Adult Cats for Adoption in Dubuque, IA: 13 Grown-Up Cats Looking for a Home
By Cats of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Dubuque have 36 adult cats up for adoption. Here are the 13 newest, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Adult cats usually wait longer for homes than kittens, but their personalities are already settled, so you know just what you're getting: a lap cat, a chatterbox or an independent explorer.
Not in Dubuque? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Dale
Young (1 month 21 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 90 mi from Dubuque


Dale is the wild child of the bunch! She is sweet, adorable, and has A LOT of personality! This girl is always on the go and absolutely determined to investigate everything around her. Whether she’s climbing into a drawer, hiding in the laundry basket, wrestling with her siblings, or zooming around the room, Dale is always finding something to get into!
She’s curious, playful, energetic, and just a little bit crazy—in the absolute best way! She will keep you laughing and wondering what she’ll get into next.
Read more about Dale
Please Note: This kitten is in foster care and is not available for meet and greets at this time. We have an estimated date of Nov. 13th that Dale will be ready. This date is subject to change. Once you are approved to adopt, you can put down the adoption fee to reserve her. We will communicate with you throughout the adoption process.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Wolf
Young (1 month 19 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Tabby / Mixed · 90 mi from Dubuque


He is a miniature Dire Wolf, hunting your heart! He has striking facial features: a white visage with fine gray, etched lines, that is a work of art. His belly is white with dappled, gray spots that look like a Rorschach ink blot test. Feisty and fun, his arch-backed, side hop-along will alert his prey & if nothing else, will just confuse them & might even raise a chuckle or two. He's a real snuggler, cuddler and loverboy. If you sit down, he's by your side, searching for a little warm spot to claim his own. He will bond with you, he will be your cat person, your Dire Wolf, your protector & guardian of your heart..... Who knows he might even howl at the moon if you let him!
Read more about Wolf
Please Note: This kitten is in foster care and is not available for meet and greets at this time. We have an estimated date of 11/13 that he will be ready. This date is subject to change. Once you are approved to adopt, you can put down the adoption fee to reserve Wolf. We will communicate with you throughout the adoption process.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Charli
Adult (2 years 1 month) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque



Charli is a petite, young kitty with a big voice and lots of love to give! She enjoys being petted and soaking up affection, though she prefers to keep all four paws on the ground rather than being held or picked up. She's a curious girl who loves watching the world go by from a window and exploring new sights and surroundings.
Read more about Charli
When it comes to other cats, Charli knows what she likes and a little personal space is a must! She isn't particularly fond of other young cats and can be a but hissy around them. she may do well with a calm, laid-back feline companion who respects her boundaries and gives her plenty of room to feel comfortable. She has not been dog tested at this time.
Charli's adoption fee is $85 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations, and an FIV/FeLV test. Charli is seeking an indoor only home with adopters who have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and vet history check. If you would like to meet Charli, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- House-trained
4. Bailey
Young (4 months 26 days) · Female · Torbie / Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque


Bailey is a young torbie girl with a BIG personality and an even bigger supply of zoomies! This fun-loving kitten is playful, curious, and always ready for her next adventure. Whether she’s chasing toys or exploring her surroundings, Bailey brings plenty of energy and entertainment wherever she goes.
Read more about Bailey
Bailey can come on strong when meeting other kitties, she’s not shy about making her presence known! Because of her energetic play style, she’ll do best with a confident, playful feline friend who can match her enthusiasm and keep up with her zoomie sessions. A laid-back kitty who prefers a quiet life may find Bailey’s energy a little overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a fun, spirited kitten with lots of personality, Bailey might be your girl! She’s ready to find a home where she can play, explore, and be her wonderfully energetic self.
Bailey's adoption fee is $100 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccines and FeLV testing. Bailey is seeking a home as an indoor cat only, if you would like to meet her please submit an adoption application at Adopthope.org. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of having kept other pets: altered, kept current on annual vaccines and wellness visits and as indoor pets only. Our adoption process includes a vet history check and a home visit.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Muldoon
Adult (2 years 1 month) · Male · Tabby / Mixed (short coat) · 90 mi from Dubuque




