Kittens and Cats for Adoption
Since 2025, Despurate House Cats has helped more than 80 Connecticut cats find safety through rescue, foster care, TNR, and adoption.
Meet our adoptable cats and kittens below.
Don't have your heart set on one particular cat? Perfect! Fill out one adoption application and tell us you'd like a match. We know our cats better than anyone, and we'd love to help you find the companion that's the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Ivan and Sean
Sean & Ivan are two best friends looking for a forever home together.
These brothers came into our care at just 7 weeks old with their mama, Mia, after being found living in a shed. Since then, they've been discovering just how wonderful life indoors can be.
Every day they become a little braver. They're curious, playful, and always exploring together. Whether they're chasing toys, wrestling, or curling up for a nap, these two are almost always side by side. Ivan is the more outgoing of the pair, while Sean tends to take a moment to assess new situations before joining the fun—but with Ivan by his side, his confidence grows a little more each day.
While they're still building trust with people, they've made incredible progress in foster care and continue to surprise us with how much they've blossomed. We know that with a patient family willing to let them settle in at their own pace, they'll continue becoming the affectionate companions they're meant to be.
Sean and Ivan are looking for a home that understands the value of letting cats come around on their own terms. Watching shy kittens learn to trust is one of the most rewarding experiences, and these boys are well on their way.
They are neutered, age-appropriate on vaccines, FeLV/FIV negative, microchipped, and ready to find a family of their own.
If you're looking for a bonded pair to grow alongside, Sean and Ivan are waiting to meet you.
Retina
Retina is a tiny tornado with endless energy! This mischievous little girl is always on the move, whether she's chasing toys, wrestling with the other cats, or finding something new to investigate. If it's fun, Retina is all in. She keeps everyone entertained with her playful personality, but once she's finally worn herself out, she's more than happy to curl up for a well-earned nap.
At 10 weeks old, Retina is looking for a family to call her own. She is FeLV/FIV negative, vaccinated, dewormed, and will be spayed prior to adoption.
Retina was rescued from a hoarding situation in Bridgeport alongside her siblings and cousins. Unfortunately, not every kitten made it out. When she came into our care, she was suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection and developed corneal ulcers. Thankfully, she received treatment before any permanent damage could occur. While she has a small amount of scarring, her vision is completely normal and it doesn't slow her down one bit.
Retina has been raised around dogs, cats, and guinea pigs and would fit into just about any home that's ready to keep up with a playful kitten.
Sclera
Sclera is the cutest little girl around. Pick her up and she instantly starts purring. She absolutely adores affection and is always rubbing against your legs, climbing into your lap, or looking for the next cuddle. Of course, she's still a kitten, so once she's had her snuggle fix, she's off chasing toys and wrestling with her foster friends. She's the perfect balance of cuddles and chaos.
At just 8 weeks old, Sclera is ready to find her forever home. She is FeLV/FIV negative, vaccinated, dewormed, and will be spayed prior to adoption.
Sclera came to us from a hoarding situation in Bridgeport. Sadly, not all of her siblings and cousins survived, but she was one of the lucky ones. When she arrived, she was battling a severe upper respiratory infection and had developed corneal ulcers. Thanks to early treatment, her eyes healed beautifully. She has some minor scarring, but it doesn't affect her vision and requires no additional care.
Sclera would thrive in just about any home. She is being fostered with dogs, cats, and guinea pigs and gets along wonderfully with everyone.
Carrot Cake
Meet Carrot. Some cats are people cats. Carrot is a cat's cat.
Carrot came to us from the streets of Bridgeport, where he lived in an area where neighborhood children had a history of harming stray cats. Since joining our rescue in March 2025, he's discovered that indoor life is pretty wonderful. He loves sunny windows, lounging in our catio, birdwatching, and most of all the company of other cats.
Humans? He'd really rather admire you from across the room.
After more than a year in foster care, we've realized that Carrot isn't waiting to become a cuddly lap cat. He's already exactly who he's meant to be, and that's okay. We lovingly call cats like Carrot Spirit Cats. Cats who thrive indoors, form strong bonds with other cats, but prefer to keep their distance from people.
