Reasons To Adopt A Cat

Discussing The Many Reasons To Adopt A Cat Or Kitten In Honor Of Adopt A Cat Month This June

Cats are absolutely beautiful creatures that make wonderful companion animals. According to The Zebra, there are more than 58 million pet cats in the U.S. That’s more than 25% of U.S. households owning cats. This makes them the second most popular pet in the U.S. next to dogs. 

However, despite their popularity, there are still an outstanding number of cats in shelters across the U.S. To help increase adoption rates, the month of June is observed as National Adopt A Cat Month. To honor this amazing holiday, this article will discuss the many reasons why and benefits of adopting a cat.

The Importance Of Adoption 

While cats are the second most popular pet in the U.S. they are still facing some serious overpopulation issues. Catster reports that there are between 60 and 100 million stray & feral cats in the U.S. This is a staggeringly high number that can be prevented by having cats spayed & neutered. 

The modern day cat has been domesticated for thousands of years now. They have been conditioned to live with people and rely on us for basic needs like food, water, and space. Today’s cats are capable, but not intended, to live in the wild. The more feral and stray cats in the wild only leads to them reproducing and creating more feral and stray cats. It’s a self-sustaining problem that has truly gotten out of hand.   

Animal Shelter Statistics

The A.S.P.C.A. (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), reports that 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year. Out of this 6.3 million, 3.2 million are cats. While many of these cats will be adopted, some of them will never find a forever home. 

Additionally, the A.S.P.C.A. reports that out of those 3.2 million cats, roughly 530,000 of them will be euthanized. This is a result of lack of space, resources, and staff at animal shelters. While these numbers are truly tragic, they can be lowered. By invoking practical and responsible cat ownership (like spaying & neutering), we can lower the amount of stray cats in the U.S. and stop feral and stray cats from reproducing. 

Being Part Of The Solution

Besides spaying & neutering, the cat overpopulation crisis can also be solved by choosing to adopt. While there is nothing wrong with buying a cat or kitten from a breeder, purchasing does not help the cat overpopulation problem. 

Additionally, we recommend never purchasing a cat or kitten from a pet store unless you know exactly where they are coming from. Many pet stores acquire their cats from kitten mills, which are usually inhumane and impractical. For more information on kitten mills, click here. 

Reasons To Adopt A Cat

While there are plenty of great reasons to adopt a cat, here are just a few examples. First, adoption saves lives. As previously mentioned, there are too many shelter cats as it is. Every adoption makes a difference. Second, adoption is more affordable, as the shelter ensures that your cat is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped at an affordable price. 

Third, having a cat as a pet has both physical and mental benefits. Brownsburg Animal Clinic reports that cat ownership can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and improve heart health. Additionally, being around cats can help reduce stress and alleviate loneliness. 

Lastly, cats make great family pets. They are relatively low-maintenance (compared to dogs), are even tempered, and are safe to have around children of all ages. Caring for a cat is a great way to instill values and responsibility in young children as they grow up. Not to mention, they are absolutely adorable!

Hire A Pet Sitter Today!

Do you or someone you know need a pet sitter? Then look no further than ParaMount Pet Care! We are the leading pet care professionals in the Luzerne County area. All of our sitters are insured, bonded, trained in pet CPR & first aid, and dedicated to caring for your pets. 

We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services such as in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram too. We post adorable pictures of pets everyday that you won’t want to miss!