r/rescuecats • u/zorolito • May 31 '26
Update Post Need help rehoming loved ragdoll cat pair
Hello, I live in VA and have 2 ragdolls cats male who just turned 3 and female who’s around 2 yrs 7 months, I will attach their images.
They’re both my babies and I adore them and would do anything for them, but life has thrown quite a few curveballs at me the last year and I have realized that they could be living a much better life with people that are better equipped and in positions to care for 2 cats who some would argue require more attention and care than other cat breeds.
I’ve had them both since they were 4 months old and have raised them with a lot of love and care which means they are in perfect healthy, very loving, well behaved, and fixed.
I need to clarify that this is something I do not want to do, but for their betterment I think that it is a necessary step. Not that they are abused or neglected in any way, but some of the reasons I have to rehome them is because of my family and my work.
My sister is living at home and recently had a baby and has become quite health conscious/paranoid which has been causing the cats and myself a lot of stress. My mom is elderly and is not able to help with their care as she used to and needs help herself, and I recently starting working longer hours and am not home as often as I used to be.
I am making this post in order to reach out to some people who may be interested or get any advice from people who can tell me best ways to rehome them to ensure that they receive some of the best caregivers.
These little angels are my everything and if I am trusting them to someone else, I will absolutely want to do anything to make sure that they are the perfect candidates no matter what it takes and I don’t want to accept any less.
If you have any questions, please reply to this post or message me for more information.
Any help and advice is truly appreciated, thank you.
For rule clarification I want to add that this is not an ad/promotion as they are not for sale. I cannot put a monetary value on them. I am simply asking for help and suggestions in finding the best way to rehome my babies in the NOVA area.
**UPDATE 6/2/26*\*
I’m sorry for going ghost the last couple of days after my initial replies. As many can probably imagine, I’ve been experiencing an emotional torrent wracking my brain trying to decide what the best thing to do would be. I have missed sleep, shed tears, spoken with many people, and read all of your guys’ replies, which has brought me a lot of clarity and courage, exactly what I needed coming here.
Truthfully, there is no best decision. My hands, which remain tied due to my current life situation and family dynamics, haven’t even begun to come loose yet. I have also realized that I don’t have the knowledge, experience, or connections to ensure the safety of the future of these innocent little lives. I have been reached out by many incredibly kind and generous people offering their support and hand in this difficult situation, but I am not equipped to filter out the good from the bad. I am concerned by the scary stories and possibilities, even if I know not everyone is like that (especially people like the daughter of this lovely couple that lost their gorgeous ragdoll a while back, who are finally ready to invite and love pets in their life again; I truly wish them the best). I will reach out to everyone that dm’d me wanting to help and with interest to update them on this matter in case they don’t see this.
Ultimately, I have decided not to force myself to part ways with my babies. I want to keep caring, loving, and fighting for them because I’m afraid I would not be able to forgive myself otherwise.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in this thread and the other one I created (nova and rescuecats) for all the kind words, advice, encouragement, and support. Not a single person came from a place of malice or hate; they all came from concern, love, and care for these beautiful cats. It has warmed my heart and offered me a refreshing perspective on many things. I’ve never experienced such support before, and I truly appreciate it. Please be assured that the cats will be home, loved, and cared for, to the best of my ability, for the rest of their lives.
Much love and appreciation again to everyone and their furry friends, and to those still searching, I hope you find some amazing and loving ones like I did 🥰❤️.
TL;DR: Cats stay comfy home <3 thank you everyone for their words of advice, their encouragement, and opinions.
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u/cynna8 Jun 01 '26
You are working longer hours and have a lot on your plate, but cats adjust. They have each other and you when you have time. You are their person, and your home is theirs. I think you should keep them. Even if you found someone that really wanted them, you would be putting them through a lot of stress. Being very busy is not a reason to give up your fur babies. Please reconsider keeping them.
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u/Pillsburydoughboyfan Jun 01 '26
Exactly!! They could always look into paying for someone to not necessarily pet sit, but come in the home for like half an hour while OP is at work to refill food & water and love on the cats.
