Before adopting, ask for the cat’s available medical records, what staff or foster caregivers have actually observed about its behavior, whether spay or neuter surgery is complete, and what care or costs remain. Get important answers and adoption terms in writing, then arrange a veterinary exam soon after bringing the cat home.
Ask for the cat’s medical records and health history
Request copies of available records rather than relying only on a verbal summary. Ask the shelter what its veterinarian has assessed, what treatment has been given, and whether any care is still planned. Cornell recommends asking about a cat’s vaccination, parasite-control, nutrition, and grooming history; Best Friends also recommends obtaining the complete available medical history and records (Cornell Feline Health Center; Best Friends Animal Society).
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- Can I have copies of the medical and vaccination records?
- Which vaccines has the cat received, on what dates, and when are any next doses due?
- Has the cat been checked or treated for parasites? Which products or treatments were used, and when?
- Does the cat have a known illness, injury, medication, dietary need, or scheduled follow-up?
- Has the cat had recent symptoms the shelter is monitoring?
- Has the cat been tested for FeLV or FIV? If not, what is known about its health history?
If the cat’s history is unknown, ask what the shelter recommends discussing with your veterinarian. Cornell notes that a veterinarian may recommend FeLV and FIV testing in that situation; the shelter’s answer is not a substitute for individualized veterinary advice (Cornell Feline Health Center).
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Ask what the shelter has observed about behavior
Ask staff, volunteers, or foster caregivers what they have seen in more than one interaction or setting, and who made those observations. A cat may behave differently in a shelter, foster home, and adopter’s home, so treat observations as useful context—not a guarantee of how it will settle in.
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- How does the cat respond to people, handling, play, and hiding?
- Have observations been made at different times or in different settings?
- What is known about the cat’s past interactions with children, other cats, or dogs?
- Has the cat shown behavior that may call for patience, management, or professional advice?
- What kinds of interaction seem to help the cat feel comfortable?
Describe your household honestly, including resident pets and children. The ASPCA recommends using multiple sources of behavior information in placement decisions because information from a surrendering owner can be incomplete or lack context (ASPCA Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters). A brief meeting should not be treated as a definitive temperament test.
Find out about the cat’s current routine
Knowing what the cat currently eats and what routine care it receives can help you plan a smoother transition. Cornell specifically recommends asking about nutrition and grooming history (Cornell Feline Health Center).
- What food is the cat eating now, and are there feeding instructions?
- What grooming or other routine care has it received?
- Are there known preferences or care needs that could help during the transition?
If you plan to change the cat’s food, confirm an appropriate transition plan with a veterinarian or another qualified care provider.
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Clarify surgery, adoption terms, and remaining costs
Ask whether the cat is already spayed or neutered. If surgery is pending, get clear written answers about who will arrange and pay for it, when it is expected, and what the adoption agreement requires. The ASPCA supports spay/neuter before adoption where practicable and recognizes alternatives when services are limited and local law allows (ASPCA Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters).
- What does the adoption fee include?
- What veterinary care or follow-up may still be needed, and who is responsible for arranging it?
- Is there written guidance for questions or problems after adoption?
- What is the shelter’s return or trial policy?
Fees, services, and agreements vary by shelter, so ask for the specific terms in writing. There is no universal return policy or standard set of fee inclusions. Veterinary visits and procedures can add to the cost of caring for a pet, according to the ASPCA (ASPCA, Keeping Animals in Homes).
Arrange care for the first days at home
Schedule a veterinary examination soon after adoption. Cornell recommends that a new cat be checked as soon as possible; if its health history is unknown, keep it separated from resident cats until a veterinarian has examined it. Follow your veterinarian’s advice on testing, vaccines, parasite care, diet, and introductions to other pets (Cornell Feline Health Center).
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Prepare a suitable scratching surface, such as a cat scratching post. Scratching is normal feline behavior, and Cornell notes that most cats can be taught to use scratching posts; a post is a useful provision, not a guarantee against furniture scratching (Cornell Feline Health Center).
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If you are considering more than one cat, weigh what is known and how strong that information is alongside your household’s ability to meet the cat’s needs. The ASPCA says placement decisions involving medical or behavioral concerns should take account of the adopter’s ability and willingness to provide care, the animal’s quality of life, and public safety (ASPCA Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters).
- Known health needs and the records available to understand them.
- Observed behavior, who observed it, and in what settings.
- Fit with household members and resident pets.
- Age and daily-care needs.
- Remaining veterinary work and costs you can reasonably manage.
Adoption is a long-term commitment: Cornell’s 2022 guidance frames it as potentially lasting 10–15 years or more, depending on the cat’s age—not as a guaranteed lifespan (Cornell Feline Health Center, What To Expect).
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