Need advice on placing kittens...

[Flaxbee]

a stray mommacat who showed up 5 weeks ago, whom I've been feeding regularly ever since, brought me her babies last Thursday night. They are adorable, about 5 weeks old, I'd guess, and there are three of them: one gray tabby, I think female; one orange tabby, definitely male, and another orange tabby I'm unsure of sex-wise. I know orange tabbies tend to be male, but this one "looks" female in the face and I just haven't been able to scrutinize him/her closely enough yet.

Anyway -- I would keep them all if I didn't already have three, and I'm seriously considering trying to find a way to keep the MommaCat, she is such a good momma, such a sweet cat.

So - how do I go about finding good homes? I don't know this area very well, and my landlady wants one but she wants to get the kitten declawed and for me, that's a deal-breaker.

Anyone in NC, SC, GA, TN interested in a kitten? Know anyone who is? I feel very protective of these babies, I can't just take 'em to the grocery store and let them go to someone I don't trust or know well.

I know some people suggest Yahoo! but that seems so impersonal - how do I know the adopting parent is a good one?

[Robeson]

1. Our cats have always found us, so I'm not sure I can help with....

...the advice you need. I've got no experience in finding homes for cats. However, I'll kick this, to keep it up top so others who do have experience, can help.

[RebelOne]

2. Go to YahooGroups.com.

Look for a rescue group in your area. Sign up and post about the kittens. Believe me, all these rescue groups screen any potential adopters. I have gotten homes for 3 kittens that were dumped at my front door through these groups.

[flvegan]

3. Ask a rescue for help.

Tell them you'll foster the kittens, but would like help posting them on Petfinder, etc. You can find a list of your local groups at the aforementioned petfinder.com.

As for making sure the adopting parent is a good one, again, the rescue will probably offer to take the apps for you, and only forward the good ones to you (or they may make the entire deal for you.

[Eurobabe]

4. Pix??

I am looking for an orange male tabby...I am in Cincy, will drive if the connection is karmic. Tell me more. Is the momma a feral, you think?

[madinmaryland]

5. You might want to contact your vet.

They maybe able to help you place the kittens. Our vet here in Maryland actually has open houses, and will display kittens that are available for adoption (local only)! Good luck!

On edit, check out this thread and in particular this web site:

http://www.pawprintsrescue.org/

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x6484

[Kashka-Kat]

6. hi! I've placed quite a few strays who happened to wander into my life...

I would suggest grilling people (in a friendly way I mean) about how they'd care for the cat-- feeding, claw clipping, training to use scratching post, if they have small children what kind of supervision they'd have when interacting w/ the kitty, etc. etc. etc. Say you'll deliver the cat to their house. Ask for visitation rights-- 1 follow up visit I mean, not that youll be bothering them all the time! Anyone who really cares about cats will understand perfectly where you're coming from. Anyone who gets huffy or defensive-- cross em off the list. In your ad you can let them know that you'll be screening-- not first come first served. By presenting yourself as someone who truly cares you will attract more people & esp. ones who are looking for a good healthy well cared for kitty. I've never not been able to find good homes for any of the cats I've needed to find homes for. Some people ask for money feeling this would dissuade animal abusers from applying, but I myself dont think that would necessarily be the case.

Re: your landlord, she can be gently informed that theres many many homeless kitties out there who are already declawed and so it would make more sense for her to get one of those. Good luck & thank u for doing this!!!

[BrklynLiberal]

7. Is there a Humane Society near you? That would be a good place to start.

They do free neuter/spay as well.

[RebelOne]

8. But they will also euthanize animals

if they aren't adopted after a certain period of time. Unless it is no-kill, I would never take an animal to a humane society.

[BrklynLiberal]

9. The Humane Society here in NYC does not euthanize. Guess it is

different in different areas.