Casa de los Gatos

We do what we can for many cats and kittens each and every year and we wish we could take in every cat that needed a second chance but that is not possible.  We are a no-kill rescue group with many special needs cats and kittens which means that we will be providing shelter and medical care for their entire lives.  In order to keep all of our cats and kittens as happy and healthy as possible, we need to provide ample space and resources for them. 

We also need to accomodate our previously adopted cats that have to be returned to us.  In some cases this does happen due to unforeseen circumstances and we require that adopters bring our cats back to us so we can find them a new Forever Home.  If you need to return a previously adopted cat, please call or email us and we will get back to you asap.

Sometimes we can post your cat or kitten for you in our Petfinder section. To do so, please send an email along with a photo of your cat to Info@CasadelosGatos.org  Please include your cat’s name, age and gender along with a description of the cat’s personality and any medical or behavioral issues. Especially if your cat would get along with dogs, other cats and children.  Cats posted must be neutered or spayed and current on vaccines. Inquires will be referred to you directly so please also include your name and phone number.

Your cat’s best chance at finding a new home depends on your perseverance in taking a little time and utilizing multiple methods, since unfortunately there are many more cats than would be owners. Every year tens of thousands of cats and kittens are relinquished in Pima County, much in part to the unaltered felines that continually give birth to mulitple litters of kittens.  Because of this, it is best not to give away a cat that is not neutered or spayed. At least establish that the new owners will be responsible enough to have that done as soon as possible.  Requiring a reference from their current or previous Veterinary clinic is an excellent way to ensure it will be done in the future if their other pets are.  A deposit for neutering or spaying can be made in lieu of an adoption fee as well.  Neutered and spayed cats make much better behaved and healthier house cats that are more likely to stay inside vs roaming the dangerous outdoors.

Whether you own a cat that you can no longer keep or have found a cat that is an obvious stray you can help him or her by spending a little time and energy putting a good word out for a new Forever Home instead of taking them to a shelter where they won’t have you to do that.  Your cat will do much better if he or she can stay in familiar surroundings until a new home can be found. Another benefit of finding a new home for your cat yourself is that you get to be involved in determining what is the best home for your cat.

If you have found a cat, please establish that he or she does not belong to someone before you give him or her away.  Check on the lost reports by owners of missing cats filed at Pima Animal Care Center and the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.  You can also check the lost section or post your own found ad for free in local newspapers or on Craigs List of Tucson but remember not to be too descript. Those claiming a found pet as theirs should be able to identify the cat therefore eliminating people fraudulantly taking a pet that is not theirs.  Many cats are microchipped these days so your local veterinary clinic should be able to scan a found kitty free of charge. The best place for a lost kitty is back home! 

A good place to start when looking for a new home for your cat is also with your veterinary clinics . They may have clients who have recently lost an animal and might be willing to take in an older cat that needs rescuing or looking for a new kitten or two. Ask them if you can post a flier and if you can include a photo that is even better along with some information on your cat. Vets are also a good resource for knowing of rescue agencies in your area.

Also, one can post notes on bulletin boards to find a good home for your cat.

Don’t forget to talk to friends and acquaintances when looking for a new home for your cat. An animal loving friend may be willing to take on another cat, or may know someone else who would love a new pet. With friends, one can stress the benefits of owning a mature cat, but don’t make false claims about the animal. For example, a cat that is not good with children or not litter trained should not be advertised as such.

You might also give potential adopters the option of taking the cat on a trial basis, and offer to take the cat back if need be.  That way they have the option of making sure the cat is all you say it is and works in their home without the pressure and you know the cat won’t end up in a situation you were trying to avoid.

Always screen potential adopters well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions such as:Will the cat be allowed outdoors? Are there other pets in the home and are they good with cats? What would you do with the cat if you could no longer keep it? Also ask for references or permission to check with their veterinarian. You will want your cat to have a good home and you will have good piece of mind giving him or her away if you know a little something about the new family. Make sure you get and keep their contact information and that they have yours incase it does not work out or you want to check on their well- being in the future. 

Be cautious of giving pets away for free.  Sadly enough there are people that take free pets only to turn around a resell them for a profit.  Potential adopters will also have to be financially responsible for your cat in the future, so a “free” pet is never really free and they need to realize that medical care can be expensive. 

Please check the website below for further info on finding a new home for a pet:

http://www.petrescue.com/library/free-pet.htm

Good luck and thank you for taking the time to find your kitty a new home!