Cats for Adoption in Catawba County, NC: 30 Cats Looking for a Home
By Cats of the Day · Updated

172 cats and kittens are waiting for homes at 5 rescues and shelters within 50 miles of the middle of Catawba County. Here are 30 of the newest arrivals, each with photos, their story and how to reach the rescue looking after them.
Of the cats up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Catawba County, 98 kittens, 40 young cats and 30 adults. Most are domestic shorthairs and other mixed breeds, in every color and personality.
Not in Catawba County? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Penny
Kitten · Female · Tabby (short coat)




Penny is a female grey tabby kitten,born on August 7, 2026. Penny is very cautious about new surroundings but loves to explore. She loves to be held like a baby and get head scratches. It takes her a little bit to get warmed up to you. She has beautiful coloring, silver tabby, and knows she is gorgeous. Very playful with the boys. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $75. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
2. Patrick
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Patrick is a male white-and-black kitten, born on August 7, 2026. Patrick is "all boy" just like his brother Johnny. They could roll around playing all day. He constantly wants to be on the move and just put on a show. He has beautiful coloring and long hair. Loves to eat. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $75. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
3. Johnny
Kitten · Male · Domestic Long Hair (short coat)




Johnny is a male grey long-haired kitten, born on August 7, 2026. He is hilarious and spunky. Always looking for adventure. Very playful and not scared of anything. He likes to be held like a baby (on his own terms) and constantly wants to be on the move. He is beautiful! Very majestic. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $200. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
4. Baby
Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)


Baby is a female black-and-white kitten, born on August 7, 2026. She is tiny but mighty. She does not let her size keep her from standing up for herself around her big brothers. She will hiss at you and then come up to let you love her. She likes to explore but isn’t as rambunctious as her siblings. She likes to watch them until they attack. Before she was ever trapped at the Lake Lure Inn, Baby showed us her personality as a master observer. She watched the other kittens to see what happened to them before she would commit herself. The smartest of the bunch! Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $75.
Read more about Baby
This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
5. Fitch
Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Fitch is a neutered black cat, born on April 15, 2026. This handsome house panther did not trust easily at first. He is still a bit timid, but with time and patience, Fitch will steal your heart, especially when he sits on your lap and looks up with those big, loving eyes. He is a playful, curious boy who loves chasing toys and exploring. He is sweet, silly and will make you laugh at his antics. When playtime is over, he will gladly curl up for a lap snuggle. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment.
Read more about Fitch
To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
6. Garfield
Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair


If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
7. Skye
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Skye is a spayed female grey-and-white cat, born on September 2, 2024. Skye's home had a fire, and all residents are now homeless. Skye was an indoor/outdoor family pet but is adjusting well to indoor only. She has not been around children, but she has been around dogs and gets along with other cats. Skye is very friendly and calm. She's pretty quiet unless she wants to be petted, doesn't get on the furniture, isn't very playful. Loves to be petted and cuddled. Perfect lap size. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $25. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment.
Read more about Skye
To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
8. Juneau
Young · Female · Tabby (short coat)




Juneau is a female silver and black tabby, born on March 1, 2026. She was recently rescued as a stray, and we quickly found out what a sweet girl she is. Her foster mom has quite a few kittens and young cats & Juneau is not a fan of all the activity in the house. It is apparent that a quiet, peaceful home with a lap to snuggle on would be more her speed. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $50. The adoption fee is $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
9. Happy
Young · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Happy is a neutered male black-and-white cat, born on April 15, 2026. . I love to sit on my foster mom's lap or lounge on the cat tree in the morning sun. Happy does have a bit of catitude when food or toys are involved. Playtime is a huge part of his day and Happy loves to chase a crinkle ball, spring or even a juice bottle cap like he is playing hockey. Once he decides you are a friend to trust, Happy is loving and a perfect sweetheart. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
10. Inga
Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair


If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- House-trained
11. Winston
Adult · Male · Domestic Short Hair




If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
12. Hoss
Adult · Male · Domestic Short Hair




If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
13. Dean
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)



Dean is a neutered male gray kitten, born on May 15, 2026. Chris and Dean are about as cuddly as they come. They are bonded and it would be best to adopt them together. They are very docile, great with other gentle animals, and would be great with young children. Indoor cats only! The adoption fee for both Chris and Dean is $115. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
14. Chris
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Chris is a neutered male gray-and-white kitten, born on May 15, 2026. Chris and Dean are about as cuddly as they come. They are bonded and it would be best to adopt them together. They are very docile, great with other gentle animals, and would be great with young children. Indoor cats only! The adoption fee for both Chris and Dean is $115. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
15. Adam
Young · Male · Tuxedo (short coat)




