Everything You Need to Know About the Cat Distribution System

Maybe you’ve seen it on Instagram, or maybe you’ve been a recipient of it yourself, but one thing is for sure—the cat distribution system is a real thing!

What is the Cat Distribution System?

The cat distribution system is the idea that the universe puts a cat in your life exactly when you need them. Instead of a human deciding who their cat is, the cat decides who their human will be. Pretty cool, right?

This can look like a cat appearing on your front porch one day, finding a cat sitting on your car in your office parking lot, or even being followed home by a cat on your morning walk. 

Anytime a cat shows up in your life unexpectedly, that’s the cat distribution system at work. 

What Do I Do if I Find a Cat?

So what happens when you’ve been the recipient of the cat distribution system? 

First and foremost, celebrate! Cats always make life better. 

Next, contact a trusted veterinarian or animal rescue group who can guide you through next steps. 

If the cat is friendly and willing to let you approach them, they may ask you to cautiously do so. Offer food and a warm, safe place—like a crate or other carrier. If the cat is shy or scared, your local TNR group who can help you humanely trap the cat. 

Once the cat is safely with you, get them to a vet ASAP. This is important not only to assess them for injury or illness, but also to get them scanned for a microchip. Sometimes, cats in the distribution system are lost and need a little help getting back to their families. If the cat has a family, please help return them. 

If the cat doesn’t have a family, you have two options: adopt them yourself or foster them until you can find them a forever home. 

Why Hasn’t the Cat Distribution System Picked Me?

The internet is full of stories of people being chosen by the cat distribution system! But if you’re still waiting on your turn, consider going to a local animal shelter and adopting a cat instead. 

Don’t just sit around hoping you’ll be picked—instead, make some magic of your own by choosing to save a life at the local shelter. 

Do you have a cat distribution story of your own? Share it in the comments below!

Please Remember: I’m not a veterinarian or animal welfare professional. Please call a licensed vet or animal shelter as soon as you find a stray cat—before you take action.