There are so many things to love about owning a cat. Aside from being beautiful and intelligent, cats are perfect companions for a lazy morning in bed, and they are great for curling up with in front of a fire.
Spending time with our feline companions can also decrease stress and anxiety we are often confronted with in our everyday lives. Whether you’re a social butterfly, or a quiet introvert, the benefits of owning a cat are abundant.
If you already have a cat, or if you’re planning on adopting a new feline companion soon, here are even more great reasons to love and own cats.
Benefits of Owning a Cat
Cats help decrease stress and improve your mood – having cats around can help to improve your mood. According to science, if you spend 15 – 30 minutes a day petting, cuddling, and playing with your cat, your overall mood can be boosted. This is the result of a rise in serotonin (feel good hormone) and a decrease in cortisol (stress hormone). Good feelings win!
Cats improve your physical health – some of the many health benefits of owning a cat include boosting your immune system, reducing the chance of heart attack, and preventing some young children from developing asthma and allergies.
Cats get you moving – dogs get most of the credit for being great workout partners, but don’t turn your nose up at cats if you think they won’t keep you active too. If you are a current cat owner, you know that cats can bore easily. Keeping your cat active and engaged requires effort on your part. Breaking out the laser pointer or feather wand for tag, playing kitty fetch, and installing perches high up on your walls are a few of the ways you and your cat can actively interact.
Cats control rodents – this one is obvious! The hunting instinct is strong even in domesticated cats. Although “the hunt” is mostly for the thrill of the chase with our domesticated cats, there are some studies that show that even the scent of a cat is enough to keep rodents away.
Cats help you recover more quickly from trauma – there are endless studies that show the healing benefits of cats. The mere presence of cats in our lives is proven to help us recover more quickly from PTSD, surgery, and other emotional events. Individuals who have fewer human relationships often report even more benefits from feline companionship during difficult times.
Cats make friends – cat owners make friends easily because they love to talk – about their cats! Cat owners report feeling less lonely than non-cat owners. So, if you’re interested in filling up your social calendar, consider adopting a cat or a kitten.
Cats can be good for kids – when children imagine what a pet is feeling, it may help them learn how to empathize with their peers. Having a pet can also teach a child responsibility, if the child is supported by his or her parents in learning how to care for a pet. Teaching children to confide in their pet may help them recover from traumatic events.
Cat Health and Wellness
We have presented several of our favorite benefits associated with owning a cat. As a certified Cat Friendly Practice, Berkeley Veterinary Center wants to be your partner in keeping your cat healthy and happy for its lifetime. If you have any questions about cat health, or if you need to schedule an appointment for your cat, please give us a call.