California

Cats for Adoption in Lake San Marcos, CA: 20 Cats Looking for a Home

Maya, up for adoption near Lake San Marcos, CA

366 cats and kittens are waiting for homes at 18 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Lake San Marcos. Here are the 20 nearest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.

Of the cats up for adoption within 50 miles of Lake San Marcos, 169 kittens, 111 young cats, 74 adults and 11 seniors. Most are domestic shorthairs and other mixed breeds, but you'll also find Scottish Fold, Siamese and Russian Blue cats.

1. Maya

Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Maya is mellow, playful and loving. She adores her mama Celeste - they are both mellow and snuggly, but also love to play together. Cat Dancer is their favorite toy. She gets along with cats, dogs, and people. You can meet her by filling out an online app at our web site at www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org. Contact Kathleen at kpaymard@cox.net for more info.Because we require a home visit before approving anyone to adopt one of our cats, we do not go outside San Diego county/Temecula.

  • No young kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Maya fromBaja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · listed Oct 9

2. Xena, the Warrior Princess

Adult · Female · Tabby (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Xena is a loving lap cat who just wants you to love on her. She started life on the street where she had a litter of kittens. She is ready to be your B.F.F. You can meet her by filling out an online app at our web site at www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org. Contact Kathleen at kpaymard@cox.net for more info.

  • Good with kids
  • Only cat
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Xena, the Warrior Princess fromBaja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · listed Oct 9

3. Celeste

Young · Female · Tortoiseshell (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Celeste was only six months old when she gave birth to her three girls - Amelia, Maya, and Moxie. Her girls are 5 months old and Celeste is not even one year old. She is just beginning to embrace the kittenhood she never had. Celeste is mellow, playful and loving and loves to play with her babies, especially sweet Maya. Cat Dancer is their favorite toy. She gets along with cats, dogs, and people. You can meet her by filling out an online app at our web site at www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org. Contact Kathleen at kpaymard@cox.net for more info.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Celeste fromBaja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · listed Aug 29

4. Moxie

Young · Female · Tortoiseshell (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Moxie is adventurous, playful, energetic and loving. She is best friends with her sister Amelia - they both have a high energy level and love to play together. Cat Dancer is their favorite toy. She gets along with cats, dogs, and people. You can meet her by filling out an online app at our web site at www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org. Contact Kathleen at kpaymard@cox.net for more info.Because we require a home visit before approving anyone to adopt one of our cats, we do not go outside San Diego county/Temecula.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Moxie fromBaja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · listed Aug 27

5. Amelia

Young · Female · Calico (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Amelia is adventurous, playful, energetic and loving. She is best friends with her sister Moxie - they both have a high energy level and love to play together. Cat Dancer is their favorite toy. She gets along with cats, dogs, and people. You can meet her by filling out an online app at our web site at www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org. Contact Kathleen at kpaymard@cox.net for more info.Because we require a home visit before approving anyone to adopt one of our cats, we do not go outside San Diego county/Temecula.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Amelia fromBaja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · listed Aug 27

6. Baffi

Young (2 years 4 months) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Baffi wants to be your best friend! She is a beautiful calico girl who loves to be with her people and is great for petting and easy to handle. She loves her treats and food too! She does not love other cats but will tolerate them. Email jmclaug@me.com if you would like to meet her DOB 5/2/24

  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Baffi fromMartin's Home, Inc.Escondido, CA · listed Jun 18

7. Kureha

Adult (5 years 4 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos

Kureha is a playful and curious girl. She starts out shy but is such a great interactive girl once she gets comfortable. She does well with other cats that can tolerate her energy. Email jmclaug@me,com if you would like to meet her DOB 4/17/21

  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Kureha fromMartin's Home, Inc.Escondido, CA · listed May 20

8. Skye

Adult (3 years 1 month) · Male · Siamese (short coat) · 13 mi from Lake San Marcos

Meet Skye. This incredibly sweet and humble 3-year-old Siamese boy that has been through more than any cat should. Skye was found in Tijuana, Mexico, curled up on an old sheet, on top of broken concrete and torn-up boxes. Seeing this precious boy trying to find comfort on a pile of rubble absolutely crushed my foster’s heart. She called me, and of course i asked her to take him directly to our vet. Poor Skye was having a hard time breathing, but with proper inhaler for asthma, safety, comfort, a soft places to sleep, and plenty of good food this beautiful boy began to shine.
Siamese cats are known for being incredibly intelligent, social, affectionate, talkative, and deeply bonded to their people.

