Adult Cats for Adoption in Raleigh, NC: 13 Grown-Up Cats Looking for a Home
Rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Raleigh have 31 adult cats up for adoption. Here are the 13 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 Raleigh? Find cats near your zip code.
1. Rosalind
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
2. Tasha
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
3. Bussi
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
4. Winston
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
5. Quincy
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
6. Bubba
Meet Your Lovebug With Boundaries!This sweet boy is all love - his love language just happens to be love nips! If he sees your ankle go by, expect a little nip to say hello. He's not being mean at all, it's pure affection, it just catches you off guard sometimes.What makes him special: Professional Ankle Inspector: Loves to weave between your legs when you walk. It's adorable, but you'll need to do the slow shuffle so you don't step on your little shadow. Toy Fanatic: Loves toys he can swat and chase around the house. Window Watcher: A big window with birds/squirrels outside? That's his Netflix.
Read more about Bubba
He will be happy for hours. Cat Friendly: Does great with other cats. Dogs: Unknown - he hasn't been around them. Kids: Best home without small children due to the love nips.Very Important - Door Dasher!He RUNS for the door every time it's opened. His new family will need to be super mindful getting in and out, or he will slip out. Someone who is home a lot, or has an entryway / mudroom setup would be ideal.If you're looking for a sweet, playful, quirky companion who will keep you on your toes (literally), he might be your guy.Bubba has tested negtive for FIV and Feline Leukemia . He is neutered, microchipped and current on his vaccinations.Visit www.pawsforlifenc.org to submit your application to adopt.Please note: We do not adopt unaltered kittens to homes beyond a 45-minute drive of our veterinarians.
- No young kids
- Good with cats
- House-trained
7. Cyprese
Meet Cyprese. He is a gorgeous tabby with beautiful markings. His favorite things to do is to sit by a window in the sun searching for birds, taking long naps, playing with spring toys and of course, a laser really gets him going. At bedtime, Cypreses enjoy's the warmth of a blanket lying beside his human and furry friends. Cypreses is alittle shy with new people, but warms up quick after a few smells. Cyprese has great manners, loves children, he doesn't mind being picked up and held for a little bit. He is very curious and loves to be near his humans. He will meol loud when he wants attention and when he gets excited playing with his springs.
Read more about Cyprese
Please consider giving this awesome boy a loving home with a family and furry friends. Cypress has been neutered, is up to date on rabies and vaccinations, microchipped, and has tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia. Visit www.pawsforlifenc.org to submit your application to adopt.Please note: We do not adopt unaltered kittens to homes beyond a 45-minute drive of our veterinarians.
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
8. Roger
Meet Roger, a sleek and handsome gentleman with a big personality and an even bigger heart. If you're looking for a cat who truly wants to be part of your daily life, Roger may be your perfect match.This affectionate boy loves being close to his humans. Roger is the kind of cat who wants to be wherever you are - sharing your pillow at night, perching on your desk while you work, or following along as you move from room to room. One of his favorite ways to show affection is through enthusiastic head bumps, and he's always ready to soak up attention and return it with plenty of love. If you're looking for a true companion cat, Roger fits the bill.When it comes to household tasks, Roger considers himself an essential member of the team.
Read more about Roger
He enjoys supervising chores, investigating whatever you're doing, and making sure no project is completed without his expert feline input. Curious, chatty, and always alert, he loves exploring his environment and staying involved in the action.Roger thrives on interaction and would be happiest in a home where he can receive plenty of attention and companionship. Because he prefers having his people all to himself, he would do best as the only pet in the household.Roger is neutered, microchipped and current on his vaccinations.Visit www.pawsforlifenc.org to submit your application to adopt.Please note: We do not adopt unaltered kittens to homes beyond a 45-minute drive of our veterinarians.
- Only cat
- House-trained
9. Olivia
Meet Olivia — A Beautiful Girl with a Heart Full of Love! Olivia is an extremely affectionate girl - once she bonds with you, she is so silly and loving, loves to be held, and just wants to be with you. She is very clever and loves her toys. This long, tall, elegant girl has striking tabby markings and huge, beautiful eyes. She will be a wonderful companion for her forever person.With her tall, slender frame, elegant face, big expressive eyes, and gorgeous coat, Olivia is quite the beauty! But her most irresistible feature? Her incredibly affectionate personality!This sweet girl loves her people and forms a special bond with her favorite human.
Read more about Olivia
She’s happiest when she’s being held, showered with affection, or curled up in your lap. And don’t be surprised if she rolls around, purring up a storm, to let you know just how much she adores you!Olivia is more than just a pretty face. She’s athletic, playful, and clever, with plenty of personality to keep you entertained. She’s ready to find her forever person — someone who will cherish her, give her all the love she craves, and make her a treasured part of the family. Could that be you?Olivia is ready to make your heart (and lap) her home!Olivia has tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia. She is spayed, microchipped, and current on her vaccinations.Visit www.pawsforlifenc.org to submit your application to adopt.
- House-trained
10. Saltine
Saltine raised her five babies, watched them all find homes, and now it’s this sweet mama’s turn. This lovable little chunky monkey has come so far in nearly a year in rescue. Once wary of people, she now rolls around begging for pets—and will knock my phone right out of my hand because apparently I should be loving on her instead!She loves mothering the foster kittens, gets along with my cats, and doesn’t mind my small dog. A quieter home with patient introductions would help her settle in.Saltine may need a little time to feel comfortable, but watching her learn to trust and love has been so worth it. She’s ready for someone who will give her that same love back.Her babies got their happy endings. Let’s find hers. I am spayed, updated on all vaccines including rabies, tested negative for FIV and Feline Leukemia and microchipped.
- No young kids
- Only cat
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
11. Esme
Meet Esme — Beautiful, Independent, and Unapologetically Herself! Esme isn't everyone's cup of tea. But for the right person, she just might be the perfect blend!Let's start with the obvious... Esme is absolutely GORGEOUS! But behind that beautiful face is a girl with a strong personality, definite opinions, and some pretty firm boundaries.Esme's story began when she came into our rescue as a tiny orphaned kitten who needed to be bottle-fed. She was adopted as a kitten, but as her family's household grew to include children, Esme struggled with the changes. She became uncomfortable with being handled by the children and sometimes responded by swatting or nipping.
Read more about Esme
Eventually, she was returned to our care.And here's where we want to be completely honest about this beautiful girl.Esme is not a cat who wants everyone touching her, picking her up, or invading her personal space. She can hiss, growl, or swat when she's uncomfortable, particularly with unfamiliar people. She prefers to decide when, how, and by whom she receives attention.But here's the wonderful part...ith time, patience, and consistency, Esme has developed a genuinely affectionate relationship with her current caretaker! She's shown us that beneath that sometimes-grumpy exterior is a sweet girl who is capable of forming a loving bond. She just needs to feel safe enough to let her guard down.Esme is healthy, playful, and independent. She seems comfortable around other cats who respect her space and leave her alone. Her ideal home would probably be one where she is the only pet.We believe Esme would be happiest in a quiet, adults-only home with a single person or couple who understands cats, respects boundaries, and doesn't expect instant affection. She needs someone willing to let a relationship develop naturally, at HER pace.And there's something else you should know. Without a foster home, Esme is currently spending far too much of her time in a cage. For a cat who values her independence and personal space, this is especially difficult.We would love nothing more than to see her settled into a permanent home where she can relax, explore, play, and finally feel secure. Esme doesn't need someone to change who she is. She needs someone who will appreciate her for exactly who she is.She may never be the cat who greets every visitor or welcomes being scooped up for a cuddle. But she could become a wonderful, loyal companion to someone who understands that trust is earned, not demanded.Esme has spent enough time waiting. Somewhere out there is a person who will see past her grumpy moments and recognize the very special girl underneath.Visit www.pawsforlifenc.org to learn more about adopting Esme.Esme has been spayed and is up to date on rabies and vaccinations. She has been microchipped. She tested negative for FeLV/FIV
- Good with kids
- Good with cats
- Good with dogs
- House-trained
12. Dorothy
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
13. Taco
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 Raleigh
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 Raleigh
- Franklin County Humane SocietyYoungsville, NC · 6 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 Raleigh
How many adult cats are up for adoption in Raleigh?
As of October 29, 2026, rescues and shelters within 25 miles of Raleigh, North Carolina, have 31 adult cats up for adoption. The list is updated every day.
Where can I adopt an adult cat in Raleigh?
The rescues with the most adult cats near Raleigh right now are Franklin County Humane Society (Youngsville, 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.