How to Adopt a Cat in Montgomery County, Maryland
Thinking about adopting a cat near Gaithersburg or Rockville? Here is how rescue adoption works, what you will need, and how to meet adoptable cats at CatLands Lounge.
Opening December 2026. CatLands Lounge is still under construction and is not open yet. We are anticipating our grand opening in early December 2026. Join the opening list to hear the date first.
Adopting a rescue cat is one of the best decisions you can make, for you and for a cat who has been waiting. If you live in Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown or anywhere in Montgomery County, here is how the process works and how CatLands Lounge can help.
Why meet cats in a lounge first
A shelter kennel is a stressful place, and many cats hide their real personality there. At CatLands, cats will live in a calm, home-like room. You get to see who is playful, who is a lap cat and who simply wants to sit nearby. That makes it much easier to find the right match before you ever fill out a form. Meet our current residents.
Step by step: adopting through Homeward Trails
Every cat at CatLands is adopted through our rescue partner, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. Their process for cats looks like this:
- Meet the cat. At CatLands once we open in December, or at a Homeward Trails location or event.
- Fill out the adoption questionnaire online. A Homeward Trails representative will follow up by phone or email.
- Share a few documents. Renters need to show their lease allows pets. If you have pets now, or had them recently, you will share your vet's details so they can confirm vaccines and spay or neuter status.
- Have a short interview with Homeward Trails, in person or by phone.
- Sign the adoption agreement online.
- Pay the adoption fee online. Fees support vetting, spay and neuter, transport, food and boarding for the animals in their care.
- Bring your cat home in a secure carrier.
You must be 21 or older to adopt through Homeward Trails. Adoptions are not same-day; every application goes through their screening and approval.
Getting your home ready
Before your cat arrives, set up:
- A quiet room to start in, with food, water and a litter box
- A scratching post and a few hiding spots
- A sturdy carrier for the trip home and vet visits
- A local vet appointment within the first couple of weeks
Give your new cat time. Most cats need days, sometimes weeks, to fully relax in a new home.
Not ready to adopt yet?
That is completely fine. You will not have to be adopting to visit CatLands. Every visit will support the cats' care and gives them valuable time with people, which helps them get adopted faster. Plenty of people will simply come to unwind.
Want to meet them? CatLands opens in early December 2026 at 375 Main St in Kentlands. Join the opening list, or call (301) 202-1770 with questions.
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