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While it is sad that there is a need for adoption in the first place, luckily it is in and of itself a solution to the problem—a solution that quite a bit of folks seem to embrace.

And when folks adopt, it’s likely they take to the internet to celebrate their newest member (or members) of the family, sharing a picture of them being curious, mischievous, or downright adorable. Some of these find their way into our pet adoption of the month listicles, so here are the best ones for the month of November.

#1

I Rescued 3 Kittens From My Construction Job Site

I Rescued 3 Kittens From My Construction Job Site

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#2

Decided To Adopt The Hissing, Swatting, Growling One At The Shelter. Took Her Less Than A Day To Turn Into The Sweetest Cuddle Bug

Decided To Adopt The Hissing, Swatting, Growling One At The Shelter. Took Her Less Than A Day To Turn Into The Sweetest Cuddle Bug

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#3

Today, I Adopted A Street Cat And Her One-Day-Old Kittens

Today, I Adopted A Street Cat And Her One-Day-Old Kittens

shahid_555 Report

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It’s important to consider animal adoption stats for a minute because it emphasizes how crucial it is for them to find forever homes.

Around 6.3 million companion animals are admitted to animal shelters around the US each year. That’s roughly equivalent to the populations of Maryland (6.17M) and Indiana (6.79M).

Of them, dogs and cats go almost half-and-half with 3.1 and 3.2 million respectively. Luckily, this is a drop since 2011 when 7.2 million pets ended up in shelters.

#4

My Neighbors Were Evicted And Abandoned Their Cat. I Decided To Adopt Him. Meet Mimi

My Neighbors Were Evicted And Abandoned Their Cat. I Decided To Adopt Him. Meet Mimi

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#5

Adopted A Sweet Bait Dog

Adopted A Sweet Bait Dog

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#6

I Asked For The Least Adoptable Cat… Ended Up With A Sweet Bundle Of Love

I Asked For The Least Adoptable Cat… Ended Up With A Sweet Bundle Of Love

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Of these 6.3 million, only 4.1 are actually adopted, and about 810,000 of pets who enter shelters as strays are eventually reunited with their human companions.

Unfortunately, the reality is some animals end up euthanized. And reasons can vary from shelter overcrowding to the animals being incurably sick, aggressive, injured or suffering from something.

So, adoption is definitely the option.

#7

Rescued This Little Girl From A Trash Compactor. Her Name Is Sylvie!

Rescued This Little Girl From A Trash Compactor. Her Name Is Sylvie!

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#8

I Just Adopted Her And Named Her Duchess. Dutch For Short

I Just Adopted Her And Named Her Duchess. Dutch For Short

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Bored Panda has reached out to Julie Posluns, an applied animal behaviorist (ACAAB) and the founder of The Cat School, to learn more about adoption and adopted pet behavior.

“A recently adopted cat may initially hide due to fear of their new surroundings; overcoming this fear could take days or weeks,” explains Julie.

“As a cat becomes more familiar with its new surroundings and guardians, you should expect more exploration and social and playful behaviors.”

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#10

Just Adopted Two Tiny Voids

Just Adopted Two Tiny Voids

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#11

My Step-Mom Adopted A Cat For Her Elderly Parents. We Were Nervous Her Dad Wouldn’t Like Him

My Step-Mom Adopted A Cat For Her Elderly Parents. We Were Nervous Her Dad Wouldn’t Like Him

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#12

Daughter Was Worried About The Adopted Void Being Accepted

Daughter Was Worried About The Adopted Void Being Accepted

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ThatCapybara
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Upvote for the void 🤩💗(and their floofy friend)

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Julie continues: “Once a bond develops and your cat starts trusting you, they may start following you, seeking your attention and lying closer to you, or on you if you are lucky! The first few weeks and months are full of surprises as you learn more about your cat's personality.”

And to increase your chances of becoming a cat cushion, it helps to have some soul-searching done before actually adopting—considering the energy levels, personality, size when fully grown and their fit in the family.

