Quick Takeaways

• October is Adopt a Pet Month, making it the ideal time to welcome a new cat into your family.
• Adoption saves lives—shelters and rescues are overcrowded with cats needing homes.
• Cats provide proven benefits to human health, reducing stress and boosting happiness.
• Common adoption myths (like “black cats are bad luck” or “shelter cats are broken”) are false.
• Adoption fees often include spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping—huge value compared to private vet costs.
• Resources like Petfinder and ASPCA Adoption Centers help match adopters with cats.
• Supporting adoption also supports Gilu’s mission: fewer cats abandoned, more cats rescued.
• You can help by adopting, donating, shopping GiluCats, or spreading the word.

 

Why October is the Month to Adopt

October is nationally recognized as Adopt a Pet Month. With kitten season stretching shelters to their limits throughout summer, October is when countless kittens, teens, and adult cats are still waiting for homes.

By adopting now, you not only gain a loving companion—you also free up space and resources for rescuers to save more cats still on the streets.

According to the ASPCA, over 3.2 million cats enter U.S. shelters each year. Adoption is the most direct way to reduce overcrowding and euthanasia rates.

 

The Life-Changing Benefits of Cat Adoption

For Cats:
– Escape from uncertain or dangerous conditions.
– A chance to live indoors, safe from predators and traffic.
– Regular access to food, shelter, and medical care.
– The opportunity to bond with a family that loves them.

For Families:
– Companionship and unconditional love.
– Lower stress and anxiety—studies show cats provide emotional support.
– Play and enrichment that improve household joy.
– Teaching children responsibility and empathy.

👉 Adoption changes two lives: the cat’s and yours.

Addressing Common Adoption Myths

Myth #1: Shelter cats have problems.
Reality: Most are healthy, well-socialized cats surrendered for reasons beyond their control (moving, financial hardship, allergies).

Myth #2: Black cats are unlucky.
Reality: Black cats are just as loving as any other color—and often overlooked due to superstition.

Myth #3: It’s cheaper to get a “free cat.”
Reality: Adoption fees usually cover spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchipping—services worth hundreds of dollars. Free cats often lack these essentials, leading to higher costs later.

 

How to Find Your Purr-fect Match

– Start online: Browse Petfinder for thousands of adoptable cats.
– Visit rescues: Local shelters and organizations like the ASPCA Adoption Center often have adoption events in October.
– Talk to volunteers: They know the cats’ personalities and can help you choose a good match.
– Be patient: Finding the right fit ensures a long, happy relationship.

🐾 Explore adoption resources in the Cat Care Kits section for guidance on preparing your home.

 

Adoption vs. Buying: Why Adoption Saves Lives

While breeders may offer specific breeds, adoption saves lives and reduces the number of cats in overcrowded shelters. Every adoption helps break the cycle of abandonment and gives cats a second chance.

By adopting, you directly support GiluFunds’ mission to end stray and feral overpopulation through education, TNVR, and community action.

 

Key Takeaway

October isn’t just spooky season—it’s a season for hope and second chances. Adopting a cat this month helps shelters, supports rescuers, and brings joy into your home.

 

How You Can Take Action Today

At Gilu, we believe every cat deserves a safe and loving home. Here’s how you can help this Adopt a Pet Month:

– Adopt a cat from your local shelter or through Petfinder.
– Donate to the Purr-sistence Fund to help rescues continue their lifesaving work.
– Shop the GiluCats Collections — 15% of every purchase supports cat rescue through GiluFunds.
– Share this post to encourage friends and family to consider adoption.

Together, we can ensure that every cat waiting in a shelter today gets a chance at tomorrow.

 

References & Resources

– Petfinder – Find Adoptable Cats: https://www.petfinder.com

– ASPCA Adoption Resources: https://www.aspca.org/adopt

– Cornell Feline Health Center: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center