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First neutering and now cat adoption advocacy! I am a firm believer in the adopt, don’t shop mentality. 

Working for a cat rehoming charity (have a look at my Volunteer’s View of Cats Protection) I come into contact with a lot of people who have found cats, have to give up their cat, had love ones pass away and leave their cats behind and it’s heartbreaking. There are so many cats that need a home that it infuriates me when I see irresponsible breeding and pet shops profiting from selling these animals so I am going to talk all about cat adoption and advocate for why it’s the best option.

Why You Should Adopt 

1.Cheaper

Many charities ask for donations and although will have a minimum recommended amount, will often take smaller fees in order to place cats in good, loving homes as long as you can prove that you can take care of them. Unlike charity shops or private sellers who are looking to make money.

2. Safer

Adopting from a reputable charity or centre gives you some assurance as to the welfare of the cat. They are required to vet check any animal that comes into their care and therefore you will generally know of any issues with the cats ahead of your adoption. Unlike buying from a stranger who could lie or not have kept up with vaccinations. (or commonly, kittens that are taken away from their mothers too soon and have a wealth of issues)

3. Helps More Than One Cat

If you adopt from a shelter, charity or rescue centre you are freeing up a space for the hundreds of cats on the street who will at least be able to have a roof over their head to stay warm and be fed. So, adopting one cat helps at least two.

4. The Cats

Many cats have been abandoned, mistreated or living on the streets and starving. Some won’t even have experienced genuine love and affection so they have a lot more love to give when they find their forever homes and they appreciate it!

5. Helps Destroy Pet Shops

The more people stop buying from pet shops, farms and private buyers, the less of a market there becomes. If everyone decided to adopt, owners wouldn’t attempt to breed their cats and pet shops would be discouraged too!

6. House Trained

Many cats, particularly older ones who have previously lived in houses and been given up will be house trained. Meaning you don’t have to deal with the messy stages with accidents (although some adjustment may be needed.) It’s a lot cleaner than those who need to train their kitten.

7. Healthier Cats

Generally, charities will neuter animals before they are adopted as well as provide any immediate vet care including vaccinations which means you won’t have to pay out for these procedures.
they will be taken care of. Some charities also provide a month or two free pet insurance too!
cat looking at camera - cat adoption advocacy

Things To Consider Before You Do

While I am over here preaching about cat adoption, it isn’t for everyone and although a cat will give you plenty of joy, if you have an uncertain or unstable home, it’s important to think about a few things:

  • Time – can you give the cat the time it needs? particularly if it is an indoor one or those with health issues
  • Stability – Can you provide a stable home and life?
  • Type Of Cat – Some cats are considered more hypoallergenic, others will moult less and some are better with children. Look at specific types of cats that will suit your lifestyle.
  • Long-Term – Even an older cat will be around for a few years and those in charities and rescues don’t need to be going through the process again. Be sure you want to adopt a cat and that it is a long-term commitment.
  • Your Age – Older cats can be perfect companions for the elderly, however, you need to consider what may happen to your cat if you leave it behind. Some charities run schemes that promise to look after your cat if you pass before they do. (check out the Cats Protection Cat Guardianship Scheme)

The Process Of Cat Adoption

Although it differs from organisations and private fosterers will generally be a bit more relaxed, here are the different stages you will probably go through during your cat adoption journey:

  1. Look online at available cats or visit your local branch, charity or centre (remember you may need to make an appointment)
  2. Have an interview or discussion on what you are looking for, what they have available and your current living arrangements and lifestyle etc. This matches the right cat to your needs.
  3. A home visit. Some organisations will check your home to make sure a cat is suitable. This can put many people off but it aims to eradicate problems such as cats being used for baiting and makes sure cats are going to be in a healthy environment.
  4. Once approved, pick your cat, fill out the paperwork and make a donation.
  5. Organise to pick your cat up (usually 24-48 hours)
  6. Take them home, settle them in and give them plenty of love!

Types Of Cats You Can Adopt

Contrary to popular opinion, you can adopt a variety of different cat types including:
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor
  • Farm cats/mousers
  • Pedigree breeds
  • Older cats
  • Kittens

So you can find the right cat to fit your family.

 kitten on a porch - cat adoption

Where To Look – Organisations To Adopt From

UK: 

  1. Cats Protection 

  2. RSPCA

  3. Blue Cross

  4. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

  5. Wood Green

  6. Cat Chat

  7. Support Adoption For Pets

US:

  1. Best Friends

  2. ASPCA

*Search for animal charities in your area at Animal Charities Of America.

Have you adopted a cat and how are they getting on? If you have an animal rescue or charity to add to the list, drop a link in the comments and I will add it to the resources!!

This concludes #CatWeek2017, to see what you have missed over the last 7 days, Cat Week Home Page.

#catweek2017 feature pic cat lying down

You may also like these Pinterest Boards:

kitten standing - adoption advocacy on rehoming cats and rescues as well as UK and US cat rehoming charities, the adoption process. cute cats, #adopt don't shop, #petadoption #catadoption #adoptdontshop

by | 14 Comments

14 comments on “Cat Adoption Advocacy – Don’t Shop, Adopt”

  2. I love this post and my sister is there is USA, 0 passing it on to her. I so like the idea of adopting better than paying for bringing a pet home.

  3. I am a big proponent of adoption over shopping all animals. There are so many benefits. This post is so sweet and contains so much great info for someone looking for their forever animal.

  6. I’m so allergic to cats, but you make a compelling case for pet adoption. Especially the house training. We can be so seduced by the cuteness of kitties, but the advantages of the older cats make sense to me. Thanks for sharing!

  7. You seem to be a real cat lover . For the cat lovers among us you have presented a persuasive case as to why they should go the adoption way . Cat lovers are not left in ignorance about the adoption process, reasons they should adopt, and the adoption process. You also provided them with information as to the types of cats, and where they can be adopted from. You have done a thorough job.

  8. Oh goodness, I wish I wish I wish!! I have cat allergies but absolutely adore cats. I agree with Angela, it’s so sad that there are so many animals who don’t have families.

  9. these precious cats are melting my heart. i would love to adopt a cat (or dog!). if only my family members were not allergic!

  10. I miss having a cat around the house! I wish my dog would allow it, but he’s not really great with socializing with other furry friends. This is very informative and I hope this helps people who would like or are interested in adopting.

  11. I totally agree to adopt is by far the best way, for dogs too. I definitely will be when the time comes around!

  12. Though I’m a little bit scared of cat for some reasons from my childhood, those cats are so lovely and vulnerable. I have a friend who always take lost animals home when she finds them on the street. Hope that there are more people like my friend to take care of those lovely animals. Thanks for sharing this meaningful article.

  13. What an awesome post! We basically adopted our cat. When she was only a couple weeks old her momma came on our back porch with a few kittens and walked away leaving one of them. The kitten cried on the porch for 30 minutes and momma didn’t come back so I brought her inside. That was almost 7 years ago now, and she is a wonderful family pet, so good with my young boys.

  14. I think if I was to ever get a cat it would be from an adoption place. Mostly because I want to know it’s temperament as an adult and the house training! It’s so sad that there are so many animals in the world and not enough people taking responsibility for them.

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