Many queries we receive crop up often; so our FAQ page aims to answer the most common questions. Please click on the relevant link below, depending on whether you are a member of the public or a rescue worker:
Public Enquiries / FAQ's Jump to Shelters' Queries » Click here
ADOPTING a CAT: I want to adopt a cat - where are my nearest rescue centres
Cat Chat's Shelter Listings cover the whole of the UK and Ireland, with currently around 1,200 rescue centres and rehoming groups listed, including branches of the RSPCA, SSPCA, Cats Protection, Blue Cross etc. plus hundreds of independent shelters. Go to our Rescue Shelter Listings, and choose your area from the list. You can also see cats for homing at shelters near you on our Cats Needing Homes section.
ADOPTING vs BUYING: I'm thinking of buying a cat or kitten - why should I adopt?
If you are thinking of welcoming a new pet into your life, adopting from a rescue centre or rehoming organisation is by far the best choice - for you and for the animals. To find out why Adoption is the best Option, including our Top 10 Reasons to Rescue, and why to avoid the 'pet trade', visit: Why Rescue? (and why not to buy)
F.I.V. - What is FIV and how concerned should I be?
There are still many myths surrounding F.I.V. (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) which sadly continue despite extensive research in recent years. Many cats are needlessly put to sleep each year on testing positive for this virus, when in fact they would very likely have gone on to live a normal lifespan. If your cat has been found to be FIV positive, or you are considering adopting an FIV+ cat, visit our information page, here: F.I.V. Facts - not Fiction
FOSTERING: I'd like to become a Cat Fosterer - what do I need to know?
Many rescue groups and branches of rescue organisations rely greatly on foster homes, to care for cats whilst they are 'between homes', and are always pleased to hear from new potential fosterers. Many shelters have a waiting list of cats needing to come into care, particularly as busy times such as during 'kitten season' (April - November), so one extra foster home can make the world of difference! Our Cat Fostering information page explains all about the role of fostering, and what you need to know: Cat Fostering
FOUND a CAT: I've found a stray cat - what should I do?
If you have found a stray cat, our Lost & Found advice page gives step-by-step advice of what to do; Finding out how to locate an owner, providing food & shelter temporarily until a solution is found, contacting rescue organisations, plus links & advice, here: Lost & Found Advice page
HEALTH QUERIES: Cat health / behaviour problem?
Check out our Cat Health & Care and Behavioural website links here: Health & Behaviour Links
Free Symptom Checker (created by vets) and Ask a Vet Forum: VetHelpDirect.com
Email Cat Chat's veterinary adviser: vet.adviser@catchat.org (non-urgent enquiries only please - if urgent, contact yout own vet)
Locate veterinary practices in your area here: Find a UK Vet
Or, try these: APBC | Cats Protection
INDOOR CATS: I live in a flat - can I still adopt a rescue cat?
YES! Although a cat's natural instinct is to go outside, some cats can be better suited to an indoor environment: Deaf cats, blind cats, nervous, shy or elderly cats ('senior kittizens'), or cats who have previously been used to living indoors. Some organisations prefer to rehome their FIV positive cats to indoor homes. The indoor life can be enriched by providing toys, a scratching post, and a flowerpot growing common garden grass, as a cat's digestion is aided by eating a small amount of grass. Check out our blog ‘Keeping your Cat Entertained Indoors’. For more suggestions on how to make an indoor cat's life a happy one, visit: knowyourcat.info/getcat/indoorcats.htm or www.humanesociety.org/animals. Ask about suitable cats at your local rescue centre - go to our Rescue Shelter Listings (UK and Ireland), and choose your area from the list.
KITTENS: I want to adopt a kitten - where do I go?
Most kittens are born during the period April to November, but in recent years due to milder winters, litters have become more common during winter too. Find detail of your nearest rescue centres here: Rescue Shelter Listings, and choose your area from the list. If there are no kittens available at the time you enquire, ask the rescue centre to keep your name on file for when some come in for homing.
Or, search for kittens on our Cats Needing Homes section (choose your area from the list)
Why Rescue? Find out why it's always best to adopt and not buy: Kittens - Top 10 reasons to rescue!
LOST a CAT: I've lost my cat - what can I do?
If you have lost your cat, don’t panic too soon, cats often go ‘missing’ and then arrive home late, or even the next morning, wondering what all the fuss is about. If you believe your cat is lost, our Lost & Found advice page gives step-by-step advice and links to other useful resources help you maximise your chances of finding them as soon as possible, plus advice on what to do if you have found a stray cat, here: Lost & Found Advice page
NEUTERING: I can't afford to neuter my cat - can I get financial help?
YES! For many people, neutering their pets just seems too expensive, but it is hugely important to neuter your pet - and help is available! If you are receiving benefit, are a pensioner, or are on a low income, you should be eligible for a neutering voucher, which covers part of the cost, and in some cases all of the cost. Most Cats Protection and RSPCA branches offer neutering vouchers, and many independent rescue organisations also offer neutering assistance. To locate your nearest Cats Protection, RSPCA branch and rescue organisations near you, choose your area from the list here: Rescue Centre Listings (UK & Ireland)
Our Neutering information page gives details of how and where to get Low Cost and Subsidised Neutering.
