In the Philippines, many cats—often called pusang Pinoy or puspin—roam the streets, searching for food and shelter. While some are fortunate to find kindhearted individuals who feed them, many end up in overcrowded shelters, longing for a forever home. Adopting a cat from a shelter is a rewarding experience that not only saves a life but also brings unconditional love into your home. If you’re considering welcoming a feline companion, here’s what you need to know.
Why Adopt Instead of Buy?
Many people are drawn to expensive, purebred cats like Persian or British Shorthair breeds, but puspins have their own unique charm and resilience. Unlike bred cats, shelter cats often develop strong survival instincts and adapt easily to different environments. Additionally, adoption helps combat the increasing stray population in the country. By choosing to adopt, you give a homeless cat a second chance at life.
Visiting the Shelter: What to Expect
When you step into a shelter, be prepared to be greeted by numerous eager eyes and soft meows. Shelters like PAWS (Philippine Animal Welfare Society), CARA Welfare Philippines, and Hound Haven house many rescued cats, each with their own personality. Some may be shy and timid, while others will confidently approach you, as if saying, “Kuya, ate, ako na lang piliin niyo!” (Brother, sister, choose me!).
Take your time to observe their behavior. If you prefer an active and playful companion, look for an energetic kitten that enjoys chasing toys. On the other hand, if you want a calm and affectionate pet, an older cat that enjoys lounging might be the perfect choice.
The Adoption Process
Each shelter has its own adoption process, but generally, it involves the following steps:
- Filling out an application – Shelters want to ensure that adopters are responsible and capable of caring for their new pet.
- Interview and screening – Some shelters conduct a short interview to assess your knowledge of pet care and your home environment.
- Adoption fee – Most shelters require an adoption fee, which helps cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical check-ups.
- Home preparation – Before bringing your cat home, make sure you have the essentials: a litter box, scratching post, food and water bowls, and a cozy bed.
- Transition period – Give your new pet time to adjust. They might hide or be hesitant at first, but with patience and gentle care, they will warm up to their new home.
The Joy of Adopting a Puspin
Owning a cat is a beautiful and rewarding experience. They provide companionship, relieve stress, and even help keep unwanted pests at bay. Many pet owners say their adopted cats seem to understand that they’ve been given a second chance, often expressing gratitude through affectionate purrs and headbutts.
Take the story of Miguel, a Manila-based artist who adopted a stray kitten from a shelter. Initially, the kitten was scared and hid under furniture, but after a few weeks of love and care, it blossomed into a confident and loving pet. “Every morning, he greets me with a soft meow and follows me around the house. Hindi ko akalain na magiging ganito kami ka-close (I never expected us to become this close),” Miguel shares.
Top shelters to adopt a cat
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The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
- Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Website:
- Facebook: PAWSPhilippines
- Instagram: @pawsphilippines
- Description: PAWS is dedicated to the protection and promotion of humane treatment of all animals. They offer cats for adoption who are spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
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CARA Welfare Philippines (Compassion And Responsibility for Animals)
- Location: Makati City, Metro Manila
- Website: caraphil.org
- Facebook: CARAwelfarephilippines
- Instagram: @carawelfareph
- Description: CARA focuses on animal welfare through education, veterinary services, and rehoming of rescued animals, including cats.
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Hound Haven Philippines
- Location: San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
- Website: houndhavenph.org
- Facebook: HoundHavenPH
- Instagram: @houndhavenph
- Description: Initially established for retired working dogs, Hound Haven also offers cat adoption services.
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Lara’s Ark
- Location: Parañaque City, Metro Manila
- Facebook: Laras-Ark-Foundation-Inc
- Description: A shelter that rescues and rehabilitates animals, providing them with a safe haven until they find their forever homes.
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Philippine Pet Birth Control Center Foundation (PPBCC)
- Location: Quezon City, Metro Manila
- Website: ppbcc.org
- Facebook: ppbccfoundation
- Description: PPBCC focuses on spaying and neutering but also facilitates pet adoption, including cats.
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Bengal Cat Sanctuary Philippines
- Location: Cavite
- Facebook: BengalCatSanctuaryPH
- Description: Specializing in rescuing Bengal cats, they also have other cats available for adoption.
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Pawssion Project
- Location: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental and Bulacan
- Website: pawssionproject.org
- Facebook: PawssionProject
- Instagram: @pawssionproject
- Description: A non-profit organization rescuing and rehabilitating stray animals, with cats available for adoption.
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Stray Love PH
- Location: Manila, Metro Manila
- Facebook: StrayLovePH
- Description: Dedicated to rescuing stray animals and finding them loving homes.
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Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL)
- Location: San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
- Facebook: saveallph
- Description: An organization that rescues and rehabilitates animals, offering them for adoption to responsible pet owners.
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Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART)
- Location: San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
- Website: philippineanimalrescue.org
- Facebook: PhilAnimalRescueTeam
- Description: A no-kill shelter rescuing abused and abandoned animals, including cats, and facilitating their adoption.
Before visiting, it’s advisable to contact these shelters directly to inquire about their adoption processes, visiting hours, and any specific requirements they may have. By adopting from these organizations, you’re giving a cat a second chance at a loving home.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a cat from a Philippine shelter is more than just gaining a pet—it’s giving a helpless animal a new lease on life. These cats, once abandoned or neglected, are ready to shower their new families with affection and loyalty. If you’re considering bringing a feline friend into your home, choose to adopt.
By opening your heart and home, you become part of the movement to create a more compassionate world for animals, one puspin at a time.
Are you ready to find your purr-fect companion? Visit a local shelter today and make a difference in a cat’s life!