How to Adopt a Kitten or Cat in the United States
To adopt a kitten or cat in the United States, pick a shelter, rescue group or owner listing, fill in an application, meet the cat, sign an adoption contract and pay the adoption fee. The fee usually costs far less than buying from a breeder and often covers spay or neuter, first vaccines and a microchip, but ask exactly what is included.
Adult cats, senior cats, bonded pairs and kittens are all available for adoption, and the right match depends on your home more than on looks. This guide explains the difference between shelters and rescues, what the process involves, how to avoid fake rescue ads, and how to help a new cat settle.
Key points
- Shelters house cats on site; many rescues place cats in foster homes, so you meet the cat in a home setting and hear how it behaves there.
- Expect an application, a meeting, possibly a home visit or landlord check, and a signed adoption contract.
- Ask what the fee covers: spay or neuter, vaccines, microchip and FeLV/FIV testing are often included, but not always.
- Never pay an adoption fee for a cat you have not met, especially one that must be shipped.
- Give the cat a quiet room, a vet visit and a few weeks to settle before full introductions to other pets.
Shelter or rescue: where should you adopt a cat?
| Source | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal or county shelter | Cats housed on site; often open to walk-in visits | Seeing many cats at once and adopting quickly |
| Humane society or SPCA | Nonprofit shelters, often with adoption counselors | Help matching a cat to your household |
| Foster-based rescue | Cats live in volunteer homes until adopted | Detailed knowledge of the cat's behavior with people and pets |
| Owner adoption listing | A private owner places a cat directly | Hearing the cat's full history from the person who knows it |
The Federal Trade Commission points pet seekers to local shelters and rescues, where animals of all breeds and ages can be adopted for a small fee. On PetzLover you can search cats and kittens for adoption near you, filter by breed and location, and save the search for alerts. Some owners also give cats away free; see how to get a free kitten or cat safely for the extra checks that route needs.
How does the cat adoption process work?
- Browse listings and read each cat's profile: age, health, personality and the home it needs.
- Send an application or message. Expect questions about your home, other pets, children, landlord, work hours and past pets.
- Meet the cat. Ask to hold it, watch how it reacts to you and ask the staff or foster how it behaves day to day.
- Some rescues do a home visit or video tour and may call your landlord or vet as a reference.
- Sign the adoption contract and pay the fee. Read the contract: many require you to keep the cat indoors, not declaw, and return the cat to the group if you cannot keep it.
- Take home the records: vaccines, test results, spay or neuter certificate and microchip number.
Adoption groups ask detailed questions because they want the placement to last. Answer honestly; a mismatch helps neither you nor the cat. If you are the one placing a cat, see how to list a cat for adoption.
What does it cost to adopt a cat?
Adoption fees vary by group, area, and the cat's age, and many shelters run reduced-fee events. Kittens are often priced higher than adult or senior cats. The fee usually bundles vet work you would otherwise pay for: the ASPCA estimates spay or neuter at about $150, initial medical costs at about $175 and a microchip at about $20.
After adoption, plan for ongoing costs. The ASPCA estimates about $1,904 for a cat's first year, including setup costs, and about $1,149 a year after that for food, litter, routine vet care and other basics. Kittens need more vet visits in the first months to complete their vaccines.
Should you adopt a kitten, an adult cat or a pair?
- Kittens are playful and adaptable but need time, supervision and kitten-proofing. They suit people at home a fair amount.
- Adult cats have settled personalities, so you know whether they like being held, get on with dogs or tolerate children. Many are already litter trained and spayed or neutered.
- Senior cats are often calm and affectionate and suit quieter homes; ask about any ongoing medical needs.
- Bonded pairs are cats that are closely attached to each other; groups often place them together and they keep each other company while you are out.
If you are thinking of an adult cat that an owner is rehoming, see taking in a rehomed cat for the history questions to ask.
How do you avoid cat adoption scams?
Scammers sometimes pose as rescues or owners offering cats for adoption, then ask for an adoption fee plus shipping before you meet. The FTC warns that only scammers insist on payment by gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or wire transfer, and the Better Business Bureau advises never taking a pet you have not seen in person.
- Visit the shelter or foster home, or meet the owner, before paying anything.
- Search the cat's photo online to see if it appears elsewhere.
- Look up the rescue by name with words like review or scam.
- Use the Report Scam button on any listing that looks wrong, and report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How do you help an adopted cat settle in the first weeks?
- Prepare one quiet room with food, water, a litter box, a scratching post, a hiding place and a bed.
- Keep the cat in that room at first and let it come to you. Many cats hide for the first days.
- Book a vet visit in the first week or two, bring the adoption records and ask about any vaccine boosters due. If the cat has not been tested for FeLV and FIV, the AAFP recommends testing newly acquired cats.
- Update the microchip registration with your details.
