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.