Looking for a large, fluffy best friend? Muldoon may be the perfect match for you! This handsome guy is as sweet as he is big. Relaxed, easygoing, and always ready for attention, Muldoon loves spending his days lounging near his favorite people and soaking up all the pets he can get. With his luxurious coat and impressive size, he’s like a real-life teddy bear and makes an ideal cuddle companion.
Read more about Muldoon
Muldoon is diabetic and requires daily insulin injections, but don’t let that discourage you. He handles his care like a champ and continues to enjoy a happy, comfortable life. Safe Haven will work closely with potential adopters to ensure they understand his care routine and feel confident meeting his needs. We are also happy to discuss ways we may be able to support his ongoing care in the future.
If you’re looking for a gentle, affectionate companion with plenty of love to give, Muldoon is ready to find a home that will cherish him as much as he deserves. ❤️
Please Note: Muldoon is in foster care and is not available to be seen at the shelter at this time. Once you are approved to adopt, we can set up a meet and greet for him, and you can put down the adoption fee to reserve him. We will communicate with you throughout the adoption process.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
- Special needs
6. Sourdough Starter
Young (4 months 30 days) · Male · Tuxedo (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque




You don’t have to be a baker to knead this Sourdough! And don’t worry, we’ve been feeding this starter to help it rise but we’re ready to share the love now!
Read more about Sourdough Starter
Sourdough is a Cedar Rapids native, born to a cat colony in the heart of the Czech Village. He’s become a wonderful companion kitty and has flourished in a foster home with other cats and dogs. While he isn’t in a cuddly kitten phase at this stage of life, he’s a people-centric kitty and will follow the pack of pets and people through the home, even making his way to the foot of the bed each night. Playful, outgoing and with just enough kitty chaos to keep life interesting - you should join the Sourdough craze!
Sourdough’s adoption fee is $100 and includes his neuter, current vaccines, FeLV testing and a microchip. Sourdough is seeking an indoor home only, if you would like to meet him please submit an adoption application for consideration. Last Hope requires that adopters have a history of keeping their animals altered, kept current in annual vaccines and wellness visits and as indoor pets only.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Minnow
Young (4 months 27 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque




Meet Minnow! This adorable boy may be a little shy at first, but it doesn't take long for him to warm up and show you his sweet side. He's a big fan of treats and, even better, a cozy spot on your lap!
Minnow gets along wonderfully with cats of all ages and would likely love having a playful feline friend to romp, chase, and get into kitten mischeif with. He hasn't been around dogs yet, so we're not sure how he would feel about having a canine roommate.
Read more about Minnow
Minnow's adoption fee is $100 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations, and an FeLV test. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on wellness visits, vaccinations, and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and vet history check. If you would like to meet Minnow, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Lo Mein
Young (5 months 10 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque






Hi, my name is Lo Mein! My foster mom says I'm a confident and outgoing kitten. I love to explore and play! Right now, my favorite toys are teaser wands, balls that crinkle and these silly little plastic springs that are just too much fun!
When I'm not busy playing, I love to follow my foster mom around, rub on her legs and get pets. I also don't mind being picked up and cuddled although I am still a kitten and have things to do so sometimes cuddles are a little short right now but my foster mom says I'm getting more cuddly as I'm getting older. Anytime I get attention, I purr loudly!
Read more about Lo Mein
One of my other favorite things is food! I love Churus and come running for my wet food at night! My foster mom has also bought me a couple of treat puzzles and I'm a whiz at those!
My foster mom says to mention that I'm really good at using my cat scratchers and leave carpet and furniture alone. I have cardboard and sisal scratchers and like them both!
When I first came into foster, I was with my brother. He's been adopted but, when he was here, we played well together... we loved to run around, pounce on each other and wrestle but could also play independently. I'd probably do okay with and maybe even enjoy another cat in the home, especially if they're playful, but this isn't a must. I've also met my foster mom's golden retriever and like her... she's not very playful but I follow her around, boop noses with her and rub on her fluffy fur, so I could easily live with a cat friendly dog as well!
Lo Mein's adoption fee is $100 and includes her spay, microchip, current vaccinations, and an FeLV test. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Lo Mein, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Nora
Adult (8 years 2 months) · Female · Domestic Long Hair / Calico / Mixed · 90 mi from Dubuque





Meet Nora
This beautiful long-haired calico girl may be a little spunky, but given what she's been through, we think she's earned that right.
Nora's story began when she appeared as a stray, carrying more than just the struggles of life on the streets. She arrived with a wound on her back, a heavily matted coat, serious infections, and signs of malnourishment. The family who found her wanted to help but were unable to provide the care she desperately needed, so they reached out to Safe Haven.
Read more about Nora
Despite everything she has endured, Nora's spirit shines through. Beneath her cautious demeanor is a resilient little fighter who deserves the chance to experience love, comfort, and security. We are committed to standing by her side every step of the way, celebrating every milestone, every ounce gained, and every moment of trust she shares with us.
Nora's road to recovery has taken some time, but she is finally safe, warm, and cared for. We can't wait to watch her transform from a survivor into a beloved companion, and we know her best days are still ahead of her. ❤️
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Tony
Adult (3 years 1 month) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque






