Kid-Friendly Cats for Adoption in Santa Cruz, CA: 8 Cats Good with Children
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Santa Cruz have 8 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. Here are all 8, 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 Santa Cruz? Find cats near your zip code.
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
Adopting a cat with children in Santa Cruz
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 Santa Cruz
- 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 Santa Cruz
How many kid-friendly cats are up for adoption in Santa Cruz?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Santa Cruz, California, have 8 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly cat in Santa Cruz?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly cats near Santa Cruz right now are Tailchaser Rescue (San Jose, CA), 13thstcats.org (San Jose, CA) and One Planet Rescue (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.