Part 2: Where to Adopt a Cat (No Matter Where you Live)
Dear Pet Mom,
Where you choose to adopt will largely depend on where you live, but no matter where you're located, adoption is one of the most compassionate and responsible ways to welcome a cat into your home. In North America, you’ll likely find several options, including:
City-run animal shelters
Nonprofit rescue organizations
Foster-based rescues
Cat cafes that partner with rescues
Pet supply stores hosting adoption centers
Each of these options comes with its process, costs, and timelines, so take your time researching. Look into each organization’s mission and values; some may prioritize senior cats, bonded pairs, or special-needs animals. This small step ensures that you’re not only adopting ethically, but also supporting a cause that aligns with your own beliefs about animal care and rescue.
Pet Stores as Adoption Partners
In many cities, you'll also find rescue cats temporarily housed in pet supply stores like PetSmart or Pet Valu. These cats are typically cared for by volunteers and are just waiting for the right family to come along. This setup helps increase visibility and access to adoptions for people who may not visit shelters directly.
If you go this route, confirm which organization is responsible for the adoption and post-adoption support. The in-store staff will likely direct you to the rescue organization’s website to file for an “Intention to Adopt” and initiate the adoption process.
What About Breeders or Pet Shops?
In some parts of the world, particularly across Asia, it’s still common to see cats being sold in pet shops or bred specifically for sale. Sadly, this was the norm throughout my 35+ years of living there. Pedigree breeds were often preferred, while adopting local or mixed-breed cats was far less common.
If this mindset is still prevalent where you live, I gently encourage you to consider other options. Many compassionate individuals and local rescues are fostering stray cats who are just as loving and deserving of a home. Choosing adoption over shopping can make a real difference.
Many shop-sold kittens come from questionable breeding environments, and buying from them often supports a cycle of neglect or overbreeding. Meanwhile, countless beautiful, affectionate local cats are waiting in shelters and foster homes for someone like you to give them a second chance.
Even in places with limited formal adoption infrastructure, social media has become a powerful tool for rescue. Check local Facebook groups, Instagram rescue pages, or even vet offices that may have bulletin boards for rehoming animals.
Trusted Adoption Resources in Calgary
If you happen to live in Calgary like I do, you're in luck. The city has some fantastic rescue organizations doing compassionate and thoughtful work. I’ve had genuinely positive experiences with two in particular:
Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation (PMRF)
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)
My cats were adopted through these organizations, and both experiences were smooth, transparent, and well-organized. The process included everything I needed to feel confident about my new cat’s health and wellbeing, such as initial vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, and even microchips.
Full disclosure: I’m currently a volunteer with Pawsitive Match. That said, I had already adopted from them before joining as a volunteer, and my positive experiences were what inspired me to get involved. Whether you're looking to adopt or simply want to support a local rescue through donations or volunteering, they’re a wonderful group of people doing life-changing work.
📚This post is part of The Cat Adoption Series
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