Tony... Tony the Tiger that is! He is a big, handsome orange guy weighing in at about 15 pounds, and he has plenty of love to give! He absolutely loves pets, attention, and being around his people!
Tony enjoys wandering around and checking things out, but more often than not, you'll find him lounging comfortably in his bed, taking it easy, and enjoying the good life. He's the perfect combination of curious and laid-back!
Tony has not shown himself to be a huge fan of other cats, so he may do best as the only cat in the home. He has not yet been dog tested, so we do not know how he feels about canine companions.
Read more about Tony
Tony's adoption fee is $85 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations, and an FeLV/FIV. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Tony, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org
- Only cat
- House-trained
11. Fletcher
Young (8 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque






Meet Fletcher! Fletcher is a young, playful guy who is always ready for some fun! He absolutely loves toys and can turn just about anything into an opportunity for playtime. Whether he's chasing a toy, batting something around, or showing off his playful personality, Fletcher is happiest when he's having fun.
Fletcher is an all around loving guy! He will happily accept all the pets and treats he can get. He also gets along wonderfully with other cats and would love a home with another young feline friend that he can play with all day. After playtime, he 's sure to keep you entertained with his silly, curious personality.
Read more about Fletcher
Fletcher's adoption fee is $100 and includes his neuter, microchip, current vaccinations, and an FeLV/FIV test. Last Hope requires that all animals be kept as indoor only pets and that adopters have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventatives. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Fletcher, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Lola
Young (7 months) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Calico / Mixed · 90 mi from Dubuque


Please Note: This kitten is in foster care.
Lola has already come a long way. Found as a frightened feral stray who thought everything (and everyone!) was scary, she's learned that people aren't so bad, especially when they bring food.
Read more about Lola
Lola is still a cautious girl who prefers a quiet home, maybe with another cat friend to show her the ropes. She needs time to adjust to new people, sounds, and experiences. When life feels overwhelming, she'll find a cozy hiding spot and wait for things to settle down. What Lola needs most is a patient person willing to let her move at her own pace. Give her some time, reassurance, and plenty of TLC, and you'll discover a loyal best friend hiding behind those beautiful, shy eyes.
Since Lola came to us as a frightened stray, she can be cautious and takes time to build trust with new people and environments. Safe Haven will work closely with interested adopters and her foster family to create the best transition plan for Lola's unique needs.
- House-trained
13. Smoky
Adult (2 years 6 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 64 mi from Dubuque


At just around 3 years old, Smoky has lived quite a sheltered life. His previous owner never introduced him to other animals and declawed him at a young age. Like most adult cats who are declawed, Smoky can be bit mouthy when overstimulated or upset. Due to this, he is looking for a quiet home without any children and with an experienced cat owner who can help him learn to trust people again. He has shown to be hissy with other cats and may be best suited as an only pet.
Read more about Smoky
Smoky has begun to show us his playful and loving side as well. He enjoys stretching out and "scratching" on cat towers despite not having any claws. He also really loves churu treats and receiving all the pets once he trusts you... specifically all the butt scratches he can get. He is just a goofy guy looking for someone that is willing to understand him.
Smoky's adoption fee is $85 and includes his neuter, microchip, and current vaccinations. Smoky is seeking an indoor only home with adopters that have a history of having kept their pets altered and current on vaccinations and preventative care. Our adoption process includes a background check, home visit, and a vet history check. If you would like to meet Smoky, please submit an adoption application on our website, Adopthope.org.
- No young kids
- House-trained
Why adopt an adult cat in Dubuque
An adult cat's personality is fully formed, so the rescue can tell you how they are with people, other pets and busy households. Many have lived in foster homes and are used to family life.
Grown cats are calmer and need less supervision than kittens, which suits people who work long hours or have young children.
Rescues with adult cats near Dubuque
- Last Hope Animal RescueCedar Rapids, IA · 8 adult cats above
- Safe Haven of Iowa CountyWilliamsburg, IA · 5 adult cats above
Questions about adopting adult cats in Dubuque
How many adult cats are up for adoption in Dubuque?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Dubuque, Iowa, have 36 adult cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt an adult cat in Dubuque?
The rescues with the most adult cats near Dubuque right now are Last Hope Animal Rescue (Cedar Rapids, IA) and Safe Haven of Iowa County (Williamsburg, IA). Each cat above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Should I adopt an adult cat or a kitten?
It depends on your home. An adult cat's personality is already known and they need less supervision; kittens need more time and training but grow up with your family. The rescues can help you find the right match.
Listings are updated daily. Rescues are responsible for their own listings; a cat may have been adopted since this page was updated.