For centuries, people have owned cats for the pleasure of companionship and the low maintenance of having a family pet. In all actuality, there are so many more benefits to having a sweet furball around the house. In the craziness of everyday life, cats can bring joy that is unparalleled to other animals. They have a knack for being fairly self-sufficient and can always find the best way to entertain themselves. They can also be quite playful, entertaining, inquisitive, and interesting to watch and admire. Cats are incredibly adaptable creatures, able to thrive in various environments and living situations. They self-clean, don’t require formal training, and are easy to care for.

You may say, “Well, I’m not really a cat person” – but that may be because either you’ve never had the pleasure of being head-bunted by a friendly feline or you may have encountered a situation that has made you uneasy about them. Sure, cats can be intimidating because of their independent nature; however, they also find a way to communicate with their people and bring unconditional love. This can be rewarding to a human looking to alleviate loneliness and fulfill a need for companionship. Just the sheer topic of discussing your cat can increase interactions and socialization with other people. Caring for one also provides a sense of purpose and motivation for a person who needs to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Did you know that there are health benefits to owning a cat? It’s true! Cats can have a “pawsitive” effect on reducing blood pressure, and their presence alone can bring down stress levels. Endorphins lower stress, which can improve our mental well-being. It has been scientifically proven that a cat’s purr can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, by 30%.

The vibrations of a cat’s purr are typically at a frequency of 20 - 140HZ. Frequencies within a range of 18 - 35HZ have been shown to have a positive effect on joint and muscle injury. Therapeutic healing for human bones and muscles from a cat’s purr ... who knew that was a thing? Well, scientists have started studying this more and how it can help humans.

See, cats are pretty great, right? But why adopt? It boils down to saving a life. Shelters across the United States are at their limits due to pet overpopulation, exacerbated by the lack of spaying/neutering. As a result, shelters and rescue organizations are overflowing with cats of every color, size, age, breed, and gender. Fortunately, with such a variety, there is sure to be a cat to suit any lifestyle. These cats are generally well-socialized and accustomed to human interaction, ensuring they are ready to become beloved companions in their new homes. By adopting from shelters and rescue groups, individuals and families not only find a perfect furry friend, but also play a crucial role in giving these animals a second chance at a happy life.

One of the wonderful aspects of adoption is the dedicated volunteers who truly get to know the animals in their care. Through close interaction and observation, they become familiar with each cat’s personality traits. This includes understanding whether a cat will thrive in a single-cat household or enjoy the company of other felines, if it gets the zoomies, or prefers lounging and watching the world go by. By gaining insight into the behaviors and preferences of each cat, these volunteers can match them with suitable forever homes, ensuring a harmonious fit between pet and owner.

So many cats are finding themselves in shelters and rescues waiting for their own loving family. The importance of adoption extends far beyond welcoming a new furry friend into your home. When you adopt, you not only save a loving animal, but you also open up space at shelters and rescue groups for another who may desperately need it. It’s a full-circle benefit – the animal gains a loving family, the adopter gains a cherished companion, and the community gains relief from overpopulation pressures. Adoption fees are lower, and cover essential services like vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering, helping to break the cycle of overpopulation and contributing to the reduction of euthanasia rates of animals that are in the shelters. Adopting a cat not only gives them a second chance at living a loving and fulling life, but also positively impacts the lives of countless other animals in need and fosters a more compassionate community, one purr at a time!