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Rehome a Cat

Spay-Neuter Programs

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Tips for Rehoming and Screening Potential Adopters

The goal of rehoming is not just placement; it’s a lasting match. Taking a little time to screen potential adopters helps set both the cat and the adopter up for success. A conversation, either over the phone or during a meet and greet, is usually enough to get a clear picture. Focus on understanding their lifestyle, expectations, and ability to meet the cat’s needs.

Helpful Questions to Ask

  • What are you looking for in a cat? What drew you to this one?
  • Do you own or rent your home? If renting, are pets allowed?
  • Who lives in the home (adults, children, etc.)?
  • Are there any allergies in the household? What would you do if allergies develop?
  • Do you have other pets? (species, age, personality, experience with cats)
  • What is your home environment like (quiet, busy, frequently changing)?
  • Do you travel often? What is your plan for pet care when you’re away?
  • What experience do you have with cats?
  • Will this cat be indoor-only or have outdoor access?
  • Are you prepared for routine and unexpected veterinary expenses?
  • How do you plan to handle nail care and scratching behavior?
  • Are you ready to commit to a cat for their full lifespan (often 15–20 years)?
  • Under what circumstances might you consider rehoming a pet?

These questions aren’t about “passing” or “failing.” They’re meant to open a conversation and ensure expectations are aligned.

Be Transparent

Honesty is one of the most important parts of a successful rehoming. Sharing complete and accurate information allows adopters to make informed decisions and reduces the likelihood of the cat being rehomed again.

  • Why the cat is being rehomed
  • Medical history (provide veterinary records whenever possible)
  • Feeding routine and preferred food
  • Litter box habits and litter type
  • Scratching preferences (posts, cardboard, furniture, etc.)
  • Personality, likes, and dislikes
  • Daily routine and lifestyle
  • Any known behavioral patterns or challenges

Even small details can make a big difference in helping a cat settle into their new home.

Supporting a Smooth Transition

A new environment can be overwhelming for a cat. Setting clear expectations and providing guidance to the adopter can make the transition much smoother. Encourage adopters to take things slowly and use a gradual introduction process.

Focus on the areas most relevant to this cat:

  • Adjustment and decompression time (3-3-3 Rule)
  • Safe introduction to the home (basecamp setup)
  • Introductions to other pets (if applicable)
  • Litter box habits and setup
  • Scratching and enrichment needs
  • Feeding routine and consistency

You can also direct them to our educational resources for step-by-step guidance: https://simplycats.org/resources/educational-information


 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Microchip Information

A microchip is a small chip implanted just under your cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that is linked to your contact information through a microchip registry. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters can scan the chip to identify your cat and help reunite lost pets with their owners.

All cats adopted from Simply Cats are microchipped and registered at the time of adoption.

Please note: A microchip is not a GPS tracker and does not show your cat’s location. It is a permanent form of identification only.

Simply Cats Alumni Microchips

Cats adopted from Simply Cats are microchipped through 24PetWatch, now connected with PetPlace.

You can use their registry to update your contact information and report your cat as lost if needed.

Phone: 1-866-597-2424
Website: www.petplace.com

When Should You Update Your Microchip Information?

A microchip only works if the information connected to it is accurate. To ensure your cat can always find its way back to you, update your cat’s microchip record anytime you:

  • Move to a new address
  • Change your phone number
  • Change your email address
  • Privately rehome your cat
  • Need to update emergency contact information

Not Sure Which Microchip Company Your Cat Is Registered With?

If you don’t know your cat’s microchip number or the company it is registered with, contact the veterinary clinic, shelter, or rescue where you adopted your cat.

If you have the microchip number but are unsure which registry manages it, use the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup Tool.

If Your Cat Is Lost

If your cat goes missing, follow the steps in our Lost or Found Cat guide, which includes reporting your cat as lost through the microchip registry and verifying your contact information.

If your cat is found and scanned, the microchip can help connect them back to you.

 

If you’ve adopted your cat from Simply Cats and have questions about your cat’s microchip, contact us at
adoptions@simplycats.org.

Senior Cat Care

Senior cats often need adjustments in their environment as they age. Just like people, older cats may experience arthritis, vision or hearing changes, altered sleep and eating patterns, decreased grooming, and reduced ability to regulate body temperature. Small modifications at home can make a significant difference in their comfort and quality of life.

