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FYI, my group also has the ability to board cats long term (we do ask for a nominal donation to cover expenses, unless you want to continue to supply food and litter. I'm not talking about being in a cage continuously. they would be free all day with lots of people to be with, caged only at night. Think about this if it is possible that sometime in the foreseeable future you feel that you will be recovered enough to have them back.

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ORIGINAL: tolovetolaugh

I have two beautiful bengal cats which due to various reasons I am having to adopt out. I tried a bengal rescue, but the people never got back to me, so I turned to craigslist.
I already have several offers to take the cats(I am sending them off with all their toys and cat tower and carriers), but have also been warned by several people that since bengals are a very expensive cat, there is always the chance of someone taking them, and then separating them for money, since I am charging nothing.
That they stay together is the main condition of anyone who wants to adopt them, as they have been together all 5 years of their life since they were born together in Australia, and lived in Portugal, England, and now here without being separated once. They love each other, and freak out when separated.

Any advice on how to find the best family for them? From the number of responses I have gotten to the posting I have choices, but have never had to give one of my babies away before, and have no idea what questions to ask potential homes.

The idea of losing them is very painful, but as they are right now stuck in a small bathroom with no room to run or play, I just want them out and in a good home together, even if it is no longer with me. Every time I visit them, they cry when I have to put them back, and it breaks my heart.

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ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

Why aren't you considering a longer term foster care situation? If you didn't know it was available before, you know now.

So are you still looking to get rid of the forever to a new home?

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ORIGINAL: LadyConstanze

I'm not in favor of charging money for them, as people who want a status symbol cat might be able to afford them but you will have no guarantee that they look after the cats the right way.

I'd recommend you do the same, meet the people in person first, grill them, if they can't be bothered to do that, how sure can you be that they make an effort to care for the cats and keep them together? You want to do what's best for your pet!

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ORIGINAL: tolovetolaugh


I am not in favor of charging money much either- I don't want to feel like I am selling my babies. On the other hand, I will be sending them off with over a months worth of food and litter, a huge cat tower, 2 huge cat crates and tons of toys, so if someone cant pay an adoption fee, I would be worried about how they pay the vet.

I do want to meet the people who take them in person. I feel like I am a fairly good judge of character, and you can tell animal people real easy when they interact with animals.
I have been sending an adoption questionnaire the bengal rescue group sent me to a few people who made themselves sound good from craigslist, but so far, no one has sent it back. A bit worrying. : /

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ORIGINAL: xxblushesxx

Talk *is* cheap, which is why I suggest asking for money even if you don't plan on taking it.

We love all our kittys. One was found, one was adopted from a friend, one from a no-kill shelter and well...we all know Mr. Fitzy was a gift to me from John and not inexpensive. *We* take care of them all equally, but there is some truth in the saying that we value what we've paid for...

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ORIGINAL: Duskypearls

Should you find a prospective adopter (s), verbally or in contract, consider requesting and requiring the people let you make occasional drop-ins, to ensure the animal's care and content is up to snuff. Of course, you don't imply you don't trust them, but only want to visit the kitty you miss so much. I once had a lady take, promise to take care of, and promise to call me if ANYTHING went awry, as I would gladly guide her out of the problem, or if she chose, to immediately take the cat back (one I had bottle raised from being a day-old). It turned out her effusive promises were for naught, and had just about as much value as our present day dollar. I ran into her one day, many months later, only to find out she took the cat to the pound, when it began having accidents outside the box, which is interesting, as it had immaculate habits in my home (it was well-taught), and was not given up for adoption until it was 14 weeks old and mature enough.

I was astounded, and fit to be tied, as that was one of the very things I'd clearly educated her about. I explained how those things could happen, and if they did, to call me immediately, and I'd teach her how to rectify and retrain. In spite of all her promises, she did not honor them. From then on, I insisted on the "drop-in" deal, as people can fool you the first time or two. In my book, talk is cheap, and pretty is as pretty does. Pretty, she wasn't!