Are you looking for a new cat to become a member of your loving family? If that’s a yes, then I have a purr-fect suggestion.
According to the Pet Statistics by ASPCA, around 3.2 million cats enter U.S shelters every year, and around 530,000 of them are euthanized. These poor shelter cats have one wish only, and that’s to be adopted and provided with a lovely home and family.
Most of my cats are rescued from the shelter, and I can assure you that they can love you equally as well as the purebred ones you pay money for.
Adopting a cat from a shelter has many benefits, for them and for you. If you are wondering how, then check out these 7 reasons why shelter cats are the best!
Reason No. 1 – You’re Saving More Than One Cat
By adopting a shelter cat, not only do you save that one cat from euthanization or similar destiny, but you also open up a space for other cats who are rescued from the street.
What’s even better is that once your family and friends meet your new cat, they’ll definitely want one too. When I adopted my first shelter cat Moon, my friend Lucy was amazed. She always wanted to buy a purebred cat, but Moon messed up her plans.
Only two days after she met Moon, Lucy went to the same shelter and she came home with not one, but two beautiful black felines! See how adopting just one cat can make a difference?
Reason No. 2 – Shelter Cats Choose You
When buying a purebred cat, in most cases, it’s you who chooses the cat. But, when you come to the shelter, nothing is what it seems. I remember my first shelter experience, adopting Moon.
I went to the shelter looking for a cat with a specific appearance; long-hair, black coat, big green eyes, and yes, I found one looking exactly as I imagined. But, when I passed by Moon, and looked in her eyes, I admit, she had me at her first meow.
I immediately felt some kind of connection, and the shelter staff told me that Moon chose me. I thought it was funny, but it turned out to be true. So, that’s how Moon became a member of my family.
Reason No. 3 – Shelter Cats Have Established Personalities
Probably the best thing about shelter cats is that they have established personalities. Shelter staff and rescuers always work on training and socializing each one of the rescued cats, so that they can prepare them for their future homes.
You probably know that some cats are more shy, some are more energetic, some are friendly and some aren’t. Therefore, when you come to the shelter you can ask for a specific type of cat, for example, you can say that you have other cats at home, or small children, or anything else.
After that, the staff will suggest you some cats with easy-going personalities that get along well with other pets and children. After all, they want to find you a perfect match and make both of you happy!
Reason No. 4 – They’re Already Trained And Socialized
When you adopt a new cat or kitten, the whole new task is waiting for you and that is training and socializing it. Well, if you decide to adopt a shelter cat, you won’t be having these difficulties.
The main reason for that is that shelter cats are trained and socialized before they leave to go to their new homes, so that they can be properly prepared. For example, shy and scared cats are socialized so that they will be well-adjusted for their future life.
Reason No. 5 – Shelter Cats Are Spayed/Neutered
Another great reason why shelter cats are the best is because they’re already spayed/neutered. When you buy a young kitten, you have to deal with and pay for these procedures on your own, not to mention the recovery period.
On the other hand, cats who enter the shelter are immediately spayed/neutered for two important reasons: to avoid accidental litters and overpopulation, and to decrease the risk of various health issues.
That means that shelter cats are also healthier. Thanks to these procedures, they may even live longer than unspayed/unneutered cats.
Reason No. 6 – Shelter Cats Are Healthy
Most people avoid shelter cats because they think they’re street cats in a bad condition, etc. Well, it’s partially true. These cats were saved from the street or similar and once they may have been dirty, injured, unhealthy, etc.
However, when these cats are rescued and brought to the shelter, they receive all the necessary health and grooming care. They’re regularly vet-checked, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and even spayed/neutered.
So, shelter cats receive the best care in order to be healthy and to keep other shelter cats healthy.
Reason No. 7 – You Can Find Different Cat Breed In Shelters
If you avoid shelters because you’re looking for a purebred cat, then you might be very surprised!
A shelter isn’t home only to mixed breeds and domestic cats saved from the street, it’s also home to many purebred cats that were abandoned once they grew old, or became boring to their former family.
So, if you’re looking for a specific breed of cat, you can still give it a shot, and check in shelters and rescue centers. Who knows, maybe the cat that you want so bad is waiting for you right there!
Finally…
What do you think? Not only is it much cheaper to adopt a shelter cat rather than buying one, but it’s also great because you’re doing a good and humane thing.
Soon, it’s National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, and it’s a perfect time to think about adopting a shelter cat. If you do, I’m sure you’ll have zero regrets and that you two will quickly become best fur-iends!
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