Millions of cats enter shelters in the United States every single year. Sadly, some never make it out alive. According to the ASPCA, around 2.2 million cats were adopted in 2025, 362,000 were returned to their owner or the field, 376,000 were transferred to other organizations, and 277,000 were euthanized.
There are loads of reasons cats end up in shelters across the world. Some are found on the streets as strays. Others are surrendered because their owners can't afford them, are moving, or simply can't 'handle' them. The latter, say experts, is often down to a general lack of animal care education.
According to experts at Cold Nose College, cat behavioral problems, especially inappropriate urination (missing the litter box), are consistently cited as a top reason cats are relinquished. Other behavioral factors include cat-to-cat aggression, biting, and destructive scratching.
"Just like a child, animals do not learn how to be good' all on their own. They need positive guidance and to be taught how to be a well-mannered member of a family," says Cyn Demers from the Saving Grace Humane Society. "If more people had access to training classes or basics on the pet they were getting, it would lead to more cohesive households and less animals being surrendered due to their innate nature as a different species."
Adopting a cat can be an incredibly rewarding experience and comes with many pros. Firstly, you’ll be saving a kitty from life in a shelter by providing them with a loving and warm home. And by adopting from a rescue centre, you’ll be assisted by trained staff who know each of the cats well enough to find the right match.
"A shelter will always assess your lifestyle to make sure it is suited to the wellbeing and needs of the cat, and will be able to answer any questions you may have," say the experts from Royal Canin, a global pet nutrition brand.
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Adopting is often also cheaper than buying from a breeder. “Shelter cats are usually treated for parasites, examined by a vet and are very often sterilised and vaccinated before you take them home,” notes Royal Canin's team, adding that most shelters will ask for an affordable financial contribution as an adoption fee.
They suggest asking a lot of questions before deciding on the purr-fect kitty. Find out the cat's age, what its life was like before the shelter. Staff may or may not know the answer but it's worth asking anyway. Also ask if the cat is comfortable being left alone, and whether they have any unusual behavior or if there’s anything you should be aware of.
You might also want to know how the cat reacts to children and/or other animals, and whether they are used to going outside. If you do have other pets at home, you may want to ask the shelter if they can help organize a meet-and-greet.
Experts advise that you spend some time with the cat you intend to adopt, before making a final commitment. "Try to see the cat several times before adopting it and spend some time allowing it to get to know you," explains the Royal Canin site.
When it comes to bringing your newly adopted cat home, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, give him or her space and a place to hide when they feel overwhelmed. The cat might not show you the immediate affection you're craving for and it's best to follow their lead by letting them come to you first. Don't smother them with love and cuddles, as hard as it may be.
"After adoption, your new cat wants a safe place to observe the scene until they’re comfortable enough to explore," reveals the team at Rover. "Make sure these spaces are pet-safe; you don’t want them getting stuck in a wall."
"Your cat needs your presence to get familiar with you, but at a distance. Respect their boundaries by keeping yourself in the same room as your cat without invading their personal bubble," advises Rover. "You can read a book, stream your favorite show, or take a phone call (many cats are reassured by voices). Eventually, your adopted cat will come to understand that you are safe."
