Playful, curious, independent, and fun – what’s not to love about cats?
Imagine spending time with a furry friend who offers you unconditional love and companionship. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it?
But before you rush to buy the first cat you see, there’s something you need to know – there are 3.2 million shelter cats waiting to be adopted – and one of them could be your new best friend.
If you’re worried about adopting a cat, don’t be, there are awesome benefits to adoption! Here are 5 of our favorite cat adoption benefits.
1. Affordable Cat Ownership
Adopting a cat from a shelter is a much more affordable option than adopting from a breeder. Many animal shelters also handle vaccinations, neutering and spaying, and microchipping.
Shelters prioritize getting cats to a safe home, so they often include these services in the cost of adoption. Plus, many of these cats are old enough that they have already been housetrained.
2. You Know What You’re Getting
When you buy a cat, it can be hard to know what you’re getting. Is the purebred cat you’re purchasing actually purebred? Does it have undisclosed health issues?
But one of the benefits of adoption is transparency. Many shelters highlight the cats they currently have for adoption on their website or social media pages.
You can see pictures of the cats available for adoption, along with additional info such as their breed, age, and their temperament.
Often you can even search and filter results to find the type of cat you want. For example, if you’re looking for “calico kittens for sale” you could visit your local shelter’s site and see pictures of calico kittens that are up for adoption.
If you’re wondering “how to adopt a cat” don’t worry – many shelters mention their adoption procedure on their website.
3. Shelter Cats Can Be Healthy Cats
Many shelter cats are very healthy – in some cases healthier than purebred cats! That’s due to generations of selective breeding. Purebred cats have been bred for specific traits and behaviors.
Unfortunately, that same selective breeding has led to a host of genetic diseases. While these diseases can happen in any cat, they are more common in purebred cats. Deafness, spina bifida, and polycystic kidney disease are just a few examples of genetic diseases that are more common in purebred cats.
4. Save a Cat’s Life
The cats you find in your local shelter may have been abandoned – or worse, neglected or mistreated. Their previous life may have been tragic, but by adopting them you can provide them with a safe and stable forever home.
In some cases, adopting a cat can literally save its life, preventing it from being euthanized. Plus, adopting a cat frees up space in the shelter for another cat, potentially saving another life.
5. Save Your Life
Adopting a new cat and spending time with it has an incredible impact on your physical and mental health.
Spending time with a cat can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. Petting a cat can also boost your mood. Petting, playing, and cuddling with your new pet every day will be good for both of you.
Consider Adopting a Cat
Before you purchase a cat, consider adoption. Adopting a cat is incredibly rewarding – for both you and your new cat. You both stand to benefit from a lifetime of companionship with your new friend.
If you liked this article, check out the rest of our site for more great cat articles.
