Thinking About Rehoming Your Cat (or Dog)? Read This First.

September 18, 2026

We know this isn't an easy page to be reading.

If you're here because you're considering giving up your cat, we're not going to judge you. Life is complicated. Circumstances change. What we are going to do is make sure you have every option available to you before you make a final decision — because sometimes what looks like a rehoming problem is actually a solvable problem. While these tips focus on cats, some apply to other pets too.

Before You Rehome: Common Problems With Real Solutions

Most cats are given up for reasons that can be addressed. Here are the most common ones and what actually helps.

Behavioral issues — litter box problems, scratching, aggression — are almost always treatable. Before concluding your cat is unmanageable, try a vet visit (many behavioral issues have medical causes) and review the resources on our First Days Home and Help Your Kitty Settle In pages. Jackson Galaxy's YouTube channel is also an excellent free resource.

Allergies don't always mean the cat has to go. Air purifiers with HEPA filters, keeping the cat out of the bedroom, regular grooming, and certain antihistamines can make coexistence workable. Talk to an allergist before making a permanent decision.

New baby is rarely a real reason to rehome. Gradual introductions, safe spaces for the cat, and baby gates can make the transition manageable. Our First Days Home page has introduction resources that apply here too.

Moving to a no-pets building — more landlords accept pets than you might think, especially with a pet resume (references, vet records, deposit offer). It's worth asking directly before assuming the answer is no.

Financial hardship and unexpected vet bills are one of the most heartbreaking reasons people give up pets — and one of the most preventable. Pet insurance, purchased when the animal is young and healthy, can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for illness and injury. Grants are also available for owners facing emergency vet expenses. Our Pet Insurance & Grants page lists both options. A $30/month insurance premium today is worth far more than a $4,000 emergency surgery bill later.

If You Must Rehome

If you've worked through the options above and rehoming is still the right decision, here's how to do it responsibly.

The most important rule: never post "free to good home" on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or any unscreened platform. Free cats attract people who use them for animal testing, as bait animals, or worse. Any rehoming should include a minimum rehoming fee (even $25) and a basic screening conversation. Ask where the cat will sleep. Ask about their current pets. Trust your instincts.

Option 1: Return to Maria's Meows

If you adopted from us, your adoption contract requires that you return the cat to us rather than rehoming independently. We will find them a great next home. Contact Maria directly: maria@mariasmeows.org. This is always the first call to make.

Option 2: Work with a rescue

Animal Rescue Force (ARF) may be able to help. They can vet your cat, post them for adoption, and include them in adoption events. You would need to provide foster care during the process.

Option 3: Surrender to a shelter

Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter is currently accepting fixed cats. There is a surrender fee. Your cat will receive professional care and support through the adoption process.

Option 4: Manage the rehoming yourself

Several platforms let you post your cat for adoption and screen adopters directly — some free, some for a fee:

Rehome by Adopt a Pet — one of the most widely used and reputable options

Home to Home — free posting, designed for owner rehoming

Rehome.org

Rehome Love

Pet-Net

Joyful Pets

Pet Rehomer — offers managed rehoming for a fee if you'd prefer someone else handle the process

If your cat is not spayed or neutered, please have that done before rehoming. An unaltered cat being passed to an unknown home is a welfare risk. Low-cost spay/neuter resources are available throughout New Jersey.

A Note on Stray and Community Cats

If you're trying to rehome a stray or community cat rather than a pet, the resources above don't fully apply. Feral and semi-feral cats are not good candidates for indoor homes. TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is the appropriate intervention. Contact us at maria@mariasmeows.org for guidance.