Cat Adoption Near Akron, Ohio

Do you feel like something is missing in your house? Maybe things are just a little too quiet, or your lap feels like it’s a little chilly. Maybe it’s time to bring a cat into your life!

But first, there are things to consider before adopting a cat. While cats don’t require the constant walking or exercise that dogs do, they still need some tender love and care. This means feeding them a nutritious diet, providing them with plenty of love, and cleaning their litter box.

Cats are great for apartment living since they take up very little space. They also make great companions for someone who works from home but doesn’t have time to exercise a dog or for someone who may occasionally work longer hours. 

Even though they enjoy their independence, cats still require playtime and attention. Cats can suffer from behavioral problems if they are not properly socialized, so toys and cuddle time are essential for a happy cat. 

Ready to find the cat you can’t live without? Remember to “adopt, don’t shop”. Abandoned, surrendered, or abused, there are cats out there who are desperate for good homes and a second chance.

We’ve put together a list of some of the rescues and shelters near the Akron, Ohio area where you can find your purrfect companion. 

Rescues and Shelters Near Akron, Ohio

Kitten Krazy- This cat-only rescue in Medina has helped find wonderful homes for over 6,000 cats and kittens since they were founded in 2004. This rescue organization is very thorough and thoughtful when placing cats in their new homes. For example, their adoption process includes having renters provide a copy of the lease or a note from the landlord guaranteeing that the cats they have cared for are truly going to a home where they will be welcome and safe. 

One Of A Kind Pets-  Adopting a pet from a rescue center is giving that sweet pet a second chance at a happy life. But at One Of A Kind Pets, animals are here for their very last chance. One of A Kind Pets rescues animals that were scheduled to be euthanized. To assure a great match the folks at One Of A Kind Pets will get to know you and from there, will help make the perfect match.

AJ’s Search and Rescue- This is a foster based organization that relies on volunteers who take animals into their own homes and care for them until they find their forever home. All pets are spayed and neutered before heading home to prevent more additions to the population of homeless pets. Browse the adoptable pets on their website, and if someone makes your heart beat faster, submit an application to start the adoption process. 

Stay A While Cat Shelter- This rescue is a bit farther out, located in Royalton, but it is too good not to include! Stay A While is a cat-only shelter where the cats are kept in a cage free environment of socialization and enrichment. They recently opened a brand new facility and have plenty of cats that are looking for visitors (and their forever homes, of course)!

Paws and Prayers- Paws and Prayers fosters their cats and dogs in the homes of volunteers. To meet one of their available cats, you will need to be pre-approved. Applications are available online, and if you are approved, a meeting will be arranged with the foster family. This helps you make sure that you and your potential furry companion are a good fit. Paws and Prayers does hold the occasional public meet and greet, so if one of their animals has captured your heart, you can find out if they will be in attendance. 

Portage County Animal Protective League- Many of the animals that come through the doors of the Portage County Animal Protective League are sick, injured, or coming from abusive situations. They rely on donations to help make these animals healthy again, provide them with food and toys, and find them their forever homes. Check out their website to learn more about their adoption process. 

Heaven Can Wait-  All the animals at Heaven Can Wait Rescue were saved from high kill animal control centers in Summit County. Many of these animals are saved on the very day they were scheduled to be euthanized. This is an all volunteer rescue that does not have paid staff. But boy, are they mighty! They have been rescuing Akron area animals for the past 13 years!

Viva Los Gatos Cat Rescue- The founders of Viva Los Gatos have a combined 50 years of experience in the rescue business. Viva Los Gatos cats are fostered to help ensure that they are properly socialized and emotionally developed. None of their cats are eligible to be adopted until it is determined that they are socially ready. Fill out an application to have a one on one with your future cat and their foster family, or meet them at an adoption event.

Most rescues, especially those that foster, require pre approval before adopting out their pets. It can seem like an unnecessary step, especially since it can make the process take longer, but hang in there. Rescue centers need to be sure the animals they have cared for are truly going to have a happier life and are going to homes where they will be well cared for. 

Before filling out an application or making a trip to the shelter, think about what kind of cat would be perfect for you. It’s easy to be distracted by kittens, but kittens aren’t for everyone. They’re full of energy and need to let it out through constructive play. 

That means that your home and personality may be better suited to an adult cat. They can still be playful, but there will be fewer attacks on your ankles.

Whatever route you choose, one thing is for sure: kitten, adult, or even geriatric cats will add to your life in ways you never even imagined!