December is National Cat Lovers' Month, which is the perfect time to celebrate why cats are good pets.
Researchers have identified several major benefits of owning a cat. Most people already know that assistance animals and companion animals--like cats and dogs--can provide tremendous benefits to their owners, but what sorts of benefits are unique to cats?
1. Cat purrs may help healing
Scientists are still trying to pinpoint exactly why cats evolved their purrs, but some facts are clear. Cat purrs fall within the frequency range of 25 and 150 Hertz, which is typically linked to improved bone density and healing; in fact, the 18 to 35 Hz range specifically promotes healing of tendons. These healing benefits apply not just to the cats purring, but also to any other animals--including humans--close to them while they purr.
Fun fact: the healing properties of cat purrs might be the real-life explanation for why cats "have nine lives." Contrary to popular belief, cats purr not just when happy, but also when feeding their young, when feeling in danger, or when very stressed out. Unlike dogs, cats actually have a very low incidence of dysplasia and other bone disorders--perhaps because they purr and are thus able to naturally strengthen their bones.
2. Sleep better with your cat
The benefits of having a cat by your side don't just apply when you're awake. In fact, people may sleep better with a cat than they do with their partners. Studies conducted in the UK showed that people enjoyed higher quality nights of sleep with feline companions versus human partners. The cats' behavior didn't matter; even when they stole covers or interrupted sleep, people sleeping with cats still reported feeling more rested.
3. Reduce stress
Much research has been done on how pet ownership can reduce cortisol levels, reducing people's stress and allowing for improved health as well as better quality of life. Because cats are some of the least demanding pets -- they're fairly independent, don't require walks, and so forth--owning a cat is less stressful than most other forms of pet ownership. This fact only serves to further reinforce the positive effects of owning a cat.
4. Women's best friends
The notion of cats as aloof, cold creatures is becoming out-of-date as researchers discover the powerful ways in which cats build bonds with their humans. The interactions are more frequent and the bonds are stronger between cats and female owners versus male owners. Due to the strength and nature of their relationships, many women report finding more companionship from their cats than their spouses.
5. Better cardiovascular health
Studies have shown that cat owners may have as much as a 40% lower risk of dying from a heart attack than people without feline companions. This could stem from a wide range of factors, including one that we already enumerated: how cats help reduce stress and anxiety in their owners. Some experts argue that this might have to do with the type of personality that is drawn to cats, and how it is traditionally a more introverted and educated individual who lives a fairly balanced life.
6. Carry a lower carbon footprint
When compared to other pets like dogs, cats leave a much smaller carbon footprint. Dog food alone has 20% more carbon dioxide emissions than cat food. The travel often associated with dogs--such as driving them to the dog park--produces as much carbon emissions as feeding an extra cat. Other than their food, the biggest environmental culprits associated with cat ownership include the disposal of clay cat litter in landfills as well as the death of birds (cat prey).
Hopefully this article has given you some answers if you've found yourself wondering, "Why should I get a cat?" It might even have helped you further justify why cats are good pets and should be brought into your family.
As with any pet, it's critical to be responsible and take the best care of their health that you possibly can. For any concerns you may have, there are pet care specialists available. Request an appointment to meet with one of our vet health specialists.