Research done by PetPlan shows that the cats that are adopted from a shelter are just as healthy, if not healthier, than purebred cats that come from a pet store. The pet insurance company wants to encourage people to give loving homes to the cats who are in shelters, waiting for a new home.
Are you thinking about adding a pet to your home? You probably spent some time thinking about what type of pet would be a good fit for your home, and what kind you wanted. Would you prefer a cat, or a dog? Do you think your current pets would easily adapt to a new addition, or do you think that maybe this wouldn’t necessarily be a great idea at the moment? Does anyone in your family have allergies to the type of pet you are thinking of getting?
Some people think that getting a pet from a shelter isn’t the best possible choice. People have concerns that a cat that comes from a shelter will have a lot of health problems, and will require more medical care, than a cat that comes from a pet store or breeder. PetPlan Insurance has done some research that shows that this belief is nothing more than a misconception.
PetPlan looked at data about cats that come from shelters, and compared it with cats that come from breeders or pet stores. It turns out that the cats that were adopted from shelters are about 5% less likely to end up requiring an unexpected trip to see a veterinarian than are cats purchased from pet stores (or other sources).
This could be because the cats that are in shelters are usually mixed breeds. The cats that come from breeders, or from pet stores, are usually “purebred”. Animals that are purebred often are subject to certain types of hereditary diseases or conditions. Mixed breeds, on the other hand, have the genetics that prevent those types of health problems from developing.
PetPlan has a partnership with many dog shelters, cat shelters, rescue shelters, and humane societies to provide adopted animals with 30 day promotional pet insurance. This makes it easier for pet owners to feel comfortable adopting a pet because they know that if the pet needs some medical attention right away, the pet insurance will cover it.
Did you know that most shelter cats are spayed or neutered? Many will already have a microchip implanted (in case the pet becomes lost), and will have been provided with low-cost vet care. Some shelters will include free pet insurance with the adoption of the pet.
Cats that are from shelters are not any more likely to exhibit bad behaviors, or to have health problems, than are purebred cats. Cats in shelters usually get better health care than the ones that come from pet stores do. Some shelters will work to give cats training and socialization prior to adoption. So, go ahead and give a cat that is currently in a shelter a loving home with your family!
Image by Kevin Dooley on Flickr