By David Stone

for Assorted Ideas, Large & Small

There are many reasons why letting a cat into your life is beneficial, and it’s never too late to make a difference in the life of a pet in need. To start, adopting a pet will teach you to be more patient and compassionate with animals, which will rub off on other aspects of your life. If you’re looking for an animal friend who will love you unconditionally, look no further than the wide-eyed face of your new kitty!

Another important reason to adopt a cat is that you will help prevent shelter overcrowding. When thousands of animals are euthanized every year because there aren’t enough homes for them, why not make room in your heart and your home?

Reasons You May Not Have Thought About for Adopting a Cat

• Adopting a cat can give you company when you’re lonely.

• Cats are clean and low maintenance – How many of your friends have both those qualities?
• They help with allergies,

“A study last year found that babies raised in a home with two or more dogs or cats were up to 77% less likely to develop various types of allergies at age 6 than kids raised without pets. Besides pet allergies, those children were less likely to develop reactions to dust mites, ragweed, and grass.” (WebMD)

• You will always have something to talk about with your friends.

Many shelters have cats who are up-to-date on their shots, spayed or neutered and ready to go home with you. Having a cat also offers an interesting opportunity for you to learn about the feline lifestyle. For example, cats are natural carnivores who enjoy meat, so their food must contain an appropriate amount of protein.