Cat Adoption Process
Adopting a cat or kitten is a serious decision. But it’s also exciting! With over 20 years of experience, CAT is here to help you find “the one”.
How it Works
Our staff and volunteer adoption counselors are trained to help you find the right cat for your household. They will help you get to know the cats and kittens for adoption, answer questions, and provide information about cat behavior and care.
Plan Your Visit
You can meet most of the cats and kittens for adoption from CAT at our main shelter in Sherwood, Oregon. No appointment necessary — stop by any time during our open hours! We’re located about 15 miles from downtown Portland, and we’re just four miles off I-5. You can always call ahead to check on a cat’s availability before you visit. (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)
You can also meet cats at our offsite adoption locations. Adoption hours vary by location.
You can also meet cats at our offsite adoption locations. Adoption hours vary by location.
Meet the Cats
You’ll want to plan time to look around and meet with cats who interest you. Adopters are asked to fill out our adopter profile form so we can help you meet cats and kittens who might be a good fit for you. If you decide to adopt, you’ll complete an adoption counseling session.
We recommend scheduling about 1-2 hours for your visit. (Note that adoption hours end 30 minutes before we close.)
We recommend scheduling about 1-2 hours for your visit. (Note that adoption hours end 30 minutes before we close.)
Adopting or Placing a Hold
Most cats and kittens available for adoption are ready to go home with you the same day! Except during some special events, you can place a 24-hour hold on a cat in our shelter if you would like to bring back the rest of your family for a meet-and-greet or need a little extra time to think about your decision. (Cats and kittens at offsite adoption centers or in foster care cannot be placed on hold.)
24hr
Finalize the Adoption
Once you’ve fallen in love, your adoption counselor will spend some time to go over your new cat's paperwork and answer any questions you may have. Then, you'll sign the adoption contract and pay your adoption fee to finalize your adoption.
All cats and kittens must go home in a secure pet carrier. You can bring your own or purchase one from us.
All cats and kittens must go home in a secure pet carrier. You can bring your own or purchase one from us.
CAT reserves the right to decline an adoption. Read more about our policies here.
