How to Adopt a Cat in Ireland | My Honest Experience & Full Guide
I adopted my first cat in Ireland back in 2020 — a shy, grey tabby named Finn. He was about 8 months old, rescued from a hoarding situation in Kildare. At the time, I didn’t have a clue how the cat adoption process worked here. I thought it would be as simple as visiting a shelter and bringing a cat home. Spoiler alert — it wasn’t.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I learned during my own adoption experience, plus what you need to know if you’re thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your Irish home.
Are You Ready to Adopt a Cat?
Before diving into paperwork and home checks, it’s important to ask yourself a few honest questions:
Are you mentally and emotionally prepared for the responsibility?
Can you afford the ongoing costs of food, vet visits, insurance, toys, and emergencies?
Do you have a secure home, and if renting, does your landlord allow pets?
Will you have someone to care for your cat if you go on holiday?
Are you hoping for a playful kitten or a calm, older cat?
You don’t need to answer “yes” to everything right now, but these are serious considerations. Cats live 12–20 years, so it’s a long-term commitment — not a seasonal hobby.
Where to Adopt a Cat in Ireland
There are some fantastic animal rescue organisations and shelters around Ireland working tirelessly to find good homes for abandoned and stray cats. Here are a few of the most respected ones:
Dublin SPCA
📍 Address: Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 H356
📞 +353 1 499 4700
Dublin SPCA is probably the most well-known animal rescue in Ireland.
They run regular adoption days and have a cat adoption page you can browse online.
Cats Aid Dublin
📞 +353 87 294 1805
A volunteer-run charity, they specialise in rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned cats. I got Finn from here, and they were incredibly supportive throughout the process.
Galway Cat Rescue
A small but dedicated rescue group covering Galway and the surrounding areas. They also manage feral colonies and run a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme.
Cork Cat Action Trust
This Cork-based organisation rescues and rehomes unwanted cats and operates a no-kill shelter.
Limerick Animal Welfare
📍 Address: Moorestown, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, V35 H328
📞 063 91110
A brilliant rescue that rehomes cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. They’re strict about having secure gardens for outdoor cats.
The Cat Adoption Process in Ireland
1. Submit an Adoption Application
Start by filling out an adoption form on the rescue centre’s website or requesting one via email.
They’ll ask about:
Your accommodation (rented or owned)
Other pets
Family members
Work hours (how long the cat would be alone)
What kind of cat you are looking for
This helps them match you with a suitable cat based on your lifestyle and home environment.
2. Home Visit
A volunteer will visit your home to check it’s safe and suitable.
They’re not there to criticise your wallpaper — they just want to ensure:
Windows are secure
You have a safe space for the cat
No access to dangerous areas
You’re aware of cat care basics
After my home check, the volunteer suggested securing my balcony railings before Finn could move in.
3. Choose Your Cat
This is the hardest (and most exciting) part. Don’t rush. Take your time visiting available cats. Some rescue centres offer foster-to-adopt programmes where you can temporarily foster the cat first to see if you’re a good match.
Tip: Older cats are often overlooked, but they make fantastic, chilled-out companions.
Cat Adoption Fees in Ireland
While you’re not buying a cat, most rescues charge an adoption donation to cover costs like neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
Typical fees:
Adult cats: €60–€120
Kittens: €80–€150
When I adopted Finn, I paid €70. This included his initial vaccinations, microchip, and neutering.
Other Places to Find Cats for Adoption
You can also check out:
Adoptapet.ie – Ireland’s pet adoption platform listing animals from various rescues.
Local veterinary clinics – many know of cats needing homes.
Avoid unregulated online listings. Always go through reputable rescues that health-check, vaccinate, and neuter their animals.
Visit Cat Adoption Events
Keep an eye on your local community Facebook pages or check with shelters for pop-up adoption events. They’re a great opportunity to meet cats in person and ask plenty of questions to the staff and volunteers.
Absolutely. Adopting Finn was one of the best decisions I’ve made since moving to Ireland. He’s made my apartment feel like a home.
Yes, it’s a commitment. But the companionship, unconditional affection, and ridiculous cat moments are worth every bit of effort.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a cat in Ireland — go for it. There are so many waiting for loving homes.