#13

Recently Adopted A Kitten, Was Worried He Wouldn’t Get Along With My Dog

Recently Adopted A Kitten, Was Worried He Wouldn’t Get Along With My Dog

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#14

Accidental Hug While Brushing A Newly Adopted 15yo Pittie

Accidental Hug While Brushing A Newly Adopted 15yo Pittie

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#15

We Adopted A Second Cat Today. He And Our First Cat Are Working Things Out

We Adopted A Second Cat Today. He And Our First Cat Are Working Things Out

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Anne Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Black cat saying..Listen here, I’m the boss right? Don’t look at me with those big eyes, all cute and Floofy…I said I’m the bos…..oh, ok then. I’ll do whatever you say….

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If possible, spend time with the adoptee in the shelter and see how they react to you. And once you’ve set your (puppy) eyes on one, move on to prepping.

“While time and patience are helpful when a cat is rehomed, there are methods to speed up the integration process,” explains Julie. “Setting up the environment so your cat has many places to feel safe—both hiding spots and elevated areas to monitor their environment can bring a sense of control.”

#16

On The Euthanasia List At An Animal Shelter Instead, She Got Adopted And A Puppuccino From Starbucks

On The Euthanasia List At An Animal Shelter Instead, She Got Adopted And A Puppuccino From Starbucks

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#17

Just Adopted This Sweet Boy, Can’t Believe He Was Left Behind By His Previous Owners

Just Adopted This Sweet Boy, Can’t Believe He Was Left Behind By His Previous Owners

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Shark Lady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate people who just leave their pets behind when they move. If you can't take them with you, or you just decide you don't want them anymore, at least take them to a shelter so they have a chance of finding new humans.

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“Encouraging play, using food as enrichment in puzzles and for clicker training are excellent ‘ice-breakers’ to start your relationship on the right paw.”

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As for dogs, they too require a place of their own at home. So, set up a place with a bed and blanket for them to rest and introduce them to their food bowl and use food enrichment to help them familiarize with the environment.

#19

Just Adopted This 11 Year Old Love Bug

Just Adopted This 11 Year Old Love Bug

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#20

This Is Weasley And Capucine Adopted Thru Our Shelter. The Big Boy Was Lonely (And Really Playful) So His Human Adopted A Little Sister For Him. Things Seems To Be Going Great

This Is Weasley And Capucine Adopted Thru Our Shelter. The Big Boy Was Lonely (And Really Playful) So His Human Adopted A Little Sister For Him. Things Seems To Be Going Great

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It goes without saying that finding a local veterinarian and looking into pet insurance are highly recommended.

In the long run, and even more so with dogs, you can start introducing them to other pets around the neighborhood or even in other family circles.

Pet training also comes in handy in many different situations. Training essentially helps you communicate better with the pet and for the pet to understand you better.

#22

Rescued This Little Fella From Being Thrown Away. She’s Now A Part Of The Family

Rescued This Little Fella From Being Thrown Away. She’s Now A Part Of The Family

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#23

Meet Naomi! She Adopted Me A Week Ago And I Wanted To Show Her Off!

Meet Naomi! She Adopted Me A Week Ago And I Wanted To Show Her Off!

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Adoption has an impact on pets’ behavior and personality and it’s virtually always positive.

“There are many heartwarming stories of homeless cats who go from avoiding any human contact to becoming sweet and affectionate companions,” elaborates Julie.

#25

I Am In Love With My 6 Weeks Old Cat

I Am In Love With My 6 Weeks Old Cat

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#27

Brother And Sister We Adopted Together Who Cuddle Constantly

Brother And Sister We Adopted Together Who Cuddle Constantly

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Julie continues: “Similarly, moving from a crowded shelter environment into a quiet home can have a profoundly positive effect on a cat's personality.”

“Fortunately, even cats surrendered multiple times can adapt to new environments and become trusting companions.”

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#29

Adjusting To Indoor Life After Being Adopted From The Parking Lot

Adjusting To Indoor Life After Being Adopted From The Parking Lot

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PlatinumThe8-BitCat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my cats is from a parking lot and he is the goofiest cat ever and loves cuddling

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Be sure to check out more from the Cat School website, where you can find resources for cat training tips as well as get yourself specialized products like clicker training tools and cat leash walking kits. And be sure to follow the school on their YouTube and Instagram.

But if you want more adopted cuteness, these listicles come out on a monthly basis, so check out the one from last month.

