June is “Adopt a Cat Month,” a time when shelters across the country raise awareness about the joys of feline companionship. Every year, thousands of cats and kittens need loving homes. If you’ve ever considered adding a furry friend to your family, now is the perfect time to meet your match.
At Hill & Harbour Veterinary Center, we believe cats make extraordinary companions. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a lifelong animal lover, there are countless reasons to open your heart—and your home—to a cat. In honor of Adopt a Cat Month, here are 10 reasons why cats make amazing pets:
1. Cats Are Low-Maintenance
One of the most appealing qualities of cats is how easy they are to care for. Unlike some pets that require constant attention, cats are independent and self-sufficient. They groom themselves, don’t need daily walks, and are happy to spend time alone when you’re at work or running errands. With a clean litter box, fresh water, food, and a cozy spot to nap, your feline friend will be content.
That said, “low-maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” Routine veterinary care, quality nutrition, and enrichment are still important—but compared to other pets, cats are delightfully easy to manage.
2. They’re Great for Small Spaces
Live in an apartment or don’t have a backyard? No problem. Cats are perfectly suited for smaller living environments. They don’t need a yard to run around in or long walks like dogs do. A few vertical spaces (like a cat tree or shelf), some toys, and a sunny window are enough to keep most cats happy and entertained.
Their adaptability makes them ideal companions for city dwellers, students, or seniors living in condos or retirement communities.
3. Cats Provide Stress Relief and Emotional Support
Studies have shown that interacting with cats can reduce stress, anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. The rhythmic sound of a cat’s purr has a calming effect and can create a sense of peace and well-being. In fact, purring has been shown to release endorphins in both cats and humans.
Many people also find emotional comfort in the quiet companionship of a cat. Whether you’re going through a difficult time or simply unwinding at the end of the day, having a warm, purring cat curled up next to you is one of life’s simple pleasures.
4. Cats Are Natural Entertainers
Cats are curious, playful, and often hilarious. Whether they’re chasing a laser pointer, stalking a toy mouse, or performing acrobatic jumps around the house, cats are endlessly entertaining. Their playful antics and unexpected bursts of energy bring daily joy and laughter to their owners.
Even senior cats, though a bit more relaxed, retain a spark of playfulness that’s just as heartwarming. Watching a cat bat at a feather wand, or discover a cardboard box for the first time, never gets old.
5. They’re Excellent Companions
While cats have a reputation for being aloof, many are deeply affectionate and loving. They form strong bonds with their owners and often follow them from room to room, “helping” with chores or curling up for a nap nearby.
Some cats love lap time and will happily snuggle with you for hours. Others show their affection by bringing you gifts (like toys—or the occasional bug), giving headbutts, or sleeping at the foot of your bed. Each cat expresses love in their own unique way.
6. Cats Are Clean Animals
Cats are meticulous groomers. They spend a significant portion of their day licking their fur to keep themselves clean. This natural grooming behavior means they rarely need baths, and their litter box habits make them easy to house-train.
As long as their litter box is scooped daily and kept in a clean, accessible location, most cats will reliably use it. This makes cat ownership relatively tidy compared to other pets that may require outdoor cleanup or more frequent bathing.
7. They Help Control Household Pests
Cats are natural hunters with a strong prey drive. Even indoor cats will instinctively chase down bugs, mice, or other small pests that wander into your home. Their mere presence can act as a deterrent for rodents.
While we don’t recommend adopting a cat just for pest control, it’s certainly a useful side benefit of feline companionship—especially in older homes or rural areas.
8. Cats Are Long-Lived Pets
Cats often live well into their teens, and many live into their 20s with proper care. This means you can enjoy many years of love, companionship, and shared memories with your feline friend.
By providing your cat with a healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and a safe indoor environment, you greatly increase their chances of living a long, happy life. The longevity of cats makes them a wonderful long-term addition to any family.
9. They Come in All Shapes and Sizes (and Personalities)
No two cats are the same. From energetic kittens to dignified seniors, from chatty Siamese to laid-back Maine Coons, there’s a cat out there for every personality and lifestyle.
Looking for a lap cat? A playful goofball? A quiet observer? Shelters and rescue groups can help you find the perfect feline match. With so many cats needing homes, especially during Adopt a Cat Month, it’s easy to find one whose personality complements yours.
10. Adopting a Cat Saves Lives
Perhaps the most compelling reason to adopt a cat is the impact it has. Every year, millions of cats enter animal shelters, many of them kittens born during “kitten season” in the spring and early summer. By adopting, you’re not only giving a cat a second chance—you’re also freeing up resources and space for shelters to help more animals. When you adopt a cat, you save a life. And in return, you gain a loyal companion who will enrich your own life in countless ways.
Hill & Harbour Veterinary Center is proud to support pet adoption and lifelong wellness. To schedule a new pet visit or learn more about our services, give us a call or book an appointment online.
Let’s celebrate Adopt a Cat Month together—one purr at a time