Kid-Friendly Cats for Adoption in Salinas, CA: 14 Cats Good with Children
Rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Salinas have 14 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. Here are all 14, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Every cat on this page has been marked by their rescue as good with children, usually because they've lived with kids in a foster home.
Not in Salinas? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Baya
Baya is very loving and loves to cuddle. She is scared of other animals but does do well with kids. She might be afraid at first but she will eventually get to love you. She has been through some trauma on one of her ears due to a dog so that's why she is afraid of other animals, otherwise she is a loving and affectionate cat.
Baya is being cared for by a member of the community. To arrange to meet this cat or find out more, please fill out our application here: https://www.thedancingcat.org/adopt-courtesy
For more information regarding our Courtesy Posts, see www.thedancingcat.org/courtesy-posts
- Good with kids
- Only cat
- No dogs
- House-trained
2. Teddy
Meet Teddy!
Teddy is a 4.5-year-old neutered male Exotic Shorthair looking for his forever home.
He may be a little shy at first, but he warms up quickly and becomes a sweet, affectionate companion. He’s a smart little guy who loves having people around and isn’t shy about meowing when he wants attention. He has his own way of communicating with us, and it’s pretty adorable!
Because of his tiny nose, softer food can be easier for him to eat, although he definitely shows interest in dry food, too.
Teddy would love a home where he gets lots of love, attention, and company.
Read more about Teddy
One important note: we don’t recommend Teddy for a home with a history of cat allergies, as we want to avoid putting him or his future family through that uncertainty.
If you think Teddy might be the one for you, please help us learn more about you and your household by filling out our online application: www.tinyurl.com/AdoptMeow. Let’s find this sweet boy the loving forever home he deserves.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. milo 2
can we have curious, cute, and cuddly all wrapped into one kitten? Milo (2) is that that and more. Found alone in an industrial neighborhood, he was rescued by a sweet couple who brought him home then reached out to us to take him in. He is a love-- easy and ready to find a forever family!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Hazel
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ADOPTION APPLICATION AT TCRESCUE.COM/ADOPT
Hazel is a friendly, playful kitten who is ready for a loving home! She was born in August 2026, which makes her 2 months old in October 2026. Hazel is a beauty! She's friendly and.adjusted well to living inside. She's a well-rounded purrrfect little kitten and is completely litter box trained. She
Read more about Hazel
would love to be adopted into a home with another young kitty to play, or one of her siblings, Aspen, Cedar, Russett, Amber, Willow, or Oakley. Hazel is being fostered currently in Manteca. We can arrange a FaceTime visit, or you're welcome to visit her in her current foster home. Same-day adoptions are available at the discretion of the fosterer. Her adoption fee is $175. She's been spayed and up to date on vaccines.
Learn why kittens in pairs are healthier and happier at: http://tcrescue.com/why2kittens
If you would like to meet this kitten, please start by filling out our adoption application at tcrescue.com/adopt
ADOPTION INQUIRIES SUBMITTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION FROM THE LINK ABOVE MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Tailchaser Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from shelters where they are in danger. Our foster volunteers provide loving temporary homes for our rescued animals until they are adopted.
By adopting a cat or dog, you're making a commitment to provide love, care, and medical treatment for the life of the animal, which can be up to 20 years or more! We are committed to placing our rescued animals with families who are prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal for its entire lifetime, so that they are never again at the mercy of the shelter system.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Oakley
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ADOPTION APPLICATION AT TCRESCUE.COM/ADOPT
Oakley is a friendly, playful kitten who is ready for a loving home! He was born in August 2026, which makes him 2 months old in October 2026. Oakley is a beauty! He's friendly and.adjusted well to living inside. He's a well-rounded purrrfect little kitten and is completely litter box trained. He
Read more about Oakley
would love to be adopted into a home with another young kitty to play, or one of his siblings, Aspen, Cedar, Russett, Willow, Hazel, or Amber. Oakley is being fostered currently in Manteca. We can arrange a FaceTime visit, or you're welcome to visit him in his current foster home. Same-day adoptions are available at the discretion of the fosterer. His adoption fee is $250. He's been neutered and up to date on vaccines.
