Unfortunately, these days, many people are too busy to enjoy the benefits of animal companionship. Worse, most landlords refuse the joys of pets to people, overly concerned about messes or noises they might create. If one is not allergic however and has some time and money to spare to share his life with a cat, he will find that there are many benefits to furry friendship.
While a dog can be more expensive and time consuming, requiring regular walks, cats are independent enough to only require minimal attention and funds. Yet, if one is willing to put in the extra energy and care, the cat gives back more than you give her.
A Cat Can Calm One Down
It's easy to get frustrated about many of life's unforeseen or regularly aggravating events. Having one cat or more gives one the opportunity to sit down for a while, pat a being who is warm and furry and feel at peace. Research has proven that patting a cat lowers one's blood pressure and heart rate. Thus, cat owners are less likely to have heart attacks or other problems caused by stress.
A Cat Can Boost One's Mood
Cats are often quite playful, especially when they're young. Kittens love to play with balls of yarn, feathers, toys, the dog and many other household items. Watching them or interacting with them on this level can be relaxing and usually creates a source of humour. Regular doses of laughter allows the dopamine levels in the mind to rise which lessens the likelihood of depression, angry outbursts and other signs of negative energy.
A Cat Makes One Feel Less Lonely
Although dogs traditionally are felt to be the more sociable animal, encouraging one to go out for walks, meet people and receive the benefits of an accommodating loyalty, cats are also great companions. If one lives alone or one is ill, a cat snuggling in the bed or chair with one can give one something to chat to, commiserate with or just draw comfort from. Cats are not as indifferent as their reputation suggests. If one gives love to a cat, it responds in kind. Most importantly, this love is unconditional. Cats don't judge. They remind one of the importance of the simple pleasures in life and that life is best enjoyed at a slower pace with lots of naps!
Cats are worth the cost in litter, food and vet care. They are low maintenance and give one sources of relaxation, humour and companionship for as much as twenty years if looked after well.
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