Cats for Adoption in Carrboro, NC: 20 Cats Looking for a Home
By Cats of the Day · Updated

90 cats and kittens are waiting for homes at 4 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Carrboro. 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 25 miles of Carrboro, 27 kittens, 43 young cats, 13 adults and 4 seniors. Most are domestic shorthairs and other mixed breeds, but you'll also find American Shorthair cats.
Not in Carrboro? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Minnie
Adult (20 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 13 mi from Carrboro


Minnie (short for Minnow) is a young, sweet, cozy cat ready for her forever home. She loves treats, rubs, and chasing laser beams. Her pumpkin-colored eyes and affectionate nature make her the perfect Halloween movie binge buddy this season. Get ready to Fall in love with her today! Minnie is being fostered by the couple that rescued her and her recent litter of kittens from the wild. She is spayed, vaccinated, litter trained, and friendly with people and vet staff. She will undoubtedly make an absolute gem of an addition to any family she joins. An adoption fee of $100 will apply. Please apply to meet her today.
- House-trained
2. Willow
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro


Willow is one of Mary Ashburn's friendliest "Spirit" kitties. She is about 5-8 years old and needs a soft place to land since Mary passed away last month. Please consider giving Willow safe and secure senior years. Mary had a heart for the animals that others overlooked or gave up on. Every animal that came into LPAH’s care was loved deeply by her. At Lending Paws a Hand, Inc. ’s shelter facility, Mary had spirit cats. Spirit Cats are not for everyone, but they are very special cats for some. They are very shy with people. They live in your home, but are rarely seen – especially by visitors. They are cats who live with you, and who may bond deeply with you or only just grant you the opportunity to touch them…or not. We are now faced with the hard decision on where to relocate Mary’s spirit cats The cats all get along with other cats, are older, and some will come up for a pet now and again. They have all lived indoors, therefore, we would not recommend a “barn cat” scenario for them unless you’re willing to still feed them everyday and not expect them to hunt. You can learn more about spirit cats here: https://lpah.org/spirit-cats/
Read more about Willow
Please reach out to LPAH if you’re interested in adopting one (or more) of our spirit cats in the rescue. They are desperately in need and we are running out of time! https://lpah.org/spirit-cats/
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Lucky
Adult · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro



Lucky is one of Mary Ashburn's "Spirit" kitties. He is about 5-8 years old and needs a soft place to land since Mary passed away last month. Please consider giving Lucky a safe and secure senior years. Mary had a heart for the animals that others overlooked or gave up on. Every animal that came into LPAH’s care was loved deeply by her. At Lending Paws a Hand, Inc. ’s shelter facility, Mary had spirit cats. Spirit Cats are not for everyone, but they are very special cats for some. They are very shy with people. They live in your home, but are rarely seen – especially by visitors. They are cats who live with you, and who may bond deeply with you or only just grant you the opportunity to touch them…or not. We are now faced with the hard decision on where to relocate Mary’s spirit cats The cats all get along with other cats, are older, and some will come up for a pet now and again. They have all lived indoors, therefore, we would not recommend a “barn cat” scenario for them unless you’re willing to still feed them everyday and not expect them to hunt. You can learn more about spirit cats here: https://lpah.org/spirit-cats/
Read more about Lucky
Please reach out to LPAH if you’re interested in adopting one (or more) of our spirit cats in the rescue. They are desperately in need and we are running out of time!
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Pavarotti
Young (2 months 5 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro



Pavarotti is a very talkative big eye guy that loves to play! He has been bottle-fed from two days old and is very friendly. He's all dressed up in his pin stripe black and white tabby suit - ready to converse and play with whoever comes along.
Pavarotti needs to be in a home where people are home most of the day or that has a friendly cat or with adopted with one of his foster siblings.
Foster sibling kittens (Domingo, Fern, Juniper, Cyrpress, Willow, Hickory, Buddy or Sycamore)
Read more about Pavarotti
Pavarotti is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on his vaccines. He will be available to go to his forever home after being neutered and micro-chipped in early December.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
5. Buddy
Young (2 months 17 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro


Buddy is a loving, cuddly guy. His full name was supposed to be Red Bud to go with his litter's naming group, but by the time we got to naming the kittens, he was so friendly that he was already known as Buddy!
Buddy was bottle-fed from eight days old and doesn't realize he is a cat!
Buddy needs to go to a home where:
Humans are home almost all day or,
a friendly cat lives or,
with one of his littermates: Fern, Cypress, Juniper, Willow, Hickory, Sycamore, Pavarotti, or Domingo.
Buddy is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on his vaccines. He will be ready to go to his forever home after being neutered and micro-chipped in mid-November.
Read more about Buddy
Buddy would love to meet you!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
6. Hickory
Young (2 months 17 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro




Hickory is a beautiful buff tabby boy that loves people. Hickory gives a little meow chirp and a longing look to be picked up, then rewards you with a huge purr.
Hickory was bottle-fed from eight days old and doesn't realize he is a cat!
Hickory would like to go to a home where:
Humans are home almost all day or,
a friendly cat lives or,
with one of his littermates: Fern, Cypress, Juniper, Willow, Buddy, Sycamore, Pavarotti, or Domingo.
Hickory is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on his vaccines.
Hickory will be ready to go to his forever home after being neutered and micro-chipped in mid-November.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Willow
Young (2 months 19 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro





