Adult Cats for Adoption in Cary, NC: 23 Grown-Up Cats Looking for a Home
By Cats of the Day · Updated

Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Cary have 59 adult cats up for adoption. Here are the 23 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 Cary? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Minnie
Adult (20 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed · 21 mi from Cary


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. Rosalind
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 11 mi from Cary



Who's the fairest of them all? Rosalind, of course!With her big, beautiful eyes and fur as pure as snow, this lovely lady is sure to catch the attention of her future forever family! Rosalind has raised her litter of kittens and has officially decided she's ready for her own happily ever after. Now that her babies are weaned, it's finally her turn to be someone's baby! At an estimated 3 years young, Rosalind is a low maintenance gal who enjoys the simple things in life: bird watching from the window, cozy naps on the couch, and, of course, plenty of affection from her favorite people. She's past the crazy kitten stage and ready to settle into a home of her own.If you're looking for a sweet, easygoing companion with plenty of love left to give, Rosalind might just be your fairest match!Adoption fee of $120 includes spay, microchip, vaccines, deworming, FIV/FeLV testing, and flea preventionApply here: https://2pawsup.org/applications/adoption-application/
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
3. Tasha
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 11 mi from Cary



Meet Tasha — a little girl who has been through far more than any cat should have to endure, and somehow came through it still believing that people are wonderful.When Tasha arrived at the shelter, she was suffering from bladder stones that had likely been causing her pain and discomfort for months. She also had a severe, untreated urinary tract infection that was likely responsible for the stones forming in the first place. Despite feeling absolutely miserable, Tasha was nothing but sweet. The shelter staff fell in love with her and advocated hard to get her the help she desperately needed.We brought Tasha into rescue and were able to get her into surgery just a couple of days later.
Read more about Tasha
Fourteen bladder stones were removed, and her bladder was filled with pus from the infection. Unfortunately, her troubles weren't quite over. Five days after her first surgery, her bladder sutures failed to hold, causing a life-threatening complication that required an emergency second surgery. Tasha came frighteningly close to losing her life.But this little girl is a fighter.It has now been two weeks since her second surgery, and Tasha is doing wonderfully. She is healed, happy, comfortable, and no longer experiencing the pain that had been her normal for so long. She is now on a special prescription diet to help prevent future bladder stones, and we are committed to keeping her healthy and giving her the happy life she deserves.And what does Tasha think about all of this? Mostly, she thinks people should be paying attention to her.This girl LOVES butt scritches and will happily roll over and over again to make sure you don't stop. She adores attention and affection, and despite everything she's been through, she has remained one of the sweetest cats you could ever meet.Tasha didn't get the easy start she deserved. She spent months hurting, survived two major surgeries, and came terrifyingly close to dying. Now she's ready for the part of her story she has been waiting for: a loving forever home where she can finally be spoiled, comfortable, and adored.If you're looking for a sweet, affectionate girl who will happily trade endless butt scritches for endless love, Tasha may be your girl.Adoption fee of $120 includes spay, microchip, vaccines, deworming, FIV/FeLV testing, and flea preventionApply here: https://2pawsup.org/applications/adoption-application/
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
- Special needs
4. Willow
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary


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
5. Lucky
Adult · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary



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
6. Pavarotti
Young (2 months 5 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary



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
7. Buddy
Young (2 months 17 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary


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
8. Hickory
Young (2 months 17 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary




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
9. Willow
Young (2 months 19 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary





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
10. Cypress
Young (2 months 17 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary


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
11. Fern
Young (2 months 17 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / American Shorthair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary




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
12. Rudy
Young (5 months 1 day) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary


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
13. Bussi
Young (5 months 27 days) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 2 mi from Cary



