Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat
Written by: Richard Rowlands, Pet Health Expert
June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and there’s no better time to welcome a new pet into your home. If you’ve been thinking about adopting a cat for a little while now, there are many reasons we encourage you to adopt one from a shelter instead of using one of the other options available to you.
1) Save a Cat’s Life
Without a doubt, the number one reason to adopt a cat is to save cats from being euthanized. When you adopt a cat, you’ll free up space for another cat to be looked after in the shelter, protecting more of the population.
2) A Great Selection of Cats to Adopt
When you work with a local shelter to bring a new kitten or cat home during National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, you’ll find you are presented with a wide range of options to fit your needs. Even if you have a specific age or breed of cat in mind, you’ll likely be able to locate one that suits your family’s requirements.
3) Welcome a New Family Member
Many individuals and families today would love to welcome a new pet into their lives. You’ll love having the company of a cat in your home, and they are wonderful pets to introduce to young children. If you are adopting an adult cat, you’ll find you can choose a cat with a personality that will fit in well with your family.
4) A Less Expensive Option
It’s much less expensive to adopt a cat from a shelter instead of working with a breeder. You’ll find that your cat is already vaccinated, microchipped, and sprayed, which can save you a fortune in the future. If you adopt an older cat during National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, you’ll also save time training them as they grow up.
5) Stop Supporting Kitten Mills
Kitten mills are a huge issue in the US today, and many cats that are "for sale" come from one. The animals that are born in these facilities are often treated extremely poorly, which can result in illness later on. By adopting a shelter cat, you’ll be saying no to this horrible system and offering your money to a more worthwhile cause.
6) You Can Offer a Cat an Incredible Life
As well as saving a cat’s life, you’ll also be able to offer them an improved quality of life when you welcome a shelter cat into your home this month. You’ll be able to spoil your new pet to your heart’s content, and they’ll love the comfort they experience in your home.
7) Mental Health Benefits
Did you know that owning a pet can help to improve your mental health? If you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness, you’ll find your life improves when you bring a cat home from a shelter during National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.
8) A Great Pet for Any Home
Unlike dogs, cats are quite accustomed to living in smaller spaces. If you have an apartment, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the benefits of welcoming a pet to your home. They are a great low-maintenance pet, and as long as you offer them the food, shelter, and care they need, you’ll find cats can fit into any shape or size of home.
9) Receive Additional Support
An animal shelter will be used in the adoption process and will be there to support you every step of the way. If it’s your first time having a pet, they’ll be able to provide you with checklists of everything you need to do to welcome a cat into your home. Even following your adoption, you’ll have a contact to reach out to at any point for further support and assistance.
10) The Perfect Pet for Busy Individuals
When considering what type of pet you would like to bring into your home, one consideration is how much time you have to spend with them. If you are a busy working professional, cats don’t need attention constantly throughout the day, so they are ideal for anyone with long working days filled with meetings. Just make sure you put plenty of time aside to cuddle and play with them after work and on the weekend.
This National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we encourage you to consider welcoming a new kitten or cat into your home. All the benefits listed above make it clear why adopting is always the best option, and you’ll be saving a cat’s life while also improving your own in the process.
