How To Adopt a Cat – 8 Essential Steps

Whether you’re thinking about adopting a cat for the first time or your resident kitty is open to a friend, there’s a lot to consider. We’re here to help.

"Adopt don’t shop" is a trending phase in the animal advocacy community, and for good reason. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 3.1 million cats and kittens enter the shelter system each year. And this number doesn’t account for the 30 to 40 million community cats that live on their own. Of the adoptable cats and kittens that enter the shelters annually, 2.1 million find loving homes each year—leaving another million in need of a home like yours.

Adopting a cat or kitten is good for everyone—you’ll be giving a cat a loving home and gaining a fur-ever feline friend. No matter where you are in your adoption journey, we’ve laid out the questions to ask yourself, resources and organizations to turn to, and other options for helping animals in need when you’re not ready to adopt.

How to adopt a cat – 8 essential steps

Whether you adopt a cat from a shelter, a breeder, or elsewhere, the process requires careful consideration at every step.

1. Research: Take time to research different cat breeds, personalities, and care requirements to find a cat that matches your lifestyle and preferences. Consider factors such as size, energy level, grooming needs, and temperament.
2. Choose adoption source: Decide whether you want to adopt from a local animal shelter, rescue organization, or through private adoption. Each option has its own benefits, but all provide loving cats in need of homes. Whatever you choose, spend time interacting with the cats to get a sense of their personalities and find a good match for you.
3. Ensure you know what to expect: Before saying the final "I do," get to know the cat and ask questions about their behavior, medical history, and any special needs they may have.
4. Complete an adoption application: Many shelters and rescue organizations require prospective adopters to fill out an adoption application. This application typically asks questions about your living situation, previous experience with pets, and your plans for caring for the cat. Some organizations may require a home visit to ensure that your living environment is suitable for a cat. This is usually a quick and informal visit to ensure that you have a safe and cat-friendly home.
5. Pay adoption fee: There is usually an adoption fee associated with adopting a cat from a shelter or rescue organization. This fee helps cover the cost of caring for the cat while in the organization's care and may include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
6. Prepare your home: Before bringing your new cat home, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including food and water bowls, a litter box, scratching posts, toys, and a cozy bed. Set up a designated area for your cat to explore and acclimate to their new surroundings.
7. Bring your cat home: Once everything is prepared, it's time to bring your new cat home! Make sure to introduce them to their new environment slowly and provide plenty of love, attention, and patience as they adjust to their new home.
8. Schedule veterinary appointment: Schedule a veterinary check-up for your new cat soon after bringing them home. This is important to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, and it gives you an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with your veterinarian.

In this article, we will discuss these items more in-depth and guide you toward the right options.

1. Should you adopt a cat? Questions to ask yourself

Shannen McNee, CCBC at The Toronto Humane Society, says to consider the big picture of adopting any pet: lifestyle, the longevity of the decision, budget, and environment. If you or another member of your household is considering adopting a cat or kitten, ask these questions first:

Am I prepared for a long-term commitment?

Depending on the age of the cat you adopt, they could be your trusty companion for 20+ years. This is great news for us pet parents, but an important consideration for prospective parents.

Can I afford to take care of a cat?

The cost of a cat or kitten is more than the upfront adoption fee. Your new cat will need supplies like a litter box, food, toys, and enriching furniture—not to mention routine check-ups and unexpected medical costs. According to the 2021 – 2022 APPA Survey, the average cat household spends $801 on veterinary care a year.

Is my house or apartment cat-friendly?

If your landlord doesn’t allow pets, then adopting a cat is a no-go. What areas of the house will your cat have access to and are they suitable for exercise and enrichment?

Do my career, social life, and other lifestyle choices support caring for a cat?

Will you be able to spend quality time with your new cat and provide care when you’re away?

Will my pets get along?

If you already have a cat or a dog, you should think about their temperament first. Will they get along with another pet? Will they enjoy the company?

If your cat looks lonely, getting another pet may seem like a good idea, but not all temperaments are compatible. Some pets naturally get along well with others, while others may require more time and effort to adjust to a new companion.

Should I adopt a kitten or an adult cat?

“Kittens require more initial training and a longer commitment than adult cats,” McNee says. “Adult cats may be a better bet if you’re looking for a certain temperament, and nothing is more rewarding than providing a home for a senior cat. Just keep in mind senior cats are more likely to develop health issues sooner than a younger cat might.”

Should I adopt more than one cat?

If a pair of adult cats are bonded, keeping them together can reduce stress and improve their quality of life. Other adult cats may prefer to have a home all to themselves. When it comes to kittens, some shelters and rescues require the adoption of two kittens for healthy socialization. Remember, says McNee, “double the cats can also be double the cost.”

2. What kind of cat should you adopt, and where to adopt a cat

Purebred cats

Purebred cats are often very beautiful. Adopting a purebred cat might be more straightforward if you are looking for a certain aesthetic, as they often have predictable appearances and behaviors. Certain cat breeds can also be friendlier than others. Before adopting a purebred cat, don’t skip researching the breed of interest and preparing for any medical conditions the breed is prone to.

Shelter rescue

A tried-and-true method of adopting a cat includes checking out your local shelter or rescue organization. “Healthy cats are available for adoption from shelters and rescues across the country and many have a wide selection of cats to choose from,” explains Danielle Bays, senior analyst of cat protection and policy for the Humane Society of the United States. “These cats are usually checked by a veterinarian, vaccinated against typical feline diseases, and spayed or neutered prior to adoption.” As a result, a rescue cat from a shelter will typically be "good to go," and you only have to pay a donation, on average between $50 and $300, to adopt the pet.

“When you adopt from a reputable animal welfare organization, you have the opportunity to go through a complete adoption process, which will help to prepare you for all that pet ownership entails,” McNee explains. Chances are, one of these nationwide organizations serves your geographic location.

Some common cat rescue options include:

• The Humane Society – A global organization, spanning 50 countries. When adopting a cat from the Humane Society, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your cat is up to date on vaccinations and medical screenings, is spayed or neutered, and microchipped. The Humane Society also offers pet parenting workshops and can connect you with an on-staff behaviorist when you’re in need.
• The ASPCA – The first humane society in America and continues to be one of the largest humane societies to date. The organization takes in millions of animals each year in addition to their on-the-ground work for animals in need. You can find adoptable cats, low-cost spay and neuter programs, and other resources via the ASPCA.
• Online pet adoption websites – In addition to national welfare organizations, online resources like Petfinder and Adopt A Pet help prospective adopters find pets nearest them.
• Cat cafes – "Cat cafes often team up with rescues or shelters to offer cats for adoption, or they may be run by the adoption organization directly,” Bays explains. “Cat cafes offer adopters a great way to meet cats in homelike settings and find a cat that is a good fit for their lifestyle." They first appeared in Taiwan in the late ’90s and have since popped up across the U.S.

Adopting a cat from family and friends

“Sometimes the realities of life prevent someone from keeping a cat or the owner may have passed away, leaving behind a beloved cat. Bypassing a stay at the shelter can be less stressful for cats, who typically don’t like a lot of change,” Bays says. If you choose to adopt outside of an organization, just remember to follow up with all the needed appointments, including spaying and neutering.

Adopting a stray cat

Stray cats are typically cats that have been abandoned or lost and are living without a permanent home. Adopting a stray cat may be more challenging, as they are likelier to have unknown medical histories and behavioral issues stemming from their time on the streets. It's important to have them checked by a veterinarian and to be patient as they adjust to indoor living. Remember to follow up with all the needed veterinary appointments, including spaying and neutering. Stray cats may also require additional time and effort to socialize and trust humans, especially if they have had negative experiences in the past. Additionally, there can be legal implications to taking in a stray cat, so it's important to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations.

