Adopting a cat is an extremely rewarding experience that will not only enrich your own life, but also save the life of an animal in need. If you’re wondering whether you should adopt a kitten or buy one from a breeder, we can help. Read on to discover ten compelling reasons to visit your local animal shelter or rescue today.
The 10 reasons to adopt a cat
1. Adoption saves lives
According to ASPCA statistics, approximately 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters in the United States each year.1 Additionally, 530,000 cats in shelters across America will be euthanized this year. Although these numbers appear to be declining, they are still staggering. When you adopt a cat, you save them from inevitable euthanasia and free up space for other cats in need until they can be welcomed into their forever homes.
2. You know what you’re getting
Most cats waiting for their forever homes in shelters are older, which means their personalities are fully developed. When you choose to adopt an older cat, you will know what you are getting into in terms of behavior. When you adopt a kitten, you never really know what its personality will be when it gets old. Choosing to adopt from a shelter means you can choose the traits you want your cat to have. Do you want a companion who is a little more relaxed and cuddly or one with endless energy? The shelter can give you insight into each cat’s unique personality traits and make suggestions on which ones will best meet your needs.
3. Your cat will be trained
Most adoptables are older, which means they have already been trained to use the litter box and have had time to develop good behaviors. You won’t have to worry about teaching your cat the ins and outs of using the litter box or worry about them having accidents throughout the house when they already know the basics.
4. Adopting is financially responsible
Adopting a cat from a shelter or shelter costs much less than acquiring a cat from a breeder. Adoption fees typically include spaying, neutering, and vaccinations, which can run into the hundreds if you were to take responsibility for them. Some rescues also include the cost of microchipping and will even send you home with toys and bags of food to make the transition easier.
5. Your cat will be in good health
Responsible shelters ensure that their animals are taken to the veterinarian before being put up for adoption. When you adopt a rescue animal, you get a guaranteed clean bill of health, so you know your new pet is healthy and ready to go to its forever home.
6. You support your local shelter
By adopting from your local shelter or shelter, you are supporting a full partner in your community. Your adoption fees will go toward helping more homeless animals find their forever homes. When these organizations have adequate funding, they can sterilize more animals, thereby reducing the number of stray animals on the streets and reducing overpopulation.
7. Rescued animals are often healthier
Most of the cats you find at your local shelter for adoption are not purebred but rather domestic crossbreeds. Although purebred cats are highly sought after for their beauty, they are often less healthy than their non-purebred counterparts.
Breeders are in the business of creating purebred cats for big money. These cats often cost thousands of dollars and may be at higher risk of developing certain diseases. A study shows that purebred cats are more likely than their domestic crossbred counterparts to develop problems such as reproductive problems, lower respiratory infections, immunological disorders, surgical complications and heart disease.
8. You will be spoiled for choice
There is certainly no shortage of shelter cats in the world. You’ll be spoiled for choice if you’re looking for a cat with a particular appearance, age, or personality trait. We recommend using a website like Animal search to start narrowing down your choices. This site acts as a database of adoptables available throughout North America. Use their handy search engine to filter your results as it allows you to filter by breed, color, coat length, gender, age, whether the pet in question is good with children/other animals and how many days they wait. their forever home.
9. Cats improve your mental health
There are countless studies touting the mental health benefits of cat ownership. A study in Australia shows that people with cats have better psychological health than people without pets. Cat owners report having fewer psychiatric disorders, feeling happier and better equipped to deal with problems in their lives.
Cat owners are more likely than dog owners to say that their furry family members provide companionship and a calming presence in their home. They are also more likely to say their pets reduce stress and anxiety.
10. Cats can improve physical health
Cats can reduce stress levelsmaking their owners less susceptible to certain health problems such as cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, children raised in households with cats may be less likely to develop allergic diseases as they age.
Final Thoughts
Adopt a cat is a great way to save a life while helping your local shelters and rescues continue to get more stray animals off the streets and help them find their forever homes. Adopted cats are generally healthier than their purebred counterpartsand you can choose the cat you want, so you will know exactly what he looks like as an adult and what his personality is.
Adoption is a rewarding experience that we recommend to any future cat owner.
Featured image credit: Evgeniy Medvedev, Shutterstock