Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Cat from a Rescue

If you are thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, you might want to consider adopting a cat from a rescue. There are many benefits of adopting a rescue cat, both for you and the cat. Here are some of the top reasons why you should adopt a cat from a rescue.

1. You’ll save more than one life by adopting a cat

According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats can be found in shelters every year and of these, about 860,000 are euthanized annually1Adopting a cat not only helps one of these many animals looking for a home, but also opens a space for shelters and rescue groups to take in another cat2.

Updated

According to the latest research and data, Around 920,000 Shelter Animals are Euthanized each year including 390,000 Dogs and 530,000 Cats.

Source: https://worldanimalfoundation.org/advocate/pet-adoption-statistics/

2. It makes good financial sense to adopt a cat

For a relatively low fee, you’ll take home a cat that is already spayed or neutered, up-to-date on vaccines and microchipped1Many shelters and rescues will also include extras in the adoption fee such as a cat collar, a bag of food or pet insurance3.

3. The personality of an adopted cat is known

Cats in many shelters interact with their caretakers and volunteers every day, and these people really get to know their personalities3. Particularly with adult cats, you can find a companion with the type of temperament you’re looking for. You could find a playful, active cat or a calmer feline who prefers cuddling and a quieter environment2.

4. It’s good for your mental health to adopt a cat

According to Research Gate, owning a cat, or any pet you adopt from a shelter, has been shown to have positive effects on humans’ ability to cope with stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness24Taking a cat home from a shelter can improve your sense of happiness and general well-being2.

5. Adopting a cat is great for your heart!

A recent study found that owning a cat may lead to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke2This is an important finding considering the AHA/ASA says, “Stroke is the number 3 cause of death in women and number 4 cause of death in men”2.

6. Cats improve children’s resistance to asthma

According to Clinical & Experimental Allergy, research has found that early exposure to a cat in the home can actually reduce infants’ sensitization to the allergens cats produce2As a result, kids have a reduced chance of developing allergic diseases2.

7. There’s a wide variety of cats to adopt

You can find any type of cat you want at a shelter, from kittens to seniors, short-haired to long-haired, all sizes and colors3In fact, if you’re looking for a specific breed, such as a Siamese, you can contact cat-specific rescue groups to find your new friend1.

8. A cat can make your other pets happy

If you have another cat, or a cat-friendly dog, bringing another cat home from a shelter can help reduce feelings of loneliness during the day when you’re out3Of course, you will want to ask the shelter to help you “cat test” your dog, and if you have a cat, expect a period of adjustment before the new and current cats feel comfortable together3.

9. You’ll set an example for others

By adopting a cat from a rescue, you’ll show your friends and family that you care about animals and their welfare5You’ll also encourage others to adopt pets from shelters and rescues instead of buying them from pet stores or online sellers that may support cruel puppy mills1.

10. You’ll experience unconditional love

One of the best reasons to adopt a cat from a rescue is the love they will give you in return5. A rescue cat knows that what you did for them is selfless and wonderful. They will appreciate your kindness and show it in their own ways. Whether it’s by purring on your lap, rubbing against your leg or greeting you at the door, they will make you feel loved every day2.

So what are you waiting for? Visit your local shelter or rescue today and find your purr-fect match!

Author: John Rowan

I am a Senior Android Engineer and I love everything to do with computers. My specialty is Android programming but I actually love to code in any language specifically learning new things.

Author: John Rowan

I am a Senior Android Engineer and I love everything to do with computers. My specialty is Android programming but I actually love to code in any language specifically learning new things.

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