It sounds like between your allergies and living situation it's best to find kitty a new home. Cats live a long time (my last one died at 18) and you'll likely grow a little resentful knowing that the kitty is what's keeping you from another dog, plus the allergies. Not saying that in a bad way, but dogs and cats are completely different. A cat can't replace a dog. I know how the situation goes... I have a cat that I found as a little bitty kitten. She's still around because I couldn't find a home for her before I had to tell my parents about her. At that point I figured I'd just keep her.

If you explain the situation many rescues may be willing to list the kitten for you in their available animals. This is especially true if you approach the rescue saying that you are willing to foster him until a suitable home is found. It's definitely worth asking! Unfortunately, this was not really an option for me as I had to hurry up and tell my parents/pay the pet deposit on the little thing

Why wouldn't you trust yourself to find a new home for the kitten? Since you were considering keeping him anyway you may as well be looking and be selective about who you'd pick since you have time. Just remember, the older he gets the harder it will be to find a home. People love kittens. I'd start advertising him and spreading the word... the worst you can do is decline an interested party that you don't approve. Have him fixed before he goes, charge a reasonable rehoming fee, ask about their current/past animals, living/renting situation, and ask for vet references!

 

My mother's Meezers are very long lived. I know exactly how long this kitten may be hanging with me haha. I think you may be right. Really my only concern is that I will rehome the kitten and shortly thereafter get a second dog. That would be disastrous and I don't trust my impulse control not to. I just know the perfect dog #2 would appear if the kitten weren't with me.

Unfortunately none of the rescues I have been able to get ahold of will let me list him on their site and foster. Why not I couldn't tell you. They did encourage me to keep calling to see if they had room so I may have luck there later.

I really don't have time to thoroughly vet someone. I work far too much and don't feel comfortable having people come into my house to look at him. It doesn't hurt that there is a big surplus of cats right now either. He is already fixed and has all of his shots which helps but I still would rather someone else look into an adopter's home.

 

Have you tried asking a rescue to help only with investigating potential adopters? Even if they could give you pointers on what to look for, that would be helpful.

I recommend rehoming the kitty, too. The thing is, constant allergic reactions can lead to more and stronger allergies. I didn't know for years that I have a dairy protein allergy. During the time that allergic reaction was constant (several years), I developed an allergy to fragrances and an allergy to metals, and, apparently, an allergy to the glue used in transdermal medication patches. That last allergy caused chemical burns where the glue touched my skin that is now permanent scarring. My allergist is not surprised by this.

 

I've also heard of the allergy severity lessening with exposure, especially when it comes to animals. I know of a number of folks allergic to cats or dogs that are alright with their own animals, but their allergies go crazy when they get around new animals. Can't say the same about foods as I don't know, lol. Still, it does seem like a better idea to just find the kitty a new home.

For what it's worth, no stranger would be coming to my house to look at a cat. I just wouldn't be comfortable with it. Take nice photos of the cat, put a thorough description of his personality for anyone interested, and have them email you answers to a few questions (the ones I listed above about their pets, living situation, and if they have a vet reference you can call.) You can weed through most most responses without putting much thought into it, and all it would take for most is a 30 second phone call to decide you aren't interested.

If you don't want to put the work into it then that's completely your business as you can provide him a home, but it's the unfortunate reality of how rehoming animals works. You either need to be willing to put in the work, or they stay stuck with you Perhaps ask the rescues what criteria they use when screening potential adopters, and plan on bringing the cat to the adopter's house (with a friend, of course ) to do a final inspection. Many rescues to adoption days at places like Petsmart and the like, so maybe you could offer to volunteer at one of these events in exchange for them sharing their insight about screening adopters. If you are helpful and make a friend then they may be more willing to help you out. I'd also ask if you could volunteer at their facility in exchange for them listing your cat. It can't hurt to ask, and they may be in need of volunteers. Also consider expanding your range if you haven't already. It may be worth traveling a distance to bring the cat to a rescue with open spots if it means not having to rehome him yourself.

I know where you're coming from with the getting another dog thing. There have been about three times so far in my life that the perfect dog has been presented right in front of me, but I haven't remotely been in a position to take them in. I still get sad thinking about them (one in particular), but there will always be that those perfect dogs out there. YOU need to know what's best for yourself and the dog, and resist when necessary. If you take on the dog when you're not in a position to then things won't end up being so perfect for either you or the dog...

 

Don't feel bad about rehoming....It sounds like it's the best thing for everybody. You did a really good thing taking this kitten in and fostering it!

I totally agree with contacting some nearby cat rescues. Ask if they would be willing to do a courtesy listing on petfinder or on their website. Also, some rescues are more willing to help when the animal already has a stable foster home. Let them know that she's vetted and ready, and that you would appreciate any help or guidance when it comes to screening.

 

I am allergic to many things, my cats & dog being 2 of them, this is not too bad, but I have antihistamines to help me when needed. It can be managed. We have a charity in the UK called 'Cats Protection League' they rescue & rehome cats & kittens & assess all prospective homes. Do you have something similar where you live? My daughter found a kitten a few years ago, we couldn't keep him & so asked if CPL would find him a home & we would keep him until then, it worked out brilliantly for all concerned.