Rehome a Cat
We know this is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever face. Before you do anything, let us help you explore your options. Many situations have solutions you might not have considered yet.
Before you decide
We're a small, volunteer-based rescue with limited foster space, and we'd always rather help you keep your cat when that's possible. If any of these sound like your situation, there may be an option worth trying first:
Moving or housing
Many rentals allow cats with a pet deposit. Look through our pet-friendly housing tips before you decide.
Financial hardship
Low-cost clinics and pet-food pantries can ease the cost of care. Start with our low-cost spay/neuter resources.
Behavior concerns
Litter-box trouble, scratching, and anxiety are often solvable with a vet check and a little guidance. Ask us before giving up.
Life changes
A new baby, an allergy, or a schedule change is hard. Rehoming through friends and family is often the fastest, gentlest path for your cat.
Rehoming a personal pet
Because our limited foster space is prioritized for cats we've adopted out being returned and for abandoned or stray cats, we're rarely able to take in a personal pet. These resources can help you rehome one directly:
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Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando
A no-kill shelter that accepts owner surrenders by appointment only. There may be a wait to surrender. Call (407) 351-7722.
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Petfinder
Visit petfinder.com, click through to shelters and rescues, and follow their prompts to find help near you.
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Adopt-a-Pet Rehome
List and promote your pet yourself through Adopt-a-Pet's free Rehome tool.
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Furry Nation Salvation
A free rehoming assistance program.
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Central Florida community outreach
Wednesday's Community Cats and Kittens of Central Florida is an independent, neighbor-run group helping place cats locally. See their links for how to reach them.
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Rehome With Love
Another rehoming service, at rehomewithlove.com. We haven't personally vetted this one beyond a trusted referral.
Found a stray cat? Do this first
A few quick steps give a lost cat the best chance of getting home, and they help us process your intake request faster.
Found newborn kittens? Please wait before you move them.
It's natural to want to rescue tiny kittens right away, but the mother cat is usually nearby, often just off finding food, and she is by far their best chance at survival. Newborn kittens do far better with mom than with even the most devoted human caregiver, so unless they're in danger, the kindest thing you can do is give her time to come back.
- •Watch from a distance. Step well back, since mom won't return if she sees or smells people nearby, and wait. It can take several hours, even overnight, for her to come back.
- •Look for signs she's caring for them. Clean, sleeping kittens with round little bellies usually mean mom is on the job and will be back.
- •Step in only if they're truly in danger. If the kittens are cold, wet, crying nonstop, visibly sick or thin, in an unsafe spot (a road, flooding, ants, predators), or mom hasn't returned after many hours, they may need help.
- •If mom comes back, leave them together. If you can, set out food, water, and shelter for her and let her raise them until they're weaned (around four to five weeks), and then we can help with socializing and adoption.
When in doubt, snap a few photos and reach out to us before moving them. We're glad to help you decide the right next step.
Found a shy or feral community cat? Ask about TNVR.
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) is often the kindest option for a cat that's more comfortable outdoors than in a home. The cat is trapped, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped for easy identification, given essential vaccinations, and returned to recover at the same address where it was trapped once it's healed. Pregnant females are spayed as part of the process.
We don't handle or forward TNVR requests ourselves. For help with a community cat situation, we'd suggest reaching out to Wednesday's Community Cats and Kittens, an independent, neighbor-run group in Central Florida.
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Scan for a microchip
Not sure if you found a kitten or an adult? Check Alley Cat Allies' kitten age-by-photo guide. Kittens under about 4 months don't need a chip scan yet. If the cat looks 4 months or older, take it in a carrier to a nearby vet or shelter to be scanned. It may already have a family waiting.
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Report it as found
Reporting a found cat is the best way to reunite it with its owner. Use your county's Animal Services team and Petco Love Lost. Both links are just below.
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Know the local ordinance
Review your county's ordinance on animals at large. Orange County has a 30-day lost-and-found holding rule you're responsible for following. See § 5-33 of the Code of Ordinances for details.
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Gather records & photos
Have any vet records and a few clear photos ready to upload with your request. Incomplete answers or addresses will cancel it.
Report to local animal services
Please contact your county's Animal Services team:
No reliable internet or social media? You can also file a report by calling 3-1-1, which is our recommended option in that case.
Spread the word locally
The owner may be searching close by. Cast a wide net:
- •Post on social media, including NextDoor. Facebook also has several lost and found pet groups across Central Florida.
- •Put up flyers around the area where you found the cat.
- •Speak with neighbors, who may recognize the cat or know its owner.
Report it on Petco Love Lost
Reporting a found animal on the Petco Love Lost website is a great way to try to find the animal's owner.
Petco Love LostStill have questions?
We're here to help you find the right path for you and your cat. Reach out before you start and we'll point you in the right direction.
Still need to move forward?
Choose the option below that fits your situation. We'll only ask the questions that apply to it.