Read more about Skye

Skye is looking for a patient, loving home that will give him the time he needs to adjust, feel safe, and learn that he is finally home. Skye is also friendly with other friendly cats and has even done well with dogs! As with any animal, introductions should always be slow, calm, and respectful so everyone has time to adjust. Like every animal we rescue, Skye deserves time, patience, and understanding as he settles into his new life. His story started in Tijuana, but it doesn’t end there. ❤️ We want Skye to know that those lonely days are behind him. We want someone to look into those beautiful eyes and tell him, “You’re home.” If you think Skye could be the boy your family has been waiting for, please consider giving this sweet soul the forever home he deserves. Apply to adopt Skye at tlck9rescue.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Skye fromTLC K9 RescueEscondido, CA · listed Aug 18

9. Lionel

Adult (2 years 1 month) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Lake San Marcos

Meet sweet Lionel, a beautiful 2-year-old orange and white boy with a heart as warm as his sunny coat!
Lionel is a wonderfully friendly boy who loves people and enjoys being around his humans. He has a gentle, easygoing personality and would make such a lovely companion for someone looking for a sweet kitty friend.
He is also very good with calm, respectful dogs, making him a wonderful addition to the right dog-friendly home. ❤️
Lionel is litter box trained and house trained, and one of his favorite things to do is find a sunny window and bask in the warm sunshine. ☀️ There is something so peaceful about watching a happy kitty soaking up the sun!
As with all animals, Lionel will need time, patience, and understanding as he adjusts to his new home.

Read more about Lionel

Moving into a new environment can be a big change, and giving him the time he needs to feel safe and comfortable will help him blossom into the wonderful companion he is meant to be. ❤️
Lionel is ready to find the family who will love him, spoil him, and give him the safe and happy life he deserves. Could you be his forever family?
Lionel is waiting for you! Apply to foster or adopt Lionel at tlck9rescue.org

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Lionel fromTLC K9 RescueEscondido, CA · listed Aug 18

10. Oracle

Kitten · Female · Siamese / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Oracle is an approximately 10 week old kitten that was originally rescued as a stray in Los Angeles. She was brought inside with her sister, Freya, and have been spoiled by their caretaker. They were in a home with children and did wonderful so we know they will make great family kitties! We are looking forward to finding them forever homes so they never have to end up on the street again.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Oracle fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Oct 28

11. Freya

Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Freya is an approximately 10 week old kitten that was originally rescued as a stray in Los Angeles. She was brought inside with her sister, Oracle, and have been spoiled by their caretaker. They were in a home with children and did wonderful so we know they will make great family kitties! We are looking forward to finding them forever homes so they never have to end up on the street again.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Freya fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Oct 28

12. Nicole

Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

This is a Courtesy Post. Nicole is currently with her caretaker, not at the Lounge. Interested parties please contact Paul: paul7hodges@gmail.com* Nicole was originally rescued from Tijuana when she was 2 years old! She was found roaming the streets of Tijuana, but she's no street cat! She was brought into foster care, vetted, and adopted. Unfortunately due to no fault of her own, Nicole is looking for a new home because her caregiver is moving overseas. Now 7 year olds and very petite - coming in at 7 lbs, she's a smaller cat, kitten-like in appearance and demeanor; affectionate, friendly. Nicole is good with other cats and children. Likes cat grass (wheatgrass), cardboard scratch boards, and brushing.

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Nicole fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Oct 11

13. Gidget

Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Gidget and her friend Jersey are approximately 12 week old kittens that were rescued from the high desert area where a senior couple were caring for their stray mama. Unfortunately mama did not survive on the streets and the caretakers did not know how to care for young kittens. Thankfully one of our rescue partners took the kittens into their care and have been thriving! Now they have joined The Cat Lounge, been fully vetted, and ready to find their forever home!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Gidget fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Oct 7

14. Dolce

Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Dolce and his brother Gabbana are approximately 1 year old tabbies rescues from Tijuana! They were cared for as kittens and have lived the majority of their life inside. Dolce is very loving, but he does get anxious when he is alone therefore he needs an experienced cat owner! He is looking for a home where he can get nearly constant love and attention! Come meet this big baby boy!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • No dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Dolce fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Sep 30

15. Calyspo

Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Calypso and her Odyssey siblings were found outside a school in Hesperia, California. A caretaker was able to bring them inside and has been caring for them for the last month. This mythological litter are very sweet and are polydactyl, meaning some have extra toes! They need little bit more TLC since they were on the streets for so long, but with some a good diet and stability, they're going to blossom!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Calyspo fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Sep 16

