Looking to add a playful, loving companion to your home? Perhaps it’s time to adopt a kitten. By adopting a kitten, you get to save a life, add brightness to your everyday, and positively impact your community. There are numerous kitten shelters and rescues in Chicago with a wide range of adorable kittens, ready for their forever homes.
In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about some of the best kitten shelters in Chicago and provide basic guidelines on the kitten adoption process.
How to Adopt a Kitten in Chicago
1. Know the Requirements
To adopt a kitten in Chicago, applicants must be at least 18 years of age; however, this depends on the shelter. Some kitten shelters require the applicant to be 21 years old or older. Other common requirements include a valid government-issued ID, suitable living conditions (with permission from the landlord if renting), and sufficient financial stability for pet ownership.
2. Find a Nearby Kitten Rescue
Next, it’s time to start looking for your new kitten companion. Start by checking out the adoption centers or websites of local kitten rescues in Chicago. In a later section, we’ll highlight some of the best places in the city to find your purr-fect match!
Note: Occasionally, some cats and older kittens for adoption may be described as ‘bonded with [name of other cat]’. This means that they are part of a bonded pair, which is characterized by a strong emotional attachment. Adopting bonded pairs together is usually recommended, as this helps both cats thrive and feel secure in their new home. Bonded pairing is less common in younger kittens.
3. Application & Meeting the Kitten
Once you’ve found a kitten that steals your heart, it’s time to take the next step: filling out an adoption application and setting up a meet-and-greet. In many kitten shelters, online applications are available, while some may conduct this in person or through email correspondence.
After your application is accepted, you can meet the kitten at the adoption center of the kitten rescue or another designated location, which is more common for foster-based shelters.
4. Adoption Day
For the last step, you’ll finalize your kitten’s adoption by signing an adoption contract and settling the adoption fee. If you’re adopting a young kitten that has NOT been spayed or neutered yet, the adoption contract may include a requirement to spay/neuter the kitten by a specified age.
5 Must-See Kitten Shelters in Chicago
1. Treehouse Humane Society
- Highlights: No-kill, cage-free shelter; cat and kitten rescue; focused on cats; shelter-based with foster support; in-person application available
- Location: 7225 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL
For over 50 years, Tree House Humane Society has been positively impacting the community and saving the lives of over 28,000 homeless cats and kittens to date. With a beautiful, cage-free environment and a dedicated team, Treehouse helps every cat thrive while they wait for their perfect home.
Aside from their cat and kitten adoption services and shelter, they’re also known for their cozy cat cafe and innovative programs like the Community Cats initiative, supporting feral cat colonies across the city.
If you’re interested in adopting a kitten from Treehouse Humane Society, check out their website. Filter their adoptable cats by age to see their adoptable kittens along with key information like each kitten’s breed, age, and temperament.
2. Anti-Cruelty Society
- Highlights: Open-door shelter; cat and kitten rescue; dogs and other species are also available; shelter-based with foster support; online application available
- Location: 510 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL
The Anti-Cruelty Society was founded in 1899 and is one of the oldest and most well-known animal welfare organizations in Chicago. To date, they have saved thousands of lives and positively contributed to the community with their comprehensive services. Aside from being a cat and kitten rescue, they also help rescue other species like dogs and other small animals. The Anti-Cruelty Society also offers assistance with emergency boarding, addressing behavior concerns in pets, and more.
Looking to adopt a kitten from the Anti-Cruelty Society? Check out their adoptable cats on their website and use the filter to view their kittens for adoption. Their website features plenty of information about each rescued kitten, including their breed, age, personality, and more.
Note: You can also meet adoptable kittens from the Anti-Cruelty Society by visiting them at PetSmart, where they regularly connect with the community and make it easier for adopters to find their perfect match.
3. Harmony House for Cats
- Highlights: Cage-free cat shelter; cat and kitten rescue; shelter-based; online application available via the Petfinder platform on their site.
- Location: 2914 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
Harmony House for Cats provides a peaceful, cage-free, and eco-friendly shelter in Chicago. As a no-kill cat and kitten shelter, they provide a loving, home-like environment where cats can feel safe and comfortable until they’re adopted. Whether you’re looking to adopt or support their mission, Harmony House is here to give every cat a second chance.
For more information on kitten adoption, check out Harmony House for Cats’ website and filter their cats by age. They provide key information about their adoptable kittens, including each one’s personality, health history, and more.
4. Famous Fido Rescue
- Highlights: No-kill shelter; cat and kitten rescue; dogs are also available; foster-based but with a physical location; online application available
- Location: 3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Famous Fido Rescue is an animal rescue organization, supporting homeless cats and dogs. Aside from their cat and kitten adoption services, they also offer crisis support to help pet parents keep their pets as well as a lifelong sanctuary for animals who cannot be adopted, ensuring they receive love and care.
To learn more about Famous Fido’s adoptable cats and kittens, check out their website. Search through the profiles; the age and breed of each cat or kitten is showcased upfront. You can also learn more about the cat’s or kitten’s history and personality.
5. The Catcade
- Highlights: Non-profit cat cafe; cat and kitten rescue; shelter-based with foster support; online application available after meeting the cat or kitten in person
- Location: 624 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL
The Catcade takes cat adoption to a whole new level of fun with its unique cat cafe and arcade experience. Located in Chicago, this nonprofit cat and kitten rescue offers visitors the chance to hang out with adoptable cats in a playful, relaxed, arcade-themed setting.
Note: Even guests who are not looking to adopt are welcome to spend time with The Catcade’s adorable, adoptable cats.
If you’re looking to adopt from The Catcade, you can view their cats and kittens for adoption on their website. They also provide information about each cat’s or kitten’s temperament.
→ Learn more - 4 Best Cat Cafes Near Chicago, IL
Final Thoughts on Kitten Adoption
Bringing a new kitten home is an exciting experience, and one of the first important steps is scheduling a kitten wellness exam. This initial visit helps ensure your kitten is healthy, establishes a vaccination schedule (if needed), and gets your kitten started on essential preventive care to protect against common illnesses and parasites. You can also get plenty of personalized care recommendations to help your kitten thrive.
In addition, if your kitten has not been spayed or neutered yet, we recommend scheduling their spay/neuter procedure, especially if it’s indicated in your adoption contract.
Here are some additional resources on caring for your new kitten:
- How to Take Care of a New Kitten 101: The 1st Year [Vet-Approved] →
- How to Socialize a Kitten - with Humans & Other Pets →
Sploot Veterinary Care: Your All-in-One Chicago Vet
Sploot Veterinary Care is your go-to vet clinic for all-in-one kitten care, encompassing primary care for kittens as well as urgent care and emergency vet services! Not only will your kitten get excellent care, they will also be treated to a Fear Free certified experience that is extra beneficial during their highly formative kitten socialization stage.
With our daily appointment availability (including holidays) and extended vet clinic hours, you can count on us to be here when you need us most!
Check out one of our convenient locations in Chicago! Feel free to book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
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As you begin a new chapter with your kitten companion, providing the best care is essential. With the SplootPack™ membership, you get next-level veterinary care for your furry family member with savings of up to $600+ per year!
