A special needs cat might not be the first pet you consider when you’re ready to add to your family, but it should be! Special needs cats can come in all shapes and sizes and with all levels of ability. Some may have missing limbs, neurological conditions (like cerebellar hypoplasia,for example), or medical conditions that require careful management like diabetes – but cats with special needs are just as adoptable as any other cat in a pet shop or shelter. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider adopting a cat with special needs:
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It’s A Rewarding Experience
Cats with special needs often have their own sets of challenges to overcome, and they can only do so with the tender love and care of a dedicated pet owner. Imagine watching your special needs cat adapt and thrive under your care!
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Develop Resilience & Perseverance
Taking care of an animal with sometimes complicated conditions can require lots of patience. With some cats, it may require a bit of trial and error to learn to manage illnesses and abilities. Weathering the storm together when obstacles occasionally pop up can help both of you become more resilient and teach you to persevere even when the going gets tough.[a][b][c][d]
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Form An Unbreakable Bond
Caring for any pet can lead to forming a close connection, but it’s extra special with special needs cats. Show them love and they’ll return it; take care of their needs and you’ll earn their unwavering loyalty.
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Change a Cat’s Life
Special needs cats are often overlooked in favor of cats that are perceived as “normal” or “easy” to care for, and many special needs cats stay in the shelter long after reaching adulthood. Making the choice to adopt a special needs cat can mean changing their entire life and preventing them from reaching an old age without a forever family to call their own.
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Special Needs Cats Can Live Long and Happy Lives
When their needs are attended to, cats with special needs are just as suited for life at home as any other cat. They can still play, form connections with your other pets and family members, find favorite spots to nap, and even get into the usual feline mischief. While it’s not the case for every cat with special needs – some illnesses and conditions are, unfortunately, terminal – many of them live to the average feline life expectancy and beyond, so you’ll have many years to enjoy their quirky personalities.
How Do I Know If I’m Ready to Adopt a Special Needs Cat?
If all of the above reasons sound good, consider if you would also be a good fit for a special needs cat. Do you have the time, resources, and patience to commit to loving a cat with special needs for life?
Even if you’re not on the market to expand your family, you can still advocate for special needs cats! Start a conversation when you wear our shirts– like our Adopt a Specially-Abled Pet Tee or our Be Their Voice Tee.