Willow is the first in the morning to want a pet, giving her big purrs. She is happy to play with the tail toys, hiding them in her secret places.
Willow was bottle-fed from eight days old and doesn't realize she is a cat!
Willow is looking for a home where:
Humans are home almost all day or,
a friendly cat lives or,
Adopted with one of her littermates: Cypress, Juniper, Fern, Hickory, Sycamore, Buddy, Pavarotti, or Domingo.
Willow is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on her vaccines. She will be ready to go to her forever home after being spayed and micro-chipped in mid-November. Willow would love to meet you!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Cypress
Young (2 months 17 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro


Cypress is a loving, playful kitten. She loves to be petted and held!
Cypress was bottle-fed from eight days old and doesn't realize she is a cat!
Cypress is looking for a home where:
Humans are home almost all day or
a friendly cat that wants a playmate lives or
with one of her littermates: Fern, Juniper, Willow, Hickory, Sycamore, Buddy, Pavarotti, or Domingo.
Cypress is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on her vaccines. She will be ready to go to her forever home after being spayed and micro-chipped in mid-November.
Cypress would love to meet you!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
9. Fern
Young (2 months 17 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro




Fern is a spunky, affectionate kitten. She loves to play, swishing her tail when she is thinking of something mischievous! After playing, she enjoys curling up on a lap, giving her big purrs and being petted.
Fern was bottle-fed from eight days old and doesn't realize she is a cat!
Fern would like a home where:
Humans are home almost all day or
a friendly cat lives or
with one of her littermates: Cypress, Juniper, Willow, Hickory, Sycamore, Buddy, Pavarotti, or Domingo.
Fern is negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on her vaccines. She will be ready to go to her forever home after being spayed and micro-chipped in mid-November.
Read more about Fern
Fern would love to meet you!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
10. Sterling
1 Month 2 Days · Male · Tabby (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro


Sterling is a tender and attuned gray tabby. He was the last of his litter to be rescued and was nervous at first but quickly realized that pets feel wonderful. He's become very affectionate and even starting to learn how to play with his siblings again. Once he connects with you, he will want lots of pets and love and will even flop in your lap to relax and go for some belly pets. He would do well with someone who will be patient, sensitive, and big hearted with him. He needs to be adopted with her other siblings, Isla, Chickadee, Rudy or Misty or live in a home with another young cat.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
11. Rudy
Young (5 months 1 day) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro


Rudy is a spunky cutie pie. The lightning bolts of white across her face and side suit her zingy personality. Though she is likely the runt of her litter and started off more scrappy and reserved, she has blossomed into an energetic, robust girl. She is bound to make you giggle, loves hiding and then popping out during playtime, and likes pets and rubs. She would do well with someone who appreciates the small, quirky, and powerful and
will make her life loving and fun. Rudy needs to be adopted with her other siblings, Isla, Chickadee, Misty or Sterling or live in a home with another young cat.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Pepperoni
Kitten (3 months 9 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro








Pepperoni lives up to his name! He loves to eat and is working hard to maintain his rotund shape! Pepperoni is VERY friendly. He LOVES to be held and will just flop in your hands, lap, arms, or wherever he can cuddle. You can hold out your arms and he will run straight to you to be picked up! Pepperoni is a playful kitten and needs a buddy to do kitteny things with. When ordering (adopting) Pepperoni, another topping (sibling) can be included; like his sister Pepper.
Read more about Pepperoni
History: Pepperoni was rescued by a kind woman from outside a Pizza Hut. He is the only surviving kitten from his litter. Pepperoni was bottle fed by a CARE volunteer and then adopted into his new kitty family.
Pepperoni has completed all of his first year kitten vaccines, is microchipped, and neutered.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
13. Pepper
Kitten (3 months 16 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro







Pepper is all sweetness and no spice! She is a very friendly kitten and has never met a stranger. Pepper is like a little puppy and will follow you everywhere. You can have your very own shadow! Better yet, Pepper is a big helper and will always be near in case you need anything while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or choosing your outfit for the day. Pepper is also a talented sous chef! She is always there to help with preparing her meals and to provide assistance as needed. Another one of Pepper's many talents is purring! She has the loudest PURR and will start purring as soon as she sees you. Pepper is most content just being close to you. Please give this adorable kitten a chance! Unfortunately, because of the color of her fur, she has a harder time getting adopted. Trust me. After meeting her, you will be wrapped around her paw!
Read more about Pepper
Pepper has completed all of her first year kitten vaccines, is microchipped, and spayed.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
14. Raven
Kitten (3 months 14 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro






Raven loves to play with her mother, Birdie. She’s a calm, sweet girl with a little bit of mischief! Once she gets her zoomies out, she enjoys laying next to you or in your lap for nap time. She would love to be adopted with her mother, Birdie, or into a home with another young cat. She has been spayed, microchipped, and is ready for adoption now.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
15. Birdie
Young (1 year 4 months) · Female · Domestic Medium Hair (medium coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro




Birdie has been a great mom to her 6 kittens, and now she is looking for her forever home! She is a sweet girl who loves to sit next to you or in your lap for attention. She has also become much more playful as her kittens have weaned. She is only at baby herself at about one year old! She is spayed and ready for adoption now. She is missing her kittens who have been adopted, so she would love to be adopted with her daughter, Raven, or into a home with another young cat.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
16. Baldur
Adult (3 years 4 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Tabby / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro








Loki and Baldur recently lost their human dad. These kitties are a cuddly, bonded pair used to small apartment living. Loki and Baldur are neutered, up to date on vaccines, micro-chipped and negative for FeLV/FIV. Baldur is the first to greet you with his sister, Loki close behind. He loves to be brushed and petted. Baldur is VERY playful. It doesn't take much to get him interested in a toy. Currently, the plastic "springs" are his favorite. I find them all over the place. He is also a very easy-going kitty, and loves to be in the same room you are.
Apply to meet them today.
17. Loki
Adult (3 years 4 months) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro






Loki and Baldur recently lost their human dad. These kitties are a cuddly, bonded pair used to small apartment living. Loki and Baldur are neutered, up to date on vaccines, micro-chipped and negative for FeLV/FIV. Loki is cautious but friendly. Her brother will greet you first, but she is VERY close behind. Loves to be brushed and petted. She is very much a lady with care-taking instincts with her brother, Baldur. He may have just groomed himself, but she'll come behind as if he missed a spot! She enjoys chasing the little red laser point.
Apply to meet them today.
18. Georgie
Young (1 year 9 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro



Looking for a very sweet boy who loves belly rubs and snuggles? Georgie is your man! He is as handsome as they come, with a beautiful striped tail, and he is ready to report for best buddy duty. Work from home? He'll make sure you are well supervised throughout, without getting in your way. Work outside of the home? He'll greet you cheerfully when you return and will look forward to hearing all about your day.
Read more about Georgie
Georgie is a wonderfully low-key kind of kitty. He enjoys playing, but he's also a hard core napper. He is easy to pop into a carrier, and everyone at the vet's office marvels at how relaxed he is. With such a cheerful disposition, he just wants to be part of a loving family. Open your home to Georgie and you won't be disappointed.
Georgie is microchipped, neutered, FeLv/FIV negative, and current on all vaccinations. He is litter trained, very good with new people and should be an indoor kitty.
- Good with cats
19. Rooster
Kitten (2 months 9 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro




This sweet scoop of a kitten is a perfect treat for this hot summer! Rooster is absolutely delighted at anyone coming into the room and runs over with a series of tiny chirps and meows. Once he's done squeaking at you, he's all purrs. His favorite thing to do is to purr, be pet, and play! The only thing better than one scoop is two! Rooster gets along great with his BFF Andia and would love to be adopted with her.
Rooster will be ready for adoption once he receives his vaccinations and is neutered, around mid-August.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
20. Andia
Kitten (2 months 2 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 13 mi from Carrboro





This sweet scoop of a kitten is a perfect treat for this hot summer! Andia loves to purr and loves to play. She'll happily join you for snuggles, will give you kisses, and likes belly rubs! She's equally happy to chase toys and other kittens. The only thing better than one scoop is two! Andia gets along great with her BFF Rooster and would love to be adopted with him.
Andia will be ready for adoption once she receives her vaccinations and is spayed, around mid-August.
- Good with cats
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Carrboro
The rescues with the most cats listed within 25 miles of Carrboro.
- Chatham Animal Rescue & EducationPittsboro, NC · 40 cats · 13 mi from Carrboro
How to adopt from Chatham Animal Rescue & Education
Adoption application, vet check, reference check, home visit, $100 (cat) or $200 (dog).
- Best Friend Pet AdoptionCary, NC · 27 cats · 16 mi from Carrboro
How to adopt from Best Friend Pet Adoption
All adoptions begin with a trial period of at least 2 weeks before the adoption is finalized. Anyone interested in adopting completes an on line application which must be approved by our adoption coordinator. Process includes reference and vet record checks. All animals must be up to date on all vaccinations, spayed/neutered and microchipped before adoption trial. Fee is $250 for dogs, $115 for cats.
- Orange County Animal ServicesChapel Hill, NC · 20 cats · 4 mi from Carrboro
- Calvin's PawsMorrisville, NC · 3 cats · 15 mi from Carrboro
Adopting a cat in Carrboro
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 Carrboro
How many cats are up for adoption in Carrboro?
As of October 29, 2026, 90 cats and kittens are listed for adoption within 25 miles of Carrboro, North Carolina, by 4 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a cat in Carrboro?
The rescues with the most cats near Carrboro right now are Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (Pittsboro, NC), Best Friend Pet Adoption (Cary, NC) and Orange County Animal Services (Chapel Hill, NC). Each cat above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there kittens for adoption in Carrboro?
Yes. 27 kittens are up for adoption within 25 miles of Carrboro.
How do I adopt a cat in Carrboro?
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.