Mobility & Arthritis Support

Arthritis is extremely common in senior cats. It may cause stiffness alone or stiffness with pain. Cats most often develop arthritis in the lower spine, hips, elbows, and knees, though any joint can be affected.

Early signs may include:

  • Stiffness after resting
  • Hesitation before jumping
  • Using alternative routes to reach favorite spots
  • Intermittent limping
  • Reduced grooming of the back or hips

Gentle, regular movement helps prevent worsening stiffness. Consider:

  • Pet stairs or ramps with good traction
  • Lowering favorite resting spots
  • Adding soft, supportive bedding
  • Rearranging furniture to reduce jumping distance

If you suspect arthritis, consult your veterinarian. Joint supplements and prescription pain medications significantly improve comfort and mobility.

Resource Placement

Make sure food, water, and litter boxes are easily accessible. A litter box located up or down a full flight of stairs may become difficult for an aging cat.

  • Place at least one litter box on the level where your cat spends most of their time.
  • Use large, low-entry litter boxes if stepping over high sides becomes difficult.
  • Keep resources in quiet, predictable locations.

Nutrition & Hydration

Older cats often eat smaller amounts at each sitting. Offering multiple small meals throughout the day can help maintain calorie intake.

Senior cats are also more prone to dehydration. Providing several water stations and feeding moisture-rich canned food can help support hydration and kidney health. If you notice weight loss, appetite changes, or increased thirst, consult your veterinarian.

Vision & Hearing Changes

Many senior cats experience mild vision changes or hearing loss as they age. These changes are not typically painful but can make cats easier to startle.

  • Add night lights in darker hallways.
  • Approach gently from the front or allow your cat to sense vibrations before touching them.
  • Avoid sudden movements or loud noises when possible.

Warmth & Comfort

Senior cats often sleep more and may lose muscle mass, making it harder to maintain body heat.

  • Provide soft, warm resting areas.
  • Use heated pet beds designed specifically for animals.
  • Avoid relying solely on fireplaces or vents, which provide inconsistent warmth.

Grooming & Nail Care

As flexibility decreases, grooming may become difficult. You may notice a dull coat or small mats forming.

  • Brush gently and regularly to remove loose fur.
  • Check for mats, especially along the lower back.
  • Trim nails more frequently, as reduced activity can lead to overgrowth.

Small environmental adjustments can dramatically improve comfort and mobility for senior cats. If you observe sudden behavior changes, weight loss, decreased appetite, or reduced mobility, consult your veterinarian.

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Adjustment Period After Adoption

Bringing a new cat home is a big transition for both of you. Adjustment takes time, and it’s normal to see changes in behavior as your cat learns that your home is safe. The 3-3-3 guideline below offers a general framework for what many cats experience during their first days, weeks, and months.

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Adopting Kittens in Pairs

Kittens are active, social learners during a critical developmental window. Adopting two kittens together, or placing a kitten into a home with a compatible young cat, can significantly support healthy emotional and behavioral development.

At Simply Cats, we advocate for kittens to be adopted in pairs or into homes with a playful, appropriately matched feline companion. Research and guidance from feline behaviorists and veterinary professionals consistently show that kittens develop best with another kitten.

Why Two Kittens?

1. Built-In Mental & Physical Enrichment

Kittens are wired for constant movement and exploration. Even the most dedicated owner cannot replicate the amount of play, wrestling, chasing, and interactive learning that two kittens naturally provide each other.

A same-age playmate:

  • Provides continuous stimulation
  • Encourages healthy exercise
  • Reduces boredom-related behaviors
  • Supports appropriate predatory play

This built-in enrichment can reduce the likelihood of destructive behavior and inappropriate play directed toward people.

2. Healthy Social Development

Kittens learn important social skills from one another. Through play and interaction, they learn:

  • How hard is “too hard” during play
  • How to read body language
  • How to respect boundaries
  • How to groom and share space

These early lessons often result in more socially appropriate adult cats and may make future introductions easier.

