How to rehome a friendly cat

Having to rehome a cat can be an emotional and difficult decision. Whether it's due to a change in circumstances, illness, moving overseas, or the loss of a family member, finding the right home for a much-loved cat is important.

In most cases, you are the best person to find that home. You know your cat's personality, routines, likes, dislikes, and the type of environment they will thrive in. Rehoming directly from your home is also far less stressful for the cat than moving into a rescue or shelter while waiting for adoption.

Before advertising your cat, we recommend speaking with family, friends, neighbours, and work colleagues. Often the perfect home can be found through someone you already know.

Advertising your cat

If you are unable to find a home through your own networks, Trade Me is one of the best places to advertise your cat. It is New Zealand's largest online marketplace and is widely used by people looking to adopt pets.

Basic classified listings for cats are free to create.

How to create a Trade Me listing

Log in to Trade Me.
Click Start a Listing.
Select General Item.
Click Start a New Listing.
Enter a title (you can edit this later).
Choose category Pets & Animals > Cats > Cats to Adopt.
Add details about your cat.
Upload clear photos.
Select the free Basic Listing option (or another option if preferred).
Review your listing and click Start My Classified.

Writing a great listing

A good listing helps potential adopters understand your cat and determine whether they would be a good match.

Include:

Your cat's age, sex, and personality.
Whether they are desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Whether they live indoors, outdoors, or both.
How they get along with other cats, dogs, and children.
Any medical conditions or special requirements.
Their favourite activities, habits, and quirks.

Be honest but positive. Focus on what makes your cat special and the type of home they would enjoy most.

If writing isn't your strength, tools such as ChatGPT or other AI writing assistants can help you create a clear, professional listing from a few notes about your cat.

Photos matter

Clear, well-lit photos will significantly increase interest in your cat. Try to include:

A clear head shot.
A full-body photo.
Photos showing your cat relaxed and comfortable.
Photos interacting with people, if appropriate.

Questions to ask potential adopters

Finding the right home is more important than finding the first home. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Consider asking:

About their home

Do they own or rent their property?
Is the home near a busy road?
Will the cat be kept indoors, outdoors, or both?
Is there a safe area where the cat can settle in when first arriving?

About their household

Who lives in the home?
Are there young children?
Is everyone in the household happy about adopting a cat?

About their lifestyle

How many hours each day will the cat be left alone?
Have they owned cats before?
What would happen to the cat if they moved house or their circumstances changed?

About other pets

Do they have other cats, dogs, or pets?
Have those pets lived with cats before?

About veterinary care

Are they prepared for the ongoing costs of food, vaccinations, and veterinary treatment?
Do they have a regular veterinarian?

Trust your instincts

If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to keep looking. The right adopter will understand that you want the best possible future for your cat. Taking a little extra time to find the right match can make all the difference and help ensure your cat enjoys a happy, secure home for years to come.