Why some cats need an alternative home

Cats who miss out on socialisation with humans during crucial stages in their development as kittens can become nervous of people.

We’re in search of safe and stress-free homes for cats who aren’t able to cope with traditional house environments. 

Having an independent ‘outdoorsy’ cat will require less time than a traditional ‘pet’ cat would. You might feel like a ‘guardian’ rather than an owner.  Either way, we are in desperate need of guardian angels like YOU, because every animal deserves a loving home. Happiness doesn’t have to look like naps on your lap.

There are many reasons why some cats prefer this type of lifestyle. Some have lived as stray cats for a long time and aren’t comfortable in traditional households, others have been ‘born that way’ and simply have to live with the genetics they have been given. Either way, they deserve a chance to find a home that suits their personality and needs. 

Cats come in different shapes, sizes, colours and personalities! There isn’t a set home that will fit every cat in our care. Which is why we hand pick every home and match them to the cat we feel would fit right in! 

From those who need to be around you and feel loved every second of a day, enjoying your touch and repaying you with loud purrs and a bit of acupuncture on your lap. To those who are ‘in between’ and require their freedom, but will come and snooze on your sofa and allow you to fuss them on their own terms, or for the right price! All the way to those enjoying independence and only need you because they can’t take themselves to the vet and humans decided cats must be owned. You will be rewarded by a companion who is able to look after themselves and will live alongside you. Your reward will be seeing how far they have come once they get to know you and trust you. How happy they are exploring the land you have and being grateful to have a safe, warm and dry place to take their cat naps. Knowing they will never go hungry again because you are there to make sure they have water and food every day. Many of our cats came to our care injured or sick because they didn’t have an owner that could take them to the vet when they needed it. This is where you step in and ensure they are as healthy as they can be during their outdoor adventures!

Most cats in our care enjoy sharing house and life with humans who offer them forever homes. However, just because some don’t fit into this category doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be happy whilst being independent at same time! These cats are known as farm, barn, stable, yard or outdoor cats. You don’t necessarily need to have a farm or stables to adopt our outdoorsy cats! We are looking for a variety of different types of homes we can match to the variety of cats we have!

What we are looking for:

• Stables 
• Large gardens with shelter

These would be ideal for cats who are independent and need humans as guardian angels to ensure they have access to food, water, shelter and veterinary care when needed.

Some cats become more friendly as you spend more time together. Especially towards people who feed them.

Please, don’t hold it against them if they are more friendly than initially expected!

Shelter must be well maintained and waterproof, with access at all times. Extra sources of warmth should be added during cold weather such as extra bedding and insulation. Suitable shelter could be a barn, outbuilding, tree house, unused garage shed.

Hazard free area from toxic chemicals, poisons intended for rodents, hunting dogs running loose, very busy roads in the immediate vicinity or loud and busy machinery.

Food and water must be provided. This needs to be frequently checked on by the adopters and cats must be fed at least once a day. This is a good opportunity to visually check the cats’ condition (seek medical advice if any concerns) or work on winning over their trust.

 If you adopt from us:

All outdoorsy- ready felines will be:

•  In good health
• Neutered
• Chipped
• Up to date with flea and worming treatments
• Given their initial vaccination

How to apply: 

Thank you for considering our outdoorsy cats! We look forward to hearing from you. Please complete PERFECT MATCH FORM and email it to alternativehoming@rspca.org.uk We will then be in touch with and discuss the process in more detail.