06/15/2024
How to keep your pet, not get rid of it
We understand that sometimes life throws you a curveball. Circumstances get out of control and there are no other options than to relinquish your companion pet. BUT, just once, I would like to see a post or get a message asking for advice about how someone might go about ✨keeping their pet✨. In all my years of doing this, I have never received one such request. I encounter SO MANY friendly outdoor cats who are unowned and unfixed. 😔 I want people to know they do have a few options!
So, here is some unsolicited advice just in case you think you need to rehome your cat, but really don't want to:
▶️ If your cat is not getting along with another cat in the household, be sure to give them enough time to acclimate to one another. Give them separate spaces in the beginning to adjust to the smells and sounds in their new environment. Be patient. Do not give up after 1-2 days because they just "aren't getting along". Provide multiple litter boxes, separate feeding stations and vertical spaces where the cats can get away from each other if they need/want to.
▶️ If you are moving and know for certain you can't take your cat with you, 1️⃣ please reach out to a shelter or rescue WITH AMPLE TIME for them to make a plan for your kitty. 2️⃣ Also, be sure to check with family and friends to see if anyone might be willing to help. 3️⃣ If your cat is already accustomed to the outdoors, check with your neighbors to see if they might be willing to take over feeding so your cat can stay in the area he is already familiar with. 4️⃣ If you post on social media, PLEASE do your homework on potential adopters and don't hand off your cat to the first person who comes along. ‼️And for the love of all things good, if you are going to leave the cat (hopefully with a neighbor who feeds), please make sure they are spayed or neutered‼️ Again, a rescue, shelter or TNR program may be able to help you if you reach out for guidance and give them enough time to help.
▶️ If you cannot afford to feed your pet, always check your local shelters or rescues to see if they might have a food program. Personally, I would much rather assist with food, than try to find a new home for your pet in an already over-crowded market for good homes. You can also reach out to free pages on facebook. Someone might be able to help you temporarily until you get back on track. Same advice for vet bills. Side note: Don't take in more pets than can reasonably afford. A home is not all they need. They NEED spay/neuter, vet care and basic supplies.
▶️ If your cat is spraying or yowling and it is becoming too much to deal with, please reach out to a shelter, rescue or TNR program to help with spay/neuter. It will alleviate these nuisance behaviors and allow you to enjoy your cat. If there is no assistance in your area, try skipping that money coffee or that extra beer at dinner to save up some money. Google low-cost facilities and make your appointment NOW (there is usually a waiting list for appointments) while trying to save up. You could also make a social media post explaining your situation and letting folks know you are trying to do the right thing so you can keep your pet. You'd be surprised who your honest and heartfelt post might reach.
If there are other scenarios I've forgotten here, message me or comment and I'm happy to give you my best advice. I want cats to be able to stay with their owners - where they belong. ❤
📸 Credit: Thank you Trinity