- Introduce other pets slowly: swap bedding for scent first, then short supervised meetings.
- Keep the cat indoors while it settles. The AAFP's guidance favors indoor living or controlled outdoor access such as an enclosure or a harness, and keeping cats in at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to adopt a cat?
At many shelters you can adopt the same day once your application is approved. Foster-based rescues may take several days to a few weeks because of home checks and references. Ask about the timeline when you apply.
What does a cat adoption fee usually include?
It often covers spay or neuter, first vaccines, deworming and a microchip, and sometimes an FeLV/FIV test. What is included varies by group, so ask before you pay. Keep all the records for your vet.
Can I adopt a cat if I rent my home?
Yes, if your lease allows cats. Many groups ask for your landlord's contact details or a copy of the pet clause. Check any pet deposit or monthly pet rent before you apply.
Why does the adoption contract say no declawing?
Many shelters and rescues oppose declawing, and some states ban it except for medical reasons, including New York, Maryland and Massachusetts. Regular nail trims and scratching posts protect furniture instead. Ask your vet about other options if scratching is a concern.
Is it better to adopt a cat or a kitten?
Adult cats are a good fit if you want a known personality, are out at work or have young children. Kittens suit people with time to train and supervise them. Many people find adopting two young cats together works well because they play with each other.
Where can I find cats for adoption near me?
Search cat adoption listings by location on PetzLover, and check your local shelters and rescue groups. Saving a search sends you alerts when new cats are listed, which helps for popular breeds and kittens.
Helpful guides
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Kitten or Cat for Adoption in the United StatesList a cat or kitten for adoption in the US by setting clear adopter criteria, preparing vet records, charging a fair fee, screening applicants with a meeting, and signing an adoption contract with a return clause.
Pet for SaleHow to Buy a Kitten or Cat in the United StatesBuy a kitten or cat in the US by meeting the seller and the kitten in person, checking vet records and papers, and paying only after you see the animal; budget about $1,900 for the first year.
Pet for SaleHow to Sell Kittens and Cats in the United StatesSell kittens or cats in the US by checking state and local rules, waiting until at least 8 weeks, providing vet records, writing an honest ad and meeting buyers in person with a written contract.
Pet for FreeHow to Get a Free Kitten or Cat Safely in the United StatesA free kitten or cat in the US still needs vaccines, testing, a microchip and spay or neuter; meet the owner and animal first, never pay shipping fees, and see a vet within a few days.
Pet for FreeHow to Give Away a Kitten or Cat for Free Without Risk in the United StatesGive a kitten or cat away safely in the US by waiting until kittens are 8 weeks or older, screening every caller, meeting in person, signing a short rehoming agreement and transferring the microchip.
Pet for RehomingHow to Take In a Rehomed Kitten or Cat in the United StatesBefore taking in a rehomed cat in the US, ask the owner why it is being rehomed and about its health, habits and vet records, meet it at home, then give it a quiet room and several weeks to settle.
Pet for RehomingHow to Rehome Your Kitten or Cat Responsibly in the United StatesRehome your cat responsibly in the US by checking any return clause first, preparing vet records, writing an honest listing, screening applicants in person and handing over with a signed agreement and microchip transfer.
Pet for MatingHow to Find a Mate or Stud for Your Cat in the United StatesBefore you look for a cat stud in the US, check that both cats are registered, health tested and blood typed, and agree the terms in a written stud agreement.
Pet for MatingHow to Advertise Your Cat for Mating in the United StatesFinish health tests and blood typing, check local breeding rules, then list your cat for mating with papers, results and clear stud terms, and screen every queen owner.
Pet WantedHow to Respond to a "Cat Wanted" Ad in the United StatesBefore you answer a cat wanted ad, check that the person is real, can keep a cat where they live and will meet in person, and refuse any overpayment or shipping request.
Pet WantedHow to Post a "Cat Wanted" Ad and Get Replies in the United StatesA good cat wanted ad says what cat you hope for, where you live, how far you will travel and your budget, and you should never pay a stranger to ship a kitten unseen.
Lost PetHow to Help Find a Lost Cat in the United StatesLost cats usually hide silently close to home, so the most useful help is to search your own yard, garage and shed, report sightings with a photo and time, and never chase.
Lost PetWhat to Do When Your Cat Is Lost in the United StatesIf your cat is lost, search hiding spots within a few houses first, update the microchip registry, visit shelters in person, post a lost cat ad, and never pay a stranger before you see your cat.
Found PetHow to Find Your Lost Cat Through Found-Pet Ads in the United StatesCheck found cat ads and shelter lists every day, match by photos rather than descriptions, and have vet records, microchip papers and photos ready to prove the cat is yours.
Found PetWhat to Do When You Find a Cat in the United StatesWhen you find a cat, first check whether it is really lost, then get a free microchip scan, report it to local animal services, post a found cat ad and check proof before handing it over.