Adopting a Cat From a Shelter or Rescue: What to Know Before and After

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Millions of cats enter shelters and rescues each year, and adopting one can transform both your life and the cat's. Choosing well and preparing your home gives you the best chance of a happy match.

Why adopt?

• A cat in need gets a home. Adoption frees a place for another animal.
• Known personalities. Adult cats show their true temperament.
• Costs are often lower. Fees typically include spay or neuter, vaccines and microchip.
• Variety. Cats of every age, color and personality are available, including purebreds and mixes. See how to choose a cat breed.
• Support. Shelters often offer advice and return policies.

Where to adopt

• Municipal animal shelters
• Humane societies and SPCAs
• Breed-specific rescues
• Foster-based rescue groups
• Adoption events

Ask about their screening, health care and return policy. Reputable organizations are open about what they know of each cat.

Choosing the right cat

Think about your lifestyle.

• Energy. Active cats need play and space. Calmer cats suit quieter homes.
• Age. Kittens are playful and need training. Adults are often easier. Seniors are calm and often overlooked. See best cat breeds for seniors.
• Temperament. Social, shy or independent. Ask staff or foster carers.
• Other pets and children. Ask how the cat behaves with them.
• Health. Ask about any conditions and ongoing costs.

When you visit, sit quietly and let the cat approach. A cat that is friendly in a stressful shelter may be very sociable at home, and shy cats may blossom later. Staff and fosters know the cats and can help with matching.

Questions to ask

• Why was the cat surrendered or found?
• What is its medical history, including vaccines, tests and treatments?
• Has it been spayed or neutered, and microchipped?
• What is it like with other cats, dogs and children?
• Does it have behavior issues, such as litter problems?
• What food does it eat?
• What does the adoption fee include?
• Is there a trial period or a return policy?

Costs

Adoption fees vary, but they usually cost less than buying from a breeder, and include veterinary care. Budget for supplies, food, litter and vet visits. See cat vet visit costs and the cat pet insurance guide.

Before you bring the cat home

• Set up a quiet starter room with litter, food, water, a bed, hiding places and a scratching post. See cat-friendly home setup.
• Cat-proof the home. See cat-proofing your home.
• Buy a sturdy carrier. See carrier training a cat.
• Find a vet. Use the US vet directory.
• Ask for the cat's usual food and litter.

The first days

1. Carry the cat in a carrier directly to the starter room.
2. Open the door, and let it come out in its own time.
3. Keep the room quiet, and sit nearby without forcing interaction.
4. Offer food and water, and check the litter box.
5. Keep other pets and visitors away at first.
6. Expand the space gradually over days.

Hiding is normal. See moving house with a cat for settling tips.

Introducing other pets

Go slowly, as in how to introduce a new cat to your cat. Swap scents, use gates and supervise. Rushing creates conflict.

Vet visit

Visit the vet within the first week. Share records, check health and ask about parasite control, vaccines and tests. See the cat vaccination schedule, fleas on cats and worms in cats. Shelter cats often carry respiratory infections. See upper respiratory infections in cats.

Adopting more than one cat

Bonded pairs and siblings often do best adopted together, and shelters may give them a discount. Two cats can keep each other company, especially when you work long hours. Make sure you have the space, litter boxes and budget for two. Introduce them to the home in the same room first, with separate resources.

If it is not working out

Give a new cat at least a few weeks, and talk to the shelter, a vet or a behaviorist if problems arise. Many issues, such as hiding or litter box mistakes, improve with time and adjustments. If you truly cannot keep the cat, contact the shelter, since many take returns and will help find a better match.

Patience and bonding

Use play, treats and slow blinks. See what does a cat slow blink mean. Keep routines steady. Many cats take weeks to show their true personality. Give your new companion time.