3. Questions to ask the shelter when adopting a cat

Has a cat or kitten caught your eye? McNee says this is the time to ask the shelter key questions:

• What is the annual average cost of owning this animal? What is the adoption fee?
• Is the cat spayed, neutered, and vaccinated?
• Does the cat have any known medical conditions? Ask for a list you can bring to your veterinarian to get a quote on the average cost to manage or treat the conditions.
• What is the temperament of the cat?
• Do you know if this cat does well in a home with children, a lot of visitors, a single person, or other pets?

4. Adoption application

If you are adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue organization, you may be required to fill out an adoption application. The purpose of the application is to help these organizations ensure that the cat is going to a suitable and responsible home where they will receive proper care and attention. It also helps you think about the responsibility of owning a pet.

• Personal information – basic personal information about you, including your name, address, phone number, and email address. Some applications may also request information about your occupation and living situation. You typically have to be 18 years old or older to adopt a cat.
• Household information – questions about your household, including the number of people living in your home, their ages, and any other pets you currently have or have had in the past.
• Housing and environment – questions about your housing situation, including whether you own or rent your home, if you have a fenced yard or outdoor space, and whether there are any restrictions on pet ownership in your building or community.
• Pet ownership history – questions about your previous experience with pets, including whether you've owned cats before, how long you've had pets, and what happened to any pets you no longer have.
• Lifestyle and preferences – questions about your activity level, whether you prefer a certain age, male or female cat, and what you're looking for in a companion animal.
• Care and commitment – questions about your commitment to caring for a cat, including how you plan to meet the cat's needs for food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care.

5. Adoption fees

Adoption fees vary from one organization to the next but usually help cover the costs associated with caring for the cat while in their care. Adoption fees typically cover:

• Spaying/Neutering
• Vaccinations
• Microchipping
• Medical exams
• Temporary housing and care
• Supporting the organization's mission

On average, adoption fees for shelter cats range from $50 to $200 versus $500 to $5,000 from a breeder, depending on breed, pedigree, and breeder's reputation. Whatever you choose, ensure you know what the fees cover to prepare. Not all shelters or breeders will cover microchipping, for example, so it is always best to check.

6. Preparing your home for the arrival of a new cat

Cat-proof your home

Whether you decide to adopt a kitten or an older cat, knowing how to make your home both inviting and safe should result in you and your feline friend having many years of happiness together.

Here are the essential steps to cat-proofing your home for the arrival of your first cat:

• Put away your valuables – Cats are curious creatures and love to explore their surroundings. Lock away any item that might break due to a cat jumping around the house.
• Remove plants toxic to cats – If you have houseplants sitting around, put them in a room where your cat will not have access to them.
• Secure windows and screens – Make sure all windows are securely closed or fitted with sturdy screens to prevent your cat from escaping or falling.
• Hide electrical cords – Cats may chew on electrical cords, posing a risk of electrocution or injury. Use cord protectors, cable organizers, or hide cords behind furniture to keep them out of your cat's reach.
• Provide scratching posts – Cats need to scratch to maintain healthy claws and mark their territory. Provide sturdy scratching posts or pads in various locations throughout your home to prevent your cat from scratching furniture or carpets.
• Secure trash cans – Use trash cans with secure lids or keep them in cabinets or closets to prevent your cat from rummaging through them.
• Check for small spaces – Cats are experts at squeezing into tight spaces. Check for gaps behind appliances, under furniture, and in cabinets where your cat could become trapped or injured.

Get the cat essentials

Before you welcome your new cat into your home, make sure to prepare a checklist of all the cat-essentials you will need:

• Cat carrier – A sturdy cat carrier is an essential tool for transporting your cat safely to and from the veterinarian, groomer, or other destinations.
• Cat food – Choose a high-quality cat food that meets your cat's nutritional needs based on their age, activity level, and any dietary restrictions or preferences. Consider both wet and dry food options for variety and hydration.
• Litter box – Essential for providing your cat with a designated area to eliminate waste. You may even consider self-cleaning litter boxes for the added convenience of never having to scoop your cat's poop.
• Cat litter – premium, fast-clumping litter for the best odor control results.
• Bed or blankets – Provide your cat with a comfortable bed, blanket, or cushion in a quiet area of your home where they can relax undisturbed. A memory foam cat bed is among the most comfortable for your new pet.
• Collar – While optional, use a breakaway collar that is fitted properly to your cat and includes important information in case your cat ever gets lost.
• Toys – Provide a variety of toys such as interactive toys, balls, wand toys, and catnip toys to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated.

