You may not be able to buy love, but you definitely can adopt it!

In celebration of the ASPCA's National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month this June, we will explore the seven reasons to adopt a cat from a shelter.

Adoption saves many lives.

According to the ASPCA, about 3.2 million cats end up in animal shelters each year in the United States. Sadly, about 530,000 are euthanized.

Choosing to adopt means saving the life of a cat in need and other feline lives as well. When you adopt from a shelter, it opens space so the rescue can care for another cat until they find can their forever home.

Adopting is a smart financial choice.

You'll take home a cat that is up to date on vaccines, already spayed or neutered, and even microchipped for a low fee.

Some rescues will also include extras in the adoption fee, such as a bag of food, cat toys, or pet insurance.

It's good for your mental health.

Studies show that adopting a cat can positively affect a human's ability to cope with anxiety, loneliness, depression, and stress.

Taking a rescue cat home can improve your sense of happiness and well-being. Research has shown that:

• Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
• Playing with a cat can elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, which help to calm and relax.
• Petting your cats for 10 minutes decreases the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone).

It's good for your physical health too!

In addition to helping mental and emotional health, cats can improve physical health as well. Cats make their owners less susceptible to heart trouble and cardiovascular disease by lowering stress levels. The sound of a purring cat can even help heal tendons and bones while enhancing joint mobility after injuries. Plus, kids raised around cats are less likely to develop sensitivities to many common allergens.

Some other fun research facts include:

• A recent study showcased that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.
• Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
• Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without pets.
• Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

Cats can complete your family.

Cats aren't just great for human mental health. They can make other pets happier as well. If you have a dog or another lonely cat while you are at work, a new feline friend may be the ideal solution.

When you adopt a cat, you know what you are getting.

Like with people, every cat has their personality. When you adopt, adult cat shelter employees have spent time with these animals and give you insight into their nature and advise if it will be a good fit.

Whether you are looking for a playmate or a senior companion, or someone to keep your current cat some company while you are away, adopting from a shelter makes it easier to find a cat whose personality matches your family.

Rescues seem to have fewer health issues.

Just as in dogs, mixed breeds cats tend to experience fewer health issues. Some purebred cats are prone to serious health issues, such as:

• Heart disease
• Patellar luxation
• Cardiomyopathy
• Kidney disease
• Gingivitis

Mixed breed felines tend to inherit fewer genetic problems. Any cat can get sick, but a shelter cat with a varied background may be less susceptible to serious medical issues.

If you are looking for a way to celebrate Adopt a Cat Month this June, consider bringing a feline friend home from your local rescue. In doing so, you'll help save lives and gain a new best friend!

If you are still hesitant to adopt a cat, give our team a call. We'll be glad to help and happy to know that you're taking this decision seriously.