Writing adoption ads for cats can be a challenging task. You need to both capture the cat’s personality while appealing to potential adopters in a way that convince them to consider giving the cat a forever home.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), each year about 3.2 million cats end up animal shelters. About 1.6 million, or about half of them, end up being adopted out.

If you’re struggling to craft a compelling cat adoption ad, here are five tips to help get your creative juices flowing.

Use Vivid Descriptive Words

Instead of just listing the cat’s physical attributes, use descriptive words to create a picture in the reader’s mind. For example, instead of saying “black and white fur,” you can say “a strikingly patterned coat.” By using descriptive words, you can make your ad stand out and help the reader connect with the furry feline.

A study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that cats with black or brown tabby coats were less popular than cats with orange or calico coloring. The study determined that older, male cats, or ones had specific health issues were less likely to be adopted. (Source: Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, “Coat Color and Sex Are Significant Predictors of Cat Adoption Success”)

Highlight The Cat’s Personality Traits

Every feline has its own personality, so it’s important to showcase those particular traits. If the cat is outgoing and loves to play, great. Mention that in the ad. If the cat is more laid-back and loves to cuddle, include that information, too. By highlighting personality traits, you can attract adopters who are looking for a cat with specific qualities.

• “Meet [cat’s name], a playful and energetic feline who loves chasing toys and cuddling up for naptime.”
• “Meet [name of cat], a chill cat who likes to lie in the sun and be petted.”
• “Say hello to [cat’s name], a curious and adventurous cat who loves exploring new surroundings and meeting new people.”
• “Meet [cat’s name], a gentle and affectionate cat who loves being held and getting plenty of attention from their humans.”
• “Introducing [cat’s name], a sweet and social cat who enjoys spending time with both humans and other feline friends.”

Definitely Include Some Cute Photos

Want to add a few thousand words to your listing? Just add some nice pictures. Make sure to include high-quality photos that showcase the animal’s best features. Take photos of the cat playing with toys, sleeping in a cozy bed or blanket, or lounging in a sunbeam. People fall in love with pictures, not words.

Be Honest, Brutally So

While you definitely want to highlight the cat’s best qualities, it’s also important to be honest about any shortcomings. So, if the cat is timid around strangers or does not get along with other cats, make sure to include that information. By being honest about cat’s unique needs helps narrow down potential adopters to those willing to work with those shortcomings.

End with a Call to Action

Once you’ve described the cat and its personality, end the ad with a call to action. For instance, you can say, “If you’re looking for a playful and affectionate companion, come meet [cat’s name] today!” By providing a clear call to action, you can encourage potential adopters to take the next step and visit the cat in person.

• “Visit [cat’s name] today and see if they’re the purrfect addition to your family!”
• “Don’t wait, come meet [cat’s name] and give them the forever home they deserve!”
• “Ready to make [cat’s name] a part of your family? Schedule a visit today!”
• “The next step to finding your new feline friend is just a visit away. Come meet [cat’s name] today!”
• “Looking for a cuddly companion? Come to [shelter name] and find your match with [cat’s name]!”

In the end, it takes creativity, honesty, and a good understanding of the cat’s personality to write a solid adoption ad.

Good luck!