Monthly Archives: February 2015

Benefits of Caring for a Cat

cat owner benefitsWhen you adopt a cat into your home, you are getting much more than simply a pet. You are getting a life changing experience. Your cat will occupy a place in your heart unlike any other relationship you have. And it is not all for simple fun or entertainment. Studies have shown that owning a cat actually has enormous benefits for your physical and mental health as well, which arguably affect one another.

Cats have statistically been found to increase cat owner’s mental health by giving them purpose and affection. Cases of mental disorders and addiction problems have been shown to decrease through caring for a cat. Having a cat as a pet can reduce stress, lighten tension and create happiness within a person. They can give them a much needed sense of purpose and relationship. In a world that is deeply immersed in conflict and expectations, this is invaluable.

The physical health benefits that cats give their owners are also remarkable. The positive mental health benefits that cats give their owners have an effect on things such as blood pressure, heart health and longevity. A person’s blood pressure is reduced by being in the company of a cat and giving it affection. Medical scientists are still studying exactly what the correlation is there. Heart health is increased because a person’s circulation improves through interacting with their cat, as well as through the positive energy they derive from their relationship with their cat. And caring for an animal has been shown to increase longevity in people.

Many people think of owning a cat as merely a source of entertainment, when it is actually an enriching, complex and rewarding relationship on many levels. When you work to earn a cat’s trust and affection, you will have a reliable friend in your cat that will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face. If you are seeking a lovable companion animal, consider a feline.

Cats as Companion Animals

cat companionCats are one of the most common and popular companion animals there are. There are no more widely owned pets than cats and dogs. Cats have commanded the admiration of humans for centuries. There is something about their beauty, agility and personalities that draw people to them. But not everyone clicks with cats. Many people find them inaffectionate and abrasive. There is an adjustment period for many people as they become accustomed to their cat’s personality. In the animal world, cats stand apart from other animals in their independence and in their personalities.

The golden rule to befriending a cat is remembering that a cat’s respect is earned. It does not take much to earn a dog’s loyalty. A dog will usually stick by anyone who gives them food and attention. Cats, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to impress. Cats demand more personal respect than dogs, and will require you to work in order to earn their trust. They want their owner to be intuitive enough to know when they feel like being left alone. They are not keen on coming when they are called or giving affection on demand.

Having said that, the boundaries a cat sets for their owner are not the only aspects of their personality. Cats have a completely different side that they reserve for the person who earns their trust and affection. Cats can be incredibly sweet and loving when they feel comfortable around a person. They cuddle and purr to let a person know that they are cherished. They will attempt to follow their person around the house and on walks simply to spend time with them. Cats who love their people will greet them when they come home and cuddle with them before they go to sleep. Owning a cat can feel like work at first, but it is only a matter of time before the work pays off in a loving relationship.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW-LyM5exDg

Pet Therapy

therapeutic catsThe concept of pet therapy is one that is considerably on the rise in popularity. University campuses are creating dog therapy programs that allow stressed out students to interact with dogs for their mental health. Equestrian therapy programs create the opportunity for anyone struggling with any type of condition to interact with horses for their well being. In the same regard, cats are considered therapy animals as well. Owning a cat has proven to have a number of medical and mental health benefits, including lowered blood pressure, longevity and a consistent release of endorphins. The therapeutic benefits to owning a cat are many.

The most important aspect of cat ownership is the bond that forms between an animal and their owner. Cats are unique in the animal world for their independence. Unlike other pets, their personalities are not as needy. Instead, they require a certain element of personal space and respect in order to be happy. This type of pet suits people with independent personalities very well. Regardless of how independent a domestic cat is, they are still social animals and want to give and receive love. They require a bit more space than an animal like a dog, but they are still very affectionate. They need physical contact, play time and basic life provisions.

If you decide to own a cat and you give the cat love and respect, you will have a best friend to call your own. Cats are incredibly charming and endearing; full of natural curiosity and playfulness. There will be times they want to entertain themselves and there will be times they will come to you for love and friendship. The time you spend with your cat will reward you by improving your physical and mental health and by giving you a sense of purpose, relationship and responsibility. Do not hesitate to provide a feline with a loving home!

The Rewards of Cat Ownership

cat ownership benefitsIt is not uncommon to hear people refer to themselves as cat people or dog people. Some love both animals, but most people associate with one or the other more strongly. While dogs have been found to be a very therapeutic companion animal with numerous benefits for health and well-being, cats have the same effect on people who gravitate toward cats rather than dogs. Owning a cat has been proven to have a number of benefits to a person’s physical health and mental well-being.

Cats make wonderful pets, and are unique as pets go. Where as a dog is inherently loyal to its master, a cat is reserved in where it places its loyalty. Its personality is nothing like a dog. You have to earn a cat’s respect. This is the quality that many people reject in a pet, but others appreciate it. A cat is far more independent than a dog. Cats largely entertain themselves and typically do not have as great a need for attention. Cats are independent animals and largely suit independent people as pets.

This is not to say that cats do not respond and desire affectionate relationships with their owners. Cats still show enormous love and affection toward their owners, but this behavior is mixed with the independent behavior that cats are known for. Like dogs, cats have been shown to reduce blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, increase longevity and lower stress and anxiety in their owners. Cats can be legally licensed as therapy animals for the benefits they have to their owners.

If you or someone you care about is in need of a companion animal that does not require constant attention, consider the rewards of owning a cat. You are bound to find the personality and antics of a cat amusing, enjoyable and lovable. It is true that cats leave footprints on your heart.