Adopt or buy? Where to get your cat in the UK

There are four main places to get a cat in the UK. Each can be a good choice if you know what to check.

Your options at a glance

Where	What you usually get	Key check
Rescue or rehoming charity	Adult cats and kittens, usually neutered, vaccinated and microchipped	Ask about the cat's history and any home-check process
Private rehoming	Adult cats whose owners can no longer keep them	Meet the cat at home and ask for vet records
Owner of the mother	Non-pedigree kittens bred at home	See the kittens with their mother where they were born
Registered or licensed breeder	Pedigree kittens with registration papers	Check registration and, for licensed sellers, the council licence

Rescue and rehoming charities

Charities match cats to homes and usually neuter, vaccinate and microchip before rehoming. Many adult cats need homes, and rescues will tell you about each cat's personality.

Private rehoming

Owners sometimes need to rehome a cat because of a move, allergies or a change in circumstances. Ask why the cat is being rehomed, how it gets on with children and other pets, and for its vaccination and microchip records.

Kittens from the owner of the mother

Always see the kittens with their mother at the home where they were born. Kittens should be at least 8 weeks old before leaving, and many charities recommend 12 to 13 weeks.

Registered and licensed breeders

Pedigree breeders often register kittens with the GCCF or TICA. Anyone selling kittens as a business, or kittens they did not breed, needs a licence from their council and must show the licence number in adverts.

Red flags for every option

• The seller offers to deliver or meet you halfway
• You are asked for a deposit before you have seen the cat
• The kittens are not with their mother, or the mother is "out"
• There is no vaccination or microchip record
• The same photos appear on other adverts

Read our buying safely checklist before you visit.