When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you could also be saving a life. About 3.4 million cats live in shelters waiting for adoption across the US, as reported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). With so many wonderful felines to choose from, getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense. Here's why:

Types of Animal Shelters

You have several options when looking for adopt your kitty.

• Local town shelters. These centers are run by municipal communities and staffed by animal control officers who pick up stray and lost animals who clearly need care. Most have very low fees to adopt a cat, but do not provide veterinary services such as vaccinations, spaying, or neutering.
  
• Local animal shelters. Most animal shelters house kitties either in separate enclosures communal cat habitats until adoption to ensure their well-being. Some locations provide basic vaccinations for cats—such as a rabies vaccination—as well as spaying and neutering. If they don't provide the latter service, some shelters often have a list of local veterinarians who help kitty for a nominal fee.
• Specialized cat shelters. Specialized cat shelters may take only older cats, cats whose owners have died, or cats with special needs. Some are breed-specific as well.

Each facility sets its own adoption guidelines and fees, so check with your local shelter for more information on how to adopt a cat and what you need to do before you bring them home.

Are Shelter Cats Problem Cats?

Not even close! A cat often ends up at animal shelters through no fault of their own. In fact, the most common reasons involve their former parents. They may be moving to new homes where kitty isn't allowed or going through lifestyle changes, such as a new baby or moving in with a partner who is allergic to cats. Illness or passing of a pet parent is another unfortunate reason a cat may wind up in a shelter.

Most of the time, it's through simply unlucky circumstances. Whatever the case, most shelters gladly reveal the reason why a particular cat is up for adoption and can give advice on how to best integrate a potential pet into your home.

Why Adopt from a Shelter?

Cats in need of a new home are often the perfect choice for first-time pet parents. Most of these cats have already lived inside, and therefore know the routines of a household like yours. Animal shelters provide a wide range of kitties to choose from, as well, allowing you to find a shorthair, tabby cat, male, female—whatever attributes your heart desires.

Many shelters also take note of the temperament of resident cats and keep a record of information for owner-surrendered animals. They then use this information to help you find your best match. Knowing what to expect, or at least what a given cat has been exposed to in the past, is another great benefit of adopting an adult cat from an animal shelter.

Healthy but Curious

When looking for a great cat at your local animal shelter, a healthy cat should be your number-one priority. Healthy cats have clear eyes and noses without excessive sneezing, coughing, or mucous discharges in otherwise clean environments. Their coats should look groomed and generally free of mats, too.

Don't let this ideal keep you from falling for a curious cat, though! If they're awake when you're visiting the shelter, they should be daring enough to approach the ends of the cage and interact with you. A cat with this sense of adventure is one who may adjust more easily to living with your family.

The Adoption Process

Each shelter has a different process for adopting cats, so check the organization's website (or call them) for specifics before you go. The following steps are pretty common parts of the process:

1. Private shelters often require forms that include a vet's name, phone number, and references. Look for a local vet even before you contact the shelter so you have this information on hand.
2. Often, available cats are featured on the shelter's website. If you see someone you like, call ahead to make sure they are still living there.
3. Make an appointment to visit the shelter and meet the cat.
4. Bring your driver's license or similar proof of your address and residency. You'll also need to provide cash or personal checks to pay the adoption fee.
5. Some shelters offer a simple cardboard carrier so that you can bring your kitty home, but if you have your own cat carrier—usually around $25 each—bring it along. Cats should always be allowed to ride in a sturdy carrier to keep them safe..
6. Some shelters request a twenty-four hour waiting period, so you may not be able to bring the cathome right away. Keep in mind that this gives you time to think about your decision, and gives the shelter time to conduct a background check that confirms you're the gentle, reliable owner you know you are.
7. You may be asked to complete an adoption contract, which stipulates the conditions under which you can keep your cat. For example, you may be required to have the cat spayed or neutered, and kept up-to-date on vaccinations. You may also be asked to bring your cat back to the shelter if you need to rehome them for any reason.
8. Finally, bring your cat home. Have a litter box, food, and water bowl set up in just one room; it's helpful to keep them contained to one space of the house for the first day or two until they get used to the environment. Provide plenty of toys and places to hide, such as a cardboard box or soft-sided sleeping cube.