June is the height of feline breeding season, also called kitten season, and the ASPCA says shelters across the country are inundated with kittens during this period. The most useful way to help is to match an action to your household’s time, space, and budget and to the shelter’s current needs. Adopting is one option, but fostering, donating requested supplies, volunteering, and sharing adoptable cats all make a difference too.
The ASPCA’s 2026 Adopt a Shelter Cat Month guide, dated June 1, 2026, lays out these five options. Its campaign goal of helping 325 cats and kittens find homes by July 31, 2026 is a stated target, not a reported result, and that window has now closed. The actions below work any time of year, though kitten demand peaks in the warm months.
Choose the right way to help
Not every option suits every reader. Use this table to narrow down where to start.
| Way to help | Best suited to | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Adopt | People who can commit to a cat’s care for its full life and have the space and budget for it | Browse your local shelter’s adoptable cats and confirm you can meet the long-term responsibility before applying |
| Foster | People with a spare room and time to care for a cat temporarily, especially kittens | Contact your local shelter or rescue and ask about its requirements and open placements |
| Donate requested supplies or funds | People who want a concrete contribution without taking an animal home | Ask the shelter what it needs before buying or dropping anything off |
| Volunteer | People who can give time but cannot donate money | Offer your time to a local shelter or ASPCA program |
| Share adoptable cats | Anyone with a phone and a social account | Share posts from your local shelter or the ASPCA |
The five ways to help
1. Adopt a cat
Adoption relieves pressure on shelters, but it is a long commitment. Before you apply, look at the cats your shelter has available and ask yourself whether you can cover care for the cat’s whole life. American Humane’s guidance for new adopters is practical:
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- Adopt a Cat Party Favor: the package contains 16 pcs stuffed cats, 16 pcs folding paper boxes, 16 pcs birthday hats, 16 pcs adoption certificates cards, 1 pcs adoption sign, a total of 65 pieces; These cute plush cat are perfect for cat lovers and cat parties
- Suitable Size: the mini stuffed animal cat measures about 3.9-5.1 inches, exquisite workmanship, easy to carry, and can also be applied as a school bag decoration, or fixed or placed on the table; The paper box measures about 4.72x 3.94x 4.72 inches/12x10 x12 cm, providing effective storage space for various fillings
- Soft Material: the small plush cat is made of comfortable fabric and plush, and the filling is delicate and soft, giving you a soft and elastic touch, providing a safe and comfortable play time; The cat party box is made of paper with holes on the side, which looks like a cat's home and provides it with a comfortable environment
- Unique Design: the mini plush stuffed animal cat is beautifully designed, with a total of 18 different styles to meet the needs of cat-loving guests, ensuring that no one goes home empty-handed; Comes with an adoption certificate to show a commitment to caring for animals forever
- Wide Application: these cute plush cat sets are not only suitable for cat-themed parties, pet parties, outdoor activities, but also can be used as wonderful birthday or holiday gifts, candy bag fillers, Christmas stocking fillers, carnival prizes; They can also be applied as decorations in rooms, offices, living rooms and other places to add fun
- Choose a veterinarian and schedule a wellness visit within the first few days.
- Prepare a quiet space where the cat can settle in first.
- Introduce the cat to the rest of the home gradually.
- Cat-proof the home before arrival.
- Gather setup supplies: a litter box, cat litter, food and water bowls, food, scratching posts, safe toys, a bed, a grooming brush, a toothbrush, and nail clippers.
Adoption fees and included veterinary care vary by shelter, so ask what is covered before you go. American Humane notes that cats may need several weeks to adjust to a new home.
The choice between one cat and two has no universal answer. American Humane says two compatible cats can provide companionship, and it also recommends matching a cat’s individual personality to your household. Weigh your home’s readiness, each cat’s temperament, the time you can give, ongoing costs, and the shelter’s own advice.
