Unfortunately we are not always able to keep our kitties for whatever reason.  New family member, ellergies, new home, etc.  We encourage you to try several things.  

Allergies: If you have a member of your family who is allergic to your cat, try some of the basics first.  Limit the cat to a few rooms in the house.  Brush him or her daily, we recommend the Furminator.  It removes the undercoat that cats are constantly shedding and leaving behind on furniture.  Remember, kittens do not produce the protein in their dander that we are allergic to, adult cats do!  Try clearing the air with air purifiers strategically placed throughout the house.  If you really consider your cat to be part of your family, then have the new member of your family check with his or her doctor about allergy shots and other treatments that may be available.

Pregnancy: Just because you are pregnant, does not mean that you have to give up your cat!  Research shows that most people are exposed to toxoplasmosis early in life, the only time it is dangerous is first exposure during critical weeks in pregnancy.  You can have your doctor run a titer test to determine if you have already been exposed.  Check with your doctor about extra care that you can take.

New home: Before you move, check out the pet policy of wherever you are moving to.  One volunteer spent as much as three months before moving to ensure that all her cats were able to move in with her!  It is possible.  Private landlords are much more likely to be pet friendly than large complexes, but even most large complexes allow one or two cats.

Behavioral issues: Is your cat nt using the litter box?  There may be a medical problem, such as a urinary tract or bladder infection that he or she is trying to tell you about.  diabetic cats often drink lots of water and urinate often, and sometimes inappropriately.  Check with your veterinarian to see if there may be a medical cause to this problem.  Maybe there has been a change in the household?  Cats are sensitive to change, and behavioral problems are often seen after a new baby, a move, or other stressors in a cat's life.  Cat Attract is a litter that often times will being him/her back to the litterbox by exuding pheromones that cats are attracted to.

Inappropriate clawing: Just because you just got new furniture doesn't mean that you have to give up your cat.  Although declawing is not suggested, as it is an amputation of the last joint in thier paws, there are other options available.  Double sided tape works well on the corners of couches and chairs, cats can't stand the feeling of the tape on thier paws and will instinctually avoid it.  Also, plastic nail caps such as Soft Paws are sold at pet stores that can be applied.  This is harmless to the cat, but they are unable to sharpen their claws on your furniture.  They can last up to two months, and most PETCO grooming salons have at least one groomer that is able and willing to help you out.

If you MUST give up your kitty, please check with Petfinder.com to see if there are other local rescue groups that are available to you.  At this time, we are unable to accept any new cats or kittens due to the overload already.  If you are able to foster your cats/kittens, helppay their medical bills and transport them to veterinarian appointments and adoption centers, you are more likely to find assistance in placing your kitty.  Remember, volunteers pay for food, litter, toys, etc. out of their own pockets, the more that you are willing to contribute, the more likely someone is to help you out.  Rescues are here to help, but we cannot simply "make the problem go away."

If your cat is spayed/neutered and current on vaccines, even though we are not able to take the kitty in, we will post a courtesy listing on our site.  Please email FloridaFeline@gmail.com with pictures and description of your kitty.  You must also email proof that the animal is spayed/neutered.  if you need help with this, please check out our Low Cost Spay/Neuter page for options.