By Roslyn Ayers, PetSafe Web Content Specialist
There are so many reasons why cats are amazing pets. They’re the perfect low-maintenance companions. Besides giving you something to talk about at boring parties, they also give you a warm, happy welcome when you come home (when they feel like it, of course). Simply owning cats is good for your health, too. In honor of national
Hug Your Cat Day, here are some reasons to give your favorite feline some extra love today and every day.
5 things your cat does for you:
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Just try to watch a cat playing and not smile.
- Helps you recover more quickly from sickness or accidents. ‘Cat rehab’ has great health benefits and has even been found to comfort cancer patients.
- Gives free therapy. A kneading massage, warm body heat, and the vibration from purring make cats a naturally therapeutic healing tool.
- Reduces your chance of having a stroke. This may be the most surprising health benefit of owning cats. One study on heart health found that non-cat owners were 40% more likely than cat owners to die of a heart attack.
- Improves your confidence and sense of well-being from being loved unconditionally. Look into their sweet eyes and feel the love!
5 things you can do for your cat:
- Clean the litterbox more often. Yes, we all forget sometimes, but they’ll appreciate having a fresher litter box.
- Take care with what and how much you feed them. A fat, “fluffy” cat may be cute, but you won’t be doing them any health favors.
- Keep your cat inside. They’re 10 times safer indoors and live two to four times longer than outdoor cats. If you really want to give them freedom to exercise their natural instincts outside, try a cat run, cat harness, or cat containment system.
- Don’t forget your annual vet checkup. You can prevent many health problems by catching symptoms early.
- Embrace Hug Your Cat Day today, and make every day hug your cat day!
What is your favorite thing about being a cat (or dog) owner? What is the best thing you do for your pet?
ABOUT ROSLYN At PetSafe’s Knoxville headquarters, Roslyn Ayers is the Web Content Specialist. Roslyn comes from a family of animal lovers and has a B.A. in Writing/Communications from Maryville College. She has volunteered with various animal rescues in Tennessee and South Carolina. Roslyn currently shares her home with four cats.
