If you have been thinking about adding a feline companion to your home, you may be wondering where to begin looking for your new pet. At American Pet Rescues, we believe that it is always better to adopt a pet rather than purchasing one from a pet store or breeder. With an average of 3.2 million cats passing through animal shelters every year, it makes sense to save a life instead of contributing to the ongoing overpopulation problems, but that’s just one reason to adopt a pet; let’s take a look at a few more reasons why you should consider adopting a cat!
As mentioned above, when you adopt a pet from among the many cats in animal shelters and rescue facilities across the country, you may be saving its life. Around 860,000 cats are euthanized every year in the United States because they have no home to go to. However, adopting a cat doesn’t just save one life! It can actually save several cats. Not only are you saving the cat you are rescuing, but when that cat is removed from the rescue center, it frees up a space for another cat who is in need. That’s another life saved! Additionally, when you start introducing your new pet to friends and family, you will likely mention the fact that you have rescued your fluffy companion! This brings attention to animal rescue and may encourage your peers to adopt a pet rather than buy one at the local pet shop, thus saving even more lives!
Having a pet can be very expensive, especially for purebred cats! In addition to the cost of purchasing the cat, you will also have ongoing expenses such as vaccinations, veterinary care, spaying or neutering, insurance, and grooming. It can be a substantial financial responsibility. However, if you choose to adopt a pet instead, you will find that the adoption fee is very affordable, and many rescue centers will have special adoption events where this is reduced or waived altogether. In addition to the affordable adoption fees, many rescue organizations will spay or neuter the cat, microchip it, and ensure it is up to date with the necessary vaccinations before you take it home. This can represent a substantial saving.
Did you know that research indicates that when you rescue a cat or adopt a pet of any other type, it positively impacts your ability to manage stress, anxiety, and loneliness? Cat owners often describe how playing with or petting their cats helps them alleviate the symptoms of depression. Overall, owning a cat helps improve your happiness level and can positively impact your general mental well-being. This is especially true when you rescue your cat since it gives you an additional sense of accomplishment.
Adopting a cat also has some benefits for your physical health. Research from the AHA/ASA states that Stroke is currently among the top 3 causes of death for women in America and the 4th most common cause of death for men. However, evidence suggests that owning a cat can help reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and Stroke. That’s a pretty strong argument in favor of choosing to adopt a pet cat! That’s not the only potential health benefit linked to rescuing a cat! Clinical & Experimental Allergy has conducted research that has found that early exposure to cats can reduce a child’s sensitivity to common cat-associated allergens. As a result, children growing up in a home with cats are at a reduced risk of developing asthma and allergic diseases.
People of any age can adopt a pet, but seniors often find a dog too physically demanding. However, cats, especially older cats, can be the ideal companion for seniors in need of some company. Cats can be relatively independent and much easier to look after than dogs. You should be able to find a cat that has a calm personality that will be well suited to living with seniors.
If you live in a condo or small apartment, you may feel that you don’t have the appropriate amount of space to adopt a pet like a dog. However, a cat could be the perfect option for you. Cats do not require a lot of room and won’t require frequent walks. Cats are pretty low maintenance and will happily live indoors if provided with enrichment items like a cat tree, toys, and window rests. Adopting a cat can provide you with the ideal roommate for apartment living!
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Adopt a New Friend Today!
American Pet Rescues is working towards the goal of educating adults and children about the value of animal rescue. Through the sale of our quality plush stuffed animals, each based on a real animal rescue story, we hope to promote awareness of pet adoption while also funding the opening of an animal adoption center in the Knoxville area where we can continue educating others and also provide access to affordable veterinary care.
Visit www.americanpetrescues.org or call 865-800-3697 for more information.
American Pet Rescues is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
© American Pet Rescues, Inc. 2024