I have been surprised by a general attitude of indifference towards cats. I first noticed a negative milieu when it was challenging finding homes for strays that I found. I heard a lot of “I am allergic” and “I am not a cat person.” It also seemed very few guys living by themselves or with other male roommates were open to adopting cats.
I wondered if people were just ignorant and hadn’t grown up with cats to feel differently. I fear cats get a bad rap. Let’s make the case for cats.
10 reasons cats are great pets:
1. They are devoted and loyal companions.
2. They enjoy attention. Every cat is different. Some would love to sit in your lap for hours while others seek you out for some occasional petting. They all love attention when they ask for it.
3. Patting a cat is therapeutic and good stress relief.
4. They are clean creatures who bath themselves regularly.
5. They are immediately potty trained. How amazing is that? An animal that naturally goes to the bathroom in a liter box and wants to stay clean.
6. They sleep roughly 16 out of 24 hours of the day.
7. They are great hunters and will happily take care of any little pest problems you might have in the house.
8. They love people/attention but also are independent and can entertain themselves. They can also entertain you! Watch some funny cat videos sometime-they play the piano, chase their tails, sleep in the strangest places and attempt some amazingly high feats.
9. There has been much research supporting positive health affects from owning a pet. The CDC, reports that “Pets can decrease your: Blood pressure, Cholesterol levels and Triglyceride levels” (all which minimize your risk for heart attacks). They can also help with your mental health decreasing “Feelings of loneliness” and “anxiety” being a stress reducer.
10. As far as pets go, they are pretty low maintenance. They don’t need to be walked, bathed or have cages cleaned. They need shelter, food, a clean liter box and routine medical attention (yearly check up, shot(s) and monthly flea/tick treatment).
You don’t have to be a cat person to like cats and to help.
“In the U.S., there are an estimated 6–8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted. Tragically, the other half are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets who would have made great companions.” (Humane Society of the United States)
According to Alley Cat Allies ”More than 70% of cats who enter our nation’s animal control pounds and shelters are killed.”
How you can help:
-Adopt
-Foster
-Spay & Neuter
-Rescue
-Advocate for community cat programs in your area
-Donate
Additional Resources:
“10 Health Benefits of Owning a Pet“, Woman’s Day Magazine
“Top Ten Reasons You Should Adopt a Cat“, PetMD
“Amazing Cat Facts“, Pet Insurance-101
