An Easy Guide to Cat Adoption in Winnipeg According to Local Feline Parents
When my friend adopted her cat in Winnipeg, she expected instant cuddles—but that definitely wasn’t the case.
Between navigating shelter websites, figuring out what documents she needed, and scheduling meet-and-greets, the whole thing felt more stressful than she expected.
It all worked out in the end, and her tabby is now living like royalty, I must say. But, in hindsight, she wished someone had walked her through it first.
That’s why I put together a simple guide for a stress-free experience. We’ll help you know exactly what to expect when adopting a cat in the city and where to go, too!
How can you adopt a cat in Winnipeg?
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time Required | 1 – 2 days up to 3 weeks |
| Things You Need | Valid ID, proof of address, cat adoption fee, pet carrier, food supplies, litter box |
To adopt a cat in Winnipeg, visit animal shelters or rescue websites to browse available cats. Then, fill out an application, pay the adoption fee, and follow any next steps, like a meet-and-greet or home check, before bringing your cat home.
As a whole, adopting a cat is a rewarding process, and it helps to know what to expect. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key steps for cat adoption in Winnipeg:
1: Find a shelter
The first step in your cat adoption journey is finding a reputable shelter or rescue organization in Winnipeg. You don’t need to rush—take your time to find one that fits your values, budget, and expectations.
A quick online search will bring up plenty of local options—we’ll discuss a few later on.
Consider looking into community forums or Facebook groups if you want real-world feedback and recommendations. Plus, you could check local vet clinics or pet supply stores, which often have bulletin boards or flyers for nearby rescues.
Once you’ve narrowed it down, visit the shelter’s website or social media for their next set of steps. Some may require appointments, while others allow walk-ins.
2: View available cats
Once you’ve found a shelter or rescue that feels right, the next step is to view the cats available for adoption.
Most Winnipeg shelters have online listings where you can browse photos, read bios, and learn about each cat’s personality. This gives you a great head start in terms of what to expect before visiting in person.
If you’re more of a face-to-face type, many shelters welcome walk-ins or let you book an appointment to meet the cats directly. While online profiles are helpful, spending time with a cat in person can tell you a lot more, like how playful, shy, or cuddly they are.
Bring a list of questions, take your time, and don’t feel pressured to choose right away. This step is about finding a connection and seeing which cat feels like the best fit.
3: Submit your application
Fallen in love yet? If a particular cat has captured your heart, it’s time for the next step: submitting an adoption application.
Shelters in Winnipeg use this process to get to know you and make sure you’re the right match for your future pet. You’ll likely be asked about your home, lifestyle, previous pet experience, and other household members.
Some shelters may also arrange a quick interview, request references, or schedule a meet-and-greet to see how everyone gets along. It might sound formal, but don’t worry—it’s all to set you and your new cat up for success.
To avoid unnecessary delays, I recommend being totally honest and open during this part of your adoption journey.
4: Pay adoption fees
Wondering how much it costs to bring your new cat home? In Winnipeg, fees typically hover around $260 and up for cats or kittens, while senior cats (usually 10 years and up) often come at a reduced rate.
Adoption fees help cover essentials like food, vet care, vaccinations, and shelter upkeep. These may also include spaying/neutering, microchipping, and deworming, so you’re actually saving on initial veterinary expenses.
Some organizations even run seasonal promos or discounts for adopting bonded pairs or older cats. I suggest checking their socials for announcements.
It’s also a good idea to check what exactly is included in the adoption package—some shelters may offer a free pet visit or a pet insurance trial. Knowing what’s covered helps you prepare financially for the first few months.
5: Help your cat settle in
To help your cat settle in, many shelters recommend following the 3-3-3 rule. This is a helpful guide to understand what your cat may be feeling in the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after adoption.
In the first few days, your cat may be scared or overwhelmed, so create a quiet, cozy space where they can decompress. Always approach your new companion with gentleness.
By three weeks, they’ll start settling into your routine and showing more of their personality. Around the three-month mark, most cats feel fully at home, trusting you and becoming part of the family.
Patience and consistency are key; stick to regular feeding times, and provide enrichment like toys or window perches. With time, love, and understanding, you’ll build a bond that lasts a lifetime.
Where can I adopt a cat in Winnipeg?
