WHY ADOPT A SHELTER CAT

June is national adopt a shelter cat month. Shelters are filled to the brim with newborn kittens and their mamas. If you are looking for a feline companion, this is the purrfect time to go hunting.

Why Adopt a Shelter Cat

There are so many great reasons to adopt a shelter cat. I have adopted three (all seniors) in the past ten years, and each one has been amazing. Shelter cats are usually well socialized with other cats. Our local shelter has three open cat rooms where cats roam all over and interact with each other. They even have a special place for FIV only kitties to socialize together. Those who don't do well with others are in cages but still get lots of love and attention.

A Shelter Cat Saves You Money.

Adopting a shelter cat saves you money. When you adopt from a shelter, all kitties have seen a vet and have had any issues cleared up (injuries, respiratory problems, etc.), they have been spayed or neutered, and all are microchipped.

Doing this yourself can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. In my situation, I adopted my cat Colin a week after he had his eye removed due to a severe respiratory infection. I can't imagine how much it would have cost me if I had to go through this on my own.

For a $25-$50 adoption fee, you get a lot for your money. However, your cat still needs to go to the vet for a first checkup within a week after adopting.

Different Ages, Stages, and Personalities

Another great reason to adopt from a shelter is there are lots of ages and stages, breeds, and colors to choose from. I have seen some high-end breeds like Maine Coons and Russian Blues show up at shelters from time to time. Some people think cats are aloof, but this is not true at all. Each cat has a unique personality, and you are bound to find one that you love at the shelter. My cat Colin has a very chill and laid back personality.

Kittens-Everybody loves kittens. They are cute and cuddly and melt your heart. However, they also need the most supervision and care. Still, they are so worth it.

Adult-Young adult cats are alert and have lots of energy. You will still have to set some boundaries with them, but overall, they are pretty easy going. Adult cats are fun to play with and love being with their humans.

Seniors-These cats (and even dogs) get overlooked all the time. People think they don't have much life left or love to give. I'm here to tell you that that is not true. My cat Colin will be thirteen this year, and he zips around my apartment like a young adult cat. And he only has one eye! He is in great shape for his age, and I love him to pieces.

However, you will need to keep in mind that seniors will need a little more care, and some will be on special diets or need medication. However, these are small prices to pay. Colin gets bloodwork once a year, sees the vet twice a year, and is on a prescription diet for his weight. He is definitely worth the extra maintenance.

My former cat, Carlton, had kidney disease. I didn't know this when I adopted him, but it would not have mattered. I would have taken him home anyway. He was on prescription food and also had to have his kidney enzymes tested once a month. Eventually I wound up giving him subcutaneous fluids at home until I ultimately chose to put him down because he was so sick. My Mom's cat, Sophie, had the same thing. These are things to keep in mind when you are looking at a senior cat. Some, not all, may develop some health issues that need extra attention.
Still, I encourage you not to overlook the senior cats; they are fantastic.

One thing you will want to consider when adopting a shelter cat is what kind of cat would suit your environment the best. If your kids are young and active, a kitten may not be the best choice in case an accident would occur. (As in, accidentally stepping on the kitten.) However, a young adult cat may be perfect for your home because it's bigger and has a better chance of being seen. If you have a baby, a kitten would be perfect because your cat and your child can grow up together. If your home is quiet, a senior cat would probably be the best choice. Although they are still active, they usually prefer a calm home with less foot traffic.

One other thing to consider is will you adopt a bonded pair? If you see a cat that you want and they have a best friend or sibling they are attached to, will you be willing to adopt both of them? This is very important because most shelters won't split them up. Each time we have adopted, I've always said that if I fell in love with one cat and it had a buddy, I would have to take the other one too. I could never split them up; it would tear my heart out.

Another great place to look for a cat is at a cat cafe. These trendy joints have popped up all across the country. These cafes let people come in and socialize with cats that are available for adoption through local shelters and other programs. It's the perfect place to warm your heart and get a coffee buzz too.

As you can see, there are many good reasons to adopt a shelter cat. It saves you money, you get the pick of the litter, and you get to bring a furry ball of love into your home. What's not to love about that? Visit your shelter today and let a cat put their paw prints on your heart.