9 benefits of adopting a cat instead of buying one from a breeder.

When it comes time to choose a new furry family member, you’re often presented with two options: Adopting a rescue cat or choosing a new furry friend from a breeder. Both options come with their own pros and cons, but adopting a cat instead of buying one from a breeder is often the more ethical choice.

Learn more about the benefits of adopting a cat and how easy it can be to find the perfect fit for your family at your local shelter.

Facts about cat adoption.

Did most cat owners buy from a breeder or adopt from a shelter? Let's take a look at some cat adoption facts:

• According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters each year in the US.
• Unfortunately, not all of these cats find homes – in fact, about 530,000 cats are euthanized annually.
• Adopting a shelter cat can be an affordable option – according to the ASPCA, adoption fees generally range from $50 to $175.
• Fully 31% of cat owners adopted their pets from animal shelters. 
  
  

Don't cats get sad when they're adopted?

Many cats show signs of sadness or depression when they face a major change like losing a family, another pet, or a long-time home. Cats who've lived on the streets may even mourn the freedom they once had to roam if they are shut in the house. 

Nevertheless, cats are resilient creatures, and most of them will bounce back within a few days or weeks.

What age cat is best to adopt?

You can adopt a cat of any age — a kitten, an adult cat, or a senior cat. Each age or stage provides its own set of benefits.

Adopt a kitten: Playful and energetic, a kitten can offer you many years of companionship. They may also bond with you quickly, and integrate with other household pets sooner than an older cat.

Adopt an adult cat: An adult cat probably doesn't need much household training, and they're unlikely to bounce and fizzle quite like a kitten. With their lower energy levels, these cats are often calmer, more relaxed, and more predictable.

Adopt a senior cat: Adopting a senior cat can be a great choice for many people. Senior cats are often already socialized well, their personalities are set, and they may be less demanding than younger cats. 

What are the 9 benefits of adopting a cat?

But purebred cats are smarter, healthier, and better cared for than cats from animal shelters… aren't they? Actually, they're not. Don't let these common myths may steer you away from adopting. Before you call up a breeder, consider these nine benefits of adopting a cat:

1. Shelter cats are typically more affordable.

Breeders may charge $500 — $1,000 (or even more!) for a purebred cat. Adopting a cat is usually significantly less expensive than that. Plus, your adoption fees typically include spaying or neutering, several vaccinations, and a health check-up. 

Adopting a cat can also save you money in the long run. Most shelters ensure that the cats they take in are in good health, so you won't have to worry about expensive veterinary bills down the line. When you buy a cat from a breeder, however, you run the risk of getting a cat with genetic or health problems.

2. Most shelters spay or neuter their animals so you don't have to.

Spaying/neutering your cat not only helps control the population of stray and feral cats, but it also has numerous benefits — like a longer lifespan — for your new furry friend. 

• Spaying, the process of removing a female cat's reproductive organs, eliminates the risk of uterine infections and drastically reduces the chance of mammary tumors. 
• Neutering, the process of removing a male cat's testicles, can help prevent certain behavioral issues such as spraying and roaming, as well as lower the risk of certain types of cancer. 

3. You can find a feline friend that fits your lifestyle.

Adopting a cat means that you can choose a feline friend that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you're someone who loves kittens, you can easily find a shelter that has plenty of kittens available for adoption. But, if you're someone who wants a calmer pet, an older cat may be the perfect fit for you. 

Are you hoping to adopt more than one cat? A shelter can likely set you up with a bonded pair. You can also find cats with disabilities who may need a little extra care and attention but will bring so much joy into your life. 

4. You can adopt a purebred cat from a shelter.

Often, people believe they can only find purebred cats from breeders, but that's not the case. Many shelters have a variety of cat breeds available for adoption. These cats may have been surrendered by their previous owners due to financial hardship or personal reasons.

