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Cat Rescue and Care

Each year, PAWS rescues thousands of cats and kittens from the city shelter, as well as friendly strays and pet cats whose owners can no longer care for them.

We give priority to the most vulnerable: adult cats with treatable medical or behavioral issues, mother cats with kittens, and orphaned kittens who are too young for adoption. At PAWS, they receive all the care they need to become well, and are then matched with loving adopters.

PAWS’ shelters feature medical isolation rooms, separate housing for healthy cats, and kitten nurseries, all providing quiet and low-stress environments for cats in our care. They enjoy play and socialization with staff and volunteers, while cats who are shy or frightened receive extra time and attention to help them feel safe, come out of their shells, and let their true personalities emerge.

Once a PAWS cat is healthy and ready, they find a forever home through friendly, welcoming PAWS adoption locations throughout the city: our boutique-style adoption centers in Old City and Northeast Philadelphia, cat habitats in popular pet supply stores, and even a kitty cafe! (Please note: adoptions are currently by appointment in certain locations only, due to the pandemic.)

PAWS cats and kittens also reside in foster homes throughout the region and make seamless transitions to their adopters’ homes. Foster parents are true lifesaving heroes: they enable us to save hundreds of lives each year by providing safety, care, TLC, and so much more to cats and kittens whose lives depend on it. Every time we place a cat or litter of kittens into foster care, we are able to fill their empty space with another one who is waiting for a chance.

As Philadelphia’s largest rescue partner, PAWS has played a leading role in increasing lifesaving rates and making Philadelphia a safer place for vulnerable felines. In 2020, PAWS saved and provided a new start to 2,519 homeless cats and kittens. Since becoming an independent rescue organization in 2009, we are proud to have rescued more than 27,000 cats who would not have survived otherwise.

Dahlia


Dahlia was found as a North Philadelphia stray and rescued by PAWS. She received vet care for an eye infection and a leg wound, and quickly found a forever home.

Lady


8-year-old Lady lost her home when her owner passed away. After finding safe haven at PAWS, she now lives with a new, loving family in New Jersey.

Help us do more


Your support of PAWS’ cat rescue efforts will ensure we can be there for the ones who’ll need us in the months to come, and provide all they need to heal, grow, and find the loving home they deserve.

Donate to the Feline Fund

Get Involved

Adopt a Cat


Welcome a rescued feline into your family! Learn about our easy adoption process and find out how you can meet available cats. By adopting, you will truly save a life.

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Become a Foster Parent


Open your home temporarily to nurse an ailing cat back to health, help a stressed cat come out of their shell, or give kittens a safe place to grow!

Get Started

Explore More Lifesaving Programs

FIV+ AND FELV+ CATS


Previously considered “unsavable,” cats with these manageable conditions have so much love to give. At PAWS, they find the care they need and are matched with loving adopters who are ready to help them live their best lives.

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Bottle-Feeding Kittens


The tiniest and most vulnerable homeless pets are orphaned newborn kittens. PAWS’ innovative program takes a team approach to giving them the round-the-clock, intensive care they need to survive and thrive.

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Ringworm Recovery


This common fungal infection requires methodical care, but it doesn’t have to stand in the way of a new life. PAWS has dedicated shelter space for pets with ringworm, and assists fosters and adopters who bring them home.

Learn More