Guide to rehoming a cat

First and foremost if this is a stray cat, you must have followed the advice in the section Found a Cat – Lost a Cat? before considering finding a home for the cat.

The following advice gives the best possible outcome for the cat’s future welfare.

If you are helping to find a new home for a neighbour’s or friend’s cat, obtaining written consent from the current owner prevents unwanted problems and potential legal battles at a later stage.

Feline viruses

It would be irresponsible to place a cat with other cats without first knowing that it is negative for fatal feline viruses such as FIV and FeLV.

This is a quick blood test taken by a veterinarian. FIV positive and FeLV positive cats can lead healthy long lives but must be kept separate from other negative cats and must not be allowed outside, free-roaming.

Here is the current up to date information on these diseases from International Cat Care.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Legal requirements

It is a legal obligation in France for all cats to be identified by microchip; the onus is on the person rehoming the cat and NOT on the adoptant.

It may save the cat’s life in the future as any unidentified cats taken to the local pound will be euthanised within 10 days. You may also receive a fine of 750€ if you advertise an unidentified cat.

Cats will start to reproduce from the age of four months. Please ensure the cat is sterilised, this is essential to prevent more unwanted kittens that will simply add to the current massive cat overpopulation.

Up to date vaccination is essential to protect the cat from fatal viruses.

Financial commitment to cat care

All of the above costs money. Ask the adoptant to reimburse if not all, then a part of these costs. People who cannot or worse still, will not pay an adoption fee should not be considered as a good home.

Caring for a pet costs money, even a healthy cat will need good quality food, worm and flea treatments and vet care from time to time including vaccinations.

Brief guidelines on domestic animal ownership and adoption. FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ANIMAL.

Cats and kittens give away are often used for dog fighting, training hunting dogs, live reptile food, their fur, constant and miserable reproduction etc

Identification is obligatory, even if not given or sold, for all dogs born after January 6, 1999 aged over four months and for all cats over seven months born after January 1, 2012.

Only dogs and cats aged over 8 weeks can be sold or given (article L214-8 du code rural et de la pêche maritime).

Prior to their transfer (adoption), whether offered free or not, they must be identified by a method approved by the Minister of agriculture (microchip) currently through the fichier national, i-Cad.

This Identification is the responsibility of the seller or giver and NOT the adopter.

The sale or transfer of companion animals on the public highway or pavement is forbidden.

The sale or transfer of companion animals must be accompanied by –

Valid identification papers for the animal concerned
Proof of transfer;
Background concerning the characteristics, behaviour and the needs of the animal
A veterinary certificate of good health established no more than 5 days before transfer of the animal

Any publication of an offer of sale or giving of cats or dogs, whatever medium is used must mention the identification number of each animal or the identification number of the female giving birth to the animal, and include the number in the litter.

The French government advice is that “A pet is not a toy but a sensitive living being, its acquisition must result from a thoughtful act and not simply on a whim which leads all too often to further abandonment and unwanted births.”

From January 2016, it is also not be possible to advertise a cat or dog asking for a financial contribution or fee (whether you are acting on behalf of a charity/association or whether you are a breeder), without displaying a valid SIRET/SIREN number, these are issued to businesses and registered organisations on request. Only organisations or charities registered as refuges and/or fourrieres are allowed to take in animals and place them for adoption.

From October 2022 before acquiring a cat or dog you must sign a certificat d’engagement, visit the animal and then wait 7 days to reflect on your decision. Only registered adoption centres, veterinaires and holder of the ACACED certificate are able to find homes for cats and dogs in France.

Best of luck!

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