Cat Adoption & Kittens for Sale in San Diego: 11 Best Places to Consider
With the holidays around the corner, you could say it’s the purrfect time to adopt a cat or kitten. A snuggle buddy, if you will. I mean really–what could be a better gift to you and your loved ones than bringing home a sweet furry child that will shower you with unconditional love?
If you’re worried about who might take care of your newly adopted kitten if you need to skip town for a bit, fear not. Like the plethora of places for kitten adoption in San Diego, there are also plenty of pet friendly hotels in San Diego, too. You can also find premium cat boarding in San Diego if you need a perfect place for your cat to stay while you prepare your home before your adopted feline friend’s arrival. And of course If you’re not paw-sitive (pun intended) what type of furry comrade you’re looking for, there are also several places you can find puppies for sale in San Diego.
Not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place.
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Where to Adopt Cats & Kittens in San Diego
Mews flash. This isn’t the nineties anymore, and searching “San Diego kittens on Craigslist,” isn’t your only resource (but hey, if that floats your boat, there have been plenty of successful adoptions via Craigslist). However, if you’re looking to meet your furrever friend in person to see if there is a special spark, check out these options for kittens for sale in San Diego.
Kittens for Sale in La Jolla
Since this is the official website of La Jolla, let’s start in our local area!
The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center
Cat adoption in San Diego in the La Jolla area includes The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center, located in the village of La Jolla. They’ve helped over 3,181 cats find homes in the past year. What makes this place unique is that it is currently San Diego’s first and only non-profit cat lounge.That’s right! You can show up without an appointment and soak up some kitten cuddles in your free time.
- Address: 1006 Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Phone: (858) 886-7083
- Hours: Tues – Sun, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Mondays
North County Coastal Cats for Adoption in San Diego
You can find kittens (and grown cats) throughout Oceanside, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, and other coastal areas of North County San Diego.
San Diego Humane Society’s Oceanside Campus
Live in North County Coastal? Kittens for sale in this area include the well-known San Diego Humane Society at their Oceanside Campus (cats, small pets) right near the Oceanside Municipal airport. They offer tons of programs focused on animal welfare and protection, including a community cat program and a kitten nursery.
- Address: 572 Airport Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058
- Phone: (619) 299-7012
- Hours: Mon – Sat, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Sundays
County of San Diego Department of Animal Services
Another alternative in North County Coastal is the San Diego Department of Animal Services located right next to the McClellan-Palomar Airport. They have provided refuge and care for over 10,500 cats, dogs, livestock and exotic animals every year that have been lost, abandoned or abused. Be sure to call ahead before coming into the shelter as they offer services by appointment only.
- Address: 2481 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
- Phone: (619) 236-2341
- Hours: Tues – Sun, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Last but not least another cat adoption option (with rave reviews) in North County Coastal is Helen Woodward Animal Center, located in Fairbanks Ranch. If it tickles your fancy, you can even get your name on a plaque on their new adoption building which further helps support their mission to provide animals with utmost care until the animals find new homes.
- Address: 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
- Phone: (858) 756-4117
- Hours: Mon – Sun, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open 7 days a week
North County Inland Kittens for Adoption in San Diego
Live further inland? Fear not! You won’t have to drive far to find a new cat or kitten.
Catskingdomusa
Inland of North County takes the cake with the most places cat adoption in San Diego is made possible. Catskingdomusa, located right off the 56 near Torrey Highlands, is a wonderful place to find pure breed cats and kittens for sale. A great offering they have is the ability to rent a pure breed cat for any hour for those who don’t have the accessibility or resources to adopt one themselves. They also have a course you can purchase to educate yourself on how to avoid scammers, learn how to find a good real breeder, train your cat, and more.
- Address: 13294 Via Santillana, San Diego, CA 92129
- Phone: (858) 207-5346
- Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Sundays
San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus
San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus which serves Escondido on the outskirts of Daley Ranch, north of East Grove, is the second of three Humane Society’s in San Diego where you can scope out a forever friend. They have a cute little kitten cam if you want to add more joy to your day watching little fluff balls play and snooze.
- Address: 3500 Burnet Dr, Escondido, CA 92027
- Phone: (619) 299-7012
- Hours: Tues – Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Closed Mondays
Exotic Bengals of San Diego
Looking to go the more exotic route? Exotic Bengals of San Diego near San Pasqual Valley gives you the choice of adopting either adult or baby bengals from a reputable breeder, as approved by the International Cat Association. Bengal cats are known to be affectionate and have adorable, unique spots. If you’re looking for an exotic, purebred cuddle buddy, you know where to go.
- Address: 2498 Briarwood Ct, Escondido, CA 92025
- Phone: (858) 207-5346
- Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Central San Diego Kitten Adoption
Moving to central San Diego, we’ll find a branch of the San Diego Humane Society in Mission Valley.
San Diego Humane Society
In Central San Diego, yet another San Diego Humane Society resides. They offer a Cat Café Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. a.m. What a fun way to enjoy an afternoon cup of joe than to be surrounded by playful kittens?
- Address: 5500 Gaines St. San Diego, CA 92110
- Phone: (858) 207-5346
- Hours: Mon – Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
East County Cat Adoption in San Diego
East County has two fabulous locations to find kittens in San Diego, including the National Cat Protection Society.
National Cat Protection Society
NatCat was founded in 1968 and remains dedicated to protecting felines. They offer information on humane spaying and neutering of kittens to help educate potential cat adopters.
- Address: 9031 Birch St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
- Phone: (619) 494-2454
- Hours: Mon – Fri 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friends of Cats Inc.
Friends of Cats Inc. is another cat adoption location in East County, near Flinn Springs. As a no-kill shelter, they stand by their commitment to providing a sanctuary for cats who are terminally ill or considered unadoptable. They have a wide selection of cats that are up for adoption as well. If you’d like to simply hang out with some cats, you can also volunteer.
- Address: 15587 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon, CA 92021
- Phone: (619) 561-0361
- Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Monday
South Bay Kittens for Sale in San Diego
Our neighbors in the South Bay area can find kittens and full grown cats in Chula Vista.
Chula Vista Animal Care Facility
In South Bay, you can go to Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, which lies on the outskirts of Otay Valley Regional Park, just South of Castle Park and North East of Palm City. Here you can find rescue cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies all up for adoption. If you’re looking for a story to warm your heart, look up their success stories of recently adopted pets that have found families to call their own.
- Address: 130 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA 91911
- Phone: (619) 691-5123
- Hours: Tues – Fri 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sat 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays & Mondays
So…you’re saying there are at least ELEVEN different places to adopt a kitten in San Diego? You’ve got to be kitten me!
Final Thoughts on Adopting a Cat or Kitten for Sale in San Diego
Let’s not overlook that a successful kitten adoption in San Diego (or wherever you find yourself) means you are saving the life of the little critter you plan to take home with you, providing them with security, comfort, and a lifelong companion to have and to hold from this day forward.
While cat adoption in San Diego will always be here, your feline friend might be waiting for you at one of these locations, eager to leap into your arms. If you’ve been considering adopting a cat or kitten, take this as a sign from the universe to explore the possibilities. Now is your opportunity to let those manifestations become a reality.
Courtney is a San Diego-based, San Francisco bred millennial with a passion for design and self-expression. She prides herself in her charcuterie board making skills and has a soft spot for animals. When she’s not writing, you can catch her playing tennis and enjoying the diversity of events and restaurants San Diego has to offer.