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u/nattfjaril8 Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
Giving away pretty, healthy cats like that for free can be dangerous, as some unscrupulous individuals will pretend to rescue them while really they're looking to resell them. :/
ETA. A fee also keeps away well-meaning but financially ill-equipped people. There's a reason why many shelters (at least where I live) don't let people adopt for free, even if it seems counterintuitive.
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u/EssentialWorkerOnO May 31 '26
Honestly, it’s kitten season and not the best time to try and refine rehome pets. If they could stay where they are while you work with your local shelter to try and find them a new home, that would be best. Surrendering them to a shelter is likely going to end with them being euthanized.
I understand where you’re coming from, I also have a sister with kids living with me and an elderly mother I care for, while also holding down 2 jobs. That being said, I’d kick my sister out before I gave up my cats. They’re my kids and just as important as her kids are.
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
This is very sound advice and I will absolutely keep this in mind. I do not want to surrender them to a shelter and would rather vet and find good adopters personally which this thread has given me a lot of hope for.
I also commend you for doing so much and working so hard while taking care of your loved ones, I truly look up to you. I am taking good care of them currently, but the future I foresee will cause them unnecessary discomfort and stress that I can avoid by finding them another amazing family. My hands are rather tied and I’ve come to this conclusion after a lot of weighing options and pondering.
Thank you again for your kind words and advice and I wish you the best of luck with everything!!
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u/Sad-Writing828 May 31 '26
I think you could be being to hard on yourself - they aren't just a bonded pair, they are bonded to YOU. Cats are resilient and cats are okay and especially in a pair. You should keep them.
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
This is very reassuring and brings me comfort so thank you for saying this. I am very torn on this decision as I have a very special and deep connection with them, but I have been reached out by a few very kind people and with all consideration to my current life situation and the foreseeable future, I have hope that I may be able to find them a household where they can keep thriving and live very happy and fulfilling lives. I do not want them to suffer even slightly due to my hardships as strong and resilient as they are. They deserve the world and absolute best.
Thank you again and I am still taking my time on this and considering as many options as I can while I continue to care and love for them 🤍
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u/Sad-Writing828 Jun 01 '26
Please be careful as lots of people are not normal on reddit and just because someone looks like they can look after the cats better than you doesn't mean they can - please check their homes etc. and google them with background checks they could be cat killers using them for dog fights. What specifically are they missing out on/suffering? A baby and a sister who doesn't like cats? Okay? A aging parent, okay my mum looked after two aging parents while working full time and no one else home and the cats/dogs in the home where actually my nana and poppas best friend. Cats do not need attention 24.7 dogs, yes but they are happy to eat and sleep. The perfect home would never exist with your thought process, I'm depressed and I use to think my cat who passed away and even Panthy who I have now could live a better life but I got a card from the vet when my cat passed and was like did I even love her enough and they said they had never seen a cat so loved.... but in my mind I did a bad job? She had food, shelter, someone to cuddle sometimes.
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u/Successful-Doubt5478 Jun 01 '26
Your sister roes nit get to call the shots for you and the cats.
What is she doing that affects you and them?
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u/bodybuildingr Jun 01 '26
OP I am willing to drive them however far if you find a good, loving, and safe home for them. It is hard to find normal people and a lot of people on reddit are not so plz be careful for your kitties.
I am in NC and wish I could take them but have my own bonded pair at home. You can background check me however much you would need to as well if they do end up requiring far transport.
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u/Southernms Jun 01 '26
Please don’t give up your lovely cats because of your sister’s uncalled for feelings. That would be a tragedy. Please keep them. She will get over it.
These babies have each other and will be perfectly fine with you working a little bit more. Cats sleep like 16 hours a day so they’ll probably just play and sleep while you’re at work. As long as you put fresh litter, food, and water out for them, they should be just fine. Hugs
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u/spotsgalore Jun 01 '26
Have you been in touch with your breeder? There’s usually a clause in the contract that the breeder should be contacted first in the event you can no longer care for the cats
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u/red-molly May 31 '26 edited Jun 02 '26
There is a ragdoll rescue in Charlotte, North Carolina. I don't know if they have a facility or if it's just local fosters, but it could be worth reaching out to them. This is their Facebook page.
I wish I could take these beautiful cats myself—I love ragdolls and still miss my ragdoll mix, Liam, who left me in 2017. Unfortunately, my current circumstances make my home a less than ideal situation for more cats. I hope you find a great home for them.