While Carrot does not like being cornered or going into the carrier, Carrot isn't aggressive. He simply will require an oral sedative hidden in his food for carrier trips. He wants to exist peacefully in a safe home where he can enjoy the sunshine, watch the world go by, and spend time with his feline friends. While we can't promise he'll ever ask for pets, we can promise he'll appreciate the gift of safety and stability.
Because of his personality, Carrot is looking for a quiet indoor home with at least one friendly resident cat. He would also love access to a secure catio or sunny windows where he can spend his days observing the world. He is not looking for a barn home, as he has happily adjusted to indoor life and isn't interested in hunting.
Carrot's perfect adopter is someone who understands that not every cat measures love the same way. Some cats curl up in your lap. Others quietly share your home and enrich the lives of the cats around them.
If you've ever believed every cat deserves a home, even the ones who may never ask to be petted, Carrot just might be your perfect match..
Papa Tomato and Basil
Wonder if cats know who their family is?
Meet Sun Dried Tomato and Basil.
When we trapped Basil, he was just a little buff kitten living outside in Waterbury. A week later, we caught another buff boy from the same area. Turns out... it was his dad. I mean, we're pretty sure.
We had no idea what to expect. Would they remember each other? Would they care?
Basil answered that question immediately when he was reunited.
Watching him finally get to be somebody's baby instead of worrying about surviving outside has been a blessing.
Tomato, on the other hand, is very much a teenage dad. He humors Basil, tolerates the constant shadowing, and every once in a while lets him snuggle up. If you're offering pets or food, he's ditching the kid without a second thought.
Papa Tomat loves to snuggle, Basil loves to play. They complete each other.
They spent months surviving the streets together. Looking for food together. Sheltering together. Keeping each other company.
We'd really love for the rest of their story to be spent together, too.
They're both ridiculously sweet. The kind of cats that make you wonder how they ever ended up outside in the first place.
Both boys are FeLV/FIV negative, vaccinated, neutered, and dewormed.
Tomato is estimated at 9 months, while Basil is estimate at 4 months.
Think they could be the boys for you?
Mindy
Mindy is a soft, gentle senior lady who has fully embraced the cozy indoor life she always deserved.
When she first came to us, she was quiet and unsure—a cat who had gone too long without comfort. With patience, warm blankets, and the chance to finally feel safe, she blossomed into the sweetest little companion. She is now toothless and thriving.
Mindy recently had a full dental and is officially pain-free. She may be missing her teeth, but she's gained an adorable habit of rubbing her little gums against you when she's happy. It's her version of kisses. She loves the couch. She loves a heated blanket. And once she trusts you, she loves curling into your lap for long, peaceful naps while making endless biscuits.
Because of everything she's been through, Mindy needs a family that understands trust isn't built overnight. She isn't the kind of cat who will settle in after a weekend. She needs someone willing to spend a lot of time with her, letting her move at her own pace and showing her, day after day, that she's safe. The right adopter will be patient, consistent, and willing to celebrate the little victories.
We promise those victories are worth it.
Watching Mindy slowly choose you, seek out your attention, and eventually melt into your lap is incredibly rewarding. The bond you build with her isn't instant—it's earned. And once you've earned it, you'll have one of the sweetest, most devoted friends imaginable.
She can still eat dry food (and absolutely loves to!), though we recommend primarily feeding wet food to keep her comfortable long-term.
Mindy is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and FeLV/FIV negative. She does wonderfully with other cats and currently lives in a foster home with cats, a dog, and even a bird.
She isn't flashy. She isn't chaotic. She's soft, steady, and deeply loving in a quiet, meaningful way.
If you're looking for a cat who will reward your patience with a bond unlike any other, Mindy is waiting to meet you. Your heated blanket has a spot reserved.
Karl
Karl was supposed to be a TNR cat.
His feeder spent all winter earning his trust, and little by little he started accepting pets and even being picked up. By the time he came to us for his neuter, he was friendlier than most community cats, so we decided to give him a chance indoors. If he hated it, he could always go back to the person who cared so much about him.
Well... Karl had absolutely no interest in going back outside.
