There are many reasons why our lovable feline friends can make the perfect pets. Not only can cats be easy to take care of, but they also can provide you with greater health benefits. There’s no question that cats are a popular choice for a pet. In fact, 25.4% of households in the U.S. own a cat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In this article, we give you the best reasons for why choosing a cat for a pet is an excellent decision.
Cats are low maintenance
If you feel like you don’t have too much time or energy to spend taking care of a pet, then a cat could be the best option for you. Taking care of a cat requires less responsibility and maintenance than other pets, giving you that extra time and energy to spend on something else. Cats also do not require a lot of space to explore and play, which makes them a great fit for an apartment pet. If you provide them with the essentials, such as litter boxes and food and water dishes, you can almost guarantee that your cat will thrive.
Compared to our canine friends, cats do not require formal training, they do not need to be taken out multiple times a day, and they can even take care of their own basic self-cleaning. Cats also cost less to take care of, in comparison to dogs. According to the ASPCA, the annual total costs for caring for a cat is $1,149, while caring for a dog is $1,391. Cats do not need as many toys, treats, or routine medical costs, making them a very low maintenance pet to have.
Cats are quiet and independent
One of the best perks about taking care of a cat is that they are very independent creatures. Cats are perfectly adequate with entertaining themselves and won’t make much noise, other than the occasional meow when they’re hungry. Even then, their meows and purrs tend to be pretty quiet. Cats also like to scavenge and explore on their own terms, which allows you to have even more time for yourself.
Most cats are happy to occupy themselves, so you usually do not have to give them your constant attention. House cats often sleep around 13-15 hours during the day, so you don’t have to worry about them being bored or getting into too much trouble. You can enjoy your quiet time, as your cat sits happily next to the window in a sunny spot or curled up next to you on the couch.
Cats have long life spans
If you’re looking for a long-term companion, a cat would be a great choice. The joys of cat ownership can seem endless, but the most difficult stage comes when you must part with your beloved pet.
According to bluecross.org.uk, domestic cats can live for up to 20 years. This is great news for all you cat lovers, as their long life spans mean you get to have even more time with them. While you are still likely to out-live your cat, you can look forward to years of loving and caring for your sweet furry friend.
Cats make great companions
Owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship to your life. Studies show that cats can display distinct attachment styles toward their human caregivers. This creates a strong bond between the animal and its owner, making cats such great companions.
It’s a common misconception that our feline friends are not very friendly and affectionate when it comes to their owners. Regardless of what you may think, cats do love their owners—they just have different ways of showing it. Some ways that your cat might show you affection is by following you around, purring to show contentment, kneading with their front paws, or rubbing up against your legs.
Just know, if your cat is consistently doing these things, it means they love you and you’re doing something right.
Cats can even benefit your health
Another great reason for choosing a pet cat, especially for those of you who already invest in products that enrich your health and wellness, is they can provide you with many positive psychological benefits. A simple purr or curl up next to you can leave you with positive emotions and calming effects. The simplicity of your cat laying on your lap at the end of a long day can cause an automatic release of positive chemicals to your brain.
Cats can also be a source of emotional support and help you feel at ease. You can always turn to your cat to help you feel relaxed and unwind after a hard day. Having a feline friend around can make your life happier and healthier, giving you a sense of fulfillment.
Some other benefits that cats can provide include:
- Reduced loneliness
- Lowered stress and anxiety
- Improved immune system
- Improved mood
For more detailed information about how cats can help improve these specific health related issues, check out our blog post on sweetpeacats.com, Good News: Cats are Good for Your Health.
There are so many more reasons why cats make the perfect pets. It’s obvious that our feline friends are such a popular choice for a pet, as they are lovable, curious, mischievous, and fiercely loyal. Cats can make amazing lifelong companions for you and your family. If you are debating on getting a pet to fill your home with love, a cat could be the right fit for you!
