Animals all over the world are in need of forever homes and the statistics are staggering. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), one of the largest humane societies in the world, estimates that over 7.6 million animals enter shelters every year.
Of those, 35 percent of all animals are euthanized. That's 2.7 million animals every single year, with cats alone accounting for more than a 1.5 million.
Luckily, in recent years King County and The Seattle Humane Society have transitioned to no-kill shelters, but that doesn't change how many of our little friends are still in need of homes.
That's why at NEKO Cat Cafe in Seattle, we truly believe in the movement "adopt don't shop." Our cat cafe will you give you the opportunity to find the kitty of your dreams! We believe every animal deserves a long, happy life, love and true companionship.
So if you're still thinking about buying from a breeder, consider these eight reasons why you should adopt and not shop.
1. YOU'RE SAVING YOURSELF MONEY!
When you adopt thru a shelter, humane societies aren't trying to turn a profit. Unlike kitty mills and breeders, you're only paying a small adoption fee for necessary services like updating shots, microchipping and spay/neutering.
2. MANY CATS HAVE ALREADY FIGURED OUT THE "POTTY-TRAINING" THING.
When you're adopting an older cat, past owners or the humane society have already done, shall we say, your "dirty work" for you.
3. YOUR BOND WITH YOUR KITTY WILL BE THAT MUCH STRONGER.
When you're the one to take your new kitty out of an unfortunate situation, and you're the one that gives them the love they've never had, they will never forget that.
4. YOU GET TO CHOOSE THE AGE OF YOUR NEW FLUFF BALL.
There are cats of every age at animal shelters, so if you want one that's older with more experience, or one that's only a couple years old, you have that choice. Pet stores often only give you the option of getting a new-born.
5. BECAUSE EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE.
In life, we don't get to choose the hand we are dealt -- and neither do animals. Usually the reasoning behind cats that are brought into shelters has no reflection on the kitties themselves. Many cats have been brought in by owners that can no longer care for them, but you get the satisfaction of knowing you gave them a second chance at happiness!
6. YOU ARE HELPING KEEP PET POPULATIONS DOWN WITH ADOPTION.
When you buy from a pet shop, you're far more likely to be supporting cat mills which significantly increase animal population --in a bad way. There are already so many homeless fur babies in the world, why not give one of those guys a home?
7. IT MAKES YOU FEEL GREAT.
Just knowing you went out of your way to rescue an animal out of the kindness of your heart will make you feel awesome. It's for the betterment of humanity, which is always something to celebrate!
8. YOU CAN ADOPT A CAT FROM US!
Grab a coffee and relax at NEKO Cat Cafe with our adoptable cats. If you fall in love, you can take one home! See you later this year at NEKO in Seattle!