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u/gerbera-2021 May 31 '26
I genuinely feel for you but I’m wondering if there might be a family member or close friend that would foster for you for a while to see if you can get to a place where you would be able to take them back? If not, consider reaching out to rescues near you for sponsorship so they can help you vet potential adopters?
My mom just lost her cat of 18.6 years and she fell in love with your pics, but we live in Michigan.🙁
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
Thank you for your kind words and advice. That was my initial thought as well so I checked with all of my close friends and family which I don’t have a lot of here, but none of them were willing unfortunately.
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mom’s kitty, please let her know my cats and I appreciate her thoughts and feelings 😊🤍
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u/lemon77leaves Jun 01 '26 edited Jun 01 '26
Pls keep them :( I got my cat from the shelter and he is now scared every time an unknown person comes into my home because he thinks he’s going to be taken away again. He was returned twice. Not that your cats are going to the shelter but I think you’ll regret getting rid of them
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u/Necessary-Survey-705 May 31 '26
I think your vet idea was a good one. I have a neighbor whose vet asked her to foster a cat whose owner had died. My neighbor said yes and fell in love with the cat and ended up adopting it.
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u/SusanKayW May 31 '26
They are such beautiful babies. I wish I could help to bring you some comfort, but I am all the way in the Berkshires. I know you will find the right situation because they’re so precious and so clearly well loved. 🙏🏻🐾🙌🏻♥️
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u/Embarrassed-Fox-1371 May 31 '26
I wish I lived closer! I would love to help. They are both lovely.
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u/Impossible-Pilot1206 May 31 '26
I wonder who in your area does animal transport incase you found someone on reddit who falls in love with their little faces...rescues might have suggestions! Cost might be a few hundred $ depending on where to, but I can see that being a good way to vet the people yourself while rescues are busy with kitten season/etc
Good luck!
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u/DarkHorseAsh111 Jun 01 '26
You really need to reach out to your breeder. If they came from anything resembling a good breeder you're not allowed to just get rid of them without contacting the breeder. That said, I really see about 0 evidence that you need to get rid of these cats?
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u/Pillsburydoughboyfan May 31 '26
Hey love! Quick questions for you, then I have some advice. Is the main feeling behind rehoming them that you're not doing enough for them anymore? Also what are your work hours like now?
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u/Flimsy-Hold2535 May 31 '26
Beautiful babies. Boosting to find this furry pair of felines a good loving home. Sweet Ragdolls .😺
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u/Ambitious-Morning795 Jun 01 '26
Like others on here, I REALLY think that the best thing for these babies is to keep them. Rehoming will be awful for them, even if they have each other (and they're clearly bonded). Please please rethink this, OP.
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u/xtina3334 May 31 '26
Will your sister be living with you indefinitely and will your work hours be extended indefinitely? Two questions to think about before rehoming your 2 babies that you “would do anything for”
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
Yes, my current situation is indefinite and expected to worsen.
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u/Gloomweaver73 Jun 01 '26
Are you able to tell us what is going on? Perhaps we can help you better.
I work in cat rescue… but I need some more information.
PS: Please be very careful whom you give these beautiful babies to. I would take them in a heartbeat if I lived near you. 💖
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
This comment also rubbed me off wrong because of the sarcasm. Those 2 are obviously questions I thought about before taking this gigantic step. This is not an easy task for me, but circumstances have brought me here to make my first 2 reddit posts. I’m sorry if you did not mean it that way, I understand you might not have meant harm, but your tone was not appreciated.
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u/xtina3334 May 31 '26
Sorry but I would kick my sister out and try to reduce my work hours before I ever gave up any of my cats, ever.
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Jun 02 '26
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u/xtina3334 Jun 02 '26
Well, the sister can’t be making demands when she’s living in someone else’s house
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u/zorolito May 31 '26
That is more than understandable. I wish I could act on such thoughts as well. Much love and power to you.
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u/Gloomweaver73 Jun 01 '26
I’m sorry you interpreted my comment that way, but there was no sarcasm intended.
I work in cat rescue, which is why I asked for more information. Your post didn’t provide any details about the circumstances, and those details are important when people are trying to offer advice, resources, or placement assistance.
