Cat Adoption Guide
Bringing a Feline Friend Home
Adopting a cat brings companionship, entertainment, and unconditional love. Whether you're looking for a playful kitten or a mature lap cat, this guide will help you through the adoption process and prepare you for life with your new feline friend.
Why Adopt a Cat?
- Save a Life: Each year, approximately 3.2 million cats enter U.S. shelters, many in need of loving homes.
- Companion for Any Lifestyle: Cats adapt well to various living situations, including apartments and busy households.
- Independent Yet Affectionate: Cats offer companionship without requiring constant attention.
- Lower Maintenance: Cats are typically self-grooming, don't need walks, and can be left alone for reasonable periods.
- Health Benefits: Studies show that living with cats can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and decrease feelings of loneliness.
Before You Adopt: Important Considerations
Time Commitment
While more independent than dogs, cats still require daily feeding, litter box maintenance, play time, and affection. The average cat lives 13-17 years, making this a long-term commitment.
Financial Responsibility
The lifetime cost of cat ownership ranges from $8,000 to $30,000, including food, litter, routine veterinary care, preventive medications, toys, and unexpected medical expenses.
Living Environment
Ensure your home is cat-friendly and safe. You'll need space for a litter box, food/water stations, scratching posts, and play areas. If renting, confirm that pets are allowed.
Household Dynamics
Consider other household members including children, seniors, and existing pets. Some cats do better in quiet homes, while others thrive in active households.
Finding Your Perfect Feline Match
Cats have diverse personalities, energy levels, and care needs. Consider these factors when choosing your new companion:
Age Considerations
(0-12 months) Playful, energetic, require supervision and training. Need frequent feeding and socialization, but you shape their personality.
(1-7 years) Established personalities, usually litter trained. More independent but still playful. What you see is what you get.
(8+ years) Calm, settled, and often very affectionate. Lower energy but full of love. May need more medical attention but have years of companionship to offer.
Personality Traits
Cats have distinct personality types. While individual cats vary, consider which traits best match your lifestyle:
- Social Butterfly: Outgoing, people-oriented, greets visitors, enjoys attention
- Confident Explorer: Curious, playful, active, may get into everything
- Gentle Soul: Sweet, calm, affectionate, often a lap cat
- Independent Spirit: Self-sufficient, appreciates space, selective with affection
- Shy Introvert: Reserved initially, bonds deeply with specific people, needs patience
Shelter staff can often provide insights into a cat's personality based on their observations.
One Cat or Two?
Many adopters find that having two cats is actually easier than one. Consider adopting a bonded pair or two cats for:
- Companionship: Cats can entertain each other when you're away
- Exercise: They'll engage in play together, getting needed activity
- Social Development: Cats learn appropriate play and social skills from each other
- Grooming: Cats help groom hard-to-reach places for each other
- Security: Two cats provide each other with comfort and security
This is especially beneficial if you work long hours or travel occasionally.
Special Needs Cats
Consider opening your heart to a cat with special needs. These cats may:
- FIV+ Cats: Can live long, healthy lives but should be indoor-only
- Mobility Challenges: Cats with limb differences or partial paralysis
- Sensory Impairments: Blind or deaf cats adapt remarkably well
- Medical Needs: Cats requiring medication or special diets
- Behavioral Support: Shy or traumatized cats needing extra patience
Special needs cats are often overlooked but can form incredibly deep bonds with their adopters.