3. Reduced Play-Aggression Toward People

Single kittens often direct their normal high-energy play behaviors toward human hands, feet, and older pets. A kitten companion helps redirect that rough-and-tumble play appropriately toward another kitten.

4. Smoother Integration with Older Pets

If you have an older cat or dog, adopting two kittens can reduce pressure on the resident pet. The kittens can focus their high-energy play on each other instead of overwhelming the older animal.

5. Increased Confidence & Emotional Security

The transition to a new home is a major change. Having a familiar companion can provide comfort and confidence, especially for more timid kittens.

6. Twice the Impact

Adopting two kittens saves two lives and opens space for more cats in need.

Important Considerations

  • Ensure you are financially prepared for food, preventive care, and future medical expenses for two cats.
  • Provide an adequate number of resources: one litter box per cat, plus one extra, sufficient vertical space, scratching areas, and resting spots to prevent competition.

While not every household is suited for two kittens, many families find that adopting a pair is not more work, just more joy.

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Shopping List for Your New Cat

Preparing your home in advance helps your new cat transition more smoothly and reduces stress during the first few days. Having essential supplies ready ensures you can focus on building trust and establishing a routine from the moment your cat arrives.

Essential Supplies

☐ Metal or non-porous food and water dishes
☐ Original food currently being fed (continue for 7–14 days before transitioning)
☐ New desired food (introduce gradually)
☐ Large litter boxes (one per cat + one extra; at least 1.5× your cat’s length; one on each level)
☐ Unscented, clay clumping litter
☐ Litter scoop
☐ Hard-sided carrier (with both front and top-loading doors)
☐ Tall scratching posts (tall enough for a full stretch)
☐ Cat tree (for vertical space)
☐ Interactive toys
☐ Bed
☐ Brush
☐ Nail trimmer

Optional But Recommended Supplies for a Smooth Transition

☐ Enzymatic cleaner (for accidents during adjustment) 
☐ High-value treats (lickable treats, freeze-dried meat, plain cooked chicken, sardines in water) 
☐ Feline pheromone diffuser (such as Feliway®)
☐ Baby gate (for slow introductions to other pets) 

 

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Community Cats

Outdoor cats are part of many communities. Understanding the different terms used to describe them can help clarify expectations, guide appropriate care decisions, and reduce misunderstandings.

Understanding Community Cats

The term community cat refers to any unowned cat living outdoors. Community cats may be feral, undersocialized, or friendly strays. They are all members of the domestic cat species, but their level of comfort with humans varies.

Feral Cats

Feral cats have had little to no positive interaction with humans, particularly during early kittenhood. They are fearful of close contact, do not seek human attention, and are generally not suited for indoor companion homes. Feral cats typically live in colonies and form strong social bonds with other cats.

Undersocialized Cats

Undersocialized cats fall somewhere between feral and friendly. They may tolerate limited human interaction but remain wary or easily frightened. With time and patience, some may adapt to indoor homes, while others are more comfortable living in working outdoor environments.

Stray Cats

Stray cats are socialized cats who have previously lived indoors or relied on people for care but are now living outdoors. They are often more approachable and may seek human contact. Many strays can be successfully reintroduced to indoor homes.

While these categories help describe behavior, each cat is an individual. Some may shift along this spectrum over time depending on environment and experience.

Living Peacefully with Community Cats

Community cats may live outdoors in neighborhoods, barns, business districts, or rural properties. When managed responsibly through spay/neuter and monitored feeding, many concerns can be reduced or eliminated. Below are practical, humane steps for common situations.

Cats Getting Into Trash

  • Use trash cans with tight-fitting or locking lids.
  • Store garbage inside a garage or secured area when possible.
  • Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight.
  • If neighbors feed cats, encourage feeding at set times during daylight hours and removal of leftovers within 30 minutes.

Feeding Attracts Wildlife or Insects

  • Feed at the same time each day so cats learn a routine.
  • Provide only the amount the cats can finish in one sitting.
  • Remove uneaten food promptly (within 30 minutes).
  • Keep feeding areas clean and free of debris.
  • Elevate feeding stations if needed to reduce insect access.

Well-managed feeding schedules are a core component of humane Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, which have been shown to reduce nuisance behaviors and stabilize outdoor cat populations.