16. Athena

Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Athena and her Odyssey siblings were found outside a school in Hesperia, California. A caretaker was able to bring them inside and has been caring for them for the last month. This mythological litter are very sweet and are polydactyl, meaning some have extra toes! They need little bit more TLC since they were on the streets for so long, but with some a good diet and stability, they're going to blossom!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Athena fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Sep 16

17. Sophia

Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Sophia is a tabbico (tabby mixed with calico!) originally rescued in Tijuana. Sophia has been with us off and on since 2021 for no fault of her own. She has unfortunately recently found herself back to us, again for no fault of her own, or her previous parent. She was very loved in her most recent home, and her family has the following to say about her: "[Sophia's] favorite thing to do in the morning is cuddle before eating her breakfast and then watching the birds through the screen door. She is obsessed with catnip and those toys that have the string on them. She really really loves yarn so if you crochet or knit she'll be chasing the yarn around.

Read more about Sophia

She loves to graze on dry kibble and have a fillet as a mid day treat. Her favorite treat is tuna fillet. She's a big tuna girly so caution if you eat canned tuna she will let you know she wants some too! She'll really warm up to you if you feed her those little churu treats. She loves fake grass, it's her favorite place to make biscuits. She can be shy and timid at first. But if you just give her time she really opens up. She likes to hide under beds and tables when she gets scared but just tell her she's okay and she'll come out on her own time. She loves to play with her water bowl so be prepared to step in a few puddles every now and then! And lastly she does not like to be picked up!! (She'll let you know it too)" Sophia is currently recovering from a surgery to remove a Mass Cell Tumor. She will be available for adopting pending her test results and recovery!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • No dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Sophia fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Aug 18

18. Mystery

Adult · Male · Russian Blue / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

*Please note Mystery is being posted as a courtesy to his caretaker. If you are interested, please contact Sharon at parallaxplace@gmail.com directly MYSTERY Gentle Mystery was found starving in an alley and near death. Our best guest is he lost his person and was left behind. This poor older gentleman did not have any street survival skills, but smartly found his way to a feeding station. Unfortunately, the other cats rejected him and he was slowly starving to death. When we picked him up he was so hungry, so sweet, so grateful. He's about 11, FIV+, and those eyes? The result of being dangerously thin.

Read more about Mystery

His lashes turned inward and caused repeated infections. But this little champion is being treated and gaining weight every day. ? Sweet Mystery is calm (his foster says hanging out with him feels like the best kind of therapy), loving, dog-friendly, and happy to garden-stroll in a harness. The perfect companion for anyone who's home a lot and ready to be loved unconditionally! A human to call his own, a couch, and a bed is all Mystery needs to be happy. We are looking for someone who will love this fellow as much as we do, and make his next chapter his best one yet!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
Adopt Mystery fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Aug 2

19. Nova

Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos

Nova was found as a stray living on the streets of Los Angeles when she was brought inside by a concerned resident. Shortly after being brought into safety, Nova gave birth to 5 beautiful little kittens! Her caretaker has been helping raise the family with limited resources and did find homes for 3 of the 5 kittens. Now Nova then found placement with her two remaining kittens here at The Cat Lounge Rescue! Since then, both of her kittens have been adopted, but Nova is still looking for her home! Nova was very ready for her independence from her kittens. Now that they have been adopted, she is the star of the show! She wants all the attention and is so incredibly sweet and affectionate. Though she is co-existing in our Lounge, she would prefer to be your on and only princess!

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • House-trained
Adopt Nova fromThe Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · listed Jul 17

20. Moris

Kitten (5 months 15 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Tabby / Mixed (short coat) · 22 mi from Lake San Marcos

Meet Max AND Moris!
8/22/26:
These kittens are the absolute best you will ever meet. Period! The point of this story is yes, I may be biased as their foster mom, but I have fostered thousands and all I can say is they ARE the best. NOW, before you fall in love with them, it’s important that you know that the boys are FeLV positive. Yes, we are sad about that, as feline leukemia is a tricky disease. They are strong, healthy, active boys at this time, so we keep looking at them thinking, “are you SURE they are FeLV+ and WHY?!” But it is what it is. FeLV+ kitties are NORMAL cats. The only problem is you do not know if they will have a short life span (usually under 2 years of age) or a normal long life span of 8-16 years.

