Calgary's cat rescue ecosystem
Calgary has one of the strongest cat rescue networks in Canada, with multiple cat-focused organizations and several full-service shelters that handle both cats and dogs. Unlike dog rescue (where one or two big shelters dominate), cat rescue in Calgary is distributed across organizations with different specialties — some focus on senior cats, some on kittens and bonded pairs, others on FIV+ and special-needs cases.
LocalPetFinder pulls live listings from these rescues every few hours so you can see all currently available cats in one place, then click through to apply directly with the rescue.
Calgary Cat Rescue Organizations
SOS Prairie Rescue Inc.
92 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
AARCS
61 catsProvince-wide rescue with a large foster network. Often has cats from rural and Indigenous communities. Structured compatibility info on each cat profile.
North Toronto Cat Rescue
56 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
BC SPCA
55 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Ontario SPCA (Central Ontario)
45 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
MEOW Foundation
44 catsCalgary's largest cat-only rescue. Specializes in stray and abandoned cats. All cats spayed/neutered, vaccinated, FIV/FeLV tested before adoption. Indoor-only homes required.
Battlefords Humane Society
44 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue
42 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Winnipeg Humane Society
40 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Pawsitive Match
37 catsFoster-based rescue with cats throughout Calgary. Both cats and dogs. Detailed cat profiles with personality notes from foster families.
Hamilton-Burlington SPCA
36 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Ottawa Humane Society
30 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Lethbridge PAW Society
28 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
CARES Cat Shelter
27 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Regina Humane Society
26 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association
25 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Furry Tales Cat Rescue
25 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Cochrane Humane Society
23 catsCochrane-based shelter serving Cochrane and area. Smaller but well-run with detailed cat profiles. Typically a few cats and kittens.
Annex Cat Rescue
21 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Calgary Humane Society
20 catsCalgary's biggest full-service shelter. Open Adoption Centre with both walk-ins and appointments. Fees include full medical workup.
Zoe's Animal Rescue
19 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
D'Arcy's ARC
19 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Ontario SPCA (Ottawa Area)
17 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Ontario SPCA (Toronto Area)
16 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Broken Promises Rescue Society
16 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Humboldt & District SPCA
15 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Heaven Can Wait
14 catsCalgary-area rescue handling both cats and dogs. Lower volume but takes special-needs and senior cats other rescues turn away.
Edmonton Humane Society
13 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Prince Albert SPCA
13 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Saskatoon SPCA
12 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Moose Jaw Humane Society
10 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Victoria Pet Adoption Society
9 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
City of Toronto Animal Services
8 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Toronto Humane Society
7 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Saskatoon Animal Control Agency
6 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Cats Home Foundation
6 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Delta Community Animal Shelter
4 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association
4 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Central Alberta Humane Society
4 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Feline Rescue Foundation of Alberta
3 catsNo-kill cat-only rescue. Splits cats into Individual / Bonded Pairs / Seniors / Extra Love categories. Specializes in finding homes for harder-to-place cats.
Langley Animal Protection Society
2 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Brandon Humane Society
2 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue
2 catsCalgary-area cat rescue.
Baibao Rescue and Adoption Society
1 catCalgary-area cat rescue.
Victoria Humane Society
1 catCalgary-area cat rescue.
How cat rescue adoption works in Calgary
- Browse listings across all Calgary cat rescues in one place — that's what LocalPetFinder is for.
- Apply directly through the rescue's website. LocalPetFinder is not a shelter — every “Adopt” button leads to the rescue's own application form.
- Phone or virtual interview — most rescues will call to confirm fit before in-person meetings.
- Meet the cat at a foster home, the shelter, or sometimes at an adoption event at PetSmart.
- Adoption fee typically covers spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, and FIV/FeLV testing. Range $100-$250 depending on age and needs.
- Bring your cat home. Use the 3-3-3 rule: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to adjust, 3 months to feel at home.
Browse cats by category
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest cat rescue in Calgary?▼
MEOW Foundation is Calgary's largest cat-only rescue. They typically have 20-30+ cats and kittens available at any time. Calgary Humane Society also has a substantial cat program. AARCS, despite being known for dogs, has dozens of cats in foster too.
How do I surrender a cat in Calgary?▼
Calgary Humane Society accepts cat surrenders by appointment with a fee. MEOW Foundation, AARCS, and FRFA all run intake-by-application — they'll add your cat to a waitlist and place when foster space opens. For urgent surrenders, contact Calgary Animal Services. Avoid abandoning cats outdoors.
Do Calgary cat rescues do home checks?▼
Most do, especially for kittens and special-needs cats. Expect an application form, references, and sometimes a virtual or in-person home visit. The process protects the cat and is usually completed within a week.
Can I volunteer with a Calgary cat rescue?▼
Yes — every Calgary cat rescue takes volunteers, especially fosters. MEOW Foundation, FRFA, and Calgary Humane Society have ongoing foster needs. AARCS runs an extensive foster network. See current volunteer opportunities.
Ready to find your cat?
Browse all 184 adoptable cats from Calgary rescues in one place.
Browse Adoptable Cats →