Bengal Cat Rehoming
If you need to find a new home for your Bengal, careful planning can help you find a safe, lasting match.
Start with the breeder
If you got your cat from a breeder, contact them and review your agreement. Some breeders require cats to be returned to them. A breeder may also be able to help find a suitable home.
Contact local resources
Rescue and shelter capacity is an ever-changing scenario. Contact organizations in your area to ask about their current options, which may include a waitlist, owner-assisted rehoming, a courtesy listing, or behavior support.
A shelter stay can be stressful for some cats. If you cannot safely keep your cat or need help urgently, contact your local shelter or animal services to discuss the available options. Do not abandon your cat.
How Bengal Rescue may be able to help
Bengal Rescue serves 12 Western states and is not currently accepting owner surrenders. If you live in our service area, we may be able to share a completed post with our network, but we cannot guarantee that we can share every post or find a placement.
If you live in the Midwest or on the East Coast, contact Great Lakes Bengal Rescue.
You can also post in these Facebook groups:
What to include in your post
Write an honest, specific description that helps people understand your cat as an individual.
Include:
- City and state. Don’t post your home address publicly.
- Name, age, and sex. Include whether your cat is spayed or neutered.
- Personality and routine. What does your cat enjoy? What situations are difficult for them?
- Household experience. Describe what you’ve observed around men, women, children, cats, and dogs. If you don’t know how your cat responds to something, say so.
- Health and care. Include known medical or behavior concerns, medications, veterinary history, vaccinations, microchip information, and the food your cat eats.
- Home needs. Describe any needs you’ve observed, such as indoor-only living, a quiet home, or particular enrichment.
- Reason for rehoming. Be honest and factual. Don’t hide challenges a new home will need to understand.
- Clear, well-lit photos that show your cat’s appearance and personality.
- A safe way to contact you, such as a dedicated email address or private messages.
You can share the post on your social media and Nextdoor. Neighbors may know someone who is a good match.
How to screen people interested in adopting
Take time to learn about each person’s home, experience, and plans for your cat. A fee or reference alone cannot guarantee a safe placement.
- Ask the person to complete a written questionnaire and speak with them by phone or video.
- Ask about their experience with cats, household members and pets, plans for introductions, and how they will handle veterinary care.
- If they rent, ask them to confirm that their lease allows a cat. Get their permission before contacting their landlord.
- Ask for veterinary records or an authorized veterinary reference. A clinic may not be able to share information without the client’s permission.
- Consider a video tour focused on the space and setup planned for the cat.
- Use a written agreement that records the transfer and says the cat should be returned to you if the new owner can no longer keep them.
If you charge a rehoming fee, choose a reasonable amount and check your local requirements. A fee is not a substitute for careful screening.
Our adoption process and sample application may give you ideas for questions. They describe Bengal Rescue’s own process, so adapt them for a private placement.
We wish you and your cat the best, as you work toward finding them a safe and lasting home.
© Bengal Rescue 2026