Despite being scared and unsure at first, he figured out pretty quickly that house cat life is actually pretty great. It took him about one day to settle in, and within a couple of weeks he was happily soaking up head scratches, chin rubs, and ear scratches. Karl loves to flop over dramatically and show off his belly. It looks like an invitation. It is not.
We estimate Karl is around 2 years old. He's a handsome, goofy guy who has come so far from the cat who arrived unsure of everything. He currently lives with other cats and a couple of dogs in foster care. He's doing well, but would prefer dogs that understand personal space while he continues getting used to them or no dogs at all.
Karl is FeLV/FIV negative, neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. His ear tip tells the story of where he came from, but his future looks a lot different these days. He traded life on the streets for soft beds and regular meals. More love than imaginable.
Karl just needed someone to take a chance on him. Now he's looking for someone to take him home.
Dmitri
Some cats survive outside. Dmitri outsmarted it.
For years, Dmitri called the streets of New Haven home, surviving blistering summers, freezing winters, and everything in between. He was too smart to fall for traps, and it took someone patiently earning his trust before he finally decided that maybe people weren't so bad after all. We estimate he's at least 3 years old, though life on the streets may have added a few extra years of wisdom.
Today, Dmitri is proving that underneath that tough exterior is a cat who was always meant for a home. He has settled beautifully into foster care, where he lives comfortably with both cats and dogs. He's neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and has tested negative for both FIV and FeLV.
One of Dmitri's most adorable features? His extra toes! He's polydactyl, giving him those irresistibly oversized "mitten paws" that make him even more special. The front ones even have two pads each!
Dmitri isn't just handsome, he's incredibly intelligent. He spent years relying on his instincts to survive, and that curiosity and cleverness are still part of who he is. Now, instead of using his brain to avoid traps, he's learning that life indoors means warm beds, full meals, and people who love him. He loves being high up in the cat tower and talking.
After surviving years on the streets, Dmitri has earned the chance to spend the rest of his life somewhere safe. If you're looking for a unique, resilient cat with a remarkable story and the cutest extra toes around, Dmitri is ready to leave his survival days behind and start the chapter he's always deserved.
Mitzi
Mitzi came to us alongside her mother, Mindy, after a lifetime of living outdoors. She was originally TNR'd after raising a litter of kittens in 2024 and continued living under a deck, cared for by a dedicated feeder. When that feeder had to relocate, they reached out for help, and Mitzi was given a chance at a different life.
Now estimated to be around 4-5 years old, Mitzi has made incredible progress. She arrived as a truly feral cat who wanted nothing to do with people. Today, she's living comfortably indoors and has embraced many of the joys of house cat life. We've watched her play with toys, wrestle with her cat friends, climb cat trees, and stretch out in the sunshine on the patio. She may not be a lap cat, but she has come so much farther than anyone could have imagined and I can see her continuing to open up in a quieter home than her current situation.
Mitzi is FIV positive, but that doesn't slow her down one bit. She lives with many other cats in her foster home, where she happily coexists and even plays with them. She truly enjoys feline companionship and would love a home with another friendly cat. She also tolerates the dogs in her foster home, though calm, respectful dogs would be the best fit.
While Mitzi has learned that people aren't so scary, she still needs time to build trust. We are able to pet her during feedings, and she continues to make progress at her own pace. She now walks right up to us during for feeding and even meows. She is making steady progress and will continue to bloom. Her ideal adopter will understand that relationships with cats like Mitzi are built slowly and that every small milestone is worth celebrating. Starting her in a large crate or a small, quiet room during the initial bonding period will help set her up for success.
Mitzi would thrive in a quiet home with patient adopters who will allow her to settle in and trust on her own timeline. If children are present, they should be older and respectful of her need for space. A calm environment will allow her sweet personality to continue blossoming.
Mitzi is spayed, vaccinated, and absolutely gorgeous. She has already done the hard part (learning to leave survival mode behind). Now she's looking for someone willing to give her the time, patience, and love she needs to fully enjoy the life she's worked so hard to find.
