Welcome to PT!! I think you have heard every great reason there is to adopt from a shelter and I echo each and every one of them. I volunteer at my local shelter and there are some of the most wonderful cats I have ever met living there! I would love to bring them all home!
I would suggest one thing when you decide to go check out your shelter. Don't set your mind on anything particular and just go through and love on all the needy kitties. I promise you that the cat will pick you and you will know it's right!! You will connect with the one that is supposed to come home with you. If you set yourself to certain breeds or a certain color when you go in I can almost guarantee that is not what you will come out with!! You will be chosen and your heart will melt and bond with a kitty that you never expected. Go in with an open mind and come out with furry love galore!!!

Please share with us when you do adopt. We LOVE rescues!!!