Cat Care Resources

Your cat is counting on you to do what’s best for them—and we’re here to help you figure out what that looks like.

Our first priority is helping cats stay safely in the homes and communities where they belong. Sometimes that means providing resources, guidance, or connections to other services. Other times, a new home may be the best option.

Whatever your situation, we may be able to help you find a solution you haven’t considered.

🐾 Need to Surrender an Owned or Abandoned Cat?

Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions is not an open-admission shelter, so we cannot accept every cat who needs a place to go. Our ability to intake depends on available space, medical needs, foster capacity, and other factors.

We consider every cat individually and want to understand their situation, personality, health, and needs before determining how we may be able to help.

Owned and abandoned domestic cats are currently accepted by appointment only. An admission fee applies to help offset the cost of providing care.

To get started, email intake@homewardboundcats.org and tell us about the cat and your situation.

Please include as much information as possible as well as veterinary records. 

💙 Can You Rehome the Cat Yourself?

Whenever possible, we encourage families to rehome cats (even found ones) directly from one home to another. For specific details, guidance, and more, please see our resources below.

🐱 Found a Stray or Community Cat?

Please don’t assume that every outdoor cat needs to be rescued.

Many cats living outdoors are community cats with people caring for them. Some may also be lost pets who are trying to find their way home. If you find a stray, abandoned, or lost cat, most shelters, rescues or veterinary hospitals will scan for a microchip – no appointment needed!

For information about stray, community, and feral cats, please see our resources below or contact The Animal Foundation here for county resources. You can also go directly to their Found Cat page here.

Lost or Found a Cat?

If you’ve found a cat—or your cat is missing—please see our resources below before considering surrender.

Found Kittens?

Found kittens need special consideration. Do not automatically assume they have been abandoned! Mom may be nearby, and the best course of action can depend on their age, health and circumstances. Click here to learn what to do if you find kittens.

❤️ Before You Give Up

Giving up a pet can be an incredibly difficult decision. We understand that circumstances sometimes make keeping a cat impossible, and asking for help does not make you a bad pet owner.

Our goal is to help you find the safest, kindest solution for the cat—whether that means keeping them with you, finding a new family, connecting you with resources, or exploring whether Homeward Bound may be able to help.

Start the conversation. We’re here to help.