Adopting a pure-bred cat from a shelter can save you a lot of money compared to buying one from a breeder, as well as giving a deserving cat a second chance at finding a loving home.

5. A shelter may offer behavioral support. 

Bringing a new pet home can be an adjustment for both the pet and the owner. It's not uncommon for new cat owners to experience some behavioral challenges with their new furry friend. Fortunately, many shelters offer counseling services to help you navigate any challenges that may arise.

These services can range from simple advice on litter training and scratching behavior to more complex issues such as anxiety and aggression. It's important to remember that each cat is unique and may require a personalized approach to addressing their behavioral issues.

6. You could be saving a life.

Every year, shelters are forced to euthanize more than half a million cats. By choosing to adopt from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder, you're not only giving a loving home to a cat in need but also potentially saving their life. 

Shelters often take in cats that have been abandoned, lost, or surrendered by their previous owners. These cats may be older, have medical issues, or simply not be as desirable to potential adopters as kittens from breeders. 

Not only will you be getting a great cat companion, but you'll also be doing your part to help save the lives of cats in need.

7. Shelters vet prospective owners, not just the cats.

While it may seem like a hassle, the steps to pet adoption are put in place for the benefit of both the cat and the potential adopter. By filling out an adoption application, you'll have the opportunity to share important information about yourself and your home life, which can help the shelter match you with a cat that will thrive in your environment. 

Ultimately, this process ensures that cats are placed in loving, responsible homes where they will receive the care and attention they deserve. 

8. Shelters help get cats healthy before sending them home.

Shelter pets are often healthier, more physically robust animals than their purebred cousins, and there's evidence to prove it. The Institute of Canine Biology, which studies dogs, found that purebreds were 42% more likely to have one of ten genetic disorders than shelter pets. The same data probably applies to cats, too.  

Additionally, many shelters work closely with local veterinarians to ensure the health and well-being of their animals. Cats at shelters are typically given regular check-ups, vaccinations, and medical treatment as needed. 

9. When you adopt, you're helping your community.

Adopting a cat is not only a fulfilling experience for the new owner, but it also helps the community. Shelters have limited space, and when they reach capacity, they may have to turn animals away. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you are helping to free up space so that another cat can be rescued. 

How to prepare to bring your new pet home.

Now you know why you should adopt, but what do you do when it's time to bring your new pet home?

Consider these tips:

• When traveling home from the shelter, make sure your cat is safely tucked inside a size-appropriate cat carrier. You may want to pad the bottom of the crate with a soft towel for comfort.
• During the first days at home, your cat may need to stay in a room by herself while she grows accustomed to her new surroundings. Provide plenty of fresh water, some food, a few toys, and a litter box. It may take a few days before your cat feels like mixing and mingling with the rest of the household.
• When it's time to meet new pets, the #1 rule is to make sure everyone stays safe. Separate the animals with a gate that lets pets sniff each other but prevents claws and teeth from doing any damage should a spat occur.
• Consider how well your pet will bond with their new owner. Generally, it takes some time for them to adjust to their new surroundings and form a bond with their new family. Patience, consistency, and love are key to building a strong relationship with your new pet.
• Provide your new cat with the right toys and treats. Your pet needs a cat scratcher, a cat tree, a laser pointer, and a few trinkets to play with. Watch carefully so you'll notice if your cat enjoys the balls, bells, or catnip mice the most. You can add to his collection the next time you go shopping.
• Set up the litter box in a convenient, quiet place. Fill it with environmentally friendly litter, keep it clean, and make sure it stays accessible for your cat. Most cats enjoy a covered box because they feel safe while they're at their most vulnerable. If you have more than one cat, you need one box per cat plus one extra to make sure every animal always has access to a clean bathroom.

You have countless reasons to adopt a cat instead of buying from a breeder. Not only are you giving a homeless animal a chance at a better life, but you're also supporting your local shelter and community. So if you're thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family, consider adopting a cat and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. 

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