Read more about Moris

FeLV is not a treatable disease and when and IF they become symptomatic, you will know it’s when the clock is now ticking. We typically do NOT accept FeLV+ kitties, as we would euthanize them, but these babies are young and SO amazing. We think someone needs to luck out and enjoy them, whether that be for a short time or for a LONG time. We hope someone with a strong/kind heart who understands heartache can push through the “potential future” and offer them a beautiful loving safe home and see what destiny has in store. For now, we can say all of their medical has been completed, including being neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. They are currently strong as working horses.
Original Rescue Story:
We wanted to give you the background of their rescue story. Three kittens were found on the side of the road in Tijuana Mexico. Their rescuer took them home when they were only about 2 months old and had them in her small bathroom since her husband does not like cats. She sought help from local rescue groups, but had no luck. Finally a rescue agreed to look at the female named Sweetie, but she did not pass their intake exam because she tested positive for FeLV and was denied entry. This is when ARWOB was contacted. We knew we should take Sweetie and either euthanize her or try to give her a chance for adoption, but we could not send her back to Mexico for a multitude of reasons. When we met her, we agreed to take her and give her a chance since she is SO amazing. We took care of her medical and after a couple of weeks, we requested that the brothers come across the border, knowing that they would likely also test positive for FeLV. Sweetie needed friends, so we couldn’t say no. They have since come across to San Diego and we are so happy they no longer have to live in that itty bitty bathroom they had been in for months. In the meantime, Sweetie thankfully found a foster home and they now want to adopt her! She is safe! Now, we need to find someone just as amazing for the two boys and we hope they luck out in finding a wonderful human because they are fantastic too!
The boys are affectionate, social, and super playful typical kittens. They love to play soccer, fetch, and even parkour! They are VERY friendly to all humans, dogs, and cats. They want to be friends with the other cats, but because they are FeLV+ they are not able to mingle with our other cats. If you have an FeLV+ kitty at home, they would love more friends! However, they do have each other and we have to admit they remind us of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum – we will let you decide who is who when you meet them! LOL! They are totally in synch with each other and absolutely bonded. They find each other all the time by hearing each other purring. When one boy does something, the other boy does it too. There are subtle differences between them: Moris will jump on your lap no problem, while Max will stand on two hind legs and place his front paws on your lap so you can pick him up. For some reason he has not figured that he can just jump up onto your lap. Ha, ha! Max is so funny when he runs like a little puppy for his food bowl. Both boys are typical teenagers (aka FOOD HOUNDS) and the only negative about them both is they nee

  • Good with kids
  • Good with cats
  • Good with dogs
  • House-trained
  • Special needs
Adopt Moris fromAnimal Rescuers Without BordersSan Diego, CA · listed Aug 23

Rescues and shelters near Lake San Marcos

The rescues with the most cats listed within 50 miles of Lake San Marcos.

  • Helen Woodward Animal CenterRancho Santa Fe, CA · 65 cats · 7 mi from Lake San Marcos
  • Feline Freedom Flight ResscueSan Jacinto, CA · 59 cats · 50 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Feline Freedom Flight Resscue

    Submit a pre-adoption application Application is reviewed, if approved Will setup a meet and greet If it's a match, adoption process with signing contract and collection adoption fee

  • Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical AidMission Viejo, ca · 37 cats · 43 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid

    $200 sdoption fee, contract signed for adoption agreement once application and home check approved

  • Irvine Animal Care CenterIrvine, CA · 35 cats · 48 mi from Lake San Marcos
  • Coastal Animal Services AuthoritySan Clemente, CA · 30 cats · 25 mi from Lake San Marcos
  • Ditto's Rescue, Every Animal MattersMission Viejo, CA · 27 cats · 42 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Ditto's Rescue, Every Animal Matters

    Our adoption fee is $300 for kittens up to one year, $250 for cats over 1 year. This is to help cover the medical & boarding costs. We do require and adoption application and adoption agreement and do usually require a home check. Our dogs all require the same and are always $250. All are up to date on shots, neutered/spayed, and ready to go home healthy.

  • The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption CenterLa Jolla, CA · 21 cats · 19 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center

    Adoption Application to ensure the cats are indoor only, never declawed, going to the right home. Adoption Agreement Adoption Fee

  • Doggie Protective ServicesRomoland, CA · 20 cats · 43 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Doggie Protective Services

    We require an application from anyone who is interested in adopting. Then we require a phone interview, followed by a meeting in person. Then if the animal is a match, we have a contract and our adoption fee which is $400.

