-Adopt a Shelter Cat Month-
If you have been wanting to add a new feline to your family then adopting is the way to go! There are so many benefits to adopting a cat but here are a few of our favourites:
You Save Lives
This is by far the best, most important, and really only reason you need to adopt a cat! Every year 860,000 (yes, that many 0’s) cats are euthanized due to lack of space in shelters and rescue programs. When you adopt a cat you not only are giving that cat a home but also freeing space within the shelter for one more animal!
It’s a Heck of a Deal!
When you rescue a cat from a shelter they will often already be vaccinated (until the vaccines are due in a year), as well as spayed or neutered already (if a young adult at the time of adoption). When you purchase a new kitten you are responsible for the cost of multiple office visits to the vets for vaccines, as well as their spay/neuter procedure when they are of age. Rescues and shelters are able to offer their cats for a reasonable adoption fee that can save you hundreds of dollars in the first year of that cat’s life!
You Will Have a Good Idea of the Adopted Cat’s Personality
These cats in shelters and rescues are cared for daily by volunteers and workers. These individuals get to know the cat’s personality, likes and dislikes, and if they will have any specific needs from their new owners once they get adopted. This way when you ask about a cat, they can point out the ones that fit your wish list. Whether you want a couch potato or a lively playful cat, a shelter is sure to have what you are looking for in a feline friend.
Your Mental Health will Benefit
Multiple studies show that adopting a cat (or any animal from a shelter) has a positive impact on the new owner’s ability to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. You will enjoy your new sense of happiness and well-being, taking a cat home from the shelter IS the best medicine!
Cats are Good for Your Heart
A recent study found that owning a cat may lead to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. This is an important finding considering the AHA/ASA says, “Stroke is the number 3 cause of death in women and number 4 cause of death in men.
There is a Wide Variety of Cats to Adopt
You can find any type of cat you want at a shelter, from kittens to seniors, short-haired, long-haired, all sizes and colors. In fact, if you’re looking for a specific breed, such as a Siamese or Ragdoll, you can contact cat-specific rescue groups to find your new friend.