You can adopt a cat through a variety of reputable shelters and organizations like the Winnipeg Humane Society and Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter. From kittens to senior cats, the city offers plenty of options to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best places in the Peg where you can begin your cat adoption journey:
Winnipeg Humane Society
– Media credit: whsanimals
Website: http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whsanimals/
Address: 45 Hurst Way
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (204) 982-2021
Adopting a cat through the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) is a straightforward and rewarding experience. As one of the city’s largest and most trusted animal welfare organizations, WHF offers a wide variety of cats and kittens looking for forever homes.
Their website features up-to-date profiles, so you can browse available pets before visiting in person.
Cat adoption fees range from $50 for senior cats to $200 for kittens, with adult cats priced at $100. These cover a health exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, pet insurance trial, and a City of Winnipeg license—just to name a few.
Staff members are also friendly and helpful, guiding you through everything, from choosing the right cat to understanding post-adoption care.
Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter
– Media credit: winnipegpetrescue
Website: https://petrescueshelter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipegpetrescue/
Address: 2727 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 832-7387
The Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter is Manitoba’s first registered non-profit, no-kill animal shelter, and it has been saving lives for over two decades. Their work is powered entirely by community support, so every adoption helps them continue their mission.
Adoption fees here reflect the comprehensive care each animal receives. For $315, cats and kittens come with a full veterinary health check, deworming, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, an ear tattoo, and 6 weeks of pet health insurance.
If the cat is already spayed or neutered, the adoption fee is only $245.
The shelter also takes hygiene and safety seriously—hand sanitizer is available throughout the facility. And if you want to cuddle with your chosen pet, animals can be handled with the help of an adoption counselor.
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre
– Media credit: darcys_arc
Website: https://darcysarc.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcys_arc/
Address: 730 Century St B
Hours: Tue – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sat – Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 888-2266
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre is a registered Winnipeg charity committed to rescuing cats and dogs. Founded by D’Arcy, it officially opened in 2001 after starting as a small, home-based cat rescue.
The shelter runs primarily through donations, retail sales, thrift store proceeds, and boarding services. They can also issue tax receipts for contributions.
Cat adoption fees are $225 for those under a year old and $175 for those over a year. These fees help cover medical care and the overall well-being of each animal.
For first-time pet parents, don’t worry—they do not take in or adopt feral cats, as these generally cannot easily adapt to indoor living. Their focus remains on domestic cats who are ready to bond with humans.
Rescue Siamese Cat Shelter
– Media credit: rescuesiamese
Website: https://rescuesiamese.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescuesiamese/
Address: 38 Barberry Rd
Hours: Monday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 PM – 9 PM
Fri, Sun: 12 PM – 3 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 255-6896
Rescue Siamese Cat Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill feline rescue dedicated primarily to Siamese and Siamese-cross cats in the city. Founded with the goal of helping this elegant breed, it also opens its doors to its domestic companions.
What makes this shelter unique is its 100% volunteer-run model. Every adoption donation and hour of volunteer time goes directly toward the care of the cats.
Fees range from $179 for kittens to $49 for senior cats, with multi-cat discounts offered to encourage bonded pairs together or simply spreading more love. Costs include spaying/neutering, first vaccinations, deworming, and a tattoo or microchip.
Note that kittens receive a mandatory microchip since they won’t be tattooed until they’re old enough for sterilization.
Miss J. La’s Fur Babies Cat Cafe
– Media credit: furbabiescatcafewpg
Website: https://www.missjlasfurbabiescatcafeandadoptioncentre.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furbabiescatcafewpg
Address: 1428 Erin St
Hours: By appointment only
Contact: (204) 510-3434
Miss J. La’s Fur Babies Cat Cafe holds the title of Winnipeg’s first cat cafe, established in 2016. Originally envisioned as a cozy space for coffee with a side of cats, it had evolved into its own rescue operation in 2019, helping stray and abandoned felines.
Inside, the cats have climbing trees, cozy nooks, and toys scattered throughout—every detail is designed to help these cute creatures relax and thrive. Visitors can stroll down the aptly named hallway to heaven to meet over 40 free-roaming feline residents.
For adult cats, adoption fees are $140, and it’s $160 for kittens 6 months and younger.
As a bonus, all cats are vet-checked, socialized in a cage-free setting, and ready to find their perfect match.
Ready to visit? Call them up or send an email for a pre-approved adoption appointment.