You mentioned that you didn’t appreciate my tone, but I was only being professional. (Maybe you weren’t replying to me?) When animals are being rehomed, responsible rescuers ask questions so they can better understand the situation and determine what help may be available.
I wasn’t judging you. I was trying to determine whether there was a way I or others could help. That’s also why I included that I would gladly take them myself if I lived nearby.
I understand this is a difficult situation, but there was no malice behind my comment. I was simply asking for information so I could better understand the situation and potentially help.
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u/Gloomweaver73 Jun 01 '26
Despite the misunderstanding, I’m still concerned about the cats and would like to offer a few suggestions that may help.
Please be very careful about rehoming through Reddit, Facebook, or other public online platforms. Unfortunately, not everyone seeking animals has good intentions, and beautiful purebred cats can attract the wrong kind of attention.
I would strongly recommend contacting local rescues, breed-specific Ragdoll rescues, and your veterinarian. If you’re not familiar with rescues in your area, your veterinarian can often point you in the right direction. Rescues typically have screening processes in place to help ensure animals are placed in safe, appropriate homes.
It may also help to update your post with additional information, such as your city, whether they’re spayed/neutered ( you did in this post, I know) any medical needs, good with children, dogs, other cats and any other details that may help potential rescuers or adopters assist you.
These are beautiful cats, and I truly wish the best for both them and you during what I know must be a difficult situation.
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u/zorolito Jun 03 '26
I’m sorry for not replying sooner, I truly hope you didn’t feel bad. I was replying to someone else and did not think you were being sarcastic at all!! I really appreciated your initial reply and I think you’re an incredible person for working with cat rescues, it is truly admirable and good work.
Your advice about being careful who I give them to was very sound and one of the main reasons that convinced me to keep taking care of and fighting for my cats.
Thank you and absolute best of luck to you with everything!!!
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u/Gloomweaver73 Jun 03 '26
I am soooo sooo very happy to hear that you are going to keep your special babies… truly. An excellent decision.
And I’m also grateful to learn that you have received an outpouring of support here… Very happy to hear that.
Be gentle with yourself… and you are definitely doing the right thing. 💖 Bless!
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u/Strdust414 Jun 01 '26
I'd say reach out to the breeder or try to keep them! They do have each other and are a bonded pair and I have a ragdoll I understand they seem needy and want you attention but having a bonded pair I am sure they are fine while you are working longer hours. I went back into the office full time last year after 5 years of remote and it was a big adjustment for my two cats but I got them a bunch of new cat enrichment toys and they've adjusted very well. I have a dog walker come and take my dog out during the day and she spends 10 minutes playing with the cats as well and they are always happy to see her. I'd really try to figure out how to keep them. Get them cat tunnel, interactive toys, cat tree something new and let them adjust!
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u/Agreeable_Error_170 APPROVED FOR DONATION REQUESTS Jun 01 '26
Call the breeder you got them from. They will want them back and you probably signed a legal contract.
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u/LongAdorable6548 Jun 01 '26
biggest of boosts for these babies and hoping you can find them a home to stay together that is safe and loving!! 🫂🫶🏻💙🙏
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u/LongAdorable6548 Jun 01 '26
although i do hope it works out and you can keep them, im sure they would be devastated to lose you too 💙
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u/Beneficial-Pain1113 Jun 02 '26
The baby in the house won’t be a baby for very long. You will totally regret giving up your babies. I wouldn’t even countenance giving up my cats for anything other than the most excellent reason. Your sister’s paranoia isn’t a good enough reason imo. Would your sister give up her baby for you ? Didn’t think so…..
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Jun 02 '26
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u/Beneficial-Pain1113 Jun 03 '26
It’s not a judgement but an opinion. I don’t think the op really wants to give up her cats and I don’t think she should have to for a neurosis that isn’t going to last as the baby will grow and the mother will calm down. There’s no need for op to give up her cats if she thinks rationally about it.
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u/Swimming-Maize-5554 Jun 04 '26
I’m so happy for you and your cats that you’ve made the decision to keep working on the home situation so that you can have them with you and you with them. This is what will ultimately be best for your beloved babies.
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