Rank #2
- 【Adopt A Pet Package】This product is not suitable for children under 12, the package contains 12 foldable kraft boxes, 12 mini plush kitten stuffed animals, 12 adoption certificates, 12 check card, 5 adopt sign, 1 fence, 24 cat stickers, 100 diy cat collars, 1 box of bead string accessories and 1 set of nurse, a total of 180 pieces. These cute kitten party favors are nice for cat lovers
- 【Suitable Size】Mini kitty stuffed animals measures 4.72 inches, kitten paper box measures 5.5x 3.94x 3.54 inches/14 x10 x 9 cm, fence measures 35.43 in/90 cm, adopt sign measures 7.87x 9.84 in/20x 25 cm, adopt card measures 6.69x 4.72in/12x 17 cm, check card measures 4.72x 6.69 in/12x 17 cm, sticker measures 5.9x 8.26 in/15x 21cm
- 【High-quality Materials】The kitten plush are made of reliable fabrics and plush, giving you a soft and elastic touch, this kraft paper box is made of kraft paper, which is sturdy and stable, the adoption card, check card and stickers are made of high-quality paper, the fence is made of wooden material, the nurse and DIY beads are made of plastic material, and the DIY necklace is made of plush and wire
- 【Educational Role Playing Tool】Sign the adoption certificate inside to solidify your lifelong commitment to your furry friend. The ‘Adopt a Kitten’ station creates a playful and heartwarming atmosphere for the ceremony, while jewelry, collars, and stickers let guests personalize their plush kitten. The white fence provides a safe environment for the cute plush cat. Included adoption certificates and care themed components encourage nurturing behaviors, subtly teaching responsibility and empathy toward animals
- 【Wide Application】Nice for cat parties, pet showers, kittenthemed events, birthdays or outdoor gatherings, these adoption decorations add charm and joy while creating a heartwarming focal point, by using this adoption set, we encourage everyone to cherish and protect our furry companions
2. Foster
Fostering gives a cat a temporary home where it can decompress away from the stress of a shelter. The ASPCA says the need for kitten fosters is especially high during the summer. Foster requirements and available placements are set by each local shelter or rescue, so start with them rather than with a national program.
3. Donate requested supplies or funds
Shelters often accept towels, blankets, and pet food, but needs change by the week. Ask before you buy or drop anything off so that your contribution is actually used. Cat litter belongs in this category only when your local shelter requests it.
Rank #3
- Package Includes: You will get cat adoption gift set, including 8 plush cat in 4 different styles, 8 cat birthday hats in different colors, 8 white paper boxes, and 8 stickers
- Suitable Size: The size of the cat stuffed animal is about 4.72 inches, the diameter of the multicolor birthday hat is about 2.36 inches, the size of the white gift box is 7.09 x 4.72 x 3.94 inches
- Quality Materials: Our cat plush animal toys are made of quality cotton materials, the filling is soft, it looks very realistic, and it is not easy to damage, it can be applied and played for a long time
- Style Design: cat adoption gift have various styles, with 4 cat shapes with different patterns, colors, cute, the white paper gift box is designed with arch opening on the side, which can directly display plush cat, just like a real cat home
- Widely Applied: adopt a cat party gifts can be applied as gifts for adopters when adopting a cat, can also be applied as cat adoption parties gifts for guest, or as gifts for cat birthday parties for family members, that believe they will be very happy
The ASPCA also publishes wish lists for its New York City Kitten Nursery and its Los Angeles kitten foster program. ARM & HAMMER Cat Litter is named as the ASPCA’s 2026 campaign partner. That is a partnership, not a directive to buy a particular product.
4. Volunteer
If you cannot afford to donate money, your time is still useful. The ASPCA’s current guide presents volunteering with a local shelter or ASPCA program as an option for people in that position. Ask the shelter which roles it currently needs, since availability varies by location.
