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Over 100,000 cats enter Australia’s shelters and rescues annually, so there are lots of feline companions in need of a forever home. With so many adoptable cats out there, deciding where to go for cat adoption can be overwhelming. Searching “cat for adoption near me” can give you some great options, but it can still be difficult to navigate since every organisation operates differently and has different cats available. So, let’s look at how to find adoptable cats in Australia and how to choose the right cat to bring home.
Every organisation has a different adoption process, but most have similar applications and adoption fees.
A cat adoption centre usually includes the following steps to adopt:
Most feline adoption fees in Australia are $150 to $250, but senior cats and cats at crowded shelters are often more affordable while kittens and cats at smaller rescues may cost more. Adoption fees go directly toward helping the organisation save more cats, and the fee often includes:
You can find adoptable cats all over Australia, but there are a few different types of places to look at.
Shelters are facilities that take in, care for, and find homes for cats in need. Cat Haven, Cat Protection Society, and Animal Welfare League are a few examples of shelters that find homes for cats in Australia. RSPCA cat adoption is one of the most popular options since there’s an RSPCA for every state and territory in Australia.
Council pounds are like shelters, but they’re owned by local governments, typically focusing on taking in stray cats more than owner surrenders. Pounds are often more affordable and have faster adoption processes than other organisations because they need to ensure they have space to take in more strays.
Rescues are typically smaller and volunteer-run, typically relying on foster homes to house and care for adoptable animals. While shelters and pounds often take in all animals, rescues can turn away animals when they’re at capacity, allowing them to commit more resources to the animals currently in their care.
National databases are often the easiest way to find a cat for adoption. A cat adoption site, such as PetRescue or SavourLife, lists adoptable cats from a variety of different rescues and shelters. This can help new cat owners discover organisations that they might not have heard of otherwise, making it easier for them to locate the perfect cat.
With so many adoption organisations in Australia, how do you decide which cat to adopt? Consider the following aspects to help you narrow down your criteria.
It’s no secret that kittens are adorable, so many adopters are drawn to them. However, kittens require more training and supervision than adult cats. If you’re leaning toward a kitten, make sure you’re home enough to give them the attention they need.
Cats that are over a year old often have a more established personality, making it easier to know what they’re like. They’re often calmer and litter trained, making them easier to leave alone than kittens.
Senior cat adoption is often best for households looking for low-energy cats. Plus, seniors are often overlooked at rescues and shelters, so they desperately need homes.
Cats live most of their lives indoors, which is why it’s important for them to have space to run and explore. Your home should have room for litter boxes, cat towers, and scratching posts. Active cats need more space and more enrichment while older, low-energy cats are often content in a small apartment.
If you have kids or pets in your home, that’s a huge consideration when adopting a cat. Look for a cat that gets along with children and pets, and if possible, have everyone in your family meet the cat before adoption.
Do you want a cat that frequently runs, jumps, and plays, or are you looking for a feline that naps most of the day? Younger cats often have more energy while older cats love to relax. However, every cat is unique, so consider individual personalities when looking for the right energy level.
Cats are known for grooming themselves, but nail trimming, brushing, and some bathing and ear cleaning may be required. For minimal grooming, stick with shorthaired cats, which are unlikely to develop matted fur. Long-haired cats are higher maintenance because they require regular brushing to keep their skin and coats healthy.
Every cat has their own personality. Meet with a variety of adoptable cats to find one that fits your lifestyle. If you’re looking for a cat who’s snuggly and loves to play, keep that in mind when searching for your feline companion.
Adoption fees in Australia can range anywhere from $50 to $450, typically including vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing. Council pounds are often the cheapest because they need to quickly free up space for more strays. Shelters and rescues sometimes hold low-cost events where they lower adoption fees, especially for senior cats, to get them adopted faster.
If you see a free cat adoption post online, that might seem tempting. However, it’s important to be cautious of “free” listings because many scammers trick people this way. Free pets also might not have proper vetting, leading to undiagnosed health concerns and high vet bills. If you’re giving away a pet yourself, it’s also a good idea to not do it for free since free pets can end up in the wrong hands. Overall, it’s safer to adopt through an organisation so you get a fully vetted pet and post-adoption support.
Searching “cat adoption centre near me” is a great starting point, but comparing different organisations can help you find one to adopt from. Consider these aspects when comparing:
Before applying to adopt at a shelter or rescue in Australia, make sure you’re ready to add a cat to your family. Here’s a checklist of things to prepare:
Once you have everything ready to go, browse and compare local shelters and rescues to find a suitable cat for adoption near you. With careful planning and lots of love, your new cat will be the luckiest feline in the world.
Browse available cats at shelters and rescues or use a site like PetRescue, which shows adoptable cats from a variety of Australian organisations.
Yes, the RSPCA has lots of wonderful cats for adoption. They have a very thorough adoption process, but all cats are desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated before going home.
Yes, senior cats make wonderful companions. Their personalities are already established, and they’re usually great for adopters looking for calm, easy-going pets.
Before adopting a cat, ask about the cat’s background, medical history, and other details. See if the organisation offers any post-adoption support.
Free cat listings are usually risky because there are scams, and the cats that really are free might not have necessary medical care. Adopting from an organisation is safer because you get a fully vetted pet.