The Cat Adoption Process
The process of adopting a cat is straightforward but may vary slightly between organizations. Here's what to expect:
Before Visiting
- Research: Browse available cats online using WherePets to identify potential matches
- Complete Pre-Application: Some shelters allow you to submit applications online before visiting
- Prepare Questions: Make a list of questions about each cat's personality, health, and history
- Check Requirements: Understand adoption fees, requirements, and what documentation you'll need
- Prepare Your Home: Purchase essential supplies before bringing your new cat home
At the Shelter/Rescue
- Meet Potential Cats: Spend time with each cat you're interested in
- Ask Questions: Discuss each cat's personality, history, medical needs, and behavior
- Complete Application: Fill out formal adoption paperwork
- Home Check: Some organizations require a home visit or virtual tour
- Pay Adoption Fee: Typically $50-$200, often covering initial veterinary care
- Finalize Adoption: Sign paperwork and receive your cat's medical records
Preparing Your Home for a New Cat
Before bringing your new cat home, make sure you have these essential supplies and setups:
Safe Space Setup
- Quiet room away from household traffic
- Comfortable hiding spots (cat bed, box, or carrier)
- Familiar items from shelter if possible
- Warm, draft-free location
- Escape-proof room for initial adjustment period
Essential Supplies
- High-quality cat food (both wet and dry)
- Food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless steel)
- Litter box and cat litter
- Litter scoop
- Scratching post or pad
- Cat carrier for transport
- Cat toys (variety of types)
- Comfortable cat bed
Cat-Proofing
- Secure or remove toxic plants
- Hide or cover electrical cords
- Remove small chokable items
- Secure window screens
- Remove or secure blind cords
- Store chemicals and cleaning supplies safely
- Check for small hiding spots where cat could get stuck
- Identify and block any potential escape routes
The First Week: Helping Your Cat Adjust
The first week is critical for helping your cat adjust to their new home:
Start Small
Confine your new cat to one quiet room for the first few days with all essentials. This helps them adjust without feeling overwhelmed.
Respect Their Space
Let your cat approach you. Sit quietly in the room, offering treats or toys, but don't force interaction.
Establish Routine
Feed at consistent times and clean the litter box daily. Cats thrive on predictability.
Gradual Exploration
Once comfortable, allow access to more areas of your home gradually, always maintaining access to their safe room.
Addressing Common Adoption Concerns
Absolutely! Cats are well-suited for working households. Unlike dogs, cats are naturally independent and sleep 12-16 hours daily. Consider these tips:
- Adopt a pair of cats so they can keep each other company
- Provide enrichment toys for mental stimulation while you're away
- Set up window perches for entertainment
- Schedule interactive play sessions morning and evening
- Adult cats are typically more self-sufficient than kittens
For cat-to-cat introductions:
- Keep the new cat in a separate room for 3-7 days
- Swap bedding between cats to share scents
- Feed both cats on opposite sides of the door
- Use a baby gate or cracked door for visual introduction
- Supervise short face-to-face meetings, gradually increasing length
For cat-to-dog introductions:
- Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands
- Keep the dog leashed initially
- Create escape routes and high perches for the cat
- Never force interactions
- Reward calm behavior from both animals
Be patient—proper introductions can take weeks but prevent long-term behavioral issues.
Most common behavior concerns can be managed with proper setup and training:
Scratching:
- Provide multiple scratching surfaces with different textures
- Place scratchers near favorite resting spots and entrance to rooms
- Use positive reinforcement when cat uses appropriate scratchers
- Apply deterrents like double-sided tape to furniture temporarily
- Trim nails regularly or consider soft nail caps
Litter Box Issues:
- Provide one more box than you have cats
- Clean boxes daily
- Place boxes in quiet, accessible locations
- Try different litter types to find preference
- Any sudden changes in litter box habits warrant a veterinary check
Remember that most behavior issues stem from health problems, stress, or environmental needs not being met.
Success Stories: Happy Tales
Luna & Sarah
"Luna was so shy at the shelter that I almost didn't notice her. The staff told me she just needed time to warm up. Now she's the most affectionate cat I've ever met and greets me at the door every day!"
Adopted from: Whisker Haven Rescue
Oliver & The Williams Family
"We were worried about adopting a cat with three young children, but the shelter helped us find Oliver who loves kids. He's incredibly patient and has become our children's best friend and nap buddy."
Adopted from: City Animal Shelter
Mochi & Loki: Bonded Pair
"These siblings had been at the shelter for months because everyone wanted kittens. Adopting these 4-year-old cats was the best decision we ever made! They came already bonded and adjusted to our home almost immediately."
Adopted from: Paws & Claws Rescue