If you are considering adopting a cat, you are not alone. More than 46 million households in the United States are fortunate enough to have a resident cat (or two or three).
Shelters across the country are full of adoptable felines ready to come home with you.
Cats are Fascinating
Cats are complex creatures whose true personalities shine in the right environment with humans who understand them.
That is why Cat Pawsitive 360, an initiative of Greater Good Charities’ Jackson Galaxy Project, takes a 360-degree view of the feline experience, focusing on everything from behavioral models to environmental enrichment. This improves the well-being of cats both in and out of the shelter.
Cat Pawsitive 360 workshops also engage animal welfare representatives in communities across the country in a wide range of sheltering topics approached from a cat-centric point of view.
Understanding cats unlocks a life-changing view of what they bring to the table, enabling shelters to get more cats adopted into loving homes.
Cats are Smart And Trainable
Dogs can be trained, but cats can be trained, too.
One element of Cat Pawsitive 360 is teaching shelter staff basic skills for training cats in their care, such as simple behaviors like sitting on cues using reward-based training tactics.
This helps adoptable cats shine while keeping them physically and mentally engaged. Learning behaviors can help a shy cat feel comfortable meeting potential adopters, a feisty cat can learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty can learn to give an endearing "high-five" to seal an adoption deal.
Cats are Funny
There is a reason cat videos and memes are so popular.
Cat people know that felines are humorous little beings. Have you ever witnessed a cat with the zoomies speeding through the house, taking a sharp corner, and skidding right into a kitchen cabinet?
If not, we recommend it. Cats are highly entertaining whether they realize it or not.
Cats are Good for Your WELL-BEING
Numerous studies suggest that cats bring significant benefits to human health.
Some research indicates that people with cats live longer lives. Other studies cite stress relief, immune support, and even enhanced cardiovascular health as benefits of sharing a home with a cat.
Being a cat guardian also provides social benefits since cat people love to swap stories and brag about their felines.
Cats are Heroic Best Friends
Cat people are never surprised to hear stories about feline heroics.
From taking down wild animals who wander into their backyards, alerting their humans to house fires, and saving their favorite tiny humans from harm, cats are not afraid to step in when needed. Female cats have been known to nurse orphaned puppies and other species. And what about cats who know when their human to snuggle after a tough day?
Those cats are everyday heroes.
There are a hundred more reasons why cats are awesome. Donate now to help improve the lives of at-risk cats waiting in shelters for forever homes.
