Maybe you’ve been thinking about adopting a cat for a while.
Or maybe you weren’t planning on it at all, but then you saw a certain face online and thought, “Oh no. I think that’s my cat.”
We understand. At One by One Cat Rescue, we’ve been helping cats find loving homes since 1994. We’re located in the Temple and Reading area of Berks County, but families come to us from throughout the region, including Lancaster County.
Before you adopt, there are a few things worth thinking about—not to make the process harder, but to help you find the cat who truly fits your home.
Quick Answer: How Do I Find the Right Rescue Cat Near Lancaster, PA?
Start by choosing a rescue that takes time to learn about both the cats and the people hoping to adopt them. Look beyond age, color, or the first adorable photo you see. Personality, activity level, other pets, children, and your daily routine all matter when making a good match.
At One by One, our goal is always the same: finding the best fit for both the cat and the adopting family.
Should I Adopt a Kitten or an Adult Cat?
Kittens are wonderful, but they’re busy. They climb. They explore. They get into things you didn’t know a cat could reach.
An adult cat may already have a more established personality, which can make it easier to understand what life together may look like. Some adults are playful and outgoing. Others would happily spend most of the afternoon curled up beside you.
There’s no “better” choice. The right question is: Which cat fits the way we live?
How Do I Know a Cat’s Personality Before Adoption?
Spend some time getting to know them. A photo can catch your attention, but personality is what builds the relationship.
Because our volunteers spend time caring for our cats, we learn quite a bit about them—the confident ones, the quiet observers, the lap cats, the playful characters, and those who simply need a little extra patience.
Our adoption process includes careful screening and personal discussion because we want the match to work for everyone involved.
Sometimes the cat you came to meet isn’t the cat you ultimately take home. And that’s perfectly okay.
What Should I Think About Before Bringing a Rescue Cat Home?
Think about your real household, not your ideal one.
Do you have other cats? A dog? Young children? Is your home usually quiet, or is there always something happening? How much time will the cat spend alone?
Also consider the practical side:
- Where will food and water go?
- Where will you put the litter box?
- Do you have a safe room for the first few days?
- Are windows and screens secure?
- Are other pets ready for a slow introduction?
- Do you have a veterinarian in mind?
A little preparation can make those first days much easier.
Does a Rescue Cat Need Time to Adjust?
Almost always. Some cats walk into a new home and act as though they’ve lived there for years. Others hide behind the sofa.
Both reactions are normal.
New surroundings bring unfamiliar smells, sounds, people, and routines. Give your new cat a quiet place to settle in and allow them to decide when they’re ready to explore more.
Trust doesn’t always happen on the first day. Sometimes it grows slowly.
Those moments when a nervous cat finally comes over, sits beside you, or gives you the first little head bump are worth waiting for.
What Does “No-Kill Cat Rescue” Mean at One by One?
For us, it means putting the health, happiness, and well-being of our cats first.
One by One provides shelter, medical care, food, foster care, and love while cats wait for their homes. When necessary, we provide care for the lifetime of the cat. Our work is supported by volunteers and private donations rather than government funding.
That’s also why adoption is only one way to help. People can foster, volunteer, sponsor a cat, or donate to support the cats still waiting.
Can I Adopt From One by One If I Live in Lancaster County?
Yes. Although our rescue is based in Temple, PA, we’ve placed cats with families throughout Lancaster County and neighboring areas for many years.
You can begin by looking at our available cats online, completing an adoption application, or contacting us to learn more about a particular cat. We also hold adoption events and partner with local pet stores where some adoptable cats can be met in person.
Ready to Meet Your New Best Friend?
Finding the right cat isn’t about choosing the cutest picture. It’s about finding that personality that somehow fits into your home (and your life) as though they were meant to be there.
Should you be searching for a cat rescue near Lancaster, PA, we’d love for you to meet the cats and kittens waiting at One by One Cat Rescue.
Take a look at our available cats. Ask us questions. Tell us a little about your home.
Your companion for life might already be waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is One by One Cat Rescue located?
One by One Cat Rescue is located in the Temple, Pennsylvania area of Berks County.
Can Lancaster County residents adopt from One by One?
Yes. One by One has placed cats with adopting families throughout Lancaster County and other surrounding counties.
How can I see cats currently available for adoption?
Available cats and kittens are listed on the One by One website, and you can also meet some cats through adoption events and partner locations.
Does One by One only have kittens?
No. Cats of different ages and personalities may be available, including adult cats looking for their next home.
Can I help even if I’m not ready to adopt?
Absolutely. Foster homes, volunteers, sponsors, and donations all help One by One care for cats while they wait for permanent homes.
Is One by One Cat Rescue a no-kill rescue?
Yes. One by One is a no-kill Pennsylvania cat rescue that places the health, happiness, and well-being of its cats first
