Those in the market for a fluffy companion who can fill their heart with joy and promote a healthier life both mentally and physically must absolutely have a cat. In addition to being soft and adorable, cats can also help us to live better lives, and we’d like to tell you all about their amazing benefits.
If you are on the fence about getting a cat, then check out this list of reasons why cats are good for your overall health and well-being.
Their Companionship Is Great For Your Mental Health
Just like dogs and birds, cats are great companions that will be with you through thick and thin, so they are great for your mental health. Don’t believe the stories you hear about cats hiding or being overly lazy. On the contrary, cats are actually very personable creatures, and they will not skip a chance to lay by you or rub against you as they emit that soft purr.
That is why cats are great pets if you live alone. Cats are famous for their ability to reduce loneliness because there is nothing quite like coming home to see your furry companion right there waiting for you. In fact, it is scientifically proven that cats make you happy. Even the act of stroking your cat when you are feeling stressed can help to reduce your anxiety.
Cats can be such a soothing presence that they can even help people who are dealing with addiction recovery. That is because when cravings begin, and your heart rate starts to elevate, just the act of holding a cat can ease your heart and lower your blood pressure so you can feel more relaxed.
On top of all of that, the sense of duty required to feed, clean, and brush your cat provides a feeling of purpose and accomplishment that many of us need in our life.
Cats Help You Keep Your Health and Well-Being In Check
While owners have a responsibility to take care of their cats, we don’t always realize that by caring for them, we are actually keeping our own health in check. For instance, cats can help us to stay active and get some exercise throughout the day. Even the act of crouching down and cleaning out a litter box provides a much-needed chance to stretch muscles that we don’t always use.
Another important part of caring for your cat is monitoring their water intake so they don’t get dehydrated and risk the chance of urinary and kidney issues that can develop over time. By making it a daily habit to ensure that they are drinking enough, you can remind yourself to stay hydrated throughout the day. You can stay on track in this regard by always keeping a water bottle by your side and eating plenty of fruits that contain water.
Cats can also help you to get better sleep. It is recommended that you rest for seven to nine hours a night, and since cats typically sleep about 16 hours a day, they can give you the motivation you need to get some shut-eye. On top of that, studies even show that by letting your cat stay in your bed at night, you may even get more restful sleep.
They Fill Your Heart With Joy
Even if you aren’t overly stressed or anxious, cats can improve overall health and well-being by just being around. For instance, did you know that your cat’s purring is not only a pleasant sound, but it can actually help you to heal? It’s true. The simply pleasant sound of a cat purr can help to heal our bones, reduce our chance of a heart attack, and can aid in the healing of previous injuries.
Plus, cats are just so much fun to play with. Whether you are getting them excited by pulling a string, playing hide and seek, or blowing bubbles that they can’t quite seem to catch, there is a lot of enjoyment to be had. When you are having a good time with your pet, you will be happier overall.
If the years of joy weren’t enough, cats can also help you to live longer. This is typically due to the fact that cat owners are less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke.
As you can see, there are many amazing benefits to having a cat. Consider adopting today, and you could see a vast improvement in your health, happiness, and general well-being.
About the Author: Katie Brenneman
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, and animal-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or snuggling with her cat, Clementine. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.