Bussi
DOB: April 1, 2026 (est)
Spayed Female Short Hair Dilute Tortishell
Hi! I’m Bussi! If the name looks familiar, it’s because my brothers and I were born when the Carolina Hurricanes made their Stanley Cup run, so we’re all named after the players. Pretty cool origin story, if you ask me! As you can see, I’m quite a lovely dilute tortie, and I like to think my personality is as pretty as my coat.
Read more about Bussi
I’m looking for a home where I’ll have another kitty friend to play with. I’m not scared of much of anything. In fact, I’m usually the one leading my brothers right into mischief. After all, someone has to keep things interesting, right?
So, I’m probably not going to be the best goaltender you’ve ever seen (unlike my namesake), but you probably won’t sneak a Churu past me. I love toys...ALL the toys. I really love burning off some energy chasing the laser light. Oh, you say you have a dog? Well, it just so happens that I hold the family title of the First Kitten to Give a Dog a Nose Boop!
If you’re looking for a little sass and a lot of love, I may be the perfect girl for you. So, let’s get to know each other. Contact Best Friend Pet Adoption and let them know you want to meet Bussi!
Dogs: Must have kitty manners
Other cats: Good with others, needs a friend
Kids: Over 6 with kitty experience
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
14. Winston
Young (4 months 29 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 2 mi from Cary



Winston
DOB: May 2026 (est)
Neutered Male Short Hair Grey
Hello, I’m Winston! Okay, so let’s talk about my coat, because it is pretty unusual (and gorgeous, if I do say so myself). It’s an unusual grey with these warm orange undertones running through it. Sort of like a bit of pumpkin spice, so ,very on-trend, wouldn’t you say?
Read more about Winston
Confession: I’m a little on the shy side at first, especially when I’m somewhere new, but I’m also pretty curious and will quietly explore my surroundings. I like to take my time to feel comfortable before I fully let my guard down. But when I do? I’m a full-blown love bug who loves nothing more than being held by my person while they’re standing up. I just love being at people level! I also love curling up right next to you, just so you know I’m settled in.
I’m hoping for a person (or family) who is patient letting a new kitty friend get comfortable (kids over age 10 would be best, since I need a little gentleness to come out of my shell). I need a kitty friend to help me with my confidence, but I also get along great with dogs. If that sounds like your home, let’s get to know each other. Contact Best Friend Pet Adoption and tell them you want to meet Winston!
Dogs: Must have kitty manners
Other cats: Good with others, needs a kitty friend
Kids: Over 10 with kitty experience
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
15. Quincy
Young (4 months 29 days) · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 2 mi from Cary




Quincy
DOB: May 2026 (est)
Neutered Male Short Hair Black & White
Hi, I’m Quincy! I’m a kitten on a mission, and that mission is to explore literally everything. New room? I’m carefully inspecting every nook and cranny. New box? I’m all over that, too! If it’s new, I’ll be bringing my investigative skills and exploring it fully.
Now, I’m not just a detective. I’m also quite the lovey-dovey kitten, so get ready to be love-bombed with kisses and full-face boops! When I’m not exploring, my favorite place to be is somewhere on you—your shoulder, your chest, even tucked right into your neck like I’m the perfect fit.
Read more about Quincy
I’d love a forever home with another kitty friend to explore and play with. I’m also good with dogs, who are nice to cats (of course). Kids should be at least age 6, since I’ve got a lot of love and energy to give and want to be sure everyone stays safe. If you’re ready for an adventurous shadow who doubles as a purring neck warmer, let’s get to know each other. Contact Best Friend Pet Adoption and let them know you want to meet Quincy!
Dogs: Must have kitty manners
Other cats: Good with others, needs a kitty friend
Kids: Over 6 with kitty experience
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
16. Birdie
Young (1 year 4 months) · Female · Domestic Medium Hair (medium coat) · 21 mi from Cary




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
17. Baldur
Adult (3 years 4 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Tabby / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary








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.
18. Loki
Adult (3 years 4 months) · Female · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary






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.
19. Georgie
Young (1 year 9 months) · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary



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
20. Dorothy
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair · 11 mi from Cary



