Perks of owning a cat

Who doesn’t enjoy watching cat videos on YouTube….? But, did you know that studies have shown that owning a cat is actually good for your wellbeing?!

Here’s why!

1 - When it comes to pets, cats are more environmentally friendly!

carbon footprint paw print environment friendly

If their carbon pawprint is important to you, cats come up trumps!

Studies have shown that the resources needed to feed a cat over the course of its life equate to the carbon footprint generated by a small hatchback vehicle, whereas a dog for example, would generate a footprint that equates to that of a Land Cruiser! This is mainly due to not only the quantity and frequency of meals but WHAT they actually eat, ie, predominantly fish vs beef. You can find out more on how to be an environmentally responsible pawrent here!

2 - Their presence helps you cope...

cat human friend support cope

We will all face difficult times throughout our lives, whether it is losing a job, losing a loved one or various other hardships but one of the best ways of coping is to own a pet. Studies have shown that cats in particular have been known to help people get over their hardships more quickly, as well as showing less physical symptoms of pain, like crying. They are an ear to vent to and a friend that won’t judge (at least not openly lol!). 

3 - They help ensure a healthy heart!

stress free cat

Owning any pet helps improve heart health but cats in particular have proven to lower stress levels! Maybe because they require a lot less work and attention than their canine counterparts!

4 - You’ll have a new friend, albeit with 4 legs and a tail!

friendly cats

It’s the age old question – cats or dogs? Cats are often seen as the less affectionate of the two but in fact, they can be just as good, if not better companions than dogs, especially for females! Much research has been carried out into the subject with results often showing that cats, alongside initiating contact most of the time, actually remember when kindness is shown to them and will often return the favour at some point!

As we know, cats are independent creatures who are very clear on what they want! After thousands of years of domestication, cats have learned how to make a noise that emulates a baby’s cry and since our brains are programmed to respond to our children’s distress, it is almost impossible to ignore what a cat wants when it demands it like that…….and the cat often knows it!!

5 - You'll sleep better!

cat bed human sleep

Because who doesn't love something fluffy to cuddle!!

6 - Cat ownership can mean fewer allergies

cat pollen allergy flower sniff

Studies have found that children under a year old who were exposed to a cat were less likely to develop allergies—and not just pet allergies. According to Marshall Plaut, M.D., chief of the allergic mechanisms section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, "high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass."

So…..what are you waiting for??

 

 

 

 

 

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