Or, ask about Neutering help at the following organisations: PDSA | Blue Cross | RSPCA | Cats Protection
REHOMING MY CAT: I need to rehome my cat - what should I do?
There are many different reasons why people decide to rehome their cat. Some are sadly unavoidable, but in some cases rehoming is avoidable with a little help and encouragement. We aim to give hope and advice to help with both situations, please go to our: Rehoming Advice Page
RENTING with CATS: Information for Landlords
More and more people now rent and many tenants are seeking a pet-friendly property. Having a cat makes for happy tenants who are often likely to settle for longer and be reliable. If you’re a landlord, you may be willing to consider cats but understandably want to know that your property is being well looked after. Using the Government's Model Tenancy Agreement is a good start, benefiting both the landlord and the responsible pet-owning tenant. Visit our Renting With Cats page for more information.
Cats Protection has advice about becoming a pet-friendly landlord. They recommend following a few simple steps so that you can remain in control, protect your property and ensure tenants are responsible cat owners. For more information visit: www.cats.org.uk/private-landlords
Please note that any guidance provided on the Cats Protection website does not constitute legal advice and Cats Protection recommends that anyone entering into a tenancy arrangement should first seek independent legal advice from their own solicitor or from Citizens Advice.
RENTING with CATS: Information for Tenants
For many people who rent, owning a cat has in the past seemed like a distant dream. However, in January 2021 the Government updated their Model Tenancy Agreement, to make consent for pets the default position for any landlord that uses this. The agreement is voluntary however, so not all landlords use it, and some still operate a blanket ‘no pets’ policy. If you live in rented housing and are not allowed cats there are ways you can reassure your landlord that you’d be a responsible cat owner. Visit our Renting With Cats page for more information.
Cats Protection also has advice covering both private rentals and social housing, as follows:
If you are a private tenant find information at: www.cats.org.uk/private-tenants
If you live in social housing find information at: www.cats.org.uk/social-tenant
Please note that any guidance provided on the Cats Protection website does not constitute legal advice and Cats Protection recommends that anyone entering into a tenancy arrangement should first seek independent legal advice from their own solicitor or from Citizens Advice.
SCRATCHING: My cat is scratching my furniture - what can I do?
Check out the International Cat Care advice page, here: Scratching on Furniture & Carpets
Also, check out the information on the Feliway website, here: www.feliway.com/gb
Or, try these: Cats Protection | APBC
SPRAYING: My cat is spraying / urinating around the house - what can I do?
Check out our advice page, here: Inappropriate Toileting and Spraying
Also, the International Cat Care advice pages, here: Urine Spraying in Cats and here: Cat Soiling Indoors
Also, check out the 'Cat Spraying' information on the Feliway website, here: www.feliway.com/gb
Or, try these: APBC | Cats Protection
SUPPORT: How can I support the work of Cat Chat?
Cat Chat sources new, loving homes for rescued cats and kittens, from shelters and rehoming groups across the UK and Ireland. Our services are provided to rescue centres free of charge. There are many ways to support us, such as; making a donation, buying from our Webshop, joining our Friends of Cat Chat supporters scheme, saving used stamps, donating your old unwanted car, leaving a gift to us in your will, or volunteering for us online. You can also help Cat Chat by using eBay for Charity, or shopping online through Easyfundraising or Give As You Live. Please visit our: Support Us page. Public support and donations are vital in helping us to help more cats out of shelters and into homes. Thank you!
SUPPORT: How can I support my local Rescue Centre?
Rescue centres and rehoming groups are always in need of help and support, from adopting, volunteering, donating, fostering, or helping out in a variety of ways. Check out our page of ideas of how you can help your local shelter, or other animal charity, there is sure to be something to suit you: Help Animal Charities: Make A Difference
VETERINARY ADVICE: Need Advice from a Vet?
If you need veterinary advice, for health or behaviour issues, please see our 'Health Queries' section (above).
VOLUNTEERING: I want to volunteer at a Shelter - who do I ask?
Shelters and rescue groups are always pleased to hear from anyone who can offer help. There are always lots of things to be done, and helping out is very rewarding, and is a great way to meet people. Most groups need drivers, home-visitors, foster carers, fundraisers, shop assistants, stallholders, administrators, builders, handymen, and of course willing hands to feeding, fussing, and emptying litter trays! Choose your area from the list here: Cat Rescue Centres (UK & Ireland)
VOLUNTEERING ONLINE: I want to volunteer to help Cat Chat - what should I do?
Our online volunteer teams are a vital part of our operation, helping thousands of rescued cats find homes of their own each year, from rehoming centres around the country. Please Note, Cat Chat is web-based; our volunteers work on-line, at home, working for cats, and not directly with them. Current volunteer opportunities appear here: Volunteers Page
WORKING with ANIMALS: I want to work with animals - how do I get started?
