Cat adoption fees near Felton and Santa Cruz range from $55 for a senior cat at the county shelter up to $150 for a kitten at Santa Cruz SPCA, with Cats By The Tracks setting its fee per cat at our Felton Feed Store adoption center. Here’s how the options in the Santa Cruz Mountains area compare.
Cat Adoption Fees Near Felton & Santa Cruz at a Glance
| Organization | Type | Kitten Fee | Adult Fee | Senior Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter | County shelter | $120 | $100 | $55 |
| Santa Cruz SPCA | Independent nonprofit | $150 | $110 | $65 |
| Cats By The Tracks | Foster-based rescue | Varies by cat | Varies by cat | Varies by cat |
Both Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Santa Cruz SPCA fees cover spay/neuter, a microchip, flea and worm treatment, age-appropriate vaccinations, FeLV/FIV testing, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Located at 1001 Rodriguez Street in Santa Cruz, the county shelter is the primary animal control facility for the area and typically has the largest number of cats available at any given time. Its tiered pricing — lower fees for older cats — reflects a common approach among municipal shelters to make senior cats more likely to be adopted.
Santa Cruz SPCA
Santa Cruz SPCA is an independent nonprofit open Tuesday through Sunday. Its fee runs slightly higher than the county shelter’s, but it also offers a notable perk: senior human adopters may qualify for a fee waiver through the organization’s Dr. Jean’s Senior Friends program.
Cats By The Tracks at Felton Feed Store
Cats By The Tracks holds adoption hours at Felton Feed Store, 6221 CA-9, Felton, California — Monday through Friday 10am–6pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, and Sunday 11am–4pm. As a foster-based rescue, our cats live in volunteer foster homes rather than a shelter kennel until adopted, the same model we use at our Bakersfield, Milpitas, and Sacramento locations. See our full adoption centers page for current cats and hours.
Adopting a Cat in a Rural, Wooded Area
Felton and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains are more rural and wooded than most of the other areas Cats By The Tracks serves, which changes a few practical considerations. Homes here are more likely to border open space with local wildlife, including owls, coyotes, and bobcats, all of which pose a real risk to a cat allowed to roam freely outdoors.
- Consider keeping a newly adopted cat indoor-only, or provide a secure outdoor enclosure (“catio”) instead of free roaming
- Ask the shelter or rescue whether the specific cat has any outdoor experience or is strictly an indoor cat
- Check for gaps under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces where a nervous cat could hide during the first few days
- Keep food out of reach of raccoons and other wildlife common in wooded residential areas
What to Ask Before You Adopt
A few questions up front help avoid surprises once the cat is home, regardless of which organization you choose:
- Has this cat already been spayed/neutered and tested for FeLV/FIV?
- Is there a trial or return period if the cat doesn’t adjust well?
- Does this cat have any outdoor experience, and is it recommended to keep indoor-only?
- Do you qualify for a senior discount, either for the cat’s age or your own?
- Who do you contact afterward with questions about settling the cat in?
County Shelter vs. Independent Nonprofit vs. Foster-Based Rescue
| Model | Pros | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| County Shelter | Lowest fees, especially for senior cats; highest volume of available cats | Highest intake means shorter timelines for less adoptable cats |
| Independent Nonprofit (SPCA) | Dedicated facility, senior human adopter discounts available | Can reach capacity during kitten season |
| Foster-Based Rescue (Cats By The Tracks) | Cats already socialized in real homes; personalized matching from foster parents | No walk-in facility — meet cats at scheduled store hours |
How to Adopt a Cat Near Felton & Santa Cruz, Step by Step
- Decide which model fits — lowest fee at the county shelter, senior discounts at Santa Cruz SPCA, or a foster-based rescue at Felton Feed Store.
- Check current hours before visiting — Felton Feed Store keeps daily hours; confirm the county shelter and SPCA schedules directly.
- Submit an application where required before visiting in person.
- Meet the cat and ask about its personality, medical history, and FeLV/FIV test results.
- Pay the adoption fee (or confirm senior fee-waiver eligibility) and take home the cat’s medical records.
For a closer look at what an adoption fee actually covers and what to budget afterward, see our guide to what a cat adoption actually costs — the breakdown applies across California, not just the Central Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cat adoption fee near Santa Cruz, CA?
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter charges $120 for kittens, $100 for adult cats (1–6 years), and $55 for cats older than 6. Santa Cruz SPCA charges $150 for kittens, $110 for adults, and $65 for seniors 8+. Cats By The Tracks, at Felton Feed Store, sets its fee per cat.
Is there a senior discount on cat adoption fees near Santa Cruz?
Yes. Both Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Santa Cruz SPCA offer reduced fees for senior cats, and Santa Cruz SPCA’s Dr. Jean’s Senior Friends program offers a fee waiver for senior human adopters as well.
Where can I adopt a cat in Felton, CA?
Cats By The Tracks holds adoption hours at Felton Feed Store, 6221 CA-9, Felton, California, Monday through Sunday with varying hours.
Do Santa Cruz shelters test for FeLV/FIV before adoption?
Yes. Both Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and Santa Cruz SPCA test cats for FeLV/FIV as part of the standard adoption process, and disclose results before you adopt.
Meet Adoptable Cats Near Felton
Cats By The Tracks holds adoption hours at Felton Feed Store in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Every adoption funds spay/neuter surgery and medical care for the next cat waiting for a foster home.
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