Are you a dedicated cat lover? You know you are if you can’t wait to get home and snuggle up on the sofa with your favorite feline. When your kitty cuddles up, kneads your lap, or gives you a loving head butt (if you’re a cat parent, then you know), it makes you feel all warm and toasty. But these are just a few of the many reasons why cats make the best companions.
Cats adore attention and affection, so they have lots of love to give. They also are relatively low maintenance, are easier to house train than dogs, and typically cost less over time than pups. You can also thank your kitty for keeping critters out of your house and boosting your mood and health.
Now it's time to dive into what makes cats so absolutely fantastic.
The Cat: Best Companion and Forever Friend
Whether you’re already a proud pet parent or trying to decide on a new furry companion, you can’t go wrong with a friendly feline. And what better month to bring home a cute kitty than December, National Cat Lover’s Month?
But don’t take our word for it. Here are 10 purrfect reasons cats make the best companions.
1. Cats Love You More Than Food
Many people joke that cats are aloof, showing indifference to their owners and preferring their food bowl to their person’s affection. However, research, like this study on feline behavior from Oregon State University and Monmouth University, suggests this isn’t the case.
Instead, although cats have individual preferences, most felines prefer social interaction over food. Cats form attachments to their human companions, depending on them for security and comfort.
2. Your Cat Will Always Make You Smile
Cats make you smile and laugh with their playful, funny, and quirky antics. All you need to do is watch your cat chase a laser pointer or stalk a bug to understand how accurate this is. If you’re feeling down, you can count on your feline friend to cheer you up.
3. Cats Are Good for Your Health
Not only can your cat boost your mood, but there’s research to back up your cat’s potential ability to improve your health. In a study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, researchers suggest that cats can reduce your stress levels. Cat owners also showed a 30% less chance of dying from a stroke or heart attack.
Even your cat’s purring could be beneficial to your overall well-being. A study in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America suggests that a cat’s purr has therapeutic qualities.
The frequencies within your cat’s reassuring rumbles can act similarly to ultrasound therapy. This type of therapy can aid in treating things like edema and pain and help with bone and muscle growth.
4. Your Cat Gets You
Dogs aren’t the only ones who pick up on their owners’ moods. Your cat can tell how you’re feeling and respond accordingly.
Your cat might sprawl across your laptop if you’re trying to tap out meeting notes before a deadline. But don’t look at it as a demand for attention. Your cat’s telling you, “Hey, you need a break, and petting me will help with your stress.”
5. Cats Are Low-Maintenance
A common perception of cats is that they are excellent when it comes to self-care, and this is true. Your cat will regularly groom themself and is easy to house-train (hello, litter box).
Plus, if you’re going away for an overnight trip, you can usually leave your cat home alone. Just make sure to put out enough fresh water and food and clean the litter box before you go.
6. Cats Keep the Peace
If you have a dog, you've likely experienced the revenge pee puddle after you left them alone all day. Your cat will happily lounge about and relax if you need to work an extra shift. Then, upon your return home, they will greet you with affectionate (and persistent) leg rubbing and purrs.
Cats also keep the peace because they're often quieter than pups. To put it another way, you won't need to worry about neighbors complaining about a cat that meows all day.
7. You Don’t Need to Worry About Wet-Dog Smell
Cats are meticulous when it comes to grooming and self-care. Thanks to their fantastic hygiene practices, cats rarely smell unless they've gotten into a sticky situation.
A dog can go outside for two seconds and run back inside, smelling like a sweaty locker room. Of course, it's completely worth it when you're a dog lover. A spritz of doggy cologne and you're back nuzzling Fido on the couch. But your cat will almost always smell nice and clean.
8. Cats Can Save You Money
Cats typically cost less over time than dogs. So if your budget is essential in your pet search, a cat would put you ahead regarding your wallet.
Cat food is usually less, and you won't spend as much on training, grooming, pet sitting, or boarding. You also won't need as many supplies or toys for a cat (unless you choose to spoil them, which is a definite possibility). But a cat would be happy to play with a piece of string, a paper towel tube, a cardboard box, or an ice cube.
9. Cats Cut Down on Your Critter Problem
Does the idea of coming face to face with a lizard or mouse in your house send you into a tizzy? Get a cat, and you can kiss these worries goodbye.
Your faithful feline's hunting instincts will make sure critters stay away. Although, don't be surprised if your sweet kitty leaves a few of their treasures for you as a gift. It's one of the many ways they show how much they love you.
10. You Don’t Have to Take Your Cat for Walks (Unless You Want To)
Don't feel like going outside when it's 30 degrees or a sweltering 100? Well, your cat isn't likely to start pawing at you with a leash in their mouth. They also won't wake you up at 5 am for an early morning stroll.
Of course, you can train your cat to walk on a leash if you want to enjoy some outdoor adventures. But your kitty won't bug you if you’d prefer to stay inside and read a book.
Find Your Best Cat Companion
Now that you have tons of reasons to add a cat to your happy home, what do you do? The best way to find the cat of your dreams is to check out your local shelters.
Currently, the ASPCA estimates approximately 3.2 million cats enter shelters throughout the US annually. Unfortunately, the shelters must euthanize roughly 530,000 cats each year.
By choosing one or more of these lovable pets, you can make a huge difference in their lives. You also help free up space in the shelters so other pets in need can have a place to stay in hopes of finding their forever homes.
You can start your search online through a site like Petfinder or by calling your local animal rescue. If you already have pets, your vet can be an excellent reference to ensure you can adopt your feline fur baby quickly.
To help you take the best care of your cute kitty, check out the rest of our blog for helpful tips and ideas. You’ll find everything you need to make sure your faithful feline lives their best life.