Does Petco Sell Cats or Kittens In Stores or Online in 2024?
With U.S. cat ownership hitting an all-time high of 50.2 million cats owned as pets in 2022 (1), many prospective cat owners likely wonder if mass pet retailer Petco sells cats and kittens. The answer is no – Petco has never sold cats or kittens in its stores or online. However, Petco provides an increasingly popular avenue for Americans to adopt homeless cats and kittens through its partner animal shelters.
Why Petco Doesn‘t Sell Cats: An Ethical Decision
Petco‘s decision not to sell commercially bred cats or kittens reflects the company‘s stance on responsible animal welfare practices. As Petco CEO Ron Coughlin explained, "Adopting pets creates bright futures for homeless pets, and we’re committed to creating those lifelong bonds between people and pets." (2)
This focus on facilitating pet adoption over using commercial breeders has won Petco recognition from animal welfare advocates like PETA. While Petco still faces scrutiny in some areas like selling pets sourced from questionable hatcheries and breeders, the prohibition on cat sales demonstrates Petco‘s efforts in enacting ethical pet retail policies.
Cost of Adopting a Cat or Kitten from Petco
The adoption fees for cats and kittens from Petco typically range from $75 to $250. Kittens often fall on the higher end of that spectrum from $100 to $250. These adoption costs help cover expenses like:
- Veterinary care (spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, etc.)
- Microchipping
- Initial food and supplies
- Transportation from the shelter
On average, adopting a cat from Petco costs 20-30% less than buying from a breeder, where kittens easily cost $500+ (3). When you adopt from Petco, you are only paying an adoption fee, not "buying" the cat outright as a commodity.
What Are the Steps for Adopting a Cat from Petco?
Petco has partnerships with animal shelters and pet rescue/welfare organizations in communities nationwide. These groups bring eligible cats and kittens to local Petco stores for periodic adoption events, usually weekends.
You also search and apply for adoptable cats online via Petco‘s website:
- Browse – Check Petco‘s listings in your area for cats/kittens needing adoption
- Apply – Fill out an application about your ability to care for the pet
- Match – Get matched with a cat/kitten if approved
- Adopt – Complete adoption paperwork and take your new friend home!
While kittens and popular pure breeds like Siamese cats tend to get scooped up fast, Petco facilitates thousands of cat and kitten adoptions annually. Checking back frequently gives you a good chance at finding your perfect feline match.
Still Want to Buy a Pet Cat? What to Consider First
While buying a cat from a breeder or pet store may be tempting, adopting strays and shelter animals helps address the nearly 3 million cats entering U.S. shelters yearly. (4)
And despite common misconceptions about shelter animals having health or behavior issues, studies show no difference in these problems between pets adopted from shelters versus other sources. (5)
If you have your heart set on a specific breed like a Maine Coon or Sphnx cat, you can have breeders notify you when litters are born or expand your search beyond just Petco. However, adopting from Petco still brings you the rewards of pet parenthood while saving a homeless cat or kitten.
The Takeaway: Why Petco Only Facilitates Cat Adoptions
Petco stands behind animal adoption as an integral part of its brand identity and corporate responsibility mission. As the numbers show, facilitating adoptions helps reduce homeless pet populations without contributing to irresponsible breeding practices.
So while you can‘t walk out of Petco with a purchased kitten like other products, you can still gain a loving cat or kitten through their adoption program. And by paying reasonable adoption fees instead of high breeder costs, Petco lets prospective owners focus funds on giving great care rather than upfront purchase prices.
Ready to adopt your new feline best friend? Use Petco‘s website to browse adoptable cats, read success stories, and learn about upcoming adoption events near you today.