Learn why kittens in pairs are healthier and happier at: http://tcrescue.com/why2kittens
If you would like to meet this kitten, please start by filling out our adoption application at tcrescue.com/adopt
ADOPTION INQUIRIES SUBMITTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION FROM THE LINK ABOVE MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Tailchaser Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from shelters where they are in danger. Our foster volunteers provide loving temporary homes for our rescued animals until they are adopted.
By adopting a cat or dog, you're making a commitment to provide love, care, and medical treatment for the life of the animal, which can be up to 20 years or more! We are committed to placing our rescued animals with families who are prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal for its entire lifetime, so that they are never again at the mercy of the shelter system.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Aspen
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ADOPTION APPLICATION AT TCRESCUE.COM/ADOPT
Aspen is a friendly, playful kitten who is ready for a loving home! He was born in August 2026, which makes him 2 months old in October 2026. Aspen is a beauty! He's friendly and.adjusted well to living inside. He's a well-rounded purrrfect little kitten and is completely litter box trained. He
Read more about Aspen
would love to be adopted into a home with another young kitty to play, or one of his siblings, Cedar, Russett, Oakley, Willow, Hazel, or Amber. Aspen is being fostered currently in Manteca. We can arrange a FaceTime visit, or you're welcome to visit him in his current foster home. Same-day adoptions are available at the discretion of the fosterer. His adoption fee is $175. He's been neutered and up to date on vaccines.
Learn why kittens in pairs are healthier and happier at: http://tcrescue.com/why2kittens
If you would like to meet this kitten, please start by filling out our adoption application at tcrescue.com/adopt
ADOPTION INQUIRIES SUBMITTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION FROM THE LINK ABOVE MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Tailchaser Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from shelters where they are in danger. Our foster volunteers provide loving temporary homes for our rescued animals until they are adopted.
By adopting a cat or dog, you're making a commitment to provide love, care, and medical treatment for the life of the animal, which can be up to 20 years or more! We are committed to placing our rescued animals with families who are prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal for its entire lifetime, so that they are never again at the mercy of the shelter system.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. wanda
Wanda is an energetic ball of fun. She races around with her sisters, oblivious to anything in the world except the task at hand: play. She can fly through the to catch a feather wand, attack a crinkle ball like it owes her money and chase a spring all across the room. Her sisters love to engage in unending rounds of Wrestle-mania.
Read more about wanda
Wanda is curious and adventurous. She is eager to explore everything about the world around her, examine every corner, sniff out every new experience. She is interested in the activities of her humans and will supervise them until she is satisfied, then move on to her next venture. This exuberant little furball is simply a delight. Her antics will leave you smiling, because the world is a better place with her in it. And when she’s worn herself out, she will curl up nearby, resting up for her next round- but for now just content to be next to you.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Moo
Moo and his brother Pepper were born in September of 2025.
They recently moved to a foster home because their family was going through some hardship and can no longer take care of them.
They adjusted to the foster family in just a few days, and they are both super chill, sweet, and affectionate! They are friendly towards everyone in the household, adults and teens, and are even brave enough to say hi to family visitors!
Read more about Moo
Moo took a bit longer to warm up, but once he did, he is pure love. He is easy going, chill most of the time, finds random cat toys around the house to keep himself entertained. He will also come and jump on your lap and purr and enjoy a cuddle session a few times a day.
They are both very gentle,
not picky with their food, and are litter box trained.
Check out these short videos of him playing with his brother, and enjoying some bonding time with his human:
https://youtube.com/shorts/2OXXkLNuyMM
https://youtube.com/shorts/uooQrwW9kgo
https://youtu.be/o_sfPbZIHHQ?is=BZItY8jRjYRT8c3R
Moo is being fostered in Palo Alto, and his adoption fee is $25.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ADOPTION APPLICATION AT TCRESCUE.COM/ADOPT
Learn why kittens in pairs are healthier and happier at: http://tcrescue.com/why2kittens
Moo is being fostered in Palo Alto, and his adoption fee is $25.
If you would like to meet this kitten, please start by filling out our adoption application at tcrescue.com/adopt
ADOPTION INQUIRIES SUBMITTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION FROM THE LINK ABOVE MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Tailchaser Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from shelters where they are in danger. Our foster volunteers provide loving temporary homes for our rescued animals until they are adopted.
