Column: Adopting an adult cat into your home may be surprising choice
Ulla (A522539) is a gentle tabby who’s still learning to trust the world around her. Rescued from a U-Haul with 18 other cats, she’s shy and curious, often watching from a safe distance. Ulla will thrive in a calm, patient home where she can come out of her shell at her own pace. Adoption fees are waived for cats and dogs age 6 months and older through July 20, thanks to the Pet Care Foundation and a grant from the Georgia B. Ridder Foundation. Learn more at pasadenahumane.org/adopt
I like to say that my cats Luna and Molly came to me through what’s charmingly referred to as the “cat distribution system.”
Twelve years ago, my wife and I found a mother cat and her kitten making a home in our backyard. After checking with neighbors and confirming they weren’t lost pets, we determined that they were strays looking for safe shelter and their next meal.
Although I had a cat growing up, this was the first time I considered having one as an adult. And the prospect of helping two animals that needed a home was extra exciting.
True to the mythology behind the cat distribution system, Luna and Molly chose us and, in return, we opened our home to a wonderful pair of cats. Luna, the mom, was about a year old at the time.
To my surprise, welcoming an adult cat into our home was much easier than I expected. While her kitten Molly zoomed around the house causing delightful chaos, Luna settled in right away. She became a steady, calm companion from the start.
After more than a decade working in animal welfare, I can tell you this isn’t unusual. Puppies and kittens naturally tend to steal the show. They often grab the spotlight in shelters, social media, and even our own hearts.
But I want to make the case for adopting a pet like Luna. Adult animals have so much to offer, yet they are often overlooked in shelters.
A big advantage of adopting an adult pet is that their personalities are already developed. You’re more likely to know if they’ll be active, laid-back, playful, or cuddly. That can help you find the right match for your lifestyle.
It’s important to note that many older pets find themselves in shelters through no fault of their own. Life changes, like housing issues or financial hardship, often play a role.
At Pasadena Humane, we get to know the pets in our care. Our staff and volunteers spend time with each animal and record observations that help us guide adopters through the matchmaking process.
There’s a myth that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks — but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Pets of all ages can learn and adapt.
Luna had likely spent the first year of her life outdoors, but she quickly became a pro indoor cat. She found the comfiest nap spots, played with wand toys, and took to the litter box with no issues.
Another common belief is that younger animals are easier to introduce to kids or other pets. While the blank slate of a puppy or kitten can be appealing, adult pets tend to be calmer, more predictable, and are often a better fit for busy households.
You may have noticed that many of the adoption campaigns we have at Pasadena Humane highlight adult dogs and cats. These promotions give us a chance to speak to the amazing qualities that adult animals have and help give them extra visibility.
Some of the most memorable adoptions I’ve been a part of were for older animals. Seeing them get a second chance to be loved after the confusion of ending up in a shelter is incredibly special.
Right now, through July 20, we’re waiving adoption fees for all dogs and cats six months and older during “Hot Dog & Cool Cat Summer.”
This adoption promotion is generously sponsored by the Pet Care Foundation, thanks to a grant from the Georgia B. Ridder Foundation. All dogs and cats adopted from Pasadena Humane are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped.
To learn more about adopting a pet, visit pasadenahumane.org/adopt
Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on July 11, 2025.
