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Owning a cat brings unconditional love and company into your life and can be a rewarding relationship. Although cats are independent animals that like to explore under their conditions, they are also very affectionate with the people they trust. Cats are great pets, whether you live in a big house or a small apartment.
Here are some of the benefits of owning a cat:
1. Cats improve cardiovascular health
Owning any pet is good for heart health. Cats, in particular, lower stress levels because they do not require as much effort as dogs and reduce anxiety. Petting a cat has a positive calming effect. Studies have found that owning a cat can reduce the risk of various heart diseases, including stroke, by about 30%.
2. Cats lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels
High levels of triglycerides and cholesterol contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, liver, and kidney disease. Reducing these levels reduces the risk of these diseases.
3. The purring helps to heal bones, tendons, and muscles
The purring of a cat is one of the most comforting sounds in the world and, although it translates to the fact that the cat is happy, the sound has been associated with a therapeutic ability to heal bones and muscles.
The purring of a cat creates vibrations at a frequency of 20-140 HZ, and studies have shown that frequencies in the range of 18-35 HZ have a positive effect on joint mobility after an accident.
4. Cats improve sleep
Several studies in the UK have shown that people (especially women) prefer to sleep with cats instead of their partners and even say that they sleep better with a cat.
5. Cats have therapeutic benefits
Owning a cat can release oxytocin into the body, a hormone known to induce feelings of love and trust. Cats have been shown to help people overcome difficult times in life and have fewer physical symptoms of pain, such as crying. People say that sometimes it is easier to talk to a pet than to another human. Also, children with autism are less anxious and calmer while petting a cat.
6. Cats reduce stress and anxiety
The time spent with the cat (between 15 and 30 minutes a day) is beneficial for both the cat and you. Studies also show that a cat’s purring can calm the nervous system and reduce blood pressure. When you spend time with your cat, your serotonin levels increase, and your cortisol levels decrease.
7. Cats prevent allergies
In 2002, a study found that children under one year of age who were exposed to contact with a cat were less likely to develop all sorts of allergies. High exposure to pets from an early age seems to provide protection not only in the case of pet allergies, but also other types of common allergies, such as allergies to dust mites, ragweed, and grass. And while Toxoplasma gondii (an intracellular parasite, the cat being the definitive host) is a threat to young children, experts say that if the cat’s litter is cleaned daily and the cat’s access outside is restricted, the risk of getting sick is very low.
8. Cats are good for the environment
If you are worried about the carbon footprint, it is better to have a cat than a dog. A 2009 study found that the resources needed to feed a dog during its lifetime create the same ecological footprint as a Land Cruiser. On the other hand, cats, who eat less in general and prefer fish dishes, have an approximate carbon footprint of a Volkswagen Golf.
9. Cat owners are smart
In 2014, a study found that cat owners are smarter. Smarter people tend to work longer hours, and because cats require less attention than dogs, they are a better choice for busy people.
10. Cats reveal your personality
Choosing your pet reveals things about your personality. While dog owners tend to be more sociable, cat owners are calmer and more introverted. Cat owners are also less manipulative and more modest.
11. Cats save your life
Studies show that animals are extremely sensitive to changes in our bodies. The sense of smell, vibrations, sounds, and much more are very sharp. Cats have a reputation for not caring about their owners, but they have saved countless lives over the years. The connection between a cat and its owner must also be considered. Even if a cat can detect physical suffering and other dangers, it probably would not do so if it did not have a close relationship with that person.
12. Cat maintenance costs are low
Cats have low maintenance costs compared to dogs. Cats are also perfect for apartment or city life. They do not need much space to play and explore.
13. Cats are quiet
Cats meow when they are hungry, and the rest of the time they will not distract you from your activities to ask for attention. This makes them an ideal pet if you work from home.
14. Cats are independent
A cat will be there for you when you need it, but it knows how to play on its own and does not need constant attention.
15. Cats drive away rodents
Cats like to hunt rodents. Whenever there is a cat around, the mice will keep their distance. But cats also hunt insects, such as flies and spiders.
16. Cats have a long life
The most difficult stage of owning pets is their death. The longer life of cats means that you will spend more time with them, even up to 20 years.
17. Cats provide company
Owning a cat reduces feelings of loneliness. Although cats are known for their independence, the bond between a cat and its owner is very strong. A study conducted in 2003 showed that owning a cat is like having a romantic partner.
If you want to find out about the benefits of having a dog, check out our article on this topic: 16 health benefits of having a dog.
[Photo from Pixabay]
