Common Cat Rehoming Reasons: When It’s the Right Decision

A big step like this requires consideration. This guide can help guide you towards the right decision.

by Dahlia Ghabour, | January 7, 2026

Common Cat Rehoming Reasons: When It’s the Right Decision

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Things don’t always go as planned. And if you’ve tried everything to make your lifestyle and your cat’s needs mesh — to no success — it may be time to think about rehoming your cat. This process is ultimately about doing what’s best for your cat to live a happy, fulfilled life, in a way that lets you have a say in who adopts your cat as well as the nature of the home they’re going into.

Common reasons for rehoming a cat

There are a ton of reasons you may consider rehoming your cat, including your allergies, financial issues, or your cat’s behavior. Here’s a list of some of the most common reasons pet parents decide to rehome their cats to find them better living situations and alternative solutions.

Moving to cat-restricted housing

Housing changes are among the top reasons people rehome their cats, making up 17 percent of those rehomed through Rehome by Adopt a Pet. If the only housing available to you does not allow cats, rehoming your pet may be the best option. Violating your lease agreement is not a good idea, even for your kitty. Talk to your landlord. Sometimes “no pets” isn’t totally rigid. Offer an extra pet deposit, provide references from past landlords, or show proof that your cat is spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccines.

And moving internationally with a pet is difficult at best and impossible at worst. Between travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, and long flights, it’s often stressful for both pets and people. Some families can keep their cats with help from pet relocation services or by planning well in advance, but that isn’t always possible. In situations where a move can’t safely accommodate a pet, finding a new home may be the only realistic option.

Changes in financial situation

According to a 2024 study, about 20 million pets in the U.S. live in poverty with their families, and 70 percent of those pets have never seen a veterinarian. Taking care of a pet can be a huge financial commitment, especially if your cat has health issues. If you’re struggling with vet bills, consider asking your vet for a payment plan, finding low-cost appointments, or asking if they accept CareCredit cards. There’s also lots of short-term pet food assistance available. You may not necessarily have to rehome your cat for this reason.

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Incompatible with other pets

11 percent of cats rehomed through Rehome by Adopt a Pet are rehomed due to incompatibility with other pets. Bringing a new pet into your home doesn’t always go as planned. Some cats simply don’t adjust well to sharing their space, especially if they’ve been the only pet for a long time. If your cat is having trouble adjusting to their new pal, there are steps you can follow to make introductions easier and prevent fighting. But if, despite your best efforts, your cat is still constantly stressed, it may be better to separate the pets. In some cases, rehoming one of the animals is the kindest choice, especially if tensions run high, affecting the pets’ quality of life.

Cat’s behavior

While less common, another reason for rehoming is behavior — four percent of cats are rehomed through Rehome by Adopt a Pet because of undesirable behavior. If your cat exhibits destructive behavior and you’ve already tried things such as training, cat toys, enrichment, or a pheromone diffuser, you may want to talk to your vet first — sudden changes in behavior (such as house soiling) can be a sign of illness or pain. Stress can also lead to destructive behaviors. It can be exhausting to deal with a destructive cat, but make sure they’re healthy before you consider rehoming them: Cats with behavioral problems often struggle in new homes just as much as their old ones.

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Changes in physical or mental health

Sometimes, changes in physical or mental health can make it hard to keep up with a cat’s daily needs. Feeding, grooming, and cleaning the litter box can all start to feel overwhelming if you’re not feeling well. If a change in your physical or mental health impacts your ability to care for your cat, finding them a new home may be the kindest option, ensuring your cat continues to get the care and attention they need.

Unknown allergies

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10 to 20 percent of the adult human population is allergic to cats. If you adopted your first cat, you may be discovering this. It’s perfectly acceptable to seek a new home for a cat where a pet parent won’t be impacted by allergies. If you’d rather keep your pet, try researching new treatments — many recent studies have found ways to mitigate cat allergies.

New child or pregnancy

Some cats do not tolerate change well, and the birth of a child is a huge change to the family rhythm. There are ways to help them adjust — introducing baby scents, keeping routines, and giving your cat their own quiet space — but not every cat adapts. If, despite your efforts, they remain anxious or withdrawn, rehoming might be the best choice for them.

Unsafe living situation

Situations such as domestic violence, homelessness, or serious illness can make it difficult to provide consistent care for a cat. In these circumstances, temporary rehoming may be necessary for the cat’s well-being. Go to friends and family first to see if they can care for your cat temporarily while you get back on your feet. If this isn’t possible, finding a new, stable home for them can be the most compassionate option.

Common reasons why pets are rehomed. Reason for Rehoming: Pet parent is too busy (19%), Pet parent is relocating (18%), Pet parent’s health issues (12%), Incompatibility with their other pets (10%), New infant or pregnancy (9%), Landlord (7%), Pet’s behaviors (5%), Financial struggle (5%). Comparing cats and dogs.

How can I determine if rehoming my cat is the right decision?

Rehoming your cat is the right decision if your cat’s health or well-being is in danger. If you are unable to care for them due to illness — or your living situation has become unsafe — move your cat to a temporary or permanent new home where they will be safe. For any other reason, make sure you’re considering all alternatives before rehoming your cat.

Cats have long memories and will remember you for years, and they may experience stress from new surroundings as well. Consider all possible options to address behavior, bills, or incompatibility with other pets and children before rehoming your kitty.

Addressing behavior problems before rehoming

You should make every effort to address behavior problems with your cat before attempting to rehome them. This is because you may be misunderstanding what your cat is trying to tell you, and in many cases, small adjustments can solve the issue. Here are a few of our helpful guides on cat behavior.

Drazen_ / iStock/

How to rehome your cat if everything else fails

If you do have to rehome your cat, reach out to family and friends first to see if anyone would be willing to take your pet into their home. If not, you can make your pet a profile on Rehome by Adopt a Pet and look for adopters there. Potential pet parents can submit applications for you to peruse. If you like a pet-parent candidate, you can connect with them, then interview them to decide if their lifestyle can safely accommodate a cat. The Rehome platform will guide you through this whole process, including an adoption agreement, once you find a suitable new pet parent.

Commonly asked questions

Do cats miss their pet parents when rehomed?

Yes, your cat will likely miss you. Cats bond with their pet parents just like people bond with pets. They will remember you and may be sad for a while, but they will adjust to their new home eventually.

Should I feel guilty for rehoming a cat?

It’s natural to feel guilt for rehoming a cat, but you shouldn’t feel too bad. You are doing what is in the best interest of your cat for their health and happiness, and that’s the most important thing. If you’re anxious about it, you can ask the new family for some photos and videos to see how the cat is adjusting to their home.

What do I do if I can’t afford veterinary care?

If you can’t afford veterinary care for your cat, talk to your vet first. They may offer discounts or low-income assistance. You can also ask for low-cost appointments, look for less expensive clinics, fundraise online, or seek help from some of the many charities that help with vet bills.

References

‌“Cats and Babies.” ASPCA, 2015, www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cats-and-babies.

“Pet Custody Agreement | Who Gets the Pets after a Divorce.” Clarity Law Firm, 2023, claritylawfirm.com/pet-custody.

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Dahlia Ghabour

Dahlia Ghabour is a Louisville, Kentucky-based freelance writer with award-winning work featured in newspapers such as the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Jacksonville Business Journal, both online and in print. Dahlia has two gray cats, a love of wildlife and zoo conservation, and a deep desire to one day pet a cheetah.