#32

Happy Halloween From Benny! 15 Y.o. Just Adopted Him Last Week!

Happy Halloween From Benny! 15 Y.o. Just Adopted Him Last Week!

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#33

My Newly Adopted Puppy Is One Silly Sleeper

My Newly Adopted Puppy Is One Silly Sleeper

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#35

Adopted This Mama Cat And Kitti

Adopted This Mama Cat And Kitti

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#36

Accidentally Adopted A Potato But We Love Her All The Same

Accidentally Adopted A Potato But We Love Her All The Same

GuideToTheGalaxy05 Report

#37

Adopted At A Rescue And Newly Groomed. Truffles, Good Girl And Terror Of Squirrels

Adopted At A Rescue And Newly Groomed. Truffles, Good Girl And Terror Of Squirrels

UCFLegion Report

#38

This Mf Adopted Me Yesterday

This Mf Adopted Me Yesterday

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Chilli
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

finally someone understands you do not adopt the cats, the cats adopt YOU

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#39

I Was Adopted By A Stray Cat Today. I’m Grateful

I Was Adopted By A Stray Cat Today. I’m Grateful

New_Weather_7611 Report

#40

Officially Adopting My Street Foster Jpeg, Look At Her Brother's Happy Face!

Officially Adopting My Street Foster Jpeg, Look At Her Brother's Happy Face!

freyaeyaeyaeya Report

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Pasej
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do I look like I know what a jpeg is? I just want a picture of a got danged hot dog.

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#41

Rescued This Little Guy Tonight, Can Anyone Give Insight On His Age

Rescued This Little Guy Tonight, Can Anyone Give Insight On His Age

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Hawkmoon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Based on the eye color which apparently hasn't changed yet, I would say between 3 and 6 months, closer to 3 given his size.

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#42

My Wife Just Adopted Her

My Wife Just Adopted Her

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#43

Just Adopted. Her Name Is Juniper!

Just Adopted. Her Name Is Juniper!

littleponine Report

#44

We Adopted Our Newest Family Member, Miley, Today!

We Adopted Our Newest Family Member, Miley, Today!

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#46

First Week!

First Week!

MajorCatEnthusiast Report

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The soft can-opener is in for some serious training. That kitten doesn't look like it's going to be satisfied with less than perfect service.

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#47

My New Little Guy, Simon

My New Little Guy, Simon

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#48

Adopted A Swiss Sennen/Labrador Boy For Our Blondie Lab Girl

Adopted A Swiss Sennen/Labrador Boy For Our Blondie Lab Girl

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#50

My Dad Just Adopted This Baby

My Dad Just Adopted This Baby

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#53

Adopted An Abandoned Kitten On Our Honeymoon

Adopted An Abandoned Kitten On Our Honeymoon

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#54

Happy Cat Day! Meet Olaf! Newly Adopted This Afternoon!

Happy Cat Day! Meet Olaf! Newly Adopted This Afternoon!

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#56

Say Hello To Our New Adopted Puppy Chopper

Say Hello To Our New Adopted Puppy Chopper

visionist Report

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Rebelliousslug
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Any way you could bring chopper over and introduce him to me in person?

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#57

Adopted These 2 Goofs

Adopted These 2 Goofs

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#59

Adopted These Lil Babies This Weekend

Adopted These Lil Babies This Weekend

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#60

We've Just Adopted Him. It Looked So Quiet, Now It's Mayhem All Day

We've Just Adopted Him. It Looked So Quiet, Now It's Mayhem All Day

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#61

My Mum Adopted A Cat That Was Struggling To Get Homed. She’s Home Now

My Mum Adopted A Cat That Was Struggling To Get Homed. She’s Home Now

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#62

I Adopted A Kitten Less Than A Week Ago, And To My Great Surprise, She Already Trusts Me

I Adopted A Kitten Less Than A Week Ago, And To My Great Surprise, She Already Trusts Me

katie_astrophe Report

#63

We Adopted Starburst This Past Weekend

We Adopted Starburst This Past Weekend

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Sandra Graham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have look a like , he is 19 yrs old. Joy of all the years. Has the mark of St. Mary also on his forhead. A blessed cat & you.

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#64

Adopted My First Cat Yesterday

Adopted My First Cat Yesterday

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