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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo adopt a cat, choose a shelter or rescue, check its current application and pickup rules, prepare your home and supplies, then give your new cat a quiet place to settle in and arrange veterinary care. The details vary by organization and by cat, so confirm requirements directly rather than assuming one process fits every adoption.
1. Choose a shelter or rescue and check its process
Local animal welfare organizations may operate shelters, work through foster homes, or use both. Browse nearby options and look for a cat whose known temperament, age, health needs, and activity level could suit your household. Ask what the organization knows about the cat’s history and needs; no description can guarantee how a cat will behave in a new home. ASPCA adoption tips explain how to find organizations and prepare for adoption.
Before you apply, check your housing rules and ask the organization what it requires. Depending on the organization, you may need identification, proof of address, household information, or particular arrangements for taking the cat home. For example, the ASPCA’s New York City Adoption Center requires adopters to be at least 18, requests government photo identification, and requires a secure carrier for cats and kittens. Those are that center’s rules, not universal adoption requirements.
- Ask what application steps and records are required, and whether any care is included in the adoption.
- Check whether the organization offers support after adoption and whom to contact with questions.
- Confirm pickup timing and how the cat must be transported.
2. Plan for the ongoing commitment
Before applying, consider whether your household can provide daily care and veterinary attention over the long term. Plan for the adoption fee as well as food, litter, supplies, and vet visits. Costs depend on the organization, the individual cat’s age and health needs, and the choices you make at home; there is no single reliable total that applies to every adopter. Petfinder’s first-time dog and cat owner checklist offers a practical starting point for budgeting.
#1 Best Overall
- STURDY & DURABLE: Made from 200 lb-tested white corrugated cardboard with a reinforced interlocking bottom to safely support pets over 20 lbs. Features strong glued seams (no staples) and multiple ventilation openings for safety and comfort.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Proudly manufactured in the USA using approximately 70% post-consumer recycled materials. Fully recyclable for environmentally conscious disposal.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Includes clear, step-by-step instructions for quick and simple setup—no tools required.
- SPACIOUS SIZE: Each carrier measures 17.5" L x 12.25" H x 8.75" W, providing ample space for small animals including cats, rabbits, and small dogs.
- PORTABLE: Features a reinforced comfort-grip handle for secure, easy carrying. Designed for easy portability without compromising durability, making these carriers ideal for short trips, vet visits, or adoption events. Each case includes 12 flat-packed carriers, perfect for shelters, rescues, veterinary clinics, or multi-pet households.
If you consider pet insurance, compare coverage, exclusions, waiting periods, and cost against your cat’s needs. ASPCA notes that many plans have waiting periods and do not cover pre-existing conditions; insurance does not remove all veterinary expenses. Review the ASPCA’s adoption guidance and the terms of any plan you are considering.
3. Prepare a quiet, safe settling-in space
Set aside a calm room or other dedicated area where the cat can rest and observe before exploring more of the home. Put water, food, litter, a resting place, and a scratching surface there. Close off areas you are not ready to make accessible, and allow the cat to approach the rest of the home at its own pace.
Rank #2
- SAFE & PORTABLE TRAVEL SOLUTION: Lightweight and sturdy, this cardboard carrier provides secure, short-term transport for small pets like cats, kittens, puppies, and other small animals. Perfect for trips to the vet, adoption events, or travel. It ensures your pet’s safety and comfort during the journey, making it an ideal solution for pet owners on the go.
- MOISTURE-RESISTANT & STURDY: This carrier is specially treated with a moisture-resistant coating, preventing softening from light spills or accidents during travel. The reinforced design ensures durability, making it perfect for short trips. Quick and easy to clean, it ensures your pet stays safe and dry, whether you're heading to the vet or on a day trip.
- VENTILATED FOR AIRFLOW & COMFORT: Pre-punched ventilation holes allow air to circulate freely, keeping your pet cool and calm throughout the journey. This thoughtful design helps prevent overheating, making the carrier an excellent choice for maintaining comfort during travel, even in warm environments. Provides your pet with the best ventilation during trips.
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE & STORE: This carrier requires no tools for assembly and is designed for quick setup, making it the most convenient travel companion. It also folds flat for easy storage, saving you space when not in use. The built-in handle provides a secure grip, allowing for hassle-free carrying when transporting your pet.
- OURPETS QUALITY BY PETMATE: OurPets’ pet carriers are designed for safety, ease, and eco-friendly performance. Trusted by shelters and pet parents alike, this carrier offers dependable, safe transport. Designed with comfort and practicality in mind, it combines high-quality materials with thoughtful design, ensuring both pet and owner enjoy the travel experience.
Make the space safe before the cat arrives. Secure windows and doors, tuck away cords, and store medications and cleaning products where the cat cannot reach them. Remove or restrict poisonous plants, secure trash, and put away small items a kitten might chew or swallow. The ASPCA’s home hazard checklist covers precautions for preparing a home for a kitten or puppy.
4. Gather essentials and arrange safe transport
Start with the supplies your cat needs to eat, drink, use the litter box, rest, scratch, and play. The ASPCA’s general cat-care checklist includes food and water dishes, age-appropriate cat food, a carrier, litter box and litter, toys, a brush or comb, identification, and a scratching post or pad. Petfinder’s new-pet checklist suggests ideally having at least two litter boxes and also lists a bed or blanket and a cat perch. Treat these as planning guidance, not a one-size-fits-all prescription.
