If you find a tame stray cat in Knox County:

Have the cat scanned for a microchip at the nearest vet clinic. Do not leave the cat at the shelter as they may have to euthanize the cat after the 3 day

stray hold is over for multiple reasons. An example is as simple as they are overcrowded.  You really want to give the owner of the cat time to reclaim

their cat. 

Check the local newspapers, Craigslist, Nextdoor, PawBoost, and Facebook. You can create “found” posts in all of these places.

Post fliers in the area where the pet was found: on poles, nearby stores, vet clinics and pet stores if any are in that area.

If the pet has a department of health rabies tag, call (865) 215-6681.(or any vet can assist with this process).  If you find a tame stray cat in Knoxville or

Knox County, call Young Williams Intake department directly at (865) 215-6665. Even if you hope to keep the pet, you are required by law to post it with

Young Williams for 10 days.  If the animal is not claimed during that 10-day period, you may re-home it, or keep it.

Responsibly Rehoming your cat:

We understand that some owners have to rehome their pets due to unexpected circumstances. The information below is provided in the hopes that it

will help you find a safe and happily committed new home for your cat.  A cat that is not rehomed properly may find itself dumped outside or in a high kill

shelter or worse (abused, bait for dog fighters, etc.)

Prepare Your Cat

Make sure your cat is up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered. If you haven’t and are low on funds, you can try a low cost spay/neuter clinic. 

You should also microchip your pet in case the adopter loses or dumps your cat so you can be sure s/he is always safe.  You will have much more luck

finding a home for it if you can provide veterinary records showing the cat’s health status. A responsible and informed adopter will want to know all of

this information.  A red flag is an adopter who doesn’t ask about the medical condition or records.

Where to Look First

First look to your circle of trusted friends, family members, and coworkers. Are any of them willing to give your cat a loving and responsible home?

Please do not contact a rescue until you’ve exhausted every other option. Rescues are already overcrowded, and for every cat surrendered to a rescue

(if and when possible), many more remain on the street or in a high kill shelter.

Screening Potential Adopters

Any experienced rescue will recommend thorough screening for any potential adopter. Never agree to give your pet to someone until you have properly

screened them.  Look for red flags like someone who isn’t interested when you tell them about your cat or doesn’t ask any questions about him/her. 

You MUST screen all potential adopters.  Please do not forgo this step. NEVER agree to give your cat to someone until you have properly screened

them–after all, this person will need to care for your cat for the next 15-20 years at the very least, and the process should include:

*Vet record check and/or personal references

*Landlord check

*Meet and greet with you and your cat

*Small Fee

You can also include:

*Home visit

 *Adoption contract

*Connecting on social media so you can see updates