Cats Digging in Gardens

  • Cover soil with pinecones, bark, gravel, or decorative rock.
  • Use motion-activated sprinklers as a humane deterrent.
  • Install low fencing or garden netting over sensitive areas.
  • Plant dense groundcover to reduce exposed soil.

Avoid essential oils, mothballs, toxic chemicals, or substances such as tobacco, as these can be harmful to cats and other wildlife.

Cats Lounging on Porches or in Yards

  • Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
  • Block access to crawl spaces or sheltered areas where cats may rest.
  • Apply humane commercial cat deterrent products labeled safe for animals.

Yowling, Fighting, Spraying, Roaming, and Kittens

These behaviors are primarily driven by reproductive hormones. Spaying and neutering through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program significantly reduces:

  • Fighting and territorial aggression
  • Spraying and marking
  • Loud mating vocalizations
  • Roaming behavior
  • New litters of kittens

After sterilization, hormone-driven behaviors typically decrease within several weeks. TNR is widely supported by national animal welfare organizations as the most humane and effective long-term management strategy for community cats.

Indoor Cats Reacting to Outdoor Cats

If you have indoor cats, the presence of outdoor cats near windows or doors can trigger territorial stress. This may lead to urine marking, redirected aggression toward other household cats, or changes in behavior.

  • Block visual access to problem windows using privacy film, frosted window coverings, or temporary reflective barriers that still allow light in.
  • Close blinds or curtains during high-activity times.
  • Use motion-activated deterrents outdoors to discourage loitering near windows.
  • Provide increased enrichment and vertical space indoors to help your cat feel secure.
  • Consider using synthetic feline pheromone diffusers (such as Feliway®) throughout the home. These products mimic natural calming facial pheromones and may help some cats feel more secure.

Reducing visual triggers and increasing your indoor cat’s sense of control can significantly decrease territorial stress.

Learn More About Community Cats & TNR

For more information, see Community Cats & TNR.

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.

Adopting a Barn or Shop Cat

Not all cats are suited for indoor companion homes. Some are feral or undersocialized and prefer limited human interaction. These cats often thrive in outdoor working environments such as barns, shops, warehouses, garden centers, or acreage properties.

Working cats may enter shelters when property owners move, land is developed, colonies are disrupted, or community cats are humanely trapped for spay/neuter and cannot be safely returned to their original territory. With proper placement, these cats can live healthy lives while helping control rodent populations.

Is a Barn Cat Right for You?

Barn cats are working cats, not companion pets. They are typically not social with people and may never enjoy handling. They need a safe, enclosed shelter, daily food and fresh water, and a caretaker committed to ongoing basic veterinary care. A barn cat may be right for you if you want natural rodent control and are comfortable providing consistent care without expecting affection in return. They are not a good fit if you’re hoping for a friendly, interactive pet or cannot provide daily oversight and secure shelter.

Critical Acclimation Period

Relocation must be handled carefully. Cats are territorial and may attempt to return to their previous home if released too quickly.

  • Confine the cat in a secure enclosure for a minimum of 2–4 weeks. This may be a stall, tack room, secure garage, or large crate within the barn. The space must be escape-proof.
  • Provide daily food, fresh water, bedding, and a litter box.
  • Maintain a consistent feeding routine so the cat associates the new location with safety and resources.
  • Do not allow free roaming until the cat is eating reliably and appears settled.

The confinement period allows the cat to bond to the new territory through scent and routine. Releasing too early significantly increases the risk of the cat leaving permanently.

Daily Care

  • Continue feeding daily. Even strong hunters depend on consistent nutrition for long-term health.
  • Provide dry, insulated shelter protected from wind and moisture.
  • Ensure access to fresh water year-round.
  • Monitor from a distance for signs of injury or illness.

Safety Considerations

  • Thump on vehicle hoods before starting engines in cold weather; cats may seek warmth inside.
  • Store antifreeze securely. Even small amounts can be fatal.
  • Avoid rodenticides and poisons. Secondary poisoning can occur if a cat consumes contaminated prey.
  • Keep snap traps and other lethal pest control devices inaccessible to cats.

Providing a safe working environment can give independent cats a stable territory while reducing rodent activity naturally.

 

Need support?
Contact us at info@simplycats.org.