Families in Need of a Feline Friend Can Find the Perfect Match at the Humane Society

For most people, June is infamous for signaling the beginning of summertime and fun in the sun. However, here at the Escondido Humane Society we know of another reason that makes June so wonderful: It’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! As such, this is a perfect opportunity to discuss why is such an important and enriching decision. 

It’s no secret why cats are such great pets–by nature they are affectionate and playful animals that can melt your heart effortlessly. They are intelligent, independent and charmingly notorious for their unique personalities and endearing quirks. Moreover, they provide their families with unconditional love and companionship.

Ask anyone who’s ever adopted a shelter cat or kitten–it’s a life-changing experience. When you adopt a cat, you instantly gain a best friend for life. Opening up your heart and home to a cat that has met with unfortunate circumstances is something that will create a very deep bond between you and your feline friend. 

However, the decision to bring a fabulous feline into your household is one that should be carefully thought out.  It’s important to understand that being a responsible pet owner begins the day you decide where you’ll get your new pet.

While we encourage cat adoptions all year long, June is the month where we emphasize why it’s so important to adopt from a local shelter as opposed to buying from a pet store. This is because cats in pet stores usually come from breeders or kitten mills. Cats are kept in small cages and forced to breed at unhealthy and dangerous rates. By purchasing a cat or any animal from pet stores, you are indirectly supporting this industry by contributing to their profits and increasing the demand for mass-produced animals.  

Choosing to adopt a cat from an animal shelter bolsters an entirely different industry–one that focuses on animal welfare and promoting the humane treatment of animals. The main function of animal shelters is to provide a safe haven for lost, abandoned, neglected or abused animals, and to offer them a second chance at the happy life they deserve. When you pay the adoption fee for a shelter cat, those funds cover the costs of providing food, housing, medical care and rehabilitation services to current and incoming animals in need. 

Moreover, deciding to adopt a shelter cat doesn’t just further a good cause, it saves lives. Even if you adopt only one cat, it gives the shelter the additional capacity to house another cat who otherwise would remain homeless, vulnerable and forlorn. In addition, shelter volunteers work to teach cats basic obedience, how to properly use litter boxes and good socialization skills with other felines.

This means that most shelter cats are already well socialized and trained–so some of the work has already been done for you! You would just need to continue working with them on their training and reinforcing best-behavior practices. Also, upon adoption most shelters will administer vaccinations, spay/neuter and conduct a vet exam, so your new feline family member comes home with you in tip-top shape.

This is the time of the year when animal shelters are full to the brim with adorable cats in all colors, sizes, ages and temperaments–all of whom are desperately looking for loving homes. Whatever the criteria is for your dream feline, you’re guaranteed to find a perfect match.

Visit your local animal shelter and spend some time with a cat that catches your eye, or whose story touches your heart. In no time, you’ll realize why the decision to adopt is such a life-changing, rewarding experience for both parties involved.