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- Packaging Includes: you will receive 6 cardboard pet carriers, which do not require staples, have smooth and neat edges, no burrs, and are suitable for transporting your pets in the short term; The quantity is sufficient to meet your daily use when carrying pets outdoors
- Reliable Materials: this cat carrier is made of cardboard, which has strong compression resistance and is not easily bitten or torn; It can withstand the wear and tear of travel and can withstand the weight of small pet during transportation, and is easy to carry
- Appropriate Size: the size of this cardboard cat carrier is 18 x 9 x 12 inches/ 44.5 x 22 x 31 cm; This size is suitable for small pet such as cats, sand rats, reptiles, chicks, guinea pigs, and rabbits; The size is just right for your pet to feel comfortable and safe, and it is easy to transport; Your pet will also feel comfortable and safe
- Ventilation Hole Design: our cardboard carriers are designed with small ventilation openings with a diameter of 0.59 inches/1.5 centimeters to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the entire box; This can prevent your pet from overheating and feeling uncomfortable during their journey, providing them with a nice environment and a stress free journey
- Widely Applicable: pet carrier box cardboard can be applied for small pets such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds and so on; These cardboard pet cages can provide a storage function for traveling or bringing new pets to a new home later
Ask the shelter or foster caregiver what food and litter the cat is accustomed to, and what records or supplies will come with the cat. Familiar food and litter can make the first days more predictable. Choose supplies suited to the cat’s age and size and the space you have; no particular brand is necessary.
Arrange a secure carrier before pickup and confirm the organization’s transport rules. A carrier makes it possible to transport the cat securely; some organizations specify the kind of carrier or require one at pickup.
Rank #4
- Sturdy Corrugated Construction: Made from durable corrugated cardboard for strong support and reliable short‑term pet transport. Recommended for small pets up to 13 lbs (6 kg), not intended for heavy‑chewing or large‑size animals
- Lightweight & Easy to Handle: Ultra‑lightweight design with thickened carrying handle for secure lifting. Simple quick assembly, folds flat for compact storage, and can be disposed of after use
- Perfect for Temporary Pet Transport: Ideal for vet visits, grooming, adoption events, rescue operations, short‑trip travel and emergency situations when you need a ready‑to‑use pet crate
- Comfortable Interior Space: Spacious size (17.5" L x 12.25" H x 8.75" W) with built‑in ventilation holes provides a safe and comfortable environment for cats and small dogs during short‑term trips
- Eco‑Friendly Disposable Design: Made from recyclable materials. Reusable for 1‑2 short trips depending on condition, offering a convenient, hygienic single‑use solution with no‑sanitation‑needed between animals
5. Bring your cat home and let them adjust
- Take the cat directly to the prepared space. Keep doors and windows closed, and place the carrier in the quiet area before opening it.
- Let the cat choose when to come out. Keep food, water, litter, and a resting place accessible. Do not pull the cat from hiding or force contact.
- Keep the first days calm and predictable. Offer gentle attention, routine, and space. Let the cat gradually become familiar with household sounds and people.
- Expand access gradually. When the cat seems comfortable in the starting area, allow supervised exploration of additional spaces at a pace that suits them.
The ASPCA describes a “3-3-3 Guideline” as a rule of thumb for adjustment, not a guaranteed schedule: individual cats may settle at different rates. Its adoption guidance emphasizes patience and not forcing interactions with people or other pets.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.6. If you already have a cat, introduce them gradually
Keep the new cat in a separate safe room at first. Then introduce the cats in stages, rather than placing them together immediately. Petfinder’s guide to introducing a new cat describes this progression:
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Best Value
- STRONGEST ON THE MARKET: Made from 250 lb-tested white corrugated cardboard (42 ECT) with a reinforced OVERLAPPING bottom to easily support pets over 20 lbs. Features strong glued seams (no staples) and multiple ventilation openings for stability and breathability.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Proudly manufactured in the USA using 100% post-consumer recycled materials. Fully recyclable for environmentally conscious disposal.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Includes clear, step-by-step instructions for quick and simple setup—no tools required.
- SPACIOUS SIZE: Each carrier measures 20" L x 8" W x 16" T, providing ample space for small animals including cats, rabbits, gerbils, and small dogs.
- PORTABLE: Includes a comfort-grip handle for secure, easy carrying. Designed for easy portability without compromising durability, making these carriers ideal for short trips, vet visits, or adoption events. Each case includes 20 flat-packed carriers, perfect for shelters, rescues, veterinary clinics, or multi-pet households.
- Exchange scents. Let each cat become familiar with the other’s scent before they meet face to face.
- Build positive associations. Offer something pleasant, such as food or play, near the closed door separating them.
- Swap spaces. Let each cat explore the other’s area in turn while the cats remain apart.
- Allow controlled visual contact. Use a barrier or another safe arrangement that lets them see one another without direct access.
- Try short, supervised visits. Keep early meetings brief and end them calmly.
Watch both cats’ body language and slow down if either appears distressed. Introductions can take days, weeks, or months; do not move to the next stage on a fixed timetable.
7. Arrange veterinary care
Establish care with a nearby veterinarian shortly after adoption and share any records supplied by the shelter or rescue. Ask the vet to tailor examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention, nutrition, and any follow-up to this cat’s age and health. The ASPCA recommends veterinary care at least annually as general guidance, but your veterinarian should set the schedule for your individual cat. Never give a cat medication that was not prescribed by a veterinarian. See the ASPCA’s adoption tips and general cat-care guidance.
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