• While estimates vary, approximately three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized (“put to sleep”) each year in the United States because too few people spay or neuter the pets they have, too few adopt their new pets, and too many give up their pets.
• By adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group, you’ll help save the lives of two animals—the pet you adopt and a homeless animal that can be rescued because of space you make available.
• Animal shelters and rescue groups have plenty of healthy, well-behaved animals waiting for a home.
• Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet.
• Although many shelters and rescue groups have purebred animals, an adopted mixed-breed pet may be healthier than a purebred pet and, therefore, cost less overall.
• If you’re thinking of adding a pet to your household, there are many good reasons to adopt instead of buying one.

Cats are just as likely to become our partners in crime, loyal pals and best buds. And like dog friendship, cat friendship is pure; not mired in petty human stuff. That’s why we can learn a lot from our feline friends about how to be better buds to our biped pals. Here are some things cats teach us about friendship.