Gotcha Days & Second Chances: Why #AdoptDontShop Matters
Celebrating Lil Big Cat’s Gotcha Day
There’s something so special about a Gotcha Day. It’s not just the day a pet came home—it’s the day everything changed. As we celebrate Lil Big Cat’s Gotcha Day, we’re thinking about the thousands of other cats out there waiting for their moment, too. And we’ve got a lot to say about why #AdoptDontShop still matters—maybe now more than ever.
Adoption Isn’t Just Kind—It’s Smart
When you adopt from a shelter or rescue, you’re not starting from scratch. These cats come with real-world experience and a whole lot of love ready to give. Most shelters make sure cats are:
- Spayed or neutered at the right age
- Vaccinated and microchipped
- Checked out by a vet
- Socialized and observed for personality quirks
It’s kind of like getting a starter pack for cat parenthood. You know what you’re getting, and the heavy lifting’s already been done. Plus, adoption is way more affordable than going through a breeder or online seller—where you’ll likely pay more and still have to handle vet visits and surgeries on your own.
Bao
Why Spaying and Neutering Really Matter
Here’s the deal: cats are wonderful, but they reproduce like it’s their job. One unspayed cat and her offspring can lead to hundreds of kittens in just a few years. That’s how we end up with overcrowded shelters and so many cats living rough outdoors.
Not to mention—cats are excellent hunters. If they’re left to roam, they can wreak havoc on native wildlife, especially birds and small mammals. So yes, getting cats off the street and making sure they’re fixed is good for everyone—from your neighborhood squirrels to the cats themselves.
Spaying and neutering also helps your cat live a more mellow, healthy life. Less risk of certain cancers, fewer hormonal behaviors, and a whole lot less yowling in the middle of the night.
And the best part? When you adopt, the shelter’s usually already taken care of it. No guesswork. No extra vet bills. Just one less thing to worry about as you settle into life with your new buddy.
Kittens Are Cute. But Also... Wow.
Look, we love a baby cat. But if you’ve ever raised one, you know: they’re tiny agents of chaos. They need to learn everything from scratch—where the litter box is, how hard is too hard when playing, and that your toes are not toys.
Shelters (especially foster-based ones) often help kittens through those early stages, so you’re not starting from zero. Or hey—adopt an adult cat and skip the kitten energy altogether. With an older cat, you get to know exactly what kind of roommate you’re bringing home, from nap habits to snack preferences.
Not Just a Pet—A Match
One of the best things about adopting? You get choices.
Shelters give you the chance to meet a lot of different cats. Chill ones. Chatty ones. Lap lovers. Independent loners. You can hang out, ask questions, and really get a feel for who you vibe with. Shelter staff and foster parents can tell you what a cat’s really like day-to-day—because they’ve lived with them, loved them, and want to help them land in the right home.
As Dr. Mikel Delgado, PhD, says:
“If you go to a shelter and the cat sits in your lap purring, rubbing, happy, it’s a pretty good [chance] that cat will enjoy cuddling in your home.”
You're not settling. You’re actually getting the benefit of picking from personalities and finding the right fit for your life.
Lil Big Cat
Online Listings? Proceed with Caution.
We get it—those “free to good home” posts on community boards or online marketplaces seem convenient. But there’s a reason we recommend going the shelter route.
- You won’t know the cat’s medical history
- No guarantee they’re spayed, neutered, or vaccinated
- No backup if things don’t work out
Even well-meaning people rehoming a cat may not be equipped to handle it safely or honestly. Shelters are set up to make sure everyone stays safe—you, the cat, and any other pets in your home.
Black Cats Deserve the Spotlight
Let’s talk about something frustrating but true: black cats get overlooked way too often. Whether it’s old superstitions or social media trends, they’re adopted less frequently than their colorful cousins.
But if you’ve ever loved a black cat, you know they’re basically velvet-covered drama queens (or kings) with giant hearts. They’re expressive, affectionate, and yes—they do photograph well if you just learn how to light them right.
Eartha Katt
Your Adoption = A Bigger Impact Than You Think
Here’s the magic part: when you adopt one cat, you’re helping a lot more.
- You open up space in a crowded shelter
- Your adoption fee helps pay for food, meds, and care for others
- You support the people doing the hard, loving, daily work of rescue
You’re helping build a system that values compassion, safety, and actual matchmaking—not just transactions.
Gentleman Jack
🐾 Adopt, don’t shop. Fix your pets. Meet your match. 🐾
You never know who’s waiting to love you back.
Can’t adopt or don’t have room at home?
That’s okay—most shelters are always looking for volunteers. Whether it's helping with cleaning, cuddling cats, fostering, or just spreading the word, there's always a way to help. Find a shelter near you and see where you can pitch in. Even a few hours a month can make a huge difference.