7. Welcoming your new cat into your home

Introducing a new cat to your home

Introducing a new cat to your household can be both exciting for you and stressful for your new cat as they step into unfamiliar territory. Ensuring the comfort and security of your new feline friend, as well as existing pets, is crucial to prevent stress and tension.

• Create a safe space – Start by keeping your cat in one room, and then slowly let them explore the rest of the house.
• Spend time together – Set some time aside to spend with your new cat. This will help them adjust and feel a greater sense of security.
• Delay introduction to pets or people – Give your new addition time to adjust to their environment before introducing them to small children or other pets.
• Be patient – Your new cat will likely experience some stress when they first arrive, but patience is key. With a new environment, accidents outside the litter box may happen, but don’t despair. Your cat will adjust in time.

Introducing a cat to another cat

1. Create a safe space – Start by keeping your cats in separate areas. Set two home bases and swap scents so your cats get used to each other even without contact.
2. Go slow – It can take cats several weeks or even months to develop a relationship with each other. The slower, the better.
3. Watch for negative body language – This includes flattening the ears, hissing, growling, and more. You might need to take it slower if any of these signs appear.

Introducing a cat to a dog

1. Create a safe space for the cat – Find a room with a secure door and windows, a scratching post, and maybe even some cat shelves to allow your cat an escape route.
2. Familiarize through barriers – Swap scents, rotate rooms, use a baby gate, and take several days or weeks for each pet to get familiar with each other's smells and sounds.
3. Make leashed introductions – Make sure the dog is securely leashed but allow the cat to come and go.
4. Let them loose together – Once they are comfortable, allow both pets in the same room—but keep your dog's leash on in case of sudden aggression.
5. Allow unsupervised interactions – When you're confident they're safe together, you can allow unsupervised time.

Mistakes to avoid

• Not expecting accidents – This is going to be a big change for both you and your new cat, and that can be very stressful.
• Introducing pets too quickly – Be prepared for hissing and growling if you rush the introduction.
• Failing to understand the importance of spaying or neutering – Unaltered animals have higher health risks and behavioral issues.

8. Schedule a veterinary check-up

Schedule a veterinary check-up for your new cat soon after bringing them home. This is important to ensure they are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, and it allows you to discuss any questions or concerns with your veterinarian.

If you adopted your cat from a shelter, there is a good chance they are already vaccinated, chipped, and spayed or neutered. However, that's not necessarily the case for stray cats or even if you adopted your cat from a breeder.

The recommended vaccines for cats are:

• Feline panleukopenia virus
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpes virus type 1)
• Feline calicivirus
• Rabies virus
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

When you’re not ready to adopt

How to foster cats and volunteer

It’s not just the snuggle of a cat in need that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy when you foster—you’re doing the hard work of socializing cats, providing an environment to heal, and making room in shelters for other cats in need. Wondering if you can foster if you have resident cats at home? Absolutely—resident cats play an important role in teaching fosters how to socialize.

When rehoming a cat is okay

The decision to rehome a cat is never easy, although it may sometimes be the right thing to do—but you should first assess whether the problem can be changed and if there are any alternatives. If finances are a problem, you may want to look into local organizations that can supply free food to low-income pet parents. If the problem is behavioral, you can try taking advantage of some of the great cat behavior resources out there such as iCatCare. If you’ve tried everything and keeping your cat will be more detrimental than finding them a better environment, rehoming may be the next step—but you should rehome a cat the right way.