Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat

We all know that bringing home a cat is always an exciting and magical time. Adopting a cat has so many benefits that can positively impact your physical and mental health. Keep reading while we give you 10 reasons to adopt your next cat.

• Adoption helps more than just one animal

According to the ASPCA website, “each year, approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized (670,00 dogs and 860,000 cats)."  ASPCA. By adopting a cat, you are not only giving more animals a second chance, but the adoption fee goes directly towards helping those shelters to better care for the animals.

• You will save a life

Too many animals come into shelters and few people consider adoption. The number of euthanizations can be reduced drastically if more people were inclined toward pet adoption rather than purchasing a cat. When you adopt a cat, you will save a life.

• Cats make great companions

By adopting a cat, you will get a great friend who will make life more fulfilling and ease loneliness. Cats also make great companions due to their loving nature.

• Cats help reduce your stress

One of the effective ways to manage stress is caring for and spending time with your kitty. Simply petting a cat can help you to relax and practice mindfulness. Cuddling and grooming a cat also boosts your mood and fulfills the human desire for touch.

• Cats give you a sense of purpose

Cats depend on you for everything including food, home, and care. If you're low on motivation, cats will give them a newfound sense of purpose in life.  Having responsibility for taking care of a kitty makes a person's life more meaningful. 

• It's a way to fight pet mills

If you buy a cat from an online pet store, you are more than likely supporting pet mills. Cats from pet mills are kept in extremely miserable conditions with improper food and housing. By adopting a cat, you can be certain you are discouraging pet mills.

• Cats are relatively low maintenance

Cats are relatively low-maintenance pets and ideal for busy pet parents. Just feed them the best food, keep a clean litter tray, get them some stimulating toys, and shower them with plenty of love.

• Adoption will cost you less

When you adopt a cat, the cost of vaccinations, initial vet examination, microchipping, spaying, or neutering is included in the adoption fee (services included will vary by location). All these services amount to a substantial sum of money if they are done in a regular veterinary facility. Therefore, adopting can save on the initial veterinary costs.

• Choices Abound

Shelters have kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. You will find short-haired, and long-haired, all sizes and colors, and every cat breed you can think of. You can even reach out to a breed-specific rescue.

• Good for Your Kids

Early exposure to a cat in the home can reduce kids' sensitization to the allergens that cats produce. Having cats helps children learn to share and respect other creatures. It also encourages a sense of responsibility in them.

Requirements to Adopt a Cat

Cat adoption requirements vary depending on where you’re adopting a cat from.

• The first cat adoption requirement is to submit an application with your contact information.
• A shelter representative may visit your house to ensure your home is suitable and safe for the cat.
• You'll get the opportunity to visit your potential cat to see if the cat is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
• Generally, shelters verify your age and require you to be at least 18 years old to adopt a kitty.
• The adoption fee varies depending on where you decide to adopt a cat from.

Final Thoughts

When you adopt a kitty, you not only become a cat owner but also a cat parent. You are now responsible for the health and well-being of this little buddy. Before you adopt a cat, it is important to consider your lifestyle and how accommodating it would be for a cat’s needs.  Give a loving home to your cat; it just needs your love and affection! You will never regret adopting a cat!