A note about FIV: FIV-positive cats can live long, healthy, normal lives and can safely live with FIV-negative cats. Mitzi is a perfect example that an FIV diagnosis doesn't define a cat, it simply means she deserves the same chance at a loving home as every other cat.
Black Beard
Black Beard's story began in our Oakville colony, where she spent years surviving outdoors and raising litter after litter of kittens. Now that her days of motherhood are behind her, it's finally her turn to be cared for.
At around 3 years old, Black Beard is a beautiful long-haired girl with a gentle soul. She can be shy when meeting new people, but beneath that cautious exterior is an incredibly sweet cat who wants to trust. Once you earn her confidence, you'll discover a loving companion who enjoys being near her people and living the good life indoors.
Because she takes time to adjust, we strongly recommend starting her in a large crate or a quiet room where she can feel safe while she learns her new surroundings and bond with her new family. Patience is key with Black Beard, and she rewards it tenfold. She would do best in a quieter home without young children, or with respectful older children who understand that she may need time and space to feel comfortable. Loud noises and busy environments can be overwhelming for her.
Black Beard absolutely loves other cats and would thrive in a home with a feline friend. She tolerates dogs but doesn't pay much attention to them. Her favorite activities include bird watching, lounging in sunny spots, and spending time in the catio or sunroom. Once she's settled, she enjoys chin and ear scratches. She's the kind of cat who finds joy in the simple things and is happiest when she feels safe and secure.
As a long-haired cat, Black Beard will need regular brushing once she's comfortable with her family. She will be groomed prior to adoption so she can start her new chapter looking and feeling her best.
Black Beard is spayed, vaccinated, FeLV/FIV negative, and microchipped.
Tapeworm Tippy
Meet Tapeworm Tippy. You heard me right.
Tippy is the nicest guy in the world, he is very vocal and loves attention. He currently resides in a foster home with cats and dogs but tends to look for humans.
He is genuinely just a 10/10 good boy.
Tippy is estimated around 1 year old, Felv/FIV negative, vaccinated, dewormed and will be neutered prior to adoption. And NO, he does not have tapeworms anymore.
Adoption FAQs
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Our kittens are getting ready for adoption, but we follow practices that put their long-term welfare first. One of these is our policy of only adopting kittens out in pairs, or into homes that already have another cat.
Kittens raised without another cat companion often develop what’s known as Single Kitten Syndrome. Without another feline to learn from, they can struggle with:
Rough play like biting and scratching
Difficulty handling frustration or being left alone
Overdependence on humans for stimulation
Higher risk of behavioral problems as they mature
Cats teach each other important skills through play, bite inhibition, body language, conflict resolution, and respecting boundaries. These are lessons humans simply can’t provide. A feline friend ensures healthier development, less stress, and a happier bond for both cat and adopter.
Our goal is to set cats and adopters up for lifelong success. This may mean waiting a little longer to adopt, but it leads to stronger, healthier relationships. -
We want every cat to end up exactly where they belong: safe, loved, and understood. Our process may seem a bit thorough, but that’s because we care deeply about each cat’s future (and we know the heartbreak they’ve come from). Here’s how it all works:
1. Find Your Match
Start by browsing our available cats on Petfinder or social media. Read their bio, we write them from the heart, so you’ll get a feel for who they really are. If you’re unsure who might be right for you, we’re always happy to help match you with a personality that fits your lifestyle.
2. Submit an Application
Once someone catches your eye, fill out our adoption application. This helps us get to know you, your home, and what kind of cat you’re looking for.
Important: Please give your vet a quick heads-up that we’ll be calling for a reference. It speeds things up and helps us confirm your current pets are up to date on care.
3. Application Review & Approval
We review every application carefully. Not to judge, but to make sure we’re setting both you and the cat up for success. We may reach out with a few questions or just to chat about your setup and experience. Once approved, we’ll move to the fun part, meeting your potential new best friend.
4. Meet & Greet
After approval, we’ll arrange a time for you to meet the cat, usually at their foster home or one of our pop-up adoption events. This is your chance to spend some time with them, ask questions, and see if it feels right.
5. Finalize the Adoption
If everyone agrees it’s a match, we’ll go over the adoption agreement, collect the adoption fee, and get you ready to bring your new family member home. Every cat goes home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped.