Meet Dorothy, lovingly known as Grandma (even though she's only 6 years old). She's the definition of a chill cat. Her ideal day consists of breakfast, a sunny spot for lounging, bird-watching from the window, dinner, and a well-earned afternoon nap.Dorothy was originally adopted as a tiny kitten but recently found herself back at the shelter as a stray. Despite efforts to contact her previous owners, no one came for her, so she's now searching for the forever home she deserves.Dorothy is blind in one eye, but it doesn't slow her down or affect her laid-back lifestyle one bit. In her foster home, she's done well with the other adult cats as long as they respect her personal space.
Read more about Dorothy
She's not interested in wrestling matches or high-energy antics. A gentle hiss is usually enough to let everyone know when it's Grandma's quiet time.If you're looking for a sweet, low-maintenance companion who enjoys the simple things in life, Dorothy is ready to spend her golden years by your side.Adoption fee of $120 includes spay, microchip, vaccines, deworming, FIV/FeLV testing, and flea preventionApply here: https://2pawsup.org/applications/adoption-application/
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
21. Puff
Young (7 months) · Female · American Shorthair (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary





Puff is a beautiful gray tabby with a gentle soul and a curious spirit. She loves to play, especially when there’s a wand toy to chase and catch! Puff is very interactive with her people and will give a meow to get a quick pet throughout the day.
Puff is part of a bonded pair and must be adopted together with her sister, Cream. These two girls are looking for a forever home where they can stay by each other’s side.
Puff is FeLV/FIV negative, spayed, microchipped, and up to date on her vaccines. She’s ready to find the loving forever home she deserves!
Come meet Puff and Cream and see if these sweet sisters are the perfect fit for your family!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
22. Cream
Young (7 months) · Female · American Shorthair (short coat) · 21 mi from Cary






Cream is a sweet and playful girl with a big personality! She’s quick to pounce on her favorite toys, but she’s just as quick to start purring when she’s picked up for some loving pets. Cream is a lap cat and loves to snuggle up for a nap with her humans.
Cream is bonded with her sister Puff. The sisters need to be adopted together. These loving sisters are playful, affectionate, and sure to bring plenty of fun, companionship, and entertainment to their forever home.
Cream is
negative for FeLV/FIV and up to date on her vaccines. She is spayed and micro-chipped and ready for her forever home.
Read more about Cream
Come meet Cream and Puff to see if they are a good fit for your family!
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
23. Taco
Young (10 months) · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat) · 2 mi from Cary



Taco
DOB: October 2025 (est)
Spayed Female Short Hair Tortishell
Hola! My name is Taco! If you’re looking for a kitty who adds just the right amount of delicious spice to your life, I’m your girl!
Read more about Taco
Let me tell you a little about me: I’ve got a super sweet personality. I can’t help myself; I love everyone and everything! I get along really great with other kitties and need to have a kitty buddy in my home to keep me busy (I’m about 7 months old, so I’m pretty active). I also adore dogs (as long as they’re nice to cats, naturally). And I’d be the perfect playmate for a little kid looking for their first pet (kids, ideally, would be at least age 6).
As a tortie, I tend to be somewhere between the poblano and jalapeño peppers on the heat scale...just enough to keep things a little spicy but not too much so your eyes water (unless you’re laughing so hard at my antics you get tears in your eyes!). If that sounds good to you, let’s get to know each other. Contact Best Friend Pet Adoption and let them know you want to meet TACO!
Dogs: Must have kitty manners
Other cats: Good with others, can be an only
Kids: Over 6 with kitty experience
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
Why adopt an adult cat in Cary
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 Cary
- Chatham Animal Rescue & EducationPittsboro, NC · 16 adult cats above
- Best Friend Pet AdoptionCary, NC · 4 adult cats above
- Two Paws Up NC Shelter RescueRaleigh, NC · 3 adult cats above
Questions about adopting adult cats in Cary
How many adult cats are up for adoption in Cary?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Cary, North Carolina, have 59 adult cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt an adult cat in Cary?
The rescues with the most adult cats near Cary right now are Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (Pittsboro, NC), Best Friend Pet Adoption (Cary, NC) and Two Paws Up NC Shelter Rescue (Raleigh, NC). 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.