Best cat breeds to adopt from shelters 

Looking for a new cat kid? If you want to adopt a specific cat breed, you don’t have to go to a breeder. Sometimes the best place to find unique cat breeds you can adopt is at an animal shelter or rescue. Read on to learn more about rescue cats by breed – and how to find your ideal match. 

Common cat breeds in shelters 

Many animal shelters and rescues are filled with Domestic Shorthair cats, also known as housecats. From black and white tuxedo cats to tabby cats to tortoiseshell cats, these non-purebred cat kids come in a variety of colors that represent myriad breed combinations.  

An online search or in-person shelter visit will also reveal a wide range of cats for adoption, including: 

• Domestic Long Hair cats, mixed-breed housecats who may resemble longhaired breeds including Maine Coons, Norwegian Forest cats, and Persians
• Domestic Medium Hair cats, known for their larger size and silky coats in an array of colors
• Black cats, who sport the most common feline coat color and often make up the highest percentage of adoptable cats in animal shelters and rescues
• Calico cats, a type of housecat known for their tricolor coats (which, because of genetics and chromosomes, makes them predominantly female)
• Orange cats, domestic housecats who are predominantly male and widely considered to be friendly and affectionate

Breed-specific cat rescues

Sometimes you have a specific cat breed in mind, like an agile Bengal cat that doubles as your hiking companion, or a Ragdoll cat to cradle and carry around the house. Luckily, there are breed-specific cat rescues that may just house your new cat kid.  

The best way to find them? Search for breed-specific animal rescues near you. You may discover:  

If there aren’t any in your area and you’re up for traveling, you could contact organizations like Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, a Midwest-based non-profit that finds quality homes for abandoned purebred cats. 

What to look for in a shelter cat 

Ready to adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue but don’t have a specific breed in mind? Often, finding a cat kid you connect with – and who connects with you – matters most, no matter what breed or mix of breeds they are. 

When searching online or in person, consider: 

• Cat kid personality type, such as affectionate, independent, active, or laidback, as well as which traits will fit your lifestyle the best
• Comfort level with other pets, including dogs
• Whether or not they need to be an only cat
• Kid-friendliness if you have children
• Age-specific cat kids, from kittens to senior cats

Bringing your new cat kid home?

Learn how to prep for your pet, including finding the Naturally Fresh formula that’s best for them.