Several cats are available for immediate adoption at Monroe County Animal Shelter.

Israel is an 18-month old, short-haired, white and brown tabby. He looks like his own version of Grumpy cat with adorable unique tufts. Israel looks like a tough guy but he’s really a sweetheart who loves to be loved on and scratched under his chin.

He appears to have been at least a partially outdoor kitty but is really enjoying soft blankets and air conditioning in the cat house. We are now designating him an indoor cat. Israel was surrendered due to his owner’s health. He’s not at all shy and loves people.


Isla is a 2-year-old, female calico and must be the only cat. She was dropped off at county animal control instead of bringing her back to her adoption location. Isla is an outgoing, friendly girl who is downright pushy when she wants attention. She loves people but does not care for other cats.

Dora is a 2-year old, light tortoiseshell female. She came to us as a pregnant stray from county animal control. She was ready to give birth immediately and was quickly placed into one of our foster homes. She was a great mom who always put her kittens first. She is a bit vocal, litter box proficient and very friendly. She doesn’t seem to like being in a car.

Sabrina is a 18 month-old, medium-haired black panther with a white star on her chest. She was a stray from Sweetwater who was not reclaimed. Sabrina is sweet and loving and actively seeks attention, loves petting and soft brushing.

The shelter is currently filled to near maximum capacity, so we are looking for people to help foster some animals. Many of the animals are housebroken, sweet and family friendly. They are often placed in the shelter because their owners are no longer able to care for them. For more information, contact foster coordinator Cathy Barrett at animal.shelter@monroetn.com or 423-442-1015.

The shelter has reopened with regular hours of 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 170 Kefauver Lane in Madisonville behind Walmart. New policies have been implemented based on social-distancing guidelines. Owner surrenders are by appointment only.

We will be scheduling appointments for meet and greets for adoptable animals. Please call 423-442-1015 to make arrangements. All adoptable pets can be seen online at www.monroecounty friendsofanimals.org.

For the protection of staff, volunteers and the public, we will only be able to accommodate one family at a time. Wearing a mask is greatly appreciated. Please call when you arrive at the shelter.

All animals adopted from the animal shelter are spayed or neutered, have age-appropriate vaccinations and are microchipped with registration. Cats are tested for the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, and dogs are tested for heart worms.

The Spay Neuter Assistance for Pets program offers free vouchers to qualifying families. Those in Loudon County can visit http://www.spaytennessee.org to find other options.

Those who have lost a pet or found a lost cat or dog in Monroe County may call the animal shelter at 423-442-1015. To report cases of stray animals potential animal endangerment or neglect, call 423-442-3911.