“Legends state that a cat has 9 lives”, the origins of this statement are still unsure, but what we are sure about are the 9 benefits that come with adopting a cat.
1. Reduces Stress
Cats are, by nature, cute and loveable creatures, and humans have an affinity for all things adorable . The presence of a cat reduces the cortisol levels in a person’s blood. Cortisol is considered the stress hormone. Low levels of cortisol induces feelings of relaxation and makes a person overly happy. So, spending time with a cat is considered a soothing experience.
2. Provides CompanionshipÂ
In the modern era, where loneliness is on the rise, cats provide companionship in a cute, affordable and non-judgemental way, making them ideal pets for many people. According to scientific research cats are very territorial creatures and they generally see the adoptees as a part of their territory. So they regularly stay by their side and try to look after them. This evokes a sense of belonging making the individual less lonely.
3. Boosts Mental Health
Companionship of a cat can reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. The presence of a pet cat encourages a sense of responsibility and routine. Caring for a pet instills a sense of purpose, which can combat depression. Moreover, their playful nature keeps the person entertained and happy.
4. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Cat owners tend to experience lower stress levels overall, which in turn helps reduce their risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research shows that owning a cat may reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by up to 30%, as the companionship helps regulate emotions and stress levels.
5. Pest controlÂ
Cats are carnivorous creatures primed by nature to become predators. However there is nothing much to hunt in a modern household. But occasionally pests like insects or small animals might appear. Cats are efficient in terminating these pests and they do their job in a very playful manner.
6. Awareness of Environmental Changes
Cats have very sharp sensory abilities compared to humans. They can notice minor changes in the surrounding environment. For example, they can smell smoke from fire and gas leaks long before humans are aware of them. They are also capable of sensing the presence of harmful substances like pesticides or even unfamiliar people in their territory.
7. Instill a Sense of Responsibility.
The very first thing a person realizes after adopting a cat is that he must provide for the cat. This puts him in a situation where he must ensure the cat’s nutrition, shelter, healthcare, hygiene and possibly education if the cat is serious.
In the pursuit of keeping the cat’s needs met, the person unconditionally learns the fundamentals of parenting. This evokes a sense of responsibility and acknowledgement for the parental figures in his life.
8. Offers Entertainment
Cats are usually very curious and playful creatures. They are very spontaneous creatures and often engage in funny and surprising behaviors. Nothing is more entertaining than pointing a laser light and seeing the cat go berserk. Their playful nature makes the environment joyful.
9. Acts as a Conversation Starter.
Cats can act as a perfect catalyst for starting conversations. People who have cats as pets generally like to talk about them. This creates a very good chemistry between the two cat-parent.
On the contrary, a person unfamiliar with the notion of keeping cats as pets gets amused when he sees humans and cats coexisting, he wants to know more about the relationship and naturally starts a fruitful conversation.
Adopting a cat is more than simply bringing a pet into your home. It is welcoming a source of joy and companionship into your life. Their presence invites numerous benefits and with time, enriches the owner’s experiences and fosters personal development.
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Writer,
Aiwan Uddin Ahmed
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE