In a previous post, we talked about the reasons why adding a new kitty to your life is a fantastic idea. And wow, there are plenty. Now that you are sure you want a new feline roommate, let’s talk about why you should consider adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder.

You’ll save more than one life

By rescuing a cat, not only will you give a loving kitty a new home and potentially save them from euthanasia, but you’ll also open up space for another homeless animal to access care and be given the chance to be adopted. Shelters, fosters, and rescue homes are doing everything they can to help as many animals as possible, but there is simply too many cats coming into shelters and too few people adopting from them. So, removing a cat from the system can really make a difference for another life.

You’ll help your community

Shelters in our communities are full and overburdened. Many rescue groups are made up of volunteers who spend time, energy, and often money out of their own pockets to protect these kitties. When adopting a cat from a rehoming center, your adoption fee will go towards helping the other animals they have in their care (food, toys, bedding, veterinary care…) and take some weight off their shoulders.

You’ll save money

Cats that are up for adoption are already vet-checked, tested, de-wormed, up to date on vaccines, and have been spayed/neutered. All this is included in your adoption fee which is usually a lot lower than what you will need to pay to purchase a kitten.

They have fewer inherited health issues

Outbred domestic cats are less predisposed to health issues that come from inbreeding and selective breeding. The inbreeding that occurs to produce purebred cats can often lead to heart disease, polycystic kidney disease, and deafness.

You already know their personality

Shelter cats interact with their caretakers every day and they get to know their personality and temperament. This can be super useful when finding the right kitty to spend the next years with. Especially if you decide to adopt an adult cat, volunteers and fosters can recommend specific cats that better match your lifestyle. Shelters have everything you are looking for: from active, confident cats to go on hikes with to chill, cuddly cats to spend lazy Sunday afternoons with.

The community will support you even after adoption

Most rehoming associations will be delighted to keep in contact with you and follow your new kitty’s development in their new home. If you have any questions or need any advice, you’ll benefit from a lifetime resource of guidance and expertise from the shelter’s employees and volunteers.

You’ll help combat feline overpopulation

There are currently a lot of efforts being made trying to combat overpopulation in feline colonies. There are just not enough families to home every single cat in the world. Many communities are adopting TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) programs to try to humanely control the feral cat population and avoid overburdening shelters and rehoming centers even more. The overpopulation issue is so real that according to ASPCA statistics, approximately 1,5 million shelter animals are euthanized every year because they can’t find homes. About 57% of these animals are cats. By adopting a neutered/spayed cat you will save a life that already needed saving, instead of contributing to the breeding of even more cats that will struggle to find a home.

You won’t contribute to breeders

Apart from worsening the overpopulation problem, breeders often cut costs to increase their profit. This means a lot of young animals, housed in small spaces in sometimes questionable conditions that result in medical and behavioral issues. Of course, some breeders take their job seriously and make sure the animals they bring into the world are healthy and happy. But be wary of those sellers who only care about making a profit.

You can help stop illegal pet dealers

These “breeders” avoid the law and put money above cats’ welfare. Adopting from a shelter is a kinder and safer way to get yourself a new kitty friend.

You’ll find all kinds of cats

Unfortunately, there are plenty of cats to choose from in shelters or rescue organizations. Whether you are looking for a playful kitten or a serene senior cat, whether you’d like a cute tabby or a beautiful pure white fluff ball. Even if you were looking for a pedigree cat! The variety of loving cats looking for a home in shelters is so wide, you will find the perfect match for you and your family in no time.

Rescuing feels amazing

There is no better feeling than giving an innocent creature a second chance of happiness. Sharing your rescuing story will encourage your friends and family to do the same, saving even more lives. Plus, you get a new best friend out of it! It really doesn’t get any better than that.