  • Workin' WhiskersHemet, CA · 15 cats · 41 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Workin' Whiskers

    ADOPTION PROCESS: 1. Go to Workinwhiskers.com (Click on ADOPT) 2. Fill Out Online Form 3. Submit Online Application 4. Someone Will Call / Text to Do Phone Interview 5. Will be notified of Approved Application 6. Official Meet and Greet with Kitty 7. Home Visit (WILL BE SCHEDULED) 8. Sign Adoption Contract 9. Pay Adoption Fee (VENMO - ZELLE - PAYPAL or CASH) 10. Take the Kitty Home

  • New Beginnings for AnimalsMission Viejo, CA · 13 cats · 42 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from New Beginnings for Animals

    All interested parties are required to fill out a pre-adoption questionarre. This helps us in placing the right animal in the right home. Our goal is to place our rescued animals in the right new forever home. Most of these animals have been thru so much and we want to make their transition into their new homes go as smoothly as possible. Please visit our website www.greatpets.org for more information on our calander of adoption events for our dogs and where you can come to visit our wonderful kitties. For cat questions/info contact: Hana Butter (949)716-0538 Dog questions/info contact: Diane Klein (949)348-8057.

  • Long Beach Spay NeuterLong Beach, CA · 11 cats · 45 mi from Lake San Marcos
  • Martin's Home, Inc.Escondido, CA · 8 cats · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Martin's Home, Inc.

    $40 for cats and rabbits, $500 for horses. We have contracts for horses, cats and rabbits and complete screening processes for each. All are fully vetted prior to adoption

  • Chula Vista Animal Care FacilityChula Vista, CA · 8 cats · 37 mi from Lake San Marcos
  • Animal Rescuers Without BordersSan Diego, CA · 7 cats · 22 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Animal Rescuers Without Borders

    adoption application, meet potential adopters family (all household and pets), home check, adoption contract, adoption fee (fees vary)

  • Baja Animal SanctuarySan Diego, CA · 5 cats · 8 mi from Lake San Marcos
    How to adopt from Baja Animal Sanctuary

    After viewing our adoptable dogs, the next step would be to submit an application www.bajaanimalsanctuary.org on the dog you're interested in adopting. Once the application is received, it will be reviewed and a volunteer will contact you. We will then make arrangements for you to meet the dog at one of our next Adoption Events. Or, you may drive to our shelter located in Rosarito, Mexico (appointment is required). If after meeting the dog, and it is determined the dog is the right fit, you will begin the adoption as a two-week foster. If after the two weeks, you decide you'd like to keep your new furry friend, a volunteer will come out to your home and finalize the adoption. If for whatever reason during the two weeks you realize the dog is not the right fit, you will be able to bring the dog back to the next Adoption Event and our Business Office will mail you a full refund of the adoption fee. Adoption Fee: $275.00 All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, current on their vaccines, and dewormed prior to being put up for adoption. Our dogs are rescues so basic training, including house training, will need to be done by the adopter, unless otherwise stated in the dog's bio. Once you have submitted your application, please be patient for a response. We are currently receiving a high volume of applications, and while we make every effort to respond to all applicants please understand if you don't hear back from us. We are all volunteers and work as quickly as possible to respo

Adopting a cat in Lake San Marcos

Most rescues ask you to fill in an application, meet the cat, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip. Many are foster-based, so you'll often meet your cat in a volunteer's home rather than a shelter.

Senior cats are often the calmest companions and the slowest to find homes. If you'd like a settled, affectionate cat, ask the rescues about their older residents.

Kittens go quickly, especially in spring and summer. If you've fallen for one, contact the rescue soon, and think about adopting two: young cats keep each other company and out of mischief.

Questions about adopting a cat in Lake San Marcos

How many cats are up for adoption in Lake San Marcos?

As of October 29, 2026, 366 cats and kittens are listed for adoption within 50 miles of Lake San Marcos, California, by 18 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.

Where can I adopt a cat in Lake San Marcos?

The rescues with the most cats near Lake San Marcos right now are Helen Woodward Animal Center (Rancho Santa Fe, CA), Feline Freedom Flight Resscue (San Jacinto, CA) and Compassionate Animal Rescue for Medical Aid (Mission Viejo, ca). Each cat above has the rescue's phone number and website.

Are there kittens for adoption in Lake San Marcos?

Yes. 169 kittens are up for adoption within 50 miles of Lake San Marcos.

How do I adopt a cat in Lake San Marcos?

Pick a cat and contact the rescue or shelter looking after them. Most ask you to fill in an application, meet the cat, and pay an adoption fee that usually covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a microchip.

Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a cat may have been adopted since this page was updated.