Cat adoption can help save an animal's life as well as enrich the life of a human (or even an entire family). In fact, animal welfare organizations recommend adopting a cat (or a dog) rather than purchasing one from a pet store. Cats may be adopted from a variety of sources, such as animal shelters, friends and acquaintances, or even some pet supply stores (such as Petco during special adoption events).http://www.petco.com/petco_Page_PC_storeadoptions_Nav_114.aspx

By adopting one can avoid supporting kitten mills, which raise animals in inhumane ways. Sometimes these mills do not provide sufficient food and water, and cats are kept in cramped conditions with no warm, comfortable place to sleep. These pets are often unhealthy, and many get sick or die once they come home from the pet store.http://www.humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2010/05/illinois_puppy_mill_bill_passes_05262010.html

Those looking for cats to adopt will generally find plenty of options, as there is a large population of kittens. Often, people's pet cats will have kittens, and they will need to give them away. These are often listed in newspapers, or notices are posted in neighborhoods. A shelter is another option. The ASPCA and the Humane Society both tun animal shelters, and many offer a selection of kittens to choose from. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/adopt/tips/adopting_from_shelter_rescue.htmlhttp://www.aspca.org/aspca-nyc/adoptable-cats/kittens/ In addition, there are online resources for those who wish to adopt a cat. One of these resources is Petfinder.com, which matches people with shelters in their area.http://www.petfinder.com/index.html