Here are some suggestions for placing a cat or kitten.
People will be much, much more interested in adopting a feline if they know that it has been spayed/neutered, tested for feline leukemia and FIV, and had its vaccinations. If you can only afford to have some of these done, get the vaccines done at a low-cost clinic, and ask the adopter for a fee for the pet ($40) to be returned to the adopter when the cat has been spayed/neutered.
If placing an ad in the paper, or adopting the animal to someone you do not know, then be sure to ask for at least a nominal fee. This will prevent the animal from being "adopted" by someone who intends to use the animal for bad purposes, like baiting dogs. Remember that the fee charged by PACC, The Humane Society or a pet store will be at least $75. If the potential adopter protests, then they probably do not have sufficient resources to have a pet, or be truly interested in being a good home. It is also a good idea to do a home check first, and call the adopter's landlord to verify that it is OK for them to have a cat. You can check out the online adoption forms listed on sites like Petfinder.com to see what kinds of questions to ask.
Network, network, network. Placing an animal is a lot like looking for a job, you want to let everyone you know know that you have a charming cat in need of a home. Place notices at work, with newsletters for business, social, religious, neighborhood and professional organizations. Grocery stores, pet supply stores, feed stores, apartment or condo community areas and vet clinics often have bulletin boards for notices. Create a flyer with a photo and description of your feline, and your contact information. Include a description of your cat's personality, favorite toys and unique traits.
Post a copy of your flyer on your personal website. If the animal is a stray that you have found, be sure to contact Petfinder.com and have a listing put up for it, as well as the local paper, these are free services. Take the pet to a vet and have it checked for a microchip also.