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June is a great month. The first day of summer started this week, we celebrate Father’s Day, my birthday, but best of all, it’s also Adopt-a-Cat Month, or, as some other organizations call it, Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month!
There are millions of adorable cats – young and older – in shelters all across the country that are looking for good homes just like yours. If you’re on the fence about whether to adopt a cat, here are six reasons why you should.
- Adorable, soft and cuddly. Seriously, cats are beautiful creatures. I have yet to see one I couldn’t easily fall in love with. They’re also extremely soft and cuddly. My cat Zeus is always curled up next to me when I go to sleep at night, whether it’s in bed, or on the couch where I’ve fallen asleep while watching TV, he is always right by my side.
- Unconditional love. Zeus loves to cuddle, Titan loves to be pet on his chubby belly and little head, and as soon as I get home from work they are meowing their hellos to me. Well, actually, I think they’re probably asking for treats, but since we’ll never know, I like to pretend they’re saying hello. They’re very loyal pets and are always happy to see me. We never fight or say hurtful things to each other, and if I have to go away for work or some other trip, they’re very understanding and don’t hold it against me.
- Low maintenance. Cats are pretty much the best roommates you’ll ever have. For the most part, they keep to themselves, except when they are cuddling next to you, they’re litter box trained, and most, like mine, are happy to stay indoors all day. All you need to do is get them a few toys, which they will happily play with all by themselves, make sure they have food and clean water every day, and scoop out the litter box on a daily basis, which beats picking up poop on the side of the road or in and around your home!
- Apartment friendly. Want a pet but you live in an animal-free building? Well, cats are the perfect solution! Most building will allow cats, even if they don’t allow other pets, and if they don’t, you can still find a way to have one without anyone knowing, which I may or may not have done in the past . . .
- Attitude. Sure, cats are adorable and cuddly, but they also have attitude. While my cat Zeus is more happy-go-lucky and sensitive (he gets upset when I get upset), my cat Titan is more needy and has an attitude about him that says, I don’t care. And I love it! It’s adorable when tiny people or animals have an attitude because it’s usually pretty harmless, and very entertaining.
- They’re smart. Really, it’s true! Just check out this article from Popular Science that explains how, according to a new study, cats may understand cause and effect. Don’t be fooled by their adorable fluffy exterior, because on the inside they’re mini geniuses.
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
Now, to get you in the catadopting mood, here’s an adorable video of cats getting brain freeze from icy treats. Cats, they’re just like us!
