Kid-Friendly Cats for Adoption in Joplin, MO: 15 Cats Good with Children
By Cats of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Joplin have 15 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. Here are all 15, 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 Joplin? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Josey
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 72 mi from Joplin


Hi, I'm Josey! I was at this shelter when I was just a small little kitten and and had been adopted, but sadly my owners had to move and couldn't bring me with them. I have always been a little bit of shy guy but I am a sweetheart. If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Simon
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin


<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Rusty
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin


This lovely little fella showed up as a stray in Oologah. He was underweight and had some minor wounds at intake but is regaining and recouping nicely! He is extremely social and lovable and would love a family to call his own.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
4. Kitty Kitty
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


We are Hanna, Kitty Kitty and Abby. We were very loved. Our momma got sick and couldn't take care of us any more, but she wants us to have a great life. Won't you give one of us a chance?
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Faerie
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


Enter the enchanting oasis of love- where Faerie and her 7 little fairies have bloomed! I'm a little shy at first but warm up over time. I'm looking for a forever home where I can be loved for days!If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. ZaZa
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


Hi, I'm Zaza! I'm a shy boy looking for a peaceful and quiet home where I can adjust with time and learn to love humans. Right now, I'm pretty scared and not sure what all to expect...If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Kitty
Senior · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 72 mi from Joplin



Kitty is a sweet older gentleman who knows what it means to be loved. He had a wonderful home and was deeply loved by his owner, but sadly, his person had to enter hospice care and could no longer care for him. Now Kitty is looking for a quiet, loving home where he can spend his golden years feeling safe, cherished, and loved once again. He may be older, but he still has plenty of love to give. If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO.
Read more about Kitty
If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Only cat
- No dogs
- House-trained
8. Opalina
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


I'm Opalina I had a litter of kittens but they've all flown the coop so I'm an empty nester now I'm looking for my next chapter in life and you might be just the companion I need to enjoy that chapter with me. Are you ready?If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Days
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


Meet this loving mama Days and her weekly kittens. She is a sweet mama and has raised her babies through it all. Give her some time and she will warm up to you. If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Missy
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


I'm Missy and I have two beautiful kittens. Now that I have them weaned, I'm ready for my very own next chapter in life. I'm a pretty girl if I do say so myself. Do you need someone to share your next chapter in life with, too?If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO. If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
11. Festival
Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


The Celebration Crew: Parade and her kittens Carnival, Circus, Fair and Festival. This lively litter is one big celebration! They can bring all the fun, charm, and excitement of a hometown event to your home. They’re social, curious, and wonderfully peoplefriendly — the kind of kittens who would greet you at the door, follow you around like a little procession, and turn everyday moments into something special.If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO.
Read more about Festival
If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
12. Bug
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 72 mi from Joplin


Hi, I'm Bug! I came to the shelter with my little bug brigade and they have all since been adopted. I was once an outdoor only kitty and am learning to adapt to indoor living. I may always be shy but I am making progress. Do you have the patience and love to give me time to adjust?If you're interested in adopting me, fill out an adoption application online at www.polkcountyhumanesociety.org/adopt where you will also find a link to reserve me for an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: Cats and kittens listed as "In Foster" are usually at a PetSmart Adoption Center in Springfield, MO (on Glenstone Ave) or at the PetSmart in Rolla, MO.
Read more about Bug
If you'd like to meet them, you can go to those stores and the PetSmart Associates can assist you with an adoption.All of our pets are neutered or spayed, have vaccinations appropriate for their age, are treated with flea/tick/heartworm prevention and dewormed #adoptdontshop
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Miles Finch
Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin




Miles is extremely affectionate and lovable! He gets along with other cats, kids, and respectful dogs.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
14. Lucy
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin




Sadly Lucy is being returned due to no fault of her own. She’s very sweet. She was adopted with her sibling Mr Darcy and both are being returned. Lucy was the cutest little kitten and she’s turned into the most beautiful cat. We would love to keep them together however they could be separated if need be. She loves people and would make a perfect companion.Lucy is the cutest little gray and white tabby! She is as cute as her name! She, along with her six littermates, is looking for her forever home. To find out how you can meet Lucy in person please contact Okie Pet Rescue.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
15. Mr. Darcy
Young · Male · Domestic Medium Hair / Mixed · 80 mi from Joplin


Sadly Mr. Darcy is being returned due to no fault of his own! He has grown into a stunning black cat! Mr. Darcy is bonded with his sister Lucy and they have been returned together. However, they can be separated if need be. He is very friendly, loves people and loves be held with all the attention! Mr. Darcy is a stunning little black kitten that is looking for his forever family. To find out how you can meet him in person please contact Okie Pet Rescue.<br /><br />Okie Pet Rescue<br />okiepetrescue@gmail.comokiepetrescue.org<br />An application must be completed and approved after a comprehensive review. Adoptions include spay or neuter, current vaccinations, and heartworm testing.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Adopting a cat with children in Joplin
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 Joplin
- Polk County Humane SocietyBolivar, MO · 10 kid-friendly cats above
- Okie Pet RescueClaremore, OK · 5 kid-friendly cats above
Questions about adopting kid-friendly cats in Joplin
How many kid-friendly cats are up for adoption in Joplin?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 100 miles of Joplin, Missouri, have 15 kid-friendly cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a kid-friendly cat in Joplin?
The rescues with the most kid-friendly cats near Joplin right now are Polk County Humane Society (Bolivar, MO) and Okie Pet Rescue (Claremore, OK). 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.