A good start is to volunteer to help at a local rescue centre, they are always in need of willing hands: Find your local rescue centres. Volunteering will gain you valuable experience and may help you decide which area of animal care you are interested in. The following websites have various opportunities for animal work: (1): adch.org.uk/jobs (2): www.animaljobsdirect.com (3): www.charityjob.co.uk (4): www.jobs.thirdsector.co.uk Some of the larger rescue shelters may have paid vacancies, and organisations such as the Blue Cross, PDSA and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home post vacancies on their websites. To find out about working for the RSPCA go to: www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/jobs. It's also worth contacting veterinary practices in your area to ask about any voluntary or part time help needed. Ask your local college if they run any animal studies courses, or, there are home-study courses available, which are easily located on the web. Also, check out vacancies with any of the Animal Welfare organisations on our Links section: Animal Charities
Rescue Centre Enquiries / FAQ's
CAT HOMING PAGES: How can our rescue centre get a free Cat Homing Web Page?
Our Cat Homing Web Pages are free to UK and Ireland-based cat rescue groups and shelters, to enable you to feature your cats & kittens needing homes. You don't need to be a registered charity, but you must have stated policies regarding neutering and home suitability checks. If your organisation doesn't currently feature cats seeking homes online, you are missing out on many potential new homes. Cats posted on your page will automatically appear on our main Cats Needing Homes section. Find out more: Free Cat Re-homing Web Pages
CAT HOMING PAGES: How do we log in to our Cat Homing Page?
There is a 'Shelter Login' link at the top and bottom of all Cat Chat web pages. Or, the login page is here: www.catchat.org/shelter-login (you could add that page address to Favourites /Bookmarks on your web browser for future reference).
CAT HOMING PAGES: Can we get help updating our Cat Homing Page?
YES! First, log in to your Cat Homing Page and click the ‘Help’ button, for easy instructions on using your page (adding a cat, editing a cat listing, using your 'homed' section, photo tips etc). If you still need help adding cats to your page, use our online Submit a Cat form, and our volunteer Help Team will add the cat(s) for you. For any other help, email our Homing Pages Help Team at: help.team@catchat.org (please state your organisation name). Top Tips on getting the best from your Cat Homing Page can be found here: Top 10 Homing Page Tips
FERAL CATS: How can we get listed on the 'Feral / Farm Cats' section?
Our Feral / Farm Cats section aims to increase the number of rural homes offered to cats seeking outdoor homes, and is also a register of organisations able to help or advise the public regarding feral cats. If your rescue regularly needs to relocate feral or farm cats, and/or can offer help with feral cats, please email us to get added to the page: rescue.listings@catchat.org (please state your organisation name).
FIV+ CATS: Can we feature FIV positive cats for re-homing on Cat Chat?
YES absolutely! Cat Chat is very keen to dispell the myths about the FIV virus, and to help as many healthy FIV positive cats as we can to have the chance at a normal, happy life. Many FIV positive cats have found homes by appearing on Cat Chat. If your shelter already has a Cat Homing Page, the first step is to add them there. Then, if they are not homed quickly, you may also ask us to feature them on our Overlooked Cats section. If your shelter doesn't yet have a Homing Page, please ask us to set one up for you! Details here: Free Cat Re-homing Web Pages.
HELP for SHELTERS: How can Cat Chat help our rescue organisation?
To find out how we can help your rescue organisation, please visit our Help for Shelters page. Our services are free of charge.
OVERLOOKED CATS: How do we get a cat listed on the Overlooked Cats section?
Cats featured on a Cat Chat Homing Page for more than five months are automatically added to our Overlooked Cats section to get them extra publicity, and a slot on our Homepage. Shelters can also request other cats to be featured, if for example they have already been at the rescue for over five months, or if they are harder-to-home for any reason. Just email: overlooked@catchat.org stating your organisation name, and which cat(s) on your page need to go onto the Overlooked Cats section.
SHELTER LISTINGS: How can we get our rescue group listed on Cat Chat?
If your rescue centre or rehoming group is not yet included on our shelter listings, you could be missing out on many potential new homes. Currently around 1,200 rescue shelters, rehoming groups and sanctuaries from across the UK and Ireland are featured on our pages, including branches of the national rescue charities, and independent shelters of all sizes. How to get your organisation added our listings:
Cat Rescue Shelters: Please complete our online form here: Cat Shelters Listing Form
Rescue Shelters helping other animals: Email us your web address, and we will add you to our Links section: rescue.listings@catchat.org
SHELTER LISTINGS: How can we get our listing amended?
If you would like us to amend, or update your entry on our shelter listings section, either send us the new details using our Cat Shelters Listing Form, stating that you would like your listing amended. Alternatively email: rescue.listings@catchat.org
VETS PRACTICES: Can Cat Chat help our vets practice when we have cats for re-homing?
YES! If your vets practice is located in the UK or Ireland, then you can apply for one of our free Cat Homing Pages, to feature any cats you may have for homing. Any cats placed for homing on your page will automatically appear in our central Cats Needing Homes section for your area. Details about our Cat Homing Pages and how to apply appear here: Free Cat Re-homing Web Pages.