Adopt a Cat Month 2025: Make Room for a New Best Friend in June

Did you know that June is celebrated as both National Adopt a Cat Month and Adopt a Shelter Cat Month? It’s the perfect time to open your home to a furry friend in need. Pet adoption month generally falls in June, a time when shelters across the country highlight the benefits of adopting cats. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or looking to expand your family.  June is the best month to bring home a new companion.

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Why Adopt a Cat? (And Why Now?)

Bringing a cat into your life is truly special, it's a chance to create a bond full of love, comfort, and joy for both you and your furry friend. With June being the peak season for cat adoption, there’s no better time to open your heart and home. Here’s why adopting a cat can make such a meaningful difference:

While many shelters are no-kill, countless others still face the heartbreaking reality of euthanizing cats due to overcrowding or limited resources. When you adopt, you may truly be saving a life. You're not only giving a cat a second chance, but also providing them with a loving, fulfilling home. In return, you'll bring joy, companionship, and love into your own life as well.

Shelters do so much more than provide temporary homes, they actively prepare cats for successful adoptions. Most cats are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and given thorough health checks before they’re ready to go home. Staff members also take time to get to know each cat’s personality, helping you find one that truly fits your lifestyle. This support can make the transition easier for both you and your new feline friend, setting the foundation for a happy, lasting bond.

Quick Tips for Preparing Your Home for a New Cat

Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. The process can be even more complex if you have other pets, young children, or if your home isn’t fully prepared for a new family member. To help make the transition smoother for everyone, here are a few tips to ensure your home is ready:

Set up a quiet and cozy area where your new cat can adjust at their own pace. This space acts as a safe retreat while they get used to their new surroundings, especially if you have other pets or young children. Include the essentials like: a litter box, food dishes, fountain, scratching post, and a comfy bed or blanket. Keep the area calm and free from loud noises or frequent foot traffic. Giving your cat a safe, contained space early on helps build their confidence and creates a smoother transition into the rest of your home.

Cats are naturally curious explorers, especially in a new environment. To keep them safe, be sure to remove or secure anything that could pose a danger, such as loose wires, toxic houseplants, breakable items, and small objects they might swallow. Taking these precautions will help prevent accidents and create a safe space for your cat to settle in.

One of the most commonly overlooked hazards in a home is houseplants. While they can make a space feel vibrant and cozy, many popular varieties are actually toxic to cats if ingested. Since felines often nibble on plants out of curiosity, boredom, or instinct, it’s essential to choose greenery that won’t put their health at risk.Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful, non-toxic options that are safe to share your home with. Whether you're decorating your new space or reassessing your current collection, our guide to 20 Houseplants Safe for Cats is a great place to start. It features a variety of pet-friendly plants that are both stylish and safe, helping you create a cat-friendly environment without sacrificing your love of greenery.

Before your new feline friend arrives, it’s important to gather all the basic supplies they’ll need to feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Being prepared ahead of time will help reduce stress for both you and your cat during the transition period. Here’s a checklist of essentials to have on hand:

Taking the time to gather these items before your new cat arrives shows your commitment to their well-being and sets the stage for a smooth, happy start to your life together.

New Cat? Easy Ways to Make Them Feel at Home

Helping your new cat feel comfortable is key to building a happy, trusting relationship. One helpful guideline to keep in mind is the 3-3-3 rule. A simple way to understand what your cat might be experiencing as they adjust to their new environment:

• 3 days to decompress and adjust to the new sights, sounds, and smells of your home. During this time, your cat may hide, sleep a lot, or seem unsure, this is totally normal.
  

• 3 weeks to begin forming bonds with you and other members of the household, start exploring more confidently, and settle into a routine.
  

• 3 months to fully acclimate, feel at home, and begin to show their true personality, playful, affectionate, or maybe even a little sassy.
  

Patience, consistency, and a calm environment during this time go a long way. With a little time and care, your new feline friend will soon feel like part of the family.

Cats love routine, so try to feed, play, and interact with them around the same time each day to build trust and provide a sense of security. A predictable schedule helps reduce stress, especially for newly adopted cats who are still adjusting to their environment. Regular mealtimes, play sessions, and quiet bonding moments create structure and help your cat feel more in control of their world. Over time, this consistency will strengthen your bond and make your cat feel more relaxed, confident, and at home.

Thinking about adopting this June? I’d love to hear your thoughts or stories—drop a comment below! And if you found this helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow cat lover.