According to Animal Planet pet expert Andrea Arden, cats rarely get the credit they deserve. While it’s true that cats are quite aloof and independent, it doesn’t mean that they cannot blend well and have fun with the family.
In fact, cats are lovely creatures. Even though it’s true that they are often engrossed in own world, they are capable of forming strong bonds with their owners.
Like all creatures, cats may have different personalities. It varies depending on their curiosity and level of awareness. With infinite combinations, cats have remarkably varied characters. All of them are fascinating.
According to studies, the first domestication of these feline creatures took place around 5,000 years ago. During those times, their primary service was to rid farms and crops of rodents and mice.
Today, cats are the well-liked and most popular pet in the world. Recent statistics show that in the United States alone, there are about 86 million owned cats living in households, and another 3-4 million feral cats. Although they are equally popular as canines, there can be approximately 16 million more cats than dogs in the U.S.
So, what exactly makes this creature such perfect pets? Cat lovers already know the reasons. But it would still be fun to think of the reasons why these little furballs are so endearing.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Cats Are Good Pets
Cats remain to be number one in the hearts of many pet owners today. Below are a few reasons that explain why.
- Cats are comfortable living in small houses and apartments. Unlike dogs, cats don’t need a lot of space to play and run around. They are happy and content as long as they have a good environment with perch to sit on and enough toys to play.
- Taking care of cats is easy. Known to be independent and aloof, cats do not need as much attention as dogs do. They are also unlikely to break your bank because they require less food, less water, and fewer visits to the vet.
- Cats are very good with kids. According to experts, cats teach children so much about life. They teach children social skills and how to cope with stressful situations. Most of all, cats teach children the concept of responsibility.
- They groom themselves. Cats generally take care of themselves when it comes to grooming, and they do this regularly. But this doesn’t mean you won’t need to take them to a groomer sometimes.
- Cats are better for the environment. Since cats don’t eat a lot of meat, this emits less carbon footprint which can be harmful to the environment.
- Cats are dynamic and active drinkers. Cats have a way of gracefully drinking, and for people who hate the sound of noisy chewing or drinking, then this can be undoubtedly a plus point for them.
- They have a long life. In a world where separating with a loved one is very depressing, it is a relief that cats have an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
Scientific and Therapeutic Reasons Why Life Is Better With Cats
Studies report that merely watching videos about cats can already create positive emotions for a person. So you can imagine how much benefit actual cat ownership can do. Here goes a few.
Cats Give Purpose to Our Lives
It doesn’t matter whether you had a good or bad day or whether you’re at your best or your worst. When you go home to a cat, you instantly become the apple of their eyes and the center of your cat’s universe. Even if it’s in their terms, your cat will always be one of the reasons you might want to go home.
Cats Help Us With Coping
According to studies, cats can help people get through their loss and lessen physical symptoms like pain. People who are in depression share that they would sometimes talk to their pets to vent their emotions and sadness. They say that talking to someone who won’t judge them or answer back somehow provides relief.
Cats Are Helpful
They can help us find a significant person. If you’re a girl who is having a hard time to be asked out or a guy who is merely struggling to get a date, then you should get a cat. A whopping 90% of women reported of finding cat owner guys who are charming and attractive. And it’s probably vice-versa.
Majority of Cat Owners Are Smart
A research done in 2014 in Wisconsin, revealed that among 600 respondents, the majority of the cat owners were intelligent people. It’s maybe because smart people tend to work long hours. Therefore, they prefer to have cats as pets.
Cats Give You a Healthier Heart
Because they don’t really need as much attention as other pets, cats can lower stress levels and decrease the amount of anxiety you need to deal with every day. Petting them alone has a relaxing effect, and one study revealed that cat owners are 30% less likely to suffer from stroke as compared to non-cat owners.
Cats Can Provide a Good Company
They provide you with good companionship. Studies show that the majority of cats are more likely to remember the kindness given to them. They can be wonderful companions, especially with women and elders. A study done in Austria in 2003 revealed that having a cat as a pet is like the equivalent of having a significant partner.
Cat Ownership Can Cause Fewer Allergies
If you’re about to have a baby, it might be a good time to get a cat. A study released in the year 2002 by the National Institute of health indicated that children who engage with cats early in their life have a much lesser possibility of developing allergies. Besides this, cats also help you sleep better. Studies in the UK found that people can sleep better with their pet cats than with humans.
Conclusion
Having a pet at home is not just about having a pet to play. It’s more about laughter, companionship, and loyalty. Cats, though proud and independent, have own endearing ways of providing all qualities.
Having them around means smiling and laughing more than we ever did. And in this busy, technology-driven life, our cats make us want to pause from our busy calendars and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. So, to answer the question if cats are good pets? It’s a definite yes!
You May Also Interested In: