National Cat Day: A purr-fect time to adopt a furry friend
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Tuesday, October 29, is National Cat Day! This day serves as a reminder of the many cats and kittens waiting in shelters for a loving home and encourages prospective pet owners to consider adoption.
Cats and kittens make up a very large portion of animals in Charleston’s shelters. With so many cats needing homes, National Cat Day is the perfect opportunity to adopt a feline friend.
Adopting a shelter cat not only helps the animal but you as well! It brings a new level of companionship and has even been shown to provide health benefits, such as reduced stress.
If you’re unable to adopt, foster!
Fostering a pet saves two lives: the one you bring into your home and the one that can take its place in the shelter. Some animals simply require extra care to heal and adjust, while others are too young and need time to grow and learn.
Current pet owners can celebrate this day by spoiling their cats with special treats, toys, or a cozy new bed!
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, consider visiting one of Charleston’s animal shelters today:
Dorchester Paws
Dorchester Paws currently has 204 cats and kittens in its care, including those in foster homes, cats undergoing medical treatment, and neonates needing extra support to gain weight.
“From kittens to older cats, each one is hoping for a second chance to become part of a family,” said Katrina Tokay, Dorchester Paws Marketing Coordinator. “Fostering helps alleviate the shelter environment’s stress, while adoption gives a cat a permanent home to thrive in. Every home makes a difference, and whether you have space to foster short-term or room in your heart for a forever friend, your support truly saves lives.”
Each adoptable cat is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, protected against parasites, and microchipped. The Foster-to-Adopt program (excluding kittens) allows potential adopters a one-week trial to ensure the cat is the right fit. It’s recommended to fill out an online adoption application beforehand to streamline the process, though it doesn’t reserve the animal. Visit Dorchester Paws any day from 12–5 p.m., no appointment needed, and bring a cat carrier (or purchase one on-site).
- Cats are also available at partner locations: PetSmart (Azalea and Dorchester Road), Petco (Main St.), and Pet Supermarket.
Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary
Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary currently has over 50 cats available for adoption.
“We do not have small kittens, but have some as young as 5 months old and full of playfulness! We also have a large number of super senior cats who are so sweet and amazing,” said Jennifer Middleton. “We have a few special needs cats for those with a soft spot for any pets who might need a little more attention. Special needs within our cat population include cats with diabetes, allergies, thyroid issues, and even a few with a dislike of other cats!”
At Hallie Hill, adoptable cats are spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, and come with a complete health assessment. Adopting from the sanctuary not only saves on breeder costs but also gives a deserving cat a second chance at life. Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to helping compassionate adopters find their next “fur-ever” friend.
Charleston Animal Society
Check out the cats and kittens available at Charleston Animal Society, located at 2455 Remount Rd. Each cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, plus they come with a bag of Hill’s Pet Nutrition Science Diet food and litter coupons from World’s Best Cat Litter.
You can also find their adoptable cats at PetSmart, Petco, and Pounce Cat Cafe locations.
- Pounce Cat Cafe:
- All cats are available for adoption through the Charleston Animal Society. To adopt, potential adopters are asked to spend an hour in the cat lounge, allowing time to meet and bond with kitties. If you connect with a cat, a staff member can help you complete an interest form, sharing details about your household and what you’re looking for in a pet. If there’s a good match, you’ll be guided through the adoption paperwork. Once completed, your new feline friend will be ready to go home with you!
Pet Helpers
At Pet Helpers, all cats receive a veterinary exam, necessary vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and any needed medical care before adoption, ensuring they’re healthy and ready for their new homes. Community support helps cover these costs, including emergency care. The shelter features four open cat rooms where visitors can meet free-roaming cats, with others available by request. Potential adopters are encouraged to visit during business hours to connect with a cat and complete an application with the assistance of staff.
“When you adopt a cat from Pet Helpers, you aren’t just saving its life—you’re saving the life of the cat who takes its place at our shelter.”
Berkeley Animal Center
Berkeley Animal Center encourages families to visit together when searching for a new pet. The free-roaming cat room offers a chance to interact with adoptable cats, all of whom are FeLV and FIV tested, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and protected with flea and tick preventatives.
Adopt or foster today!
This National Cat Day, help a Charleston cat find a forever home and experience the joy a rescue cat brings to your life.
