Where to Find Cats for Adoption in Melbourne

Established Shelters and Rescue Centres

RSPCA Victoria

Non-government charity with adoption centres across Victoria. Cats are vet-checked, desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption.

Cat Protection Society of Victoria

Operating for over 75 years. State-of-the-art facility with cat condominiums, meet-and-greet room, outdoor run access, and on-site vet clinic.

Specialist Rescue Groups

Rescue Cats of Melbourne

Registered not-for-profit rescuing cats and kittens across Melbourne. Specialises in mother cats, pregnant cats, and neonatal kitten care.

2nd Chance Cat Rescue

Volunteer-run charity in south-eastern and eastern suburbs. Has rehomed around 3,000 cats and kittens since 2011.

Cat People of Melbourne

Small not-for-profit focused on rehoming cats whose owners can no longer care for them. All cats are fully vet-checked and treated.

Maneki Neko Cat Rescue

ACNC registered charity working with community groups. Cats kept in foster homes to adjust to home living.

Atlantis Cat Rescue Rescues from council pounds and shelters. Cats placed in foster care before adoption.

Online Platforms

PetRescue aggregates listings from hundreds of rescue organisations across Victoria. Filter by age, colour, and location—every listing is from a legitimate organisation.

Questions to Ask Before Visiting

• How long has the cat been in care?
• What’s their behaviour around children, other pets, loud noise?
• Indoor-only or outdoor access allowed?
• Full health checks completed?
• What’s the return policy if things don’t work out?

How Cat Adoption Works

Step 1: Application

Most organisations ask you to complete a form covering:

• Your living situation (house, apartment, rental)
• Work schedule and time at home
• Other pets in the household
• Indoor vs. outdoor access plans

Rentals may require landlord approval for pets.

Step 2: Meet and Greet

You’ll meet the cat in a quiet space. This shows:

• How they behave with you
• Confidence level and play style
• Any behavioural quirks or needs
• Whether it’s the right fit

Step 3: Adoption Fees and Paperwork

Fees typically range $80–$200 and include:

• Desexing
• Microchipping
• Vaccinations (usually at least 1st and 2nd)
• Health check
• Flea and worm treatment

Most organisations stay in touch and support you post-adoption.

Red Flags to Watch For

• No health records or vet check offered
• Adoption fee seems unusually low with no explanation
• Organisation won’t let you visit before adopting
• No return policy mentioned
• Cats kept in poor conditions

Choosing the Right Cat

By Age

Kittens (under 1 year)

• High energy, need training and play
• Require more time and attention
• Adapt quickly to new homes

Adult Cats (1–7 years)

• Personality already formed
• Calmer, more predictable
• Good for working households

Senior Cats (8+ years)

• Lower activity needs
• Often bond deeply fast
• May have medical requirements

By Temperament

Ask the rescue group:

• Confident or shy?
• Playful or independent?
• How do they handle loud noise, children, and other pets?

Match temperament to your home, not the opposite.

Other Considerations

• Young children: Choose a cat used to noise and gentle handling
• Other cats: Some are social, others territorial
• Dogs: Ask specifically about dog experience
• Work schedule: Cats can be left longer than dogs, but not indefinitely
• Space: Indoor apartments suit calm cats; outdoor access suits active ones

Settling In Timeline

Plan for 2–4 weeks of adjustment:

• Keep the cat in one room initially
• Let them explore gradually
• Provide hiding spots and high perches
• Watch for stress signs (not eating, hiding constantly)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a cat if adoption doesn’t work out?

Most organisations have a return policy within 2–4 weeks. It’s built into the process, not a failure. Many rescue groups prefer a cat that has been returned to one in an unhappy home.

How much does cat adoption cost in Melbourne?

Adoption fees range $80–$200. Vet care, registration, vaccinations, and microchipping are included. Some groups offer concessions for seniors or low-income households—ask.