Right now, as I write this article, there are cats at your local animal shelter in need of a forever home. Animal shelters are struggling with what to do with the animals in their care during the coronavirus pandemic.
Several cities across the world have to shut down for safety reasons. Animal shelters are having to make a hard choice. Some shelters might have to choose to euthanize the cats (and dogs) that they can’t find parents for.
The thought of this has been keeping me up at night.
If you’ve been on the fence about adopting a cat, now would be a great time to consider going through with it. This article will discuss:
- the benefits of adopting a cat
- and why having a cat will help you cope during this of the coronavirus
Table of Contents
Benefits of having a cat
There are many great reasons why having a cat is beneficial to you.
There’s scientific proof that having a cat is right for your health.
Having a cat can help your heart. The sound of a cat’s purr can lower your blood pressure. By reducing your blood pressure levels, you decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease by 30 percent.
Cats have the power to heal
There are healing powers in a cat’s purr. A cat’s purr creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ. Studies have shown those kinds of vibrations can heal bones, tendons, and muscles after an injury.
You will sleep better having a cat around
Having a cat as a roommate will help you sleep better. The Mayo Clinic for Sleep Medicine confirmed in a recent study that 41 percent of the people in their sleep studies reported sleeping better because of their cat.
Having a cat reduces stress and anxiety
Cats lower stress and anxiety by triggering the release of calming chemicals in the human body. These calming chemicals can lead to a happier you.
Petting your cat will make you happy (and your cat will love it too).
Petting your cat is a great coping mechanism. And who doesn’t need a suitable coping mechanism that doesn’t involve drugs (haha)?
Having a cat will help you feel less isolated
Many of us are choosing to stay at home for our safety and the safety of others. Having a cat during this time will help you feel less lonely. Cats are great listeners. And they are great companions.
The benefits of adopting a cat
There are several benefits of adopting a cat (rather than purchasing a pedigree from a cat breeder).
By adopting a cat, you will be saving a cat’s life
A lot of shelters could be in the position of having to euthanize their animals if they can’t be adopted. With some states, such as California and Illinois ordering non-mandatory businesses to shut down, shelters will no longer be able to take care of the animals in their charge. This could lead to euthanizing.
This is tragic. You would be saving a life by adopting a cat from your local shelter.
It’s cheaper to adopt a cat
The cost of adoption can be anywhere from $25 on up. Here’s what is usually included for the adoption fee (this will vary):
- spayed/neutered
- microchip
- age-appropriate vaccinations
- tested for feline leukemia
- check-up from a vet to make sure your cat is healthy
Some shelters, such as PAWS Chicago, are offering virtual adoption.
It’s a beautiful way to support your local animal shelter
In this time of the coronavirus pandemic, animal shelters need our support more than ever. By adopting a cat, you are not only providing a home for a lucky cat, but the fees that you pay to adopt helps keep these animal shelters running.
If adopting is not something you can commit to at this time, you can still support your local shelter by donating pet supplies, cash, or both. Or you can choose to foster a cat for a time or until she gets adopted.
Conclusion
This article discussed:
- the benefits of adopting a cat
- and why having a cat will help you cope during this of the coronavirus
Animal shelters are struggling with what to do with the animals in their care during the coronavirus pandemic.
Adopting a cat during the coronavirus pandemic can be beneficial to you and to the cat you choose as your fur baby.
If adopting is not something you can commit to at this time, that is okay! You can still support your local shelter by donating pet supplies, cash, or both. Or you can choose to foster a cat for a time or until she gets adopted.
May you and your cat stay healthy and well during these trying times.
Other Cat Mama Articles:
- Vomiting in Cats: When to Worry
- Why Do Cats Give Love Bites?
- What is my cat trying to tell me?
- What can I feed my cat to keep it healthy?
- The three best cat litter box for small apartments
