What Is 'Rehoming' A Wild Cat?

Rehoming is simply making a new 'home' available for an animal.  In some circles it is referred to as 'rescue'.  However, at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington we tend to believe there are few instances we have gone into a burning building or forged a flood to rescue a cat.  We are simply making it possible for the cat to have a safe and caring place to live out its natural life.

Why Is Rehoming Necessary?

• Sometimes a private owner or facility can no longer care for the cat.  None of us has a crystal ball and foresee our future.  Best of intentions can not be met.
• Sometimes there is a death or serious illness of a caregiver which necessitates it being rehomed.
• Laws are changing rapidly in this country which may no longer make it legal for a wild cat to remain where it is.
• Sometimes authorities are called in and a cat must be placed elsewhere.
• There are as many reasons as there are situations!

'Why Don't You Return

It To The Wild?'

This is a question we are frequently asked and to those who do know 'know' wild cats it would seem an appropriate one. 

The truth is.... it is impossible and would mean a certain death sentence for the cat!

• Most importantly, it would be illegal!
• Secondly, these felines have been born and raised in captivity.  They know no other life and have bonded with humans to meet their daily needs. 
• They do not know how to hunt and contrary to belief it doesn't just come naturally to them.
• Being used to living in close proximity with humans and other animals they do not posses the natural fear of them that truly 'wild' animals have.
• Captive wild felines we receive at WFAC are frequently declawed, neutered or spayed.  Even if they did understand the mechanics of hunting to survive, they are further diminished by not being able to climb trees or properly grasp prey.
• Animals in the wild have set territories.  If an American wild cat were released chances are it would be in an area already occupied by others of its species and there would be a fight for territory - most likely resulting in the death of the cat that does not truly understand this concept.  Nor would they understand that they could be perceived as prey by other animals.
• These felines have led a 'captive' life since their birth and to deny that would be cruel.

Is A Rehomed Wild Cat Happy?

Each situation and cat are different!  We know that all species of wild felines form strong bonds with their caregiver.  It is difficult for them to be uprooted from the life they have known and be trusting in a new situation.  Depending on the cat's temperment, it is easier for some than others. 

This is 'Buddy' the Bobcat - fishing for goldfish!  He came to live at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center when his former owner suffered a massive stroke and could no longer care for him.  

And it depends greatly on the new life it has found itself in!  Zoo or large facility cats may make the adjustment relatively easier - once they recover from the stress of being moved.  The flip side of this is a cat who was raised in a loving home and suddenly finds itself in a zoo, animal shelter or large facility.  These cats are going to  suffer extreme culture shock (which can result in stress induced illness).

The photo of 'Buddy' above illustrates a situation where special understanding was needed.  Buddy had always been fed roasted chicken - nothing raw or whole.  At the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington we do not believe that his previous diet was adequate.  When offered an appropriate diet he was not interested in it, nor did he have any idea what it was!  We spent weeks continuing to roast chicken for him daily (bones removed).  Little by little small bits of raw food were integrated in with his diet.  Finally, at six weeks of this diet... Bingo!  He took the raw diet like he had never eaten before in his life.

He is an excellent example of a rehomed wild cat who has made a wonderful readjustment to his new (and forever) surroundings.  He is always playing and has a big purr for everyone.