Every June, animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the many cats waiting for loving homes—and it’s the perfect time to consider expanding your family with a feline companion.
At Kestrel Veterinary Hospital, we believe that giving a shelter cat a second chance is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Whether you're a seasoned cat parent or thinking about adopting your first, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why Adopt a Cat from a Shelter?
Every year, thousands of cats end up in shelters in Snohomish County and throughout Washington state. Many are healthy, social, and simply in need of a safe, stable environment.
Adopting from a shelter means:
- You’re saving a life.
- You're helping reduce overcrowding in shelters.
- Most shelter cats are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
- You’ll have a wide variety of personalities to choose from—kittens, adults, seniors, and even bonded pairs.
Not sure what kind of cat fits your lifestyle? Our veterinary team can help guide you on what to look for when choosing a feline friend based on your home, work schedule, and experience with pets.
Kitten Season and High Shelter Populations
June isn't just Adopt a Shelter Cat Month—it's also peak kitten season. That means shelters across Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, and beyond are overflowing with kittens and mother cats in need of homes.
Unfortunately, the influx of animals often overwhelms local shelters, making this month critical for adoptions. If you're in a position to adopt—or even foster—a cat or kitten, this is the ideal time.
Tip:Not ready to adopt? Consider fostering! It’s a short-term commitment with a lifelong impact.
What to Know Before Adopting
Bringing home a shelter cat is exciting—but it’s also a long-term responsibility. Before you adopt, make sure you're ready for the commitment of daily care, regular vet visits, and lots of affection (and cat hair!).
Here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule a wellness exam soon after adoption. At Kestrel Veterinary Hospital, we’ll make sure your new companion starts off healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Prepare your home. Create a quiet space with essentials like food, water, a litter box, and scratching posts.
- Give it time. Cats may take a few days (or weeks) to fully adjust to a new environment. Patience and gentle introductions go a long way.
Supporting Local Shelters in Edmonds and Beyond
Looking to adopt locally? There are several reputable shelters and rescues near Edmonds where you can meet your next best friend:
- PAWS (Lynnwood)
- Seattle Area Feline Rescue (Shoreline)
- MEOW Cat Rescue (Kirkland)
- Homeward Pet Adoption Center (Woodinville)
We encourage you to visit their websites or stop by during visiting hours. Many offer online adoption applications, photo galleries, and even adoption counseling.
We’re Here for You and Your New Cat
Adopting a shelter cat is just the beginning of a beautiful bond. Our team at Kestrel Veterinary Hospital in Edmonds, WA, is here to help you give your new cat the healthiest, happiest life possible. From feline wellness exams and vaccinations to behavioral advice, we offer comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your cat's needs.
Ready to Make a Difference This June?
If you’ve been thinking about adopting a cat, now is the time. Visit a local shelter, fall in love, and let us help you welcome your new feline family member with open arms—and expert veterinary care.
Have questions about preparing for a new cat or need to schedule a post-adoption checkup? Contact Kestrel Veterinary Hospital today. We’re proud to be your neighborhood Edmonds vet, supporting cats and their people every step of the way.