By adopting a cat or dog, you're making a commitment to provide love, care, and medical treatment for the life of the animal, which can be up to 20 years or more! We are committed to placing our rescued animals with families who are prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal for its entire lifetime, so that they are never again at the mercy of the shelter system.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Pepper
Pepper and his brother Moo were born in September of 2025. They recently moved to a foster home because their family was going through some hardship and can no longer take care of them.
They adjusted to the foster family in just a few days, and they are both super chill, sweet, and affectionate! They are friendly towards everyone in the household, adults and teens, and are even brave enough to say hi to family visitors!
Read more about Pepper
Pepper is the size of a small dog, and sometimes act like one. He loves exploring around the house, nap in different places, comes running and meowing when he hears 'dinner!' And he will come jump on you randomly to nuzzle for some cuddles while he purrs and makes biscuits.
They are both very gentle,
not picky with their food, and are litter box trained.
Check out these short videos of him playing with his brother, and enjoying some bonding time with his human:
https://youtube.com/shorts/uooQrwW9kgo
https://youtube.com/shorts/Mmmf_aU2P2o
https://youtu.be/o_sfPbZIHHQ?is=BZItY8jRjYRT8c3R
Pepper is being fostered in Palo Alto, and his adoption fee is $25.
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING, PLEASE FILL OUT OUR ADOPTION APPLICATION AT TCRESCUE.COM/ADOPT
Learn why kittens in pairs are healthier and happier at: http://tcrescue.com/why2kittens
If you would like to meet this kitten, please start by filling out our adoption application at tcrescue.com/adopt
ADOPTION INQUIRIES SUBMITTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION FROM THE LINK ABOVE MAY NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Tailchaser Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs from shelters where they are in danger. Our foster volunteers provide loving temporary homes for our rescued animals until they are adopted.
By adopting a cat or dog, you're making a commitment to provide love, care, and medical treatment for the life of the animal, which can be up to 20 years or more! We are committed to placing our rescued animals with families who are prepared for the responsibility of owning an animal for its entire lifetime, so that they are never again at the mercy of the shelter system.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Spark
Let us introduce you to a cute black kitten named Spark. This little sweetie was hiding under a car in an area that's overrun with too many unfixed cats and kittens. He's an expert biscuit maker and his purr motor just doesn't stop. He's playful and energetic, pouncing on toy mice, carrying springs around in his mouth, and chasing after feather toys.
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped. Kittens under 5 months old must be adopted with a buddy or into a house where there's a kitten-friendly pet.
Read more about Spark
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
11. Mystic
Mystic is a handsome, mellow boy who may need a little time to show you his true personality—but once he feels comfortable, he’s a social, playful little purr machine!
When Mystic first meets new people, he prefers to hang back and observe. Give him some space and let him come to you, and before long, you’ll see him transform into the sweet, playful boy he really is. During a recent introduction to new people, he watched from a distance for a while, then within 30–45 minutes was happily playing with toys and enjoying the attention.
Read more about Mystic
Mystic loves playing with his foster mate, Spark, and especially enjoys feather wand toys and soft, sparkly balls that he can bat around and carry all over the room. After playtime, he’s happy to curl up next to you, snooze in your lap, or stretch out in a sunny window. He and Spark even cuddle together for naps under the dresser.
He absolutely loves being petted and will reward you with plenty of purrs. He’s also wonderfully patient with his eye cleaning and leans right into the gentle “preening.”
Mystic would thrive in a quieter home with another friendly cat and people who are willing to give him the time and patience he needs to acclimate. Once he knows he’s safe, this timid boy blossoms into a loving, playful, easygoing companion who is perfectly content to either snuggle beside you or enjoy some peaceful alone time.
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped. Kittens under 5 months old must be adopted with a buddy or into a house where there's a kitten-friendly pet.
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Apawllo
Apawllo has limited vision, but he has no trouble finding his favorite place: right next to his people. This affectionate boy loves head rubs, close company, and being carried like a baby. Personal space? Apawllo would prefer shared space, thank you very much.
When he’s ready for a nap, you’ll find him curled up in the bowl of his cat tree. He can startle easily, but recovers quickly. He appears to have some vision in his remaining eye and would appreciate a calm home with gentle, predictable interactions.
