Animal Welfare Professionals

Please help us!! I have recently found myself in a situation where I am between places. I stay with my folks a few days out of the week, who dont want any pets in the home and then stay in a motel that does not allow pets on my work days. My kitty has been so stressed for the last few months and has sore spots, bald patches and unfortunately the friend I've trusted to take care of him has been doing a very poor job and he has gotten worse....I am not seeing myself able to find a stable place for us in the near future and regrettably need to surrender or foster him so he can be properly cared for and loved back to health. Finances are tight as well. I dont want him to be killed and dont know where to go to find a good foster parent or someone to adopt him despite his condition.....please help!!! 

I'd recommend looking for a foster-based rescue in your area; they usually have a better setup for medical/behavioral cases. However, you certainly can explain the situation to a brick-and-mortar shelter and they'll be honest with you about whether or not they can help. Many shelters also have surrender forms that include the option to have the animal returned to you if they decide the animal is adoptable (instead of euthanizing them). 

Many shelters also have some kind of "rehoming" or "home-to-home" page as well where they'll post the animal on their website while you (or your friend in this case) hold onto them in the meantime. 

And finally, if you (and your friend who has the cat now) haven't been marketing Kitty on your social media pages, start now! Lots of good photos, lots of personality information about the cat. What makes him funny, unique, etc. Really take the time to work on the “marketing”.

I hope some of this helps 

** if they [the shelter] decide the animal is unadoptable**

Sorry, that was quite the typo! 

Hi,

We are so sorry for you and your little one. In addition to the previous suggestions...Have you considered offering to exchange labor  (anything that you are skilled at or are able to do such as running errands, administration work, clean up, etc. think creatively) with a pet sitter or boarding facility (even your vet office)? Just make sure everyone is clear on what and when these exchanges will occur (in writing is best).

Could you create a little safe-haven space in your parent's garage or in an outbuilding/workshop or rentable shed on your parent's property? We would suggest putting up a fenced-in enclosure with an attached top, off of the doorway as well. You wouldn't want her to get out. Make sure the inside is also secure. You could utilize their house as needed but "live" with Kitty in your make-do-for-now space until you get back on your feet again. 

Could your friend possibly just allow Kitty to use a single room with a door? Tidy neat and clean with her belongings and a few of yours (for your scent, etc.). You would do all of the interacting and care-feeding litter etc. and your friend would just provide the space and be there as a back-up in case you could not get there.

Have you tried rescues that specialize in cats/or ones that are out of your county? 

In the meantime ...Routine. Routine, even less than perfect routine, can foster a sense of security and calm. there are fewer surprises, and things to look forward to-such as seeing you, and mealtime.

We are praying for you both. 

Sarah, 

Thank you so very much for all of your suggestions!! They are so greatly appreciated and have got my brain going on ideas. Unfortunately with his condition and the current situation I am in traveling for work and how many days I am gone, even creating a separate space for him wouldnt due as he needs particular care and is wearing a cone most of the time which needs removing in order for him to eat. So, with me being gone 5 days out of the week and not having anyone who is willing to help care for him while I'm gone doesn't allow that to be a viable option. 

I will certainly reach out to his vets office to see if we can work anything out.

Unfortunately, my friend doesn't properly pay attention to him or do things properly which is why he has gotten worse instead of better, so I can no longer trust them to care for him as they have neglected him and he is now in a pretty bad state. 

I am so grateful for your suggestions and for you taking the time to give me advice and guidance!! Thank you from us both!

Warmest Regards,

Natasha and Blackberry

Erin,

I had no idea about the options as far as sheltering or the help I could receive from places to have him rehomed!! This makes me feel so much better as to having options and hoping that I will be able to find him a nurturing, loving and proper space for him that he truly needs. I will start marketing him on different sites and start reaching out to shelters that may possibly be able to help us figure out the proper Avenue to take to make sure he is able to continue his destined journey here....it breaks my heart thinking that he has suffered for a few months now with anxiety and that his life would end without him having happiness, comfort and recovery.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reach out and provide us with your wisdom and advice!! We are greatly appreciative!!

Natasha and Blackberry