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June is a great month because not only does it mark the official start of summer, it’s also Adopt-a-Cat-Month ! The spring is mating season for cats, also referred to as “kitten season,” which means that each year by June shelters across the country become over populated with thousands of newborn kittens. In honor of Adopt-a-Cat-Month, many shelters wave adoption fees this month. If you have ever considered adopting a cat, here are five great reasons to add a new furbaby to your family.
1. Petting your cat can reduce stress
Studies have shown that petting an animal can help reduce stress levels in your brain. Petting your cat will help you feel happy and it’s a great way for the two of you to bond. Plus, you will never feel alone with the company of your cat beside you.
2. Cats are low maintenance
Compared to other animals you may have as pets; cats are very low maintenance. They don’t require much cleaning up after and they groom themselves. If you work long hours or travel frequently, cats make the perfect pet because they can be left alone for a longer amount of time with adequate food and water.
3. Easy to house train
Cats become litter box trained from their mothers when they are kittens. When you bring them home, all you have to do is place them in their litter box once and they will remember where it is when they need to use it. If you are worried about cats acting destructive, you can buy scratching posts to encourage your cat to use those and not your furniture.
4. They’re smart
Cats are easy to train and smart enough to learn words. While they may not do tricks, they will learn to come running when you say words like treats, hungry or when you open a can of tuna. They are also extremely aware of their environments and sense when you are upset or if there is danger.
5. They can keep the pests away
Cats are natural hunters so they will spot even the tiniest bug and run after it. Their presence can also scare away rodents, just hope they don’t find one first and bring it to you as a gift!
All the above are great reasons to adopt a cat, or even two if you have the space. I adopted two cats from the same litter and it was the best decision I have ever made. Siblings are best friends for life and have a bond unlike any other two cats. If you work long hours or aren’t home often, consider adopting two cats so that they have entertainment while you are away.
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat (you should!), the American Humane Association has a helpful cat adoption checklist to get you prepared: http://bit.ly/1KtyTTH
And, if you want to adopt but not sure where to look, PetFinder.com helps you find local animal shelters and rescues in your area: https://www.petfinder.com/animal-shelters-and-rescues/search
If you aren’t able to adopt right now, consider donating your time, money and/or supplies to a local animal shelter near you. I give to Animal Care Centers of NYC:
- http://www.nycacc.org/
- https://www.facebook.com/NYCACC/
- https://twitter.com/nycacc
- https://www.instagram.com/nycacc
