The Pros and Cons of Adopting vs Buying a Cat

If you’re new to the idea of owning a cat, you might be wondering whether you should adopt or buy a pet? Admittedly, there are a lot of benefits to adopting a cat. For one, it’s a lot less expensive than purchasing one from a breeder or a pet store. But you might also find that the adoption process is a lot less stressful than purchasing a cat. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of adopting a cat as opposed to buying one.

Adoption: The Benefits

Anyone who has ever adopted a cat understands how critical it is to ensure that the cat you receive is in good health. Cats that have been rescued are more likely to be healthy because they have been treated and cared for, as well as vetted, before being placed for adoption. Also, when you adopt, you’re saving a life and helping the cat to avoid being in a shelter environment.

Most rescued cats tend to be older, so they’re likely to be less active and more laid-back than a kitten. This means that caring for your cat is relatively cheap, and the likelihood of your pet getting into an accident is low. Adopting a cat also saves you the cost of getting a new pet, which can be expensive depending on the breed.  

It is also a fantastic way to help a cat shelter, as the majority are charities that rely on donations to take care of rescued animals. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you’re helping to support the shelter in a number of ways. First, by adopting a cat from a shelter, you’re taking a cat off the shelter’s hands. That’s an obvious advantage! Second, you’re also helping to support the shelter’s efforts to receive and care for cats.

Adoption: The Disadvantages

While most adopted cats tend to be healthy, some rescued cats will have some form of lifelong health and mental issues as a result of their past lives. This may not be immediately apparent and can happen anytime after adopting a cat.

Anyone who’s ever adopted a cat knows how difficult it can be to find the right cat for you. You might adopt a cat, fall in love with it, but then later realise it’s not the right one for you. If you are also new to owning a cat, you might not know what you’re getting into, as it can be difficult to get a good idea of what the cat will be like. As a result, adopting a cat can take time to find your perfect companion.

Buying a Cat: The Benefits

If you're not sure about adopting a cat, there are a few advantages to buying one. Most purebred cats are bred with the intention of being sold as pets, so there’s a good chance you’ll come across a reputable breeder. This also gives you an opportunity to meet with the cat and its breeder before getting one.

If you buy a cat from a responsible breeder, you can have a good idea about its history. The cat’s pedigree will give you a better idea of its ancestry, which means you’re more likely to get a cat with certain desirable traits.

Buying a Cat: The Disadvantages

Buying a cat from a pet breeder can be a costly venture, as breeders often charge a premium for their animals. As well, buying a cat from a pet breeder does not ensure a healthy pet, as conditions at some breeders can be substandard.

It also does not guarantee the quality of a cat's temperament, as the kitten may be separated from its mother and littermates too early, which can result in behaviour problems in the future. Furthermore, the pet breeding industry is not as transparent as it should be. Unethical practices, such as inbreeding and overproduction, are possible, resulting in unhealthy cats and an excess of cats in rescue shelters.

Therefore, it is important to research the breeder thoroughly and make an informed decision before purchasing a cat from a seller. You should also ask the breeder these questions to ensure that the cat is in good health and has not been neglected or abused.

To sum it up

Owning a cat is not always a walk in the park. Cats can be demanding and sometimes require more attention than some other pets. They can be destructive and can scratch furniture, carpets, and other items, as well as cause other damage around the home. Cats are also susceptible to diseases such as feline leukaemia, which can be costly to treat. As a result, you might want to think about getting pet insurance. Find out more here if you're interested.

On the other hand, getting a cat can be extremely rewarding. They are incredibly independent, low-maintenance pets that require minimal effort to care for. Cats can keep your house and backyard rodent-free while providing companionship and joy. Furthermore, cats can provide emotional support just like dogs. So whether you adopt or purchase a cat, they make wonderful, devoted and loving companions and are definitely worth the expense.