Surrender or Rehome a Cat
Whether you need to rehome your own cat or bring in a stray for surrender, we can help you understand the steps and what to expect.
Step 1: If the cat isn’t yours, check for an owner first.
A quick search helps reunite lost pets and prevents unnecessary intake.
Click here to learn how to check for an owner.
Step 2: If you adopted this cat from Simply Cats:
Click here to review our return process. For all other cats, please proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Choose the option below that matches this cat’s situation.
We’ll direct you to the correct form and outline what happens next.
Step 4: Review intake requirements and availability.
Understand our screening requirements, appointment expectations, fees, and what to expect when space is limited.
- Click Here If the Cat Is Under 2 lbs, Pregnant, or Nursing
These cats may qualify for our Foster Program. Fill out the Foster Program Intake Application below.
- Click Here If the Cat Is Over 2 lbs (Not Pregnant or Nursing)
These cats may qualify for our in-shelter adoption program when we have openings. Fill out application below.
If the cat is spayed or neutered, you can also list them for adoption without bringing them into the shelter, on our Out of Facility page. The cat does not enter Simply Cats’ care. All applications, screening, and adoption communications are handled by you.
Additional listing options available with Pawsititiy Rescue here
Intake Requirements and Availability
A staff member will email you once your application is reviewed. For Foster Program Intakes, expect a response within 24 hours (often sooner), as these cases are typically time-sensitive due to age or medical vulnerability. For In-Shelter Intakes, expect a response within 2–3 business days.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations to cover the cost of care. On average, it costs about $183 per shelter cat per year for spay/neuter, veterinary exams, vaccinations, deworming, disease testing, and microchipping. To help cover these expenses, a surrender fee is required at the time of intake.
All intakes are by appointment only. Please plan for 20–30 minutes for your appointment so we can complete an intake exam and testing. To keep the intake area calm and low-stress for the cat, a staff member will meet you at the door to bring them inside. You’ll be asked to wait in your car during the appointment.
All cats receive an intake exam that includes:
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) Testing: Cats may be declined if they test positive.
Ringworm Screening: Cats with a positive result cannot be accepted.
Behavioral Assessment: We cannot accept cats that show aggression or extreme fear toward people or other animals. Cats must be handleable.