Perks of Being a Cat Lover: Of course, one of the main draws of owning cats is that you get an adorable furry companion, but did you know that there are scientifically proven benefits to owning cats? Owning any pet can help calm a person down and give owners a sense of responsibility and routine. The constant companionship of a pet also helps owners feel less lonely, which is definitely something many people look for in times like these. This list compiles some of the main health

benefits that come with your fuzzy feline friend!

There is nothing better than cuddling with a purring cat! I’m sure all cat lovers can agree that there is something magical about when a cat chooses to snooze in your lap or come up to you for a quick pet. Unlike dogs, many cats do not go out of their way to seek affection, therefore, when a kitty goes out of their way to spend time with you, that moment is extra special. Being in the company of cats has proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

As stated above, cats can provide constant companionship. Studies have shown that loneliness and self-isolation can lead to a higher risk of many different

conditions. Owning a cat, or any pet for that matter can help owners feel less alone. For those who may not be able to keep up with the physical attention that a dog might require, cats are the perfect pet! Different breeds have different temperaments, so make sure to do your research to find out which breed of kitty might be best for you. Also, consider adopting from shelters, where you can enrich both your life and the life of a rescue cat as well!

Say good-bye to the crazy cat lady stereotype! While it may still be true that cat lovers are often more introverted than dog lovers, it has been proven that many cat owners are more sensitive and open-minded than dog owners. Pets are also a wonderful way to meet new people! Everyone loves talking about their pets, past or present. Even those who do not own pets often are open to conversing about animals they may want to get in the future.

According to a 2009 study, researchers found that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attack, even if they had other factors that could contribute to a higher risk of heart attacks. Additionally, another study has shown that cat owners saw a reduction in ailments such as back pain and headaches. Of course, there is no definitive proof that cats will absolutely reduce or eliminate the chances of heart attacks or headaches, but perhaps simply owning a cat and enjoying their company compels us to feel happier and make healthier choices.

At the end of the day, there are many reasons why cats can improve our lives, even if it isn’t backed up by science. Kitties are good listeners and provide endless entertainment. They might appear grumpy or cold sometimes, but our cats are definitely just as happy to have us as we are to have them.