Offering 10 Great Reasons To Adopt A Cat And Discussing The Many Benefits Cat Adoption Brings In Honor Of National Adopt A Cat Month
The month of June is a very special time for cat lovers everywhere. That’s because June is widely celebrated as National Adopt a Cat Month! This month-long holiday is dedicated to celebrating our feline friends and encouraging people to open their homes to cats in need.
If you’ve ever considered adopting a cat, now is the perfect time. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should visit your local shelter and bring home a new furry, feline family member.
A Forever Companion
The bond you form with a cat can be incredibly worthwhile and rewarding. Shelter cats often show immense gratitude to their adopters and the relationship you build will be unique and special. You’ll have a loyal friend who will stick by your side through thick and thin.
Helping With Cat Overpopulation
The root cause of these millions of cats entering U.S. animal shelters is overpopulation. Most animal shelters often struggle with the overwhelming number of stray and abandoned cats.
But, by adopting, you help combat the issue of cat overpopulation. Additionally, most shelter cats are already spayed or neutered, which means adopting helps reduce the number of homeless animals in the long run.
Low Maintenance Pets
Compared to many other pets, cats are relatively low maintenance. They don’t require walks and they are usually content to entertain themselves for a portion of the day. Additionally, their litter box habits make them an ideal choice for apartment living. Also, cats groom themselves meticulously, so fewer grooming bills!
While cats still need lots of love, attention, and care, they are relatively easy to own and care for by comparison. This makes cats the ideal pet for people with busy schedules, like to travel, or are not home very often.
Support Animal Welfare
Adopting from a shelter supports the broader mission of animal welfare organizations. These organizations work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals. By adopting, you contribute to their cause and help promote humane treatment of animals. It’s a win-win all around!
Financial Savings
Adopting a cat from a shelter is usually less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder or pet store. Shelter adoption fees typically cover spaying/neutering, initial vaccinations, and sometimes even microchipping. This not only saves you money but also ensures you’re bringing home a healthy pet.
Improve Your Mental Health
The Brownsburg Animal Clinic reports that being a cat owner can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental health. Studies show that cat ownership can reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health.
Additionally, owning a cat has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
The simple act of petting a cat has been known to release endorphins and lower blood pressure. The companionship of a cat can combat loneliness and provide emotional support, which is especially beneficial during challenging times.
Variety of Personalities and Breeds
Shelters are home to a diverse range of cats, from playful kittens to calm senior cats. Whether you’re looking for a cuddly lap cat or an independent spirit, there’s a shelter cat with a personality to match your lifestyle.
Also, adopting an adult cat means you’ll know exactly what kind of temperament you’re bringing home. Kittens can be a handful. If you’re looking for a pet that is already litter box trained and doesn’t need 24 hour care, then an adult cat might be a better choice for you.
Teaching Responsibility
Adopting a cat can be a great way to teach children and family members about responsibility and empathy. Caring for a pet involves daily feeding, grooming, and attention, providing valuable life lessons.
These are very valuable life lessons that can really help a young child as they grow up. This makes cats excellent additions to any family with young children.
Unconditional Love And Companionship
Cats are known for their independent yet affectionate nature. When you adopt a cat, you gain a loyal companion who can provide endless entertainment, comfort, and joy. Their purrs, playful antics, and loving nuzzles are sure to brighten your days.
Saving Lives
Every year, millions of cats end up in shelters, many of which are overcrowded and underfunded. According to the ASPCA, exactly 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Sadly, out of those 3.2 million shelter cats, 530,000 are euthanized every year. While these statistics are tragic, they can be changed for the better.
By adopting a shelter cat, you are giving a homeless animal a second chance at life. The act of adoption not only saves that cat but also makes room for another one to be taken in and cared for. Adoption saves lives in more ways than one.
A Holiday That Helps Cats Everywhere
National Adopt a Cat Month is the perfect opportunity to make a difference in the life of a shelter cat. By adopting, you save a life, gain a wonderful companion, and support the vital work of animal shelters. Open your heart and home this June—your new best friend is waiting for you.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to adopt, start by visiting local shelters or rescue organizations. Spend some time interacting with the cats to find one that fits well with your home and lifestyle. Many shelters also provide online listings of available cats, making it easier to find your perfect match.
Here are some local animal shelters in the Medford, NJ area that you should check out:
Looking For A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker?
If you or someone you know is looking for a pet sitter or dog walker, then look no further than My Dog Walker & Pet Sitting. We are fully insured & bonded and have over 10 years of experience working with animals. Click here to check out our wide variety of pet sitting services including in-home pet sitting and routine dog walking.
We currently service the Medford, Medford Lakes, Shamong, and Tabernacle, NJ areas. To become a client, click here or give us a call at 856-217-2781. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too! We post new content regularly, so be sure to follow us so you don’t miss out on adorable pictures of our pets.