haven’t - I’ve just googled a couple and called one now. Do you know anywhere/ have recommendations in London?

Show quote history

I don't, sorry, I'm a long way from London. I think the Cat Chat website has a list.

Mia184 · 14/05/2025 13:46

Please don‘t give her away for free unless you know that person well because she could end up being used as live bait.

Kitsmummy · 14/05/2025 13:51

Awww if you really do need to give her up then people will re home an old cat from a rescue. I adopted a 13 year old cat and he had probably the best 3 years of his life with us until he passed away at 16.

Don't give away online. If the cat is in good health with no behavioural issues then there's always a chance that someone will adopt.

XelaM · 14/05/2025 14:50

OP is she an outdoor or indoor cat? We're on a livery yard in North London and also know many animal lovers - if you PM me more details I'm sure we could find her a good home.

isolate34 · 14/05/2025 15:07

lunar1 · 14/05/2025 13:38

Your poor cat, she’s given you so many loving years. She will never be the same if you go through with this. Have you really explored every other option, what changed that you have to get rid of a family member?

How helpful. The op sounds upset to be making this decision, if you are unable to give any advice or support why bother commenting just to put the boot in. You have no idea why op might be in this situation, a bit of compassion wouldn't go amiss.

WavyRavey · 14/05/2025 16:18

Eyesopenwideawake · 14/05/2025 13:16

At 14 being put to sleep before she starts to develop age related health issues is an option. Is it one you would consider?

Wtf is wrong with you! 14 isn't even that old, I've had cats that haven't had health issues pass away at 23 fgs

Private1980 · 14/05/2025 16:24

Is it due to change of circumstances or not enough time. Just keep in mind cats are creatures of habit like my cat that unfortunately passed 6 weeks ago when we went away for the weekend a month before she passed my son stayed home to look after her and while we were away she barely ate then when we got back she stubbornly wouldn't eat right for a few days. With your cat being 14 it could cause undue distress being with someone different is there anyone close to you that could have her. I hope it all works out well hugs

dollyblue01 · 14/05/2025 16:29

Hope you find her somewhere, I took in a stay 15/16 year old cat, she settled fine after her owner died after she was was living on the streets alone, sadly she didn’t last much longer due to health issues but she had lots of cuddles and love before she passed.

Isithalftermyet · 14/05/2025 16:39

Can you afford to pay for her to go to a retirement home? They do exist for cats but aren't cheap as they guarantee to look after them indefinitely.

Picklechicken · 14/05/2025 16:40

If you could travel to Norfolk / Suffolk there are rescues who regularly seem to successfully rehome older cats - Blue cross Suffolk and PACT for example. May be worth giving them a call. They don’t seem to be as over run at London rescues and people in Norfolk seem to be willing to take on an older cat. We rehomed through blue cross and I keep a regular eye on their adoption page and none of them stick around long at all.

Alsz · 14/05/2025 16:40

The Blue Cross do direct rehoming, but I don’t know if there’s a branch near you
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/home-direct-scheme

GiggleWiggle246 · 14/05/2025 16:50

Many rescue centres will only take cats if they’re up to date with all vaccinations too so something to consider. It may be worth trying to find a friend/family member who can take her as we did with one of our own cats. As mentioned centres are usually overrun with animals so are quite hesitant in taking any on.

fairislecable · 14/05/2025 16:54

Try The Celia Hammond Animal Sanctuary (Lewisham) or if owner is aged or ill you could try The Cinnammon Trust.

Wexone · 14/05/2025 17:04

What is your exact reasoning for rehoming? as someone who lost our 17 year old cat before Xmas and my 14 year old cat only a few weeks ago - still heartbroken- the world would have to be in fire before I would give them up

Lickityspit · 14/05/2025 17:05

Eyesopenwideawake · 14/05/2025 13:16

At 14 being put to sleep before she starts to develop age related health issues is an option. Is it one you would consider?

WTAF? She could have many more happy healthy years ahead of her

justkeepswimingswiming · 14/05/2025 17:06

Rescues are really struggling and nearly all are closed to new cats. Is there no way you can keep her? Why are you rehoming?

SleepingisanArt · 14/05/2025 17:08

Cats Protection don't put down healthy cats.

Eyesopenwideawake · 14/05/2025 17:09

Cats live on average 13-18. If the op really can’t keep it then it’s an option. Some cats move onto a new home without a backward glance, some will not cope. @jealy will know her cat.

StarDolphins · 14/05/2025 17:37

isolate34 · 14/05/2025 15:07

How helpful. The op sounds upset to be making this decision, if you are unable to give any advice or support why bother commenting just to put the boot in. You have no idea why op might be in this situation, a bit of compassion wouldn't go amiss.

Show quote history

Because it’s a public forum? And anyone is free to comment, even if you don’t like the reply.

I agree with the poster you quoted. It is a shame for a 14 year old cat to be made homeless and it’s ok for people to think that….