Redding has both a county regulatory office and a dedicated nonprofit humane society serving cat adoptions, plus a nearby municipal option in Shasta Lake — here’s how all three compare, and what to expect walking in the door of each.
Haven Humane Society
Haven Humane Society serves all of Shasta County, with adoption fees tiered by age: kittens under 6 months are $75, and cats from 6 months to 4 years are $50. As a private nonprofit rather than a county department, Haven Humane Society tends to run more structured adoption counseling, walking prospective adopters through a cat’s known history and temperament before finalizing a match.
| Age Group | Fee |
|---|---|
| Kittens (under 6 months) | $75 |
| Cats (6 months–4 years) | $50 |
Because Haven Humane Society covers the entire county rather than just the city, their intake volume tends to be larger and more varied than a single municipal shelter — worth checking first if you want the widest selection of cats and kittens in one visit.
Shasta County Animal Regulation
Shasta County Sheriff Animal Regulation is located at 2690 Radio Lane, Redding, CA 96001 — call (530) 245-6065 for current cat availability and fees. Since this office is run through the Sheriff’s department rather than a standalone animal welfare nonprofit, it functions primarily as the county’s stray and surrender intake point, meaning the specific cats available here can shift quickly.
Shasta Lake: A Nearby Alternative
The Shasta Lake Animal Control Facility, at 3025 Ashby Road, Shasta Lake, CA 96019, is a separate option worth checking if you’re open to a short drive outside Redding proper. Because it’s a smaller municipal facility, calling ahead before visiting is especially worthwhile — a quick phone call can confirm whether they currently have cats available at all, since capacity can be limited compared to the larger county-wide options.
What a Typical Visit Looks Like
Across all three options, expect a similar general process: a short intake conversation about your household and experience with cats, time to meet the specific cat you’re interested in, and a same-day adoption if everything checks out. Bring a valid photo ID, and if you rent, a copy of your lease or a landlord approval letter can speed things along considerably.
Consider a Senior Cat
Shelters in smaller markets like Redding often have a harder time placing older cats simply because kittens draw more walk-in interest. If a calmer, lower-energy companion appeals to you, ask specifically about senior cats at any of these three locations — see our guide to why adopting a senior cat is worth considering, including the benefits that come with a cat whose personality is already fully formed.
Before You Adopt
See our guide to cat-proofing your home before adoption before bringing a cat home, and if this is your first cat, our first 30 days guide covers what to expect week by week as your new cat settles in.
Budgeting Beyond the Adoption Fee
The adoption fee itself is only the starting cost. Before bringing a cat home from any of Redding’s three options, plan for a litter box, litter, food and water bowls, a scratching post, a carrier if one wasn’t included, and enough food to last the first couple of weeks while you settle on a brand your new cat tolerates well. First-year veterinary costs also tend to run higher than later years, since a new adopter is establishing a baseline health record and often catching up on preventive care the shelter didn’t already cover.
It’s also worth budgeting for the unexpected — a sudden vet visit for an upset stomach, a torn nail, or a behavioral question that benefits from a professional consult. Pet insurance is worth looking into within the first few weeks of adoption, since pre-existing conditions are typically excluded once diagnosed, and enrolling early gives you the broadest coverage for whatever comes up down the road.
Transitioning a Shelter Cat Into Your Home
Whichever Redding-area shelter you adopt from, expect an adjustment period once the cat is actually in your house. A cat coming from a shelter environment has typically spent recent weeks or months around unfamiliar sounds, other animals, and a rotating cast of staff and visitors — home, even a comfortable one, is still a fresh unknown. Setting up a single quiet room first, rather than giving full run of the house immediately, mirrors the same advice we give for any newly adopted cat and tends to shorten the overall adjustment period considerably.
Give it time before judging temperament too — a cat that seems withdrawn in its first week at home is not necessarily reflective of how it will behave once settled. Many adopters report a noticeably different, more affectionate cat emerges after the first month than the one they initially brought home from the shelter.
Multi-Cat Households and Introductions
If you already have a cat at home, introducing a newly adopted Redding cat takes its own separate process, distinct from the general shelter-to-home adjustment described above. Keep the new cat in its own room for the first several days, swapping bedding between the two cats so each becomes familiar with the other’s scent before any face-to-face meeting happens. Rushing this step is one of the most common reasons an otherwise good match gets off to a rocky start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Haven Humane Society charge for cats?
Kittens under 6 months are $75, and cats 6 months to 4 years are $50. Haven Humane Society serves all of Shasta County, so this is generally the most consistent fee reference for the region.
Where is Shasta County Animal Regulation located?
2690 Radio Lane, Redding, CA 96001. Call (530) 245-6065 with questions about current cat availability and pricing.
Is there an animal shelter option in Shasta Lake specifically?
Yes — the Shasta Lake Animal Control Facility is located at 3025 Ashby Road, Shasta Lake, CA 96019, a separate municipal option a short drive from central Redding.
Are adoption fees the same for older cats?
Fees are age-tiered at Haven Humane Society, with cats 6 months to 4 years priced lower than kittens — call directly to ask about pricing for cats older than 4 years, since senior pricing sometimes runs even lower.
Should I check more than one shelter before deciding?
Yes — since Redding has three distinct options with different fee structures and inventories, calling ahead to two or three before committing to a visit can save a wasted trip if a specific cat isn’t the right fit.
Not in Redding? We Can Still Help
Cats By The Tracks is a foster-based rescue serving Fresno and the Central Valley.