How can you tell it's a good home?

Question

I have to give up my cats. I want to find a good home for them, but how do I know that the person has a "good" home. Do I have the right to ask certain things? Like if they have young children? (My cats are not very inclined to spend their time around young kids.) Or how they're going to be providing a good home? I'm really nervous about giving them up, and I know I'm going to cry. But how can I be sure that they're going into a good home, and the person isn't just saying they are?

And any comments about the cats being eaten or any other grossness will be reported. SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE!!

I have to give them up because of my fiance's allergies, my stepson's antics, and the fact that our apartment is too small for them.

Answer 1

You can certainly create an application sort of thing to ask owners details that you need to know. You can ask to do a home visit even!

Recommend that you ask for at least three references and if they claim to have another pet, get the full info on their vet. Contact the vets office to do a reference check.

Breeders that place puppies or kittens into homes sometimes have long agreements where the new home has to initial each line.

More people should do this really. Because as you guessed, there are plenty of collectors and bunchers that have an 'act' and say all the 'right' things.

here's a google search for cat rescue questionaires
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=questionaire+for+cat+rescue&btnG=Search

Here's another search for breeder questionaires.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=questionaire+cat+breeder&btnG=Search

Look them over, combine the things that you think or most relevant. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

When I have people over looking at my critters, I watch how they behave around them. You might ask about allergies and tons of other questions and ask them to bring the pet back to you (or a trusted friend) if there is a problem.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You can call your local animal shelters and ask if this person has been on their do not adopt to list. Tell them what the situation is with rehoming your cats. You can also ask certain questions such as a vet referrence and call their vet, if they dont have one set up I wouldnt adopt to them. Most likely if they dont have one, they will get your animals and then not get a vet. Ask questions such as what will you do if you can not keep the cat, how many in household, is there other animals, what will they do if an emergency comes up and needs immediate vet care, all very important questions to find out answers to! This will help you to evaluate if they will be going into a good home. If you dont feel right about them, dont let them adopt your cats.

Answer 3

I have 3 cats and I know if I had to give them away I would absolutley die. I would ask the potential new parents if you could come take a look at there home. I am serious. Also ask questions if they can afford to take the cat to the vet every time it gets sick and for a yearly checkup. Ask if they have ever owned any cats before and how long they have lived and why they passed away. Also ask if they have ever had any pets period. And if they have had pets before why did they pass on. Ask if they will be inside cats, outside cats or both. Ask if the cats will be going outside if they will be doing monthly de-worming.

All in all...You will know in your heart when the right people come along. I wish you the best!

Answer 4

You make out an adoption application. I think you could find one online at http://cats.about.com/library/weekly/aa052701a.htm

You ask them for references. ask if they have a vet, who he is and what his number is and call him to check them out. You also visit the home.

Big thing here do not give the cats away for free, make them pay you something or make a donation of at least 10 - 15 dollars to a cat rescue group. People don't value things they get for free and many free animals end up in medical labs.

You do realize your intended can take medication for allgeries and very often after a certian period of time a lot of people get over the allergy, my other half did.

Answer 5

Those questions are very important to ask, because some cats do not like children and the new owners would need to know that as well. If you are looking for new homes why don't you tell that to the people who are interested in taking in your cats. Tell them that it is important to you to know that their new placement is ok and even ask to check up on them later to know that they are ok for sure. I'm sure the people will understand, if not then they are not right to adopt your cats.

Answer 6

I think that you not only have the right, but the obligation to ensure that they are going to a new home.
The local animal shelter made me fill out a 2 page application this spring, to adopt my dog. (it included references)
Asking a few reasonable questions is fine. Just don't be too invasive into their lives. Remember, they came to you to adopt the cat(s). Initiative should account for something.

Answer 7

You should always check with Family and Friends first. They are the best to take an animal off of you b/c you know that they are good people, and that your cats are in a good home! Also check with NO KILL SHELTERS, before taking them to the shelters... That way you know that your cats will not be put to sleep.

Answer 8

My recommendation would be to talk to a cat rescue group in your area and ask them what sorts of things they look for. They may even have someone looking for cats like yours (though I wouldn't count on it - rescues tend to be full to overflowing), but if you explain that you need to re-home them and want to be sure you do it the right way, they may be willing to offer advice.

And depending on the reasons why you have to give them up, they might be able to offer alternatives.

Answer 9

You don't say why you have to give them up, so is it really a HAVE to? But if so, yes you absolutely have the right to "interview" prospective adoptive parents. The good ones will know what you are doing, and will respect it. The ones who are offended should not get custody of the furries!

Answer 10

I think you could ask anything you want that pertains to the environment the cats would be in. I would also ask if they intend on having the cats indoors/outdoors - what they intend to feed - what vet they intend on using. If you want, ask for references!
I am sorry you have to give them up. Good Luck in finding good homes!