Opinion: Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Cat (Stats Update)

*Since the intial publication of this article, statitstics on number of cats euthenized a year, have been updated and it is estimated that approximately 1.4 million cats are euthenized a year.

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Summers

1. ADOPTING A CAT WILL SAVE MORE THAN ONE LIFE

The ASPCA estimates that 860,000 cats are euthanized each year out of the 3.2 million cats that are kept in shelters. Adopting a cat not only helps your beloved but also opens up space in shelters to accept more cats. You can also do what I did and pick up a street kitty. KitCat, my cat, was found on the side of the road with about 200 other kittens. When I initially picked her up, she was so filthy and bloodied that I mistook her for a brown and black cat. After a bath, she revealed herself to be a dazzling white kitten. I not only saved KitCat's life, she also saved mine.

2. THEY COME POTTY TRAINED

For lots of people, this is a big one. Cats quite literally come potty trained. As long as you show them where the litter box is, they will handle the rest. You can also easily train cats to go into toilets. No offense to dogs, but they remind me too much of toddlers in this aspect, and there's a reason I'm not having kids.

3. CATS ARE SUPER INDEPENDENT

Cats are the only species that have chosen to be domesticated. Unlike dogs, cats do not solely rely on humans for their existence. The fact that they teach themselves how to be potty trained is very telling. Cats are definitely one of the lowest-maintenance pets. They don't need formal training, and they clean themselves roughly 10 times a day. They also sleep for at least 15 hours a day. With that being said, don't forget that they still require interaction and affection.

4. THEY ARE ALL ABOUT PERSONALITY

Every single cat that I have encountered has had a different and quirky personality. The amount of personality that each cat has is one of the reasons I'm such a crazy cat lady. My family cat, Steve, is very laid back and chill (although he gets quite an attitude when he's hungry). He isn't scared of our dogs or other cats and is very loving to everyone in the family. KitCat, my cat, is the polar opposite. KitCat is a shy and moody cat. She likes to be alone in my room with me (everything terrifies her) and despises our other dogs and animals. She gives me dirty looks when I wake her up, screams in my ear so I get up and feed her, bounces off the walls at 5 a.m. and comes and sits on my head when I'm sad.

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Summers

5. CATS MAKE EXCELLENT APARTMENT PETS, WHICH IS PERFECT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Cats are more suited to apartment living than dogs or other animals. Cats use less room than dogs and can make greater use of vertical space. Even the softest bark will almost certainly be significantly louder than the most insistent meowing. Furthermore, because cats use litter boxes, they do not need to be taken outside numerous times a day, making it easier if you live in a big complex or are a student. KitCat lives in my dorm with me during school, and is a perfect roommate.

6. THEY WILL KEEP YOUR SPACE RODENT AND INSECT FREE

This one is definitely cat specific. One of my family cats, Princess, kills giant birds with no fear, and KitCat is not even coordinated enough to catch a small fruit fly. I've seen her try and it was pretty funny. I have yet to have a mouse or rat problem, which is lucky, considering I love rats. Some cats even like to bring you said rat or mouse as a present after killing them. Princess, does this too often.

7. CATS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

Cats have been studied and shown to have a relaxing influence on their owners, from the soothing effects of petting to purring being a sleep aid. KitCat has been my Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for the past 11 years, so I can personally attest to this. According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health, children under the age of one who were exposed to a cat were less likely to develop allergies. The intriguing thing is that this is not confined to pet allergies but applies to all allergies.

8. CATS ARE AN ECO-FRIENDLY PET

Living a "green" lifestyle can be challenging, but a cat is an excellent choice for future pet owners who want to be environmentally conscious. The resources required to feed and care for a cat during its lifespan have a lower carbon footprint than those required for other animals. Plus, most cats prefer fish or corn, which is better for the environment.

9. THEY SMELL GOOD

I’ve never sniffed a new born baby, but I can imagine sniffing a cat has the same effect. KitCat smells like flowers and world peace.

10. THEY WERE ONCE WORSHIPED AS GODS

Cats were revered in Egyptian history because they resembled Bast, the Ancient Egyptian goddess of combat. They were held in great regard by the Ancient Egyptians, and the penalty for hurting or killing one was severe. Cats were literally worshiped as gods. Need I say more?

By Evelyn Summers, Copy Editor