Are you considering adding a furry feline friend to your family? If so, then you should definitely think about adopting a cat from a shelter.
You’ll be giving an animal in need of a forever home the love and attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll also be making your own life richer with all the love and companionship cats offer.
Here are seven reasons why you should adopt a cat from a shelter.
1. You’ll be providing a loving home to an animal in need
Every year, around 3.2 million cats are put into U.S. shelters. 1 By adopting just one cat you’re giving a feline the chance to have the life that they deserve.
Shelters are not meant to be a permanent home. Every animal at a shelter is eager to be adopted and have that chance to receive the love, care, and attention that they need!
2. You’ll be saving other cats too
Not only are you doing something good for the cat you adopt, but also other cats in need. When an animal is adopted from a shelter, it frees up space and resources for another pet to take its place.
Every year, approximately 530.00 cats in the U.S. are euthanized. 1 By adopting an animal from a shelter, you make place for more animals to be taken in and cared for, and may save one cat from euthanasia.
Also, cats can’t stay in shelters forever. After extended periods of time, they may end up being put down due to lack of space. So, adopting a cat could be a matter of life or death for these animals.
3. You’ll get a cat without a huge price tag
Adopting from an animal shelter can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, while buying a cat from a breeder can set you back thousands of dollars. The adoption fees cover spay/neuter, shots, vaccinations, and other required medical treatments.
For example, I adopted two cats from a local animal shelter in Austria and paid approximately 180 euros for both of them. This fee included the cost of getting the cats vaccinated and spayed and neutered.
Purebred cats, on the other hand, can cost up to several thousand dollars, depending on the breed. Additionally, purebred cats are more prone to certain diseases and genetic disorders 2, which can lead to more vet bills down the road.
4. You get a cat that fits your lifestyle
Do you want an indoor-cat or an outdoor cat? Do you want a cuddly lap-cat or an active one? When you adopt a cat, the staff will usually ask you questions about your home and lifestyle in order to match you with the right feline. Asking such questions helps ensure that each adoption is successful for both the pet and their new family.
Also, when you adopt a cat from an animal shelter, they will usually provide you with additional information about the animal’s background, such as its personality, possible behavior issues, etc. This can give you a better picture of what to expect before you bring the cat home.
5. They are already litter-trained
When you adopt adult cats from a shelter, you usually won’t have to worry about litter box training them. Most cats in shelters are already housebroken; they may just need some time to adjust to their new home.
Of course, accidents can still happen. But you don’t have to worry about teaching a kitten how to use the litter box, which can be quite time-consuming and stressful.
6. They may have fewer health issues
In shelters, the majority of cats are mixed breeds. Mixed-breed cats usually have fewer genetic health issues compared to purebreds. This is because mixed-breeds have more diverse genetic material from different ancestors, making them less likely to inherit a particular gene defect or disease.
For example, flat-faced cats such as Persian and Exotic cats are prone to suffer from dental diseases and breathing problems due to their unique head shape. 3 4
7. You’ll get lots of love in return
Adopting a rescue cat is highly rewarding and gives you the chance to give an animal that has been abandoned or mistreated a second chance at life. What could be more fulfilling than knowing that your new companion feels safe, loved, and appreciated?
Some shelter cats are shy at first and don’t trust humans right away, but with patience and lots of love, you can help them come out of their shells and show their true personalities. There’s nothing quite like the bond you can develop with a rescue pet!
Takeaway
Adopting a cat from a shelter is an incredibly rewarding experience that will bring lots of love and companionship into your life. Not only are you doing something good for the cat you adopt, but also other cats in need, as adoption frees up resources for another pet to take its place.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Retrieved August 26, 2023 from https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics ↩︎ ↩︎
Fossati, P., & Ruffo, G. (2021). Purebred dogs and cats: A proposal for a better protection. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 45, 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.009 ↩︎
Mestrinho, L. A., Louro, J., Gordo, I. S., Niza, M. M. R. E., Requicha, J. F., Force, J. G., & Gawor, J. (2018). Oral and dental anomalies in purebred, brachycephalic Persian and Exotic cats. Javma-journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253(1), 66–72. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.1.66 ↩︎
Malik, R., Sparkes, A., & Bessant, C. (2009). Brachycephalia - a Bastardisation of what Makes Cats Special. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 11(11), 889–890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2009.09.009 ↩︎