Read more about Apawllo
Apawllo is comfortable around mellow dogs and cats, but people are unquestionably his first choice. His dream home comes with loving humans who enjoy having a devoted little shadow.
Apawllo is proof that being blind doesn’t stop you from living life to the fullest. He’s a loving, playful, cuddly little guy who is ready to find a forever family to grow up with—and he can’t wait to fill their lives with purrs, adventures, and plenty of kitten love!
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped.
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Darling Clementine
Watch Darling Clementine's videos (3)
Darling Clementine is a social, easygoing kitten who loves having both people and kitty friends to engage with. She’s playful and active, happily entertaining herself with chasing toys, track-and-ball toys, and especially loves pouncing after her favorite spring toy. But nothing beats playing with her sister Magik!
Read more about Darling Clementine
When playtime is over, Clem is happy to curl up in a cozy cat bed or box cave with a blanket. And if she has the choice, she’d probably love graduating to sleeping in bed with her favorite person. Clem enjoys exploring and watching the world go by from the window. She seeks out pets and a lap when she’s in the mood and is perfectly happy being held—until she’s ready to get down, at which point she’ll politely let you know with a little meow or wiggle.
She’s good with cats and kids and would be a wonderful fit for an active home that can give her plenty of playtime, companionship, affection, and room to explore. Whether she’s chasing a spring, snuggling in a lap, or making her own adventures, Darling Clementine is ready to add some sweetness to your life! Darling Clementine and Magik are a bonded pair and must be adopter together.
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped. This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible: www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
14. Betty Girl
Betty Girl is the softest little purr machine you could hope to cozy up on the couch with!
This chatty girl loves attention and isn’t shy about asking for it. She’ll rub enthusiastically against your legs, demand pets, and if you pick her up, she may even rub her face right against your nose. She’s also wonderfully funny and has plenty to say.
When she’s not busy getting cuddles, Betty is ON THE MOVE. She zooms around the house like a torpedo, climbs her cat tree, plays with toys by herself, and goes wild for her favorite ball-track toy. She also loves wand toys and will happily chase mice that you toss for her.
Read more about Betty Girl
Betty gets along well with other cats and is respectful of their space. She hasn’t tried playing with them yet, but she seems to enjoy having feline friends around.
Betty is looking for someone who will appreciate both sides of her personality: the energetic girl who needs plenty of playtime and the cuddly girl who wants to be your little shadow. She can occasionally get overstimulated and give a gentle nibble, so she’ll do best with someone who can recognize when she’s had enough.
She loves Churu, loves attention, loves to play, and is basically a tiny, fluffy personality wrapped in the softest fur imaginable
Prior to adoption, all kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for FIV/FELV, vaccinated and microchipped.
This kitten is currently in a foster home. To meet this kitten, please fill out an adoption application so that we'll have your contact information, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. www.thedancingcat.org/adopt
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
Adopting a cat with children in Salinas
Bring the whole family to meet the cat before you adopt, and ask the rescue how the cat behaves around children your kids' ages.
Teach children to let the cat come to them, to stroke gently, and to leave the cat alone while it's eating, sleeping or using the litter box. Give the cat a high or quiet spot to retreat to.
Relaxed adult cats are often a better match for young children than kittens, which scratch and nip while they play.
Rescues with kid-friendly cats near Salinas
- The Dancing CatSan Jose, CA · 6 kid-friendly cats above
- Tailchaser RescueSan Jose, CA · 5 kid-friendly cats above
- 13thstcats.orgSan Jose, CA · 2 kid-friendly cats above
- One Planet RescueSan Jose, CA · 1 kid-friendly cat above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly cats in Salinas
How many kid-friendly cats are up for adoption in Salinas?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 50 miles of Salinas, California, have 14 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly cat in Salinas?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly cats near Salinas right now are The Dancing Cat (San Jose, CA), Tailchaser Rescue (San Jose, CA) and 13thstcats.org (San Jose, CA). Each cat above has the rescue's phone number and website.
What kind of cat is best with kids?
A calm, confident cat that the rescue has seen around children. Adult cats are often easier than kittens with young kids, since their personalities are known and they play less roughly.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a cat may have been adopted since this page was updated.