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

74 cats and kittens are waiting for homes at 2 rescues and shelters within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland 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 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County, 43 kittens, 25 young cats and 6 adults. Most are domestic shorthairs and other mixed breeds, in every color and personality.
Not in Cleveland 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. 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
19. 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
20. 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
21. 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
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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
25. 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
26. 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
27. Crow
Kitten · Male · Tuxedo (short coat)



Crow is a male tuxedo kitten, born on June 22, 2026. He is a sweet boy who loves to cuddle. He loves to play with children, and he is good with small dogs. But most of all he loves to play with his twin brother Stripe. They are very bonded. 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 Crow
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
28. Toby
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)




Toby is a male grey and white kitten born 7/2026. This chunky guy loves to be rowdy with his foster siblings but is quick to jump in your lap for attention. 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. Trixie Lou
Kitten · Female · Torbie (short coat)




Trixie Lou is a lovely torbie kitten, born on May 10, 2026. She is a very sweet, loving cat that likes to cuddle and does not mind being held. She wants to snuggle and be close. She loves toys and playing. She likes my dog and gets along with other 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/
Read more about Trixie Lou
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
30. ViVi
Kitten · Male · Domestic Short Hair (short coat)



Vivi is a male black kitten, born May 22, 2026, Vivi is the third of the kittens rescued from a warehouse basement., this little bundle of joy has only known the warmth and safety of being raised inside with humans by his side. Vivi shows his appreciation daily. He will push open the dining room swing door just to be with people. He will run alongside the dog to come to the door to greet you when you come home. He plays with the dog and adult cats and of course his siblings, Freya Fluffer and Cinna. Vivi has a lot of personality, he is most certainly a LUCKY black cat. He cuddles right up against you to take a nap and will make biscuits and suckle on the blanket like the baby he is.
Read more about ViVi
He is a PURR MACHINE. Every day is a joy for this little guy. He is sleek, shiny, athletic, and bouncy. He is the tallest of the siblings with long legs. He climbs to the top of the cat tree, always wants to know what you're having for dinner, and plays chase and ball like the athlete he is. This little guy loves to run! He will talk to you like a therapist and is willing to give you his opinion. He truly is a fun-loving guy. Kittens do best with a buddy, please consider adopting two, or more! 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
Rescues and shelters near Cleveland County
The rescues with the most cats listed within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County.
- 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.
Cities and towns in Cleveland County
- Shelby 177
- Kings Mountain 172
- Boiling Springs 74
- Belwood 172
- Grover 177
- Kingstown 74
- Fallston 172
- Patterson Springs 177
- Lawndale 94
- Polkville 94
- Lattimore 74
- Waco 172
- Casar 94
- Mooresboro 74
- Earl 156
Adopting a cat in Cleveland 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 Cleveland County
How many cats are up for adoption in Cleveland County?
As of October 29, 2026, 74 cats and kittens are listed for adoption within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County, North Carolina, by 2 rescues and shelters. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt a cat in Cleveland County?
The rescues with the most cats near Cleveland County right now are 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 Cleveland County?
Yes. 43 kittens are up for adoption within 25 miles of the middle of Cleveland County.
How do I adopt a cat in Cleveland 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.