Cats can provide unconditional love, companionship and joy to you. A feline companion can bring you health benefits by reducing stress and improving your heart health.
Cat ownership
Cat ownership can lead to a rewarding and long-lasting relationship. Cats can calm the nervous system while providing an outlet for play and fun. Cats are very independent and like to explore and scavenge on their terms. However, they can be affectionate and loving with people and their owners.
The majority of cats will curl up on your lap after a hard day, while you read or watch TV. This simple act releases all of the good chemicals into your brain and allows you to relax without feeling the burden of the day on your shoulders. Cat owners will all tell you how their feline friend makes them relax. Cats are more difficult to acquire than dogs for some people. Once acquired, however, they can become a favorite.
Cats make excellent pets
Cats are a great companion for many. They are great companions for people who live in big houses or small apartments, as they offer all of the play and fun that larger animals provide. Here are some benefits of having a cat:
- They are easy to maintain. The most attractive thing about cats is their low-maintenance nature. Dogs require more attention and care, including frequent training and grooming. They are perfect for apartment living or urban life. Cats don’t require a lot of room to explore and play. They can spend hours exploring the corners and crevices of your home.
- The cats are quiet. Although they will meow if hungry, you won’t be disturbed or distracted by them. They are a great pet for people who work from home, or have children napping in the afternoon.
- Cats are independent. Your cat is always there when you need it, but it can also entertain themselves. Cats don’t require or want constant attention, and they won’t make you feel guilty with their puppy-dog eyes.
- Cats are known to be good at hunting rodents. They are also effective natural insecticides and offer the same level of protection for your home that Venus flytraps can promise, but seldom deliver. Some cats enjoy killing bugs like spiders and house flies, as if they were being paid to do so.
- Cats live a long time. Parting from your pet is the most painful part of owning a cat. You’ll still outlive your cat but you will get more time to spend with it. Their lifespans can be up to 20 years.
Cats are good for your health
Owning a pet of any kind can bring a variety of benefits to your health. However, cats have some specific benefits. Cats can help you:
- Reduce stress and anxiety. Cat lovers know that a session of playing or petting their cat will turn an otherwise bad day around. A cat’s purr is also known to calm the nervous system, and reduce blood pressure.
- Enhance your cardiovascular health. Owners of cats have a reduced risk of heart disease or stroke.
- Avoid allergies. Cat hair is one of the common allergens. If a child has been exposed to cat hair in the early years of their life, it is more likely that they will develop an immunity system to combat not just cat allergies, but also other types of allergens.
- Helps reduce feelings of loneliness. Makes a great companion animal. Cats offer unconditional love, which can sometimes be greater (or even equal) than many friends or confidants.
Enjoying your cat
A cat can be a great companion because you do not need a lot of space to have fun with them. With a cat, you don’t need a lot of room to run or play fetch like with large dogs. All you need is a living space and some imagination. There are many other ways you can bond and entertain your cat besides a ball.
- Hide and seek is a classic childhood game that can be enjoyed by you and your cat. Hide a cat’s favorite toy under the blanket and let them scour for it.
- Blowing bubbles. Cats are always interested in what is ordinary. It may seem that you have forgotten about blowing bubbles, but the curiosity of your cat could spark your interest. The bubbles are a favorite of cats, but you should ALWAYS make sure that the solution is non-toxic.
- Create a treasure hunt for food. Keep your cat’s mind sharp and their stomachs filled with a fun challenge. Watch your cat work to find treats that you have placed in difficult-to-reach areas of your house. You can even set obstacles to help them navigate. You might be inspired to become more active.
- Download an application. iPhone or Android apps offer games that will keep your cat entertained. These include catching bugs and fish as they are displayed on the screen. For more information, please see the section Get More Help below.
What to do with your cat?
Owning a cat is a big commitment, even though cats are independent. To keep cats as healthy and happy as possible, they need an owner who is dedicated. Cats need:
- An indoor litter box. The majority of house cats will be inside cats. It is easy to use, but it must be cleaned daily to prevent unpleasant smells. The pet stores sell litters with formulas to make scooping waste out easy and to control the smell.
- Regular grooming. Even though a cat may not require as much grooming than a dog does, you still need to do some work in order to keep your home from becoming a hairball. Most pet shops have easy-to use cat grooming equipment. A weekly clean is enough.
- A scratch post. Cats have the tendency to scratch drapes and furniture. A scratch post or pole will provide the outlet your cat needs to scratch, while saving you money.
- A balanced diet. Working with your veterinarian to make sure your cat is receiving a nutritious diet. Overfeeding can cause obesity or other health problems. Keep their water and food bowls away from the litter box in order to avoid any contamination.
- Safe environment. Small, fragile animals like cats do best living indoors. While many cats enjoy roaming free outdoors, they can be at risk from other animals, such as predators, or traffic. Keep an eye on your cat and wear its ID tag. If your cat gets lost, shelters and vets can easily identify the owner if your pet is microchipped.
How to deal with cat allergies
If you’re interested in adding cats to your home, but are unable to do so because of a watery eye and a running nose, this article will help. It’s a fact that allergies can be triggered by cats, but it doesn’t mean you should immediately avoid owning one. The dander of the cat is responsible for most allergies. Some breeds produce more dander than others. It’s important to get acquainted with several cats before you adopt or buy one if allergies are a problem. If a partner or friend already has a cat there are many things that you can do in order to manage an allergy.
- Limit the use of certain rooms. For example, if you have a severe cat allergy you might want to restrict the cat to a limited number of rooms.
- Clean your hands. Wash your hands after handling your cat or petting it.
- Make use of air purifiers. They can help you to fight cat allergies and other airborne allergens, like dust mites. You can live a happy and healthy life with your pet by using an air purifier.
- Bathing your cat regularly will reduce the amount of dander and keep your cat clean.
- Antihistamines are the most effective way to treat cat allergies. Oral medication can be used to treat common symptoms like a runny or watery nose. Eye drops can be prescribed for puffy and watery eyes.
What to look for when choosing a cat?
Research first and choose a cat only from an established breeder, rescue or shelter group. When considering adoption, keep these things in mind:
- A kitten or an adult? While kittens can adapt to new environments quickly, they will require more care and attention. If you are a busy person and can’t devote the time necessary to care for a young kitten, an older cat may be your best option. A cat that is older may be sick and require frequent vet visits.
- Concerns about shedding. Certain cats shed more. An American Bobtail cat or a Cymric will shed more than a Siamese.
- Health Concerns. Healthy kittens or cats will have shiny coats and bright, clear eyes. If your cat is thin, overweight or has a nasal discharge, you may be dealing with health issues.
- Cats can have different personalities and characteristics. You should choose a cat that fits your personality and lifestyle. You may be looking for a cat who actively wants to receive attention, as opposed to one who hisses and scratches. You should visit the cat more than once if you are sure you have found it.
How to deal with the loss of a pet cat
It can be incredibly difficult to say goodbye to a feline companion who has brought you joy, love, purpose and companionship. It may be uncomfortable to have your home quieter without their purrs and meows. The windowsills or chairs might seem empty.
It can be difficult to cope with the loss of a cat you love. It’s possible to feel intense emotions such as sadness, guilt and frustration. You might also feel lonely and numb. People who don’t have pets may not know how to relate to you. However, there is no need to rush to get over it. Allow the grief process to unfold naturally.
There are ways of grieving that will help you to cope with the loss of a pet. When you are emotionally prepared, you can open up your home to another feline.