#AdoptaCatMonth: 5 Purr-fect Reasons to Adopt a Cat

Hey everybody, Truffles at the keyboard! Did you know that June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month? I was a shelter cat at this time last year and getting adopted was the very best thing that ever happened to me. From the bottom of my little tortie heart I wish that every kitty could find the love, happiness and safety that I've found.

This past weekend our state took part in Maddie's Pet Adoption Days. In our tiny state of Vermont nearly 700 homeless cats and dogs were adopted! (The final tally is still being worked on, but over 15,000 animals were adopted in 9 states...exceeding last year's goal by 78%!!!) We could not be happier that people everywhere are discovering that shelter kitties ROCK!!!

Here are just 5 purr-fect reasons to adopt a cat at your local shelter:

1) You're saving TWO lives. According the the ASPCA, approximately 37% of cats that enter shelters are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and then less than 5% of cats who enter as a stray are returned to their owner. Every time a cat is adopted from rescue, you're actually saving the lives of 2 cats, the adopted cat and the next one who will take their place in rescue.

2) Choices, choices, choices. Are you looking for a Persian or a Siamese? A tabby or a tortie (YAY!!!)? Every breed and color pattern can be found at your local shelter or breed rescue group. Do you want a kitten, an older cat, a special needs baby? Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between.

3) Spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming...oh my! All of these things are taken care of before you leave the shelter with your new pet. Some shelters even send you home with a certificate for a free first visit to the vet, a microchip and a goodie bag! Trained shelter staff also evaluate each cat for any possible behavioral issues.

4) Encourage friends and family to adopt. Many people fear that shelter cats are feral or not very friendly or well-adjusted. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most are happy and healthy, well socialized, and house-trained. They are also much less expensive than purchasing a cat from a breeder. By adopting a shelter cat and talking about your positive experience, you'll encourage others to do the same thing.

5) Adopting a cat can benefit your health. At least one study has indicated that people who live with a cat have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes lowering the risk of having a heart attack. Cats are also credited with helping to reduce stress levels, helping to reduce blood pressure, helping to lower cholesterol levels, and helping to reduce the risk of depression.

It turns out money CAN buy health and happiness...in the form of an adoption fee :)

Adopt, don’t shop.

If you can’t adopt, foster.

If you can’t foster, donate.

If you can’t donate, volunteer.

If you can’t volunteer, educate.