Even with so many shelter animals in need of a permanent home, lots of people still choose to adopt from a pet store. Why should you pay money for a purebred feline, when you can get a friendly and loving one that will love you unconditionally?
Shelter cats cost less than pet store kitties.
Sure, you may argue with me that you still have to pay money to adopt a pet from a shelter. Even if this amount is equivalent to the price at a pet store, you are getting a much better deal. Pet store cats come with a hefty price tag just because of their breed. If they have papers proving they are a purebred, then they cost even more. The adoption fee that you pay a local shelter goes much further. Your kitty will come with all of his basic shots, such as rabies and distemper. In addition to that, most shelters also include sterilization with this fee. If you choose to purchase from the store, your kitty most likely will need to visit a vet for all these things.
Shelters are overcrowded.
It's a sad reality that most shelters are unable to care for the animals they have on hand. Those that are lucky enough to get a cage only have a limited amount of time to find a home. Most shelters euthanize after a certain number of days. There are many no-kill shelters across the country, but they are usually full and not always accepting more animals. Simply adopting a cat from the local shelter makes room for one more pet have a second chance. Even if you cannot adopt another animal, considering fostering a stray to help control the overcrowding at the shelter.
You're saving a life.
Have you ever walked through a shelter? Every time I visit one, my heart breaks. There are sad faces staring back at you through the metal bars of the cages. All these animals want is a chance to love and to be loved. If you don't adopt from a shelter, the odds of that animal finding a home are slim to none. What happens if no one chooses to adopt? Sadly enough, that animal will be put down. Their body is discarded in the trash, and they were forced to die feeling unwanted and alone. Anyone with a heart knows that saving the life of a stray at an animal shelter is the most rewarding experience. That animal will love you forever.
If you are considering adding another kitty to your house, please visit a local shelter. Spay or neuter the animals that you have to prevent another pet from ending up at a shelter. No animal should ever have to be discarded.