Bored Panda contacted Louise Lee, the media officer at the non-profit Blue Cross For Pets organization, which specializes in animal adoption in the United Kingdom. We asked Louise if more people are willing to take the “adopt, don’t shop” approach these days. Luckily, it seems so. “We rehomed over 9,000 pets last year, which has increased significantly since a decade ago.”

The stigma about rescued cats is slowly fading away. “Such misperceptions that these pets were all given up because of behavior and that they're 'broken' are gradually changing, and people understand pets are handed over for all sorts of reasons,” explained Louise.

Louise said that “we’re working hard not only to change the perception of pets in rescue” but also to help people who can’t cope with their pet. “We seek to take the 'shame' away from people who are struggling to cope with their pet and decide to rehome or their circumstances change.” As a result, the adoption assistance team at Blue Cross never judges anyone.

But the pet adoption expert warns that it’s important to get the whole family on board when it comes to adopting an animal. “Make sure everyone in a family wants a pet and understands their responsibilities, the time needed, and financial commitment before getting a pet.” Even if taking in a pet will surely have an effect on your lifestyle, it really pays off seeing your kitty happy.