Adopting a cat in Australia: a calm guide for first-time adopters

Why adopt

Shelters and rescue groups around Australia care for many cats every year, especially during the warmer months when lots of kittens are born. Adopting gives one of them a home, and most adoption cats come already desexed, microchipped, vaccinated and vet checked.

Where to look

• RSPCA shelters run in every state and territory.
• Animal Welfare League shelters operate in several states.
• Local council pounds and shelters often have cats waiting for homes.
• Independent rescue groups usually foster cats in volunteers' homes, which means the foster carer can tell you a lot about the cat's personality.
• Pet adoption websites such as PetRescue list cats from many Australian rescues and shelters in one place.

Visiting in person, or speaking with a foster carer, is the best way to get a feel for a cat.

What adoption usually includes

Every organisation is different, so ask what the fee covers. It often includes desexing, microchipping, first vaccinations, worming, flea treatment and a health check. Some include a short period of pet insurance or a starter pack. Fees vary, and some groups run reduced-fee drives for adult cats.

Kitten or adult cat?

Kittens are fun and busy. They need a lot of time, supervision and play, and their adult personality is still a bit of a guess.

Adult cats are often a great choice. Their personality is already clear, many are calmer, and staff or foster carers can tell you whether they like children, other cats or dogs. Older cats can be especially easy company.

Questions worth asking

• How does this cat behave with people, other cats and dogs?
• Are they used to being indoors?
• Do they have any health conditions or ongoing costs?
• What food and litter do they use now?
• What happens if it does not work out? Reputable groups will take a cat back rather than see it rehomed elsewhere.

Rescues may ask you questions too, about your home, rental situation and other pets. If you rent, check your lease and have your landlord's okay in writing.

Check your local rules

Rules on registration, microchipping, desexing and keeping cats contained differ between states and councils. Some areas require cats to be kept indoors or in an enclosure at night or at all times. Your council website will have the details.

Bringing your cat home

• Set up one quiet room with food, water, a litter tray, a bed and a place to hide.
• Let your cat come out when they are ready. Some take hours, some take weeks.
• Keep the same food at first and change slowly if you want to switch.
• Introduce other pets gradually, with scent swaps before face-to-face meetings.
• Book a check with your own vet in the first few weeks.

Budgeting

Beyond the adoption fee, plan for food, litter, yearly vet visits and vaccinations, flea and worm treatment, and the odd unexpected vet bill. Some people choose pet insurance, and others set aside a little each month.

Can't adopt right now?

You can still help. Many rescues need foster carers, volunteers and donations of food, litter and blankets. Sharing their adoption posts helps too.

Related reading: Getting ready for your first kitten.