To adopt a cat, visit local shelters, humane societies and cat rescues (in person or online), choose a cat whose age and personality fit your home, fill out an application, and pay an adoption fee that usually includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccines and a microchip. Many shelters can complete a cat adoption the same day, while foster-based rescues may take a week or more.
Cats often live 15 years or longer, so a little planning goes a long way. This guide covers where to look, how to choose, what the process involves and how to help a new cat settle in.
Where to adopt a cat
| Where | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Public shelters and animal control | Many cats, especially in summer; lower fees; quick process |
| Humane societies and SPCAs | Medical and behavior notes; often a cat room where you can visit |
| Cat rescues | Cats live in foster homes, so fosters can describe behavior at home |
| Cat cafes and pet store adoption centers | Run with a shelter or rescue partner; a relaxed way to meet cats |
| No-kill shelters | May have waitlists for intake but often a wide selection to adopt |
Browse listings on their websites, or use the near me page to see options in your area.
Kitten or adult cat?
Kittens are appealing, but adult cats are often the better fit for busy households.
- Kittens need lots of play, supervision and training, and their adult personality is not yet known. Many shelters recommend adopting two kittens together so they can play with each other.
- Adult cats have established personalities. Staff can tell you whether a cat is cuddly, independent, vocal or good with other pets.
- Senior cats (often around 10 and older) are usually calm and grateful for a quiet home. Fees are often reduced. See adopting a senior pet.
Peak kitten season runs roughly from spring through fall, when shelters receive many litters. Adult cats can wait longer for homes during that time.
Matching personality to your home
Ask staff or fosters about:
- Energy level and how much play the cat needs
- How the cat responds to handling, children and visitors
- Experience living with other cats or dogs
- Litter box habits
- Any medical conditions, special diet or medication
- Whether the cat is declawed (shelters do not declaw, but some cats arrive that way, and they may need softer litter)
Cats that hide in a shelter cage are often very different at home. A foster's description or a few minutes in a quiet meeting room helps you see the real cat.
The application and adoption process
Most applications ask for:
- Photo ID and address
- Landlord approval if you rent
- Information about other pets and their vaccination status
- Whether the cat will live indoors or have outdoor access
Many organizations ask that cats be kept indoors or have only supervised outdoor time, such as a catio or leash walk. Expect a conversation with staff and, at some rescues, a reference check or brief home visit.
Fees for cats commonly range from about $25 to $200, often lower for adult and senior cats and higher for kittens. Bonded pairs are sometimes offered at a combined price. Read pet adoption fees explained for what is usually included.
Preparing your home
Before your cat arrives:
- Litter box (one per cat plus one is a common guideline), litter and scoop
- Food and water bowls, and the food the shelter has been using
- Scratching post or pad, both vertical and horizontal
- Carrier for the ride home and vet visits
- Bed or soft blankets and hiding spots
- Toys, such as wand toys and balls
- Breakaway collar with ID tag (optional for indoor cats, but useful if they slip out)
- Remove toxic plants, string, hair ties and small objects
- Secure window screens
The pet adoption checklist has a printable version of what to prepare.
The first weeks at home
Start your cat in one quiet room with a litter box, food, water, a hiding place and a scratching post. Let the cat come out and explore on its own schedule. Gradually open up more of the house over days or weeks, depending on how confident the cat seems.
If you have other pets, introduce them slowly: scent swapping first (trading bedding), then seeing each other through a gate or cracked door, then short supervised meetings. Rushed introductions are a common reason for conflict.
Schedule a checkup with your vet in the first couple of weeks, bring the shelter's records, and confirm the microchip is registered to you. See microchipping explained.