Reasons To Adopt A Cat From A Shelter

Any shelter or rescue facility tends to be overcrowded as they continue to take in or rescue abandoned cats. Each of these cats will require proper care and attention. To prevent overcrowding and resulting in euthanasia, shelters welcome people who can adopt a cat from among their shelter residents.

If you had the chance to visit a shelter, you would have noticed that there are cats of all ages, sizes, colors, and breeds. All of them are patiently waiting for somebody to come along and pick them out from the crowd and bring them to their forever home.

If you would like to share your life and home with a pet cat, you should consider adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder. Adopting is a worthwhile and honorable endeavor and has its just rewards.

Why is it better to adopt a pet from a shelter?

You give a homeless cat another shot at life

Every year, thousands of cats in shelters are euthanized to free up some space for the more adoptable cats.

Adopting a cat is more financially feasible.

You do not have to shell out big bucks to adopt a cat. Most shelters and rescue organizations charge a relatively low adoption fee that generally covers vaccinations, worming medications, microchipping, spaying or neutering, pet insurance, and cat essentials.

You are adopting a cat whose personality is already known

Caretakers and volunteers in shelters generally interact with the cats in the shelter which makes them more familiar with their personalities. This makes it easier for you to pick out a cat that will not give you any surprises when you bring him home. Formed personalities and behaviors are a given when you adopt a cat from a shelter.

Adopting a cat can work wonders on your mental health

Research studies have shown that pet adoption has a positive effect on the ability of humans to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. Adopting a cat from a shelter can improve your sense of general well-being.

Cat adoption can help promote heart health

Adopting a cat or having a pet for that matter has been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. And various research studies can support this.

Having a cat around can increase a child’s resistance to asthma

A study has been able to establish that an infant’s early exposure to a cat in the home can reduce they’re hypersensitivity to allergens that are produced by cats. This means that children have a reduced chance of developing allergy problems.

There are a lot of options in shelters

There are all sorts of cats living in shelters that are up for adoption. From kittens to adults to senior cats to short-haired or long-haired cats to cats of all sizes and colors. There is indeed a lot to choose from. There are also breed-specific rescue groups whom you can approach if you prefer to adopt a specific breed.

Pet adoption is a way to discourage kitty mills

Kitty mills are in it for the money without any regard for the health and well-being of their cats and their offspring. Their cats live in poor conditions without proper veterinary attention. Many cats from these facilities suffer from health issues as well as behavior problems. Their cats are kept in cages and forced to become pregnant and produce a litter over and over for several years. They live without human interaction and companionship for years. They are literally raised to be kitten-producing machines. After these cats stop becoming pregnant, they are considered as liabilities and are either killed, abandoned, or sold.

Adopting a cat from a shelter can help more than just one cat

When you choose to adopt, you make room for other stray, abused, abandoned, and lost cats to be accommodated in the shelter. You are giving these poor cats a chance of being adopted and having a family.

You get to bring home another cat to keep your resident cat company

If you already have a cat, you may wonder why adopt a second cat? Aside from giving an adopted cat a chance in life, having another cat in your household means your resident furball has company. This is especially helpful when you’re working and you’re out of the house for most of the day. Your two cats can keep each other company which can go a long way in preventing separation anxiety and a host of other behavior problems. Just make sure to introduce the two cats gradually in a positive environment.