Adam is a neutered male Tuxedo cat, born on April 25, 2026. Adam is happy to be a part of whatever you are doing, as long as there is plenty of time for cuddles. He was the smallest of the litter but has a big personality. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
16. Suzie
Kitten · Female · Tortoiseshell / Mixed (short coat)




Suzie is a spayed female tortoiseshell cat, born on June 6, 2026. Rescued as a tiny bottle baby Suzie has made tremendous progress. Suzie is a wild child who loves to play, sprint, and then cuddle up on your neck. Suzie is ready for her furever home and is spayed and up to date on vaccines. She will do best in a home with another cat/cats. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $75. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
17. Milo
Kitten · Male · Tabby (short coat)




Milo is a male brown and white tabby, born on July 21, 2026. He has the cutest little face, including a distinctive smudge on his nose and matching white socks. He’s an absolute sweetheart who is already so trusting of people. He loves being right in the middle of whatever you’re doing, whether that’s checking out what's on the counter or chasing after his favorite toys. He’s got that perfect mix of high kitten curiosity and a super affectionate, cuddly side once he wears himself out. If you're looking for a playful, friendly little shadow to add some fun to your home, Milo is your guy! Indoor cat only! Adoption fee is $75.
Read more about Milo
This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
18. Chip
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat)




From his foster "Chip loves people and wants to be held, he's extremely friendly. He has an absolute gorgeous face and eyes which doesn't show in the picture but in person he is stunning! Chip plays all day long and never run out of energy and is also full of kitten love. Warm and cuddly little guy."Kittens may appear older in person, pictures are typically updated monthly
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
19. Trixie
Adult · Female · Domestic Short Hair


If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
20. Tabs
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair



If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
21. Oreo
Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair




If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
22. Izzy
Young · Female · Domestic Short Hair



This is a courtesy post. Please do not contact Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue for information. Contact information is provided below.Izzy is a beautiful torbie who is approximately 6 months old. She showed up as a stray and the finder made an appointment to have her spayed. While recovering from surgery, she became very comfortable inside. She's negative for FIV etc., up to date on vaccinations, and spayed. She always greets the owners at the door, and is generous with her headbutts and purrs. She is litterbox trained and is really good with her claws. She rarely uses them during play. The owner is slowly introducing her to their dogs, but she's already pretty adjusted to barking.
Read more about Izzy
The owner will work with her more to make sure she's comfortable with a variety of situations for a potential adopter. Izzy is not much of a lap cat yet, but that may change as she continues to get comfortable indoors. She's incredibly affectionate and really enjoys being petted. She's great with children as well. She tolerates the owner's three year old carrying her around. If you are interested in Izzy, please email Rachel at rachelwhamrick@gmail.com
23. Smoke
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair / Mixed (short coat)




From his foster "He is playful & funny. Make kitten trouble one minute and snuggle the next. Do you want to brighten things up around your home? He will do that for you!"Kittens may appear older in person, pictures are typically updated monthly
- Good with cats
- House-trained
24. Main
Kitten · Female · Domestic Medium Hair / Mixed (long coat)




From her foster "MEET MAIN — A LITTLE MAMA WHO DESERVES A MAIN STREET OF HER OWN!Her name is Main. Her story started on Main Street. But the place she belongs is in YOUR heart. Beautiful MAIN is a young black-and-white, medium-haired kitty who was found on Main Street in Wilkesboro with her two kittens.And this wasn't a family we could simply leave to fend for themselves. They were holding up along a very busy section of Main Street, putting this little mama and her babies in tremendous danger. So Main and her kittens became a rescue priority.But here's the thing about Main…SHE WAS BARELY MORE THAN A KITTEN HERSELF.
Read more about Main
This young girl had already become a mother before she had really gotten the chance to be a baby. When Main first entered rescue, she was painfully thin. Fortunately, this little girl has discovered one of life's greatest pleasures: FOOD! Main has a wonderfully healthy appetite and is steadily putting on the weight she desperately needed. With regular meals, safety and plenty of love, she's beginning to show us who she really is. And WHO SHE IS… is pretty darn wonderful. Main is EXTREMELY SWEET and affectionate. She has a lovely, gentle disposition and genuinely enjoys being around people. But don't let her mama status fool you—she's still a young kitty herself! She loves to play with toys and is ready to experience all the fun things she missed while growing up far too quickly.Now her kittens are vetted. Main is vetted. And this little family is ready for their next chapter. MAIN IS FULLY VETTED: Spayed Distemper vaccinated Rabies vaccinated FeLV/FIV negative Microchipped Treated for fleas Treated for intestinal parasites Main would be a wonderful addition to so many different kinds of homes. She would likely be happy in a home with children and/or other cats, but she could also be perfectly content being the only kitty in an adult-only home. After everything this little girl has been through, what she deserves now is simple:A safe home. A full food bowl. A few toys. A soft place to sleep. And someone who will love her for the sweet, beautiful girl she is. From a dangerous stretch of Main Street Wilkesboro…to the safety of rescue…NOW MAIN IS LOOKING FOR THE STREET SHE'LL NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE — HER FOREVER HOME."Kittens may appear older in person, pictures are typically updated monthly
- Good with cats
- House-trained
25. Minnie
Kitten · Female · Domestic Medium Hair / Mixed (long coat)