6. Welcome to the Family
Adopting from us means you’re part of the Despurate House Cats family. We’re here for you long after you bring your cat home. To answer questions, celebrate milestones, and offer support as they settle in. Watching these once-forgotten cats thrive in homes of their own is what keeps us going.
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Our adoption fees help us break even on the cost of the basic medical care every cat receives before adoption and sometimes, not even that. We’re a donation-based rescue, not publicly funded, so these fees are what allow us to keep saving lives.
Our current adoption fees are:
Kittens (under 6 months): $450
Adults (6 months to 8 years): $400
Seniors (8+ years): $300
Although, our seniors and bonded pairs cost the same (if not more) to vet, we offer a discounted rate to encourage adoption. These are the cats that too often get left behind.
Every cat adopted through us is spayed or neutered, vaccinated (including boosters for kittens), microchipped, dewormed, and treated for fleas/ticks. They’re also tested for FeLV/FIV and receive any additional medical care needed while in foster.
We’re often asked about discounts, but we can’t offer them. Not because we don’t want to, but because our fees already just cover the basics. In fact, when a cat comes to us sick or injured (which happens often), we usually lose money on their care. Your adoption fee directly supports both the cat you’re bringing home and the next one waiting for rescue.
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Our goal is to make sure every cat lands safely and securely in a home that truly fits them. Many of our cats came from hard beginnings, and we owe it to them to be thoughtful about where they go next. Here’s what we ask of adopters:
Be 21 or older.
Adopters must be legal adults able to take full responsibility for the cat’s lifelong care.Indoor-only homes (catios encouraged!).
All Despurate House Cats are adopted as indoor-only companions for their safety. We’ve seen too many cats lost or injured outdoors, and we never want that for ours again. If you have a secure catio, enclosed porch, or enjoy supervised outdoor time, that’s wonderful — enrichment and fresh air are encouraged, safely.Landlord or homeowner approval.
If you rent, please be sure cats are allowed in your home and that any pet deposits or rules are handled before applying.Current pets up to date on care.
We do require that any resident pets are spayed/neutered and up to date on vaccines. It’s a sign of responsible care and helps protect our cats from preventable illness.Vet reference (please call ahead).
We’ll reach out to your veterinarian as part of the application process. Giving them a quick heads-up that we’ll be calling helps us move things along quickly. If this is your fist pet, please let us know, we are happy to give you pointers on finding a vet!Stable, safe environment.
You don’t need a big house or fancy setup. just a safe space, time, and love to give. Cats need stability and a calm place to adjust and grow.Commitment to lifelong care.
Cats can live 15–20 years or more. Adopting means you’re committing through all stages of life, from playful kitten energy to slow senior snuggles.Out-of-state adoptions welcome (with travel responsibility).
We do adopt out of state! We just ask that adopters understand they are fully responsible for transportation both for pickup and for returning the cat to us if, for any reason, the adoption does not work out. We do not ship or deliver cats.Senior applicants.
We happily adopt to older adults. We simply ask that if you have any health concerns or are of advanced age, you identify a designated caretaker or family member willing to take over ownership if needed. This ensures your cat will always be safe and loved, no matter what life brings.
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We know that sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, an adoption just isn’t the right fit and that’s okay. Life happens, personalities clash, and not every match works out the way we hope.
If that happens, we ask that you contact us right away so we can arrange for the cat to come back to our rescue. As stated in the adoption contract, our cats must be returned to Despurate House Cats. They cannot be rehomed, gifted, or transferred to another person, rescue, or shelter. This ensures we always know where our cats are and can keep them safe for life.
Please note that adoption fees are non-refundable, as they go directly toward the medical care, supplies, and housing that made the adoption possible in the first place. Even when things don’t work out, your fee helps the next cat waiting for a second chance.
Our promise to adopters (and to our cats) is simple: if it doesn’t work out, we’ll always take them back — no judgment, no guilt. We just want them safe, loved, and cared for, no matter what.
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Simply, no. We require adopters to personally pick their new family member directly from the foster or an adoption event.