Giving up a cat for adoption
If you’re considering giving up a cat, there is support and advice available to help keep you together – whether you’re struggling with finances, a change of circumstance or unwanted behaviour. Surrendering your cat should be your last resort.
Find an alternative to rehoming your cat
Giving up a beloved pet can be hard. For anyone asking, “Should I rehome my cat?” there are other options available. Whatever the reason, we have lots of support and advice to help you and your cat stay together. If you decide your only choice is to find your cat a new home, we can also help you to do that safely.
I’m experiencing...
Financial issues
Expensive vet bills
Looking after a cat can be expensive and result in unexpected bills, so it's always worth considering pet insurance.
Available support
For those struggling to pay for vet care, there is financial support available.
Pet food cost
If your financial circumstances change, you may find it difficult to feed your cat.
Available support
RSPCA Pet Food Banks provide pet food, supplies, guidance, and assistance to support owners and their cats during challenging times.
Behavioural issues
UNWANTED BEHAVIOUR
If you’re struggling to cope with unwanted behaviour, you don’t have to tackle it alone.
Available support
Read our advice and support on how to tackle behavioural issues. Or find a trained behaviourist to support you and your cat.
Cats not getting along
Many cats love their own company and can sometimes end up in fights with other cats.
Available support
If your cats aren’t getting along, read these tips on how to help them live more peacefully together.
Health and living situations
ALLERGY SUPPORT
If you discover that you have an allergy to your cat, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t live together.
Available support
Find out how to make small changes at home to manage your allergy and keep your pet with you.
RENTERS' Rights
If you rent your property, or need to move into rented accommodation, you will need to ask your landlord if you can keep pets.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT
The Renters' Rights Bill 2025 (law from 1 May 2026), means private landlords can no longer have a blanket ban on pets. Learn your rights and follow our template to approach your landlord with your request.
ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you may also be concerned about the welfare of a cat in the home.
AVAILABLE SUPPORT
There is help available. Pet fostering services run by a number of charities can offer a lifeline to those escaping an abusive relationship.
Life changes
welcoming new PETS
Introducing a new pet to the home can be stressful for your cat.
Available support
Do your research before you introduce a new pet and find out how you can introduce them carefully and slowly.
FAMILY GOING INTO A CARE HOME
If you or a loved one is moving into a care home, you may be concerned about what to do with a cat.
Available support
Many care homes allow pets, so do your research, or speak to friends and family who may be able to help. The Cinnamon Trust also helps older people plan for their pets if they have to move into a care home.
EMIGRATING
If you’re looking to move abroad, it’s important to plan ahead.
Available support
The government sets out the steps you need to take to ensure your cat can join you in your new home.
CAT HAS KITTENS
There are already thousands of cats in rescue centres struggling to find homes, and caring for an unplanned litter can be difficult.
Available support
It’s really important to neuter your cat to prevent unwanted pregnancies. If your cat is already pregnant, read about how to care for mum and her babies.
The rising numbers of cats and kittens coming into our care is heartbreaking, but owners can do their bit by neutering their cats to help stem this surge in unwanted pets.
How can I rehome my cat?
If you’re still thinking about surrendering a cat, you must take them to a reputable rehoming organisation. As the RSPCA needs to prioritise animal victims of cruelty and neglect, our national centres can’t take in unwanted pets. Your local RSPCA branch may be able to help and there are other rehoming organisations who can support you. To find out how to rehome a cat, research each organisation carefully before taking them in.
Frequently asked questions
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If you’ve tried to help your cats get along but they’re still fighting, contact a qualified cat behaviourist for expert advice.
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Many rescue centres ask for a donation to help towards the cost of caring for the cat, but if you’re struggling financially, they would still be able to help.