From her foster "Miss Minnie Mouse is the absolute sweetest kitty! She loves everyone and is always open to snuggles and purrs, and she's an amazing playmate for other cats. She is very friendly, even with the dog, and will be the first to greet you when you walk in the door!"Kittens may appear older in person, pictures are typically updated monthly
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
26. Lola
Young · Female · Tabby (short coat)




Lola is a small silver tabby, spayed, DOB Sept. 15, 2025. Lola was a very small cat, probably 8 months old, when she had kittens. She was a good mother and now that she has finished her motherhood duties, she has been spayed and is waiting for her forever home. She is lovely and tiny, easily passes for a kitten because of her size. She is loving and playful. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $25. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
27. Kaspyn
Kitten · Female · Domestic Short Hair



If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- Good with cats
- House-trained
28. Aiden
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Aiden is a neutered male gray kitten, born on May 15, 2026. He will be the first to greet you when you walk into the room. He is a lover boy!!! Aiden was a "roadside rescue" and had to struggle to become a healthy kitten, but he is now in full swing! His purr and his devotion make him a wonderful choice for a family pet. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee is $75. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
29. Werewolf
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair


If you are interested in adopting this animal please fill out an application at heartofthefoothills.org/adopt. You can email us at adopt@heartofthefoothills.org
- House-trained
30. Stripe
Kitten · Male · Tuxedo (short coat)


Stripe is a male tuxedo kitten, born on June 22, 2026. He is feisty, very playful, full of energy and full of spunk. He loves his twin brother Crow and they are very bonded. He loves to be held and as soon as you pick him up he starts to purr. He loves to play with his toys and is great around children, small dogs and other cats. Indoor cat only! The adoption fee for both is $112.50. This covers the cost of spay/neuter, PVR, Rabies, flea, tick, ear mite and worm treatment. To adopt, you need to first fill out an application. Go to:
https://rutherfordcountyhumanesociety.org/cat-adoption-application/
Read more about Stripe
We are located in Western North Carolina. Optional transport is weekly. After your application is approved, we will contact you regarding cost and delivery if you so desire.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
Rescues and shelters near Catawba County
The rescues with the most cats listed within 50 miles of the middle of Catawba County.
- Piedmont Animal RescueMooresville, NC · 57 cats
How to adopt from Piedmont Animal Rescue
Application, vet reference, home checks, contracts, fees are $75 and up
- Rutherford County Humane SocietyRutherfordton, NC · 43 cats
How to adopt from Rutherford County Humane Society
Complete and submit a dog or cat adoption application online from our Website. Our volunteers will then review the application, and contact the adoptee if approved. Then the adoptee will need to complete and submit the Pet Adoption Contract, and pay for the adoption.
- Heart of the Foothills Animal RescueRutherfordton, NC · 31 cats
How to adopt from Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue
An application is required and once it is processed and approved we will set up a time for the adopter to meet the pet, if the pet is finished with their vetting then we can finalize adoption or put the pet on hold and let the adopter know when the pet is ready. When we finalize adoption, the adopter will need to sign an adoption contract and a health disclaimer. We do ask that if the adopter decides that it is not working out that they bring the dog back to us so we can make sure the animal will go into a good home.
- Iredell County Animal Services and Control DepartmentStatesville, NC · 21 cats
- The Cats' Cradle of NCMorganton, NC · 20 cats
Cities and towns in Catawba County
- Hickory 172
- Newton 172
- Conover 98
- St. Stephens 172
- Lake Norman of Catawba 145
- Bethlehem 98
- Maiden 172
- Mountain View 172
- Claremont 98
- Catawba 98
- Brookford 172
Adopting a cat in Catawba County
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.
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 Catawba County
How many cats are up for adoption in Catawba County?
As of October 29, 2026, 172 cats and kittens are listed for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Catawba County, North Carolina, by 5 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a cat in Catawba County?
The rescues with the most cats near Catawba County right now are Piedmont Animal Rescue (Mooresville, NC), Rutherford County Humane Society (Rutherfordton, NC) and Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (Rutherfordton, NC). Each cat above has the rescue's phone number and website.
Are there kittens for adoption in Catawba County?
Yes. 98 kittens are up for adoption within 50 miles of the middle of Catawba County.
How do I adopt a cat in Catawba County?
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.