Cats & Kitten Rehoming & Adoption - How It Works - RSPCA

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• Fostering

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• Advice for Adopters
• Pet Care
• Pet Insurance

Find a Pet Sponsorship

• Dog Kennels
• Cat Pods

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• Farm Animals
• Wildlife
• Seasonal Advice
• Cost-of-Living Support
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• Dogs
• Horses
• Rabbits
• See More

Advice and Welfare Farm Animals

• Beef Cattle
• Dairy Cows
• Farmed Fish
• Laying Hens
• Meat Chickens
• See More

Advice and Welfare Wildlife

• Badgers
• Birds
• Deer
• Foxes
• Hedgehogs
• See More

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• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

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• Donate
• Gift in Wills
• Sponsorship
• Lottery & Raffle
• Advice for Donors
• SMS Donations

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• Gift Aid
• Giving Monthly
• Gift in Wills
• In Memory
• Payroll Giving
• Philanthropy
• Advice for donors

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• Request a Gift in Will Guide
• Step-by-Step Advice
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1. Home
2. Find a pet
3. Rehome a pet
4. How to rehome
5. How to rehome a cat

How to Rehome How to adopt a rescue cat or kitten

We rescue over 20,000 cats every year. This handy guide will run you through the process of adopting a cat or kitten, in five simple steps.

There are so many adorable cats available for adoption in our centres, each of them with a unique story and a personality ready-made!

Step 1: Search for cats available for adoption

Use our find a pet service. Here you can filter your search by location, age, gender and breed. You can also check if they are an indoor or outdoor cat and whether they can live with other animals or children.

Search cats for adoption

Step 2: Complete an application form

Once you've found your perfect furry friend, download an application form and take it to the relevant centre or branch which will let you know whether you're a match. Fingers crossed!

Step 3: Visit your cat at the centre

Arrange a visit to the centre to meet your chosen cat for the very first time!

Bring the whole family so they can meet the potential new addition to your home and you can rule out any allergies.

Find your local rescue centre

Step 4: Arrange a home visit

The centre will then arrange a home visit so that they can give you tips on things to think about before your rescue cat comes home.

They can advise on environment, food and toys, and give any tips you may need on caring for your cat to keep them safe and happy. For example, as well as a comfortable bed, your cat will also need a snug hiding place for when they want to get away from the world - especially while they're settling in.

Step 5: Collect your new cat!

When everyone is happy that your chosen cat or kitten is the right one for you, and that your home is suitable and ready for its newest addition, it's time to head back to the centre to have your new family member officially signed over!

Your centre should give you a blanket or other item from your cat's pod which will help them feel at ease whilst travelling to their new home.

Download our cat adoption booklet for lots of useful information to help your new cat get settled in.

We've got lots of great advice on caring for your new cat, including providing a safe environment, looking after a kitten and understanding cat behaviour.

Looking to insure your new cat?

Explore your options with RSPCA pet insurance.

Why rehome from us?

Though there are many places you can find cats or kittens for sale, we recommend giving a rescue cat or kitten the chance of the happy life they deserve. Every cat rehomed by us will come microchipped, vaccinated and neutered (where possible). And they'll come with a unique personality ready-made. What are you waiting for?

Find out more

Rehome a farm cat

Looking for an independent cat who loves the great outdoors?

Help for adopters

Come to us for advice and support after you've taken your new pet home.

Find a pet

Searching for the perfect pet? Look for cats, dogs, horses and more.

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