'Is it really better to rehome now while he’s young, or should I try to “stick it out”': Cat pawrent torn between keeping their high-energy kitten or rehoming him to give him the best pawsible life

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Aug 8, 2025 5:00 PM EDT

This poor pawrent is in a real catastrophic conundrum. After adopting a high-octane kitten just two months ago, they're now buried in guilt and shredded bedsheets. Life took an unexpected turn, and instead of lazy snuggles and Instagram-worthy cat naps, they're dealing with turbo-charged zoomies, door-meowing marathons, and bitey bedtime chaos.

Despite their best efforts (think: cat trees, tunnels, a feline IKEA showroom), their little furball is clearly under-stimulated and over it. Add an incoming roommate who's already side-eyeing the chaos, and this situation is teetering on the edge of full-blown mewtiny.

Now they're torn: should they rehome the kitten to a more suitable family with more paws-on-deck? Or hang in there, cross their claws, and hope the move brings some peace and quiet? 

To rehome or not to rehome. That is the purrsistent question. And while it's never easy to admit when a match might not be the right fit, prioritizing the kitten's happiness isn't failure. It's feline love in its purest form.

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    Cheezburger Image 10539100160
    via ASMarwaha / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Hi all, I feel so guilty even writing this, but I think I made a mistake adopting my cat so soon. I've had him for about 2 months. He's a very clingy, high-energy kitten, and I work long hours. When I got him, I thought I'd have a more stable schedule and more time at home, but my life changed. Now I'm gone 8-10 hours a day, then I sleep for 8, so I only spend maybe 4-5 hours with him on a good day.
    via Sweet_Street_4728
  • 03
    I've tried to make up for it. He has multiple cat trees, scratchers, tunnels, toys (including automated ones), good food... but I think he's still bored and under-stimulated. He's very destructive, scratching furniture, ruining my bed, biting, meowing at the door all night. I understand he's a kitten, but I grew up with cats, and his energy level is just... next level.
    via Sweet_Street_4728
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    Kitten playing with cat toys
    via 298113 from Pixabay / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 05
    I'm moving in a couple of months to a new apartment with a roommate. She's already met him and saw how wild he is, and she's worried about living with him. Honestly, I don't blame her. I also like to travel, and I don't want to put her in a position where she has to deal with him when I'm gone.
    via Sweet_Street_4728
  • 06
    I love him. I really do. But I feel like he'd be happier in a home with more people, maybe kids, other cats, or even access to the outdoors things I just can't give him right now. I can return him to the private rescue I got him from, which is probably the most responsible option, but I feel horrible even thinking about it.
    via Sweet_Street_4728
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    Rescue kitten in a animal shelter cage
    via Zbynek Pospisil / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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    Has anyone else been through this? How did you deal with the guilt? Is it really better to rehome now while he's young, or should I try to "stick it out" and hope things improve after my move?
    via Sweet_Street_4728
  • 09
    Please-credit-me Since he's still a kitten he'll adapt easily to a new home. Life happens and it seems in your situation it will be more favorable for the kitten to go to a home with more cats/people with more time. at home. It's better to do it now that he's small and adaptable than to rehome a few years old cat.
    via Please-credit-me
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    PygmeePony Everyone makes mistakes so don't feel guilty. Rehoming him seems like the best idea given your situation and a young kitten like him will find a new home quick. My cat is also high maintenance and I manage but she needs all my attention when I'm home so I get it's overwhelming.
    via PygmeePony
  • 11
    Puzzleheaded-Ice... Rehome to the private rescue or another family or or fosterer whom you can trust, so you can stay updated at least in the initial 3 months while he adjusts to the new environment. Please don't feel guilty. It's clear that he needs more stimulation and you are already trying your best.
    via Puzzleheaded-Ice5317
  • 12
    AnotherDarnDay He'll grow out of the kitten stage and adapt more when you have a regular routine. What he is now, he may not be as he gets older.
    via AnotherDarnDay

  • Kittens are tiny tornadoes of chaos! He might mellow out with age, but it’ll take time. You’ve gotta be ready to ride out the kitten storm until he grows up.

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    Turbulent_Guitar... don't feel bad! It's good that you love him enough to realize you're not meeting his needs and youre also right about not being fair to your roommate. I'm sure he'll get a new home quickly.
    via Turbulent_Guitar_959
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    Natural-Potential... The guilt feeling is normal but I think that you're leaning in the right direction. Cats, especially some kittens, can need a lot and if that's not the right fit then the kindest thing you can do is rehome. The good news is that you have a bit of time to find him a new home or bring him back to the
    via Natural-Potential-80
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    shelter. That's good news because you have time to find the right fit or wait for them to have space for him. Best of luck with everything
    via Natural-Potential-80
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    bleachedfawn okay so i advocate for keeping the baby!! my suggestions are: get another kitten! I know this sounds crazy but they will play with each other and also they don't care if you have only 4-5 hours with them a night! I have 5 cats and i got my first two boys 14 years ago,
    via bleachedfawn
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    these two boys have been EVERYWHERE with me and never cared if they had 30 minutes or a whole day with me! They love me the same regardless (: I used to work 60-70 hour work weeks and also would sleep 8 hours, they would just come snuggle up with me when i was home or asleep, they were never unhappy or resentful because no matter
    via bleachedfawn
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    what i would remind them they are so loved. I promise it can work if you make the sacrifices, but if you're not willing to then don't.
    via bleachedfawn

  • A second cat might actually help! Kittens often do better with a playmate to burn off all that wild energy. It can seriously reduce the chaos (and save your furniture).

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    qwertycatsmeow As someone in rescue, as much as we hate when people rehome, we do appreciate it when they bring the cat back to us. It's great that you have that option. And "single kitten syndrome" is REAL.
    via qwertycatsmeow
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    I definitely recommend getting an older cat! Honestly I always advise people to really consider if they have the time and energy for a kitten, because most of us do not. Hell, I've got a cat who's like 4/5 and he's still a menace - so keep that in mind, as well.
    via qwertycatsmeow
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    It seems you just need a lower energy cat, and possibly a more independent one, if the clinginess is also an issue. I'm sure they've got some great older cats who will love to get their own home!
    via qwertycatsmeow
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    If you decide to bring him back to the rescue and you do want to adopt an older cat, you can let them know what you are looking for, and they will have a recommendation on who will be a good fit. I'd definitely recommend adopting from the same rescue, as rescue groups are always short on fosters.
    via qwertycatsmeow

  • Shelters can be a big help when it comes to matching adopters with their purrfect pair. Just letting them know the vibe and lifestyle can lead to a much better fit for everyone.

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    Lazy-Bumblebee-... Rehome him and give a senior cat a good stable home! Next time you get kittens (hopefully in a more stable life stage) get two. Kittens should not be alone.
    via Lazy-Bumblebee-9468

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Cats shelter pets kitten adopted advice cat owners feline pawrents
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