Rank #4
- Package Includes: you will get pet adoption gift set, including adopt a kitten sign, 8 adopt a kitten adoption certificates, 8 stuffed cat in eight different styles and 8 white paper boxes; The quantity is sufficient to meet the needs of daily gift giving and pet adoption parties
- Suitable Size: the size of the cat stuffed animal is about 3.94 inches/ 10 cm, the size of the cat adoption sign and cat adoption certificates is about 5 x 7 inches/ 12.7 x 17.78 cm, and the size of the white gift box is 3.62 x 4.33 x 4.33 inches/ 9.2 x 9.2 x 11 cm; The pet stuffed can be stuffed into the gift box with the pet adoption card is a complete gift set
- Quality Materials: our pet stuffed animal are made of quality cotton materials, the filling is soft, it looks very realistic, and it is not easy to damage, it can be applied and played for a long time; The adopt a pet sign and pet adoption certificate are made of thick cardboard with bright colors and cute patterns, they are loved by friends and family members
- Style Design: pet adoption gifts come in a variety of styles and colors, including two of each color: pink, gray, light brown, and beige; They are brightly colored and extremely cute;, bright colors, cute, the white paper gift box is designed with arch opening on the side, which can directly display stuffed pet, just like a real pet home; The adoption card needs to fill in the pet information, and is accompanied by promise and signature, making our parties more ceremonial
- Widely Applied: adopt a pet party gifts can be applied as gifts for adopters when adopting a pet, can also be applied as pet adoption parties gifts for guest, or as gifts for pet birthday parties for family members, that believe they will be very happy
5. Share adoptable cats
Sharing posts and listings from a local shelter or the ASPCA can help adoptable animals become more visible to people who might adopt them. The ASPCA does not put a number on this effect, so treat it as a way to widen reach rather than a guaranteed outcome.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you find kittens outdoors
Bringing kittens to a shelter is not always the right first step. The ASPCA says a mother cat may be nearby, and that the right next move depends on the situation. Before you intervene:
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Best Value
- Package Includes: 40pcs cat cupcake toppers in 10 styles, 4pcs of each style, each approx. 2.4"x 1.6", to make your cat themed party decorations more thematic and attractive
- Reliable Quality: Made of thick cardstock and printed on one side, use the included toothpick and glue to safely place on your cake or cupcake for decorating, adjust the right position for the best display
- Applicable Scene: Funny cat face design will capture the hearts of cat lovers for boys and girls cat party decorations, cat birthday cake decorations, cat baby showers, cat cupcake decorations, pet adoption party supplies and more
- Wide Application: Can be used for cupcakes, donuts, desserts, fruits and snacks, both decorative and practical, a must-have for cat themed birthday party decorations. Warm tips: for decoration only, not edible. Do not use in the oven or microwave
- Service: We have strict product quality control to ensure good condition, in order to avoid damage caused by transportation, we use protective packaging, your satisfaction is our desire
- Watch from a distance for a period before you handle the kittens, and check whether a mother cat returns.
- Consult the ASPCA’s kitten tool for guidance on what to do next.
- Contact local animal-welfare professionals if you are unsure or if the kittens appear to need immediate care.
What the numbers show
These figures help explain why the month matters. Each one carries a date or scope that limits how far it can be applied.
- In its 2024 press release, the ASPCA reported that 6.5 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters in the preceding year, and 4.8 million were adopted. These figures refer to 2023 and are historical, not a current annual estimate.
- The ASPCA reported in 2024 that more than 23,000 vulnerable kittens were saved through its kitten fostering programs in New York City and Los Angeles.
- The ASPCA reported in 2024 that more than 11,000 kittens were saved through its Kitten Nursery over its first 10 years.
- American Humane Society says it founded its Adopt-a-Cat Month® initiative in 1974, according to its page updated in 2026.
ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker has described the broader effect of fostering and adoption this way: “When you adopt or foster an animal from a shelter, you make an impact that ripples throughout shelters nationwide and makes space for more animals in need—that’s the Rescue Effect.” Animal Care Centers of NYC President and CEO Risa Weinstock has described the scale of the problem in busy seasons: “When kitten season is in full swing, ACC can receive hundreds of neonatal kittens every week. It’s just not possible for us to provide care for so many, based on our level of available resources.”
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