Adopt a Cat Month — June

June is Adopt a Cat Month — an annual campaign run by the American Humane Society to raise awareness about the millions of cats in shelters waiting for a permanent home. Shelters see their highest intake in late spring and early summer, which is why June is dedicated to encouraging adoption. If you've been thinking about it, this is the month.

Why June?

Spring is kitten season. As temperatures rise, outdoor and feral cats give birth to litters, and shelters quickly fill with kittens and their mothers. Many adult cats also end up in shelters during this period as families move, circumstances change, or strays are brought in. Shelters are at capacity, and the need for adoptions is at its peak.

Adopting during Adopt a Cat Month doesn't just give a cat a home — it opens up space for another animal to be rescued.

What to know before you adopt

Cats take time to settle. A newly adopted cat may hide, refuse food, or seem completely uninterested in you for the first few days or even weeks. This is normal. They're processing a completely new environment, new smells, new sounds, and new people. Give them space, keep things predictable, and let them come to you.

Their environment matters more than you think. Cats are territorial animals who feel safest when they have clearly defined spaces — places to sleep, places to observe, places to retreat. Before your cat comes home, set up a quiet room with a litter box, food, water, a hiding spot, and an elevated perch.

Vertical space is essential. Cats instinctively seek height — it's where they feel safest and most in control of their environment. A home with no elevated surfaces is stressful for a cat. Add cat trees, shelves, or a desk-mounted perch to give them the vertical territory they need.

Routine reduces anxiety. Feed at the same times, keep the litter box clean, and spend consistent time near them even if they're not ready for physical contact yet. Predictability is how cats learn to trust.

Adopting as a remote worker

If you work from home, you're in an ideal position to adopt. You'll be there during the adjustment period, which matters enormously. Your presence — even if you're just sitting at your desk on a call — signals safety and routine to a new cat.

Where to adopt

Contact your local humane society or animal shelter directly. You can also search adoptable cats at Petfinder.com or Adopt-a-Pet.com. Many rescue organizations also run foster-to-adopt programs if you want to see how a specific cat settles into your home before committing.

This June, if you've been thinking about it — it's time.