5 Wellbeing Benefits of Owning a Cat

10 Oct 2023.

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We all know that humans need companionship, and cats are a popular choice! From fluffy little kittens to mischievous Maine coons, cats are one of the world’s most popular pets (and one of the biggest internet sensations!)  Whatever age or stage you’re at, owning a cat can be extremely beneficial to your life and your health. In this article , Cat in a Flat is going to talk about the 5 Wellbeing Benefits of owning a Cat.

Why Cats Make Great Pets

Owning a cat can be very rewarding. Not only will you benefit from the companionship but you will enjoy the calming influence of this low-maintenance pet. Let’s explore some of the reasons why cats make great pets:

Cats are Low Maintenance Pets. Unlike dogs that need walking every day (rain or shine!) Cats exercise themselves. They don’t need walking, training, or frequent grooming. All you need to do is feed them and give them plenty of love and attention. Your cat will enjoy entertaining itself the rest of the time and exploring every nook and cranny around your home.

Cats are Great Spider Catchers. Do you freak out when you find a spider? Cats are notoriously great spider catchers! They love to hunt creepy crawlies around the house and often attack and eat them. It’s a gross but effective way to keep your home spider-free! So, if you’re not a fan of creepy crawlies (who is, really?) getting a cat could be the answer.

Cats are Quiet. Nobody likes a dog that yaps constantly and barks whenever the mail is delivered. Aside from the occasional meow or hiss, cats tend to keep to themselves and stay quiet. So, if you’re working from home or have a baby that naps during the day, you don’t have to worry about interruptions. Your feline friend will simply enjoy keeping you company – quietly.

Cats are Independent Pets. Unlike pets that need a lot of attention, like dogs, cats are very independent. They don’t need entertainment every minute of the day. Sure, they love to play but once they’ve had enough they tend to wander off and find something else to do. This makes them pretty low-maintenance and takes the pressure off providing constant entertainment. 

The 5 Wellbeing Benefits of Owning a Cat

Cats are fluffy and cute, inquisitive and cuddly and now there is proof that owning a cat is actually good for your health and wellbeing! If you’re trying to convince your partner to get a cat, the following benefits just may convince them…

1. Cats Reduce Feelings of Depression

Cats are a wonderful pet choice for those suffering from depression as they release endorphins that can help ease symptoms.

Although cats are typically pretty independent, they are well-known for being affectionate to their owners and people they trust. If you suffer from depression, a cat can offer great support. Whether you’ve had a long day at work, or you’re struggling to get out of bed, having a furry friend to snuggle up to can be a huge comfort.

While animals can’t cure depression, they are often used as part of animal-assisted therapy as they provide great comfort to those struggling with their mental health. Helping people feel safe to explore feelings they might otherwise struggle to get in touch with. 

2. Cats Lower Stress and Anxiety

Cats are notoriously laid back. They spend between 12-18 hours per day sleeping! So, it’s pretty common to curl up on the couch or in bed and find a cat keeping you company. Cats encourage rest and relaxation which goes a long way towards reducing stress and anxiety. 
What’s more, according to Virginia Beach Veterinary Hospital, “The human body may benefit from the frequency of a cat’s purr. Notably, research has shown that the vibrations emitted by a cat’s purr can lower blood pressure, lessen stress, and even promote healing.”

3. Reduce Food Allergies in Children 

Food allergies in children are a huge worry for many parents and cause a lot of stress and anxiety for many families. Research shows that in the U.S. around 6% of children and 16 million American adults have a food allergy.

Research has also found that children growing up with cats are less likely to develop food allergies later in life, especially soybean, egg, and wheat allergies. As a result, cat ownership is helping to reduce potentially life-threatening allergies for many across the U.S. and the world.

4. Cats Provide Companionship

We are in the middle of a loneliness pandemic. According to Gallup, over 44 million American adults experience significant loneliness daily. Gallup goes on to say that: 

“Those who say they are lonely are more than three times as likely as those who are not lonely to be categorized as “suffering” in their life evaluation ratings, while the odds of being categorized as “thriving” are cut in half.”

Cats can offer a great solution, providing much-needed companionship to those who are lonely. Your cat will always be there when you get home, helping combat feelings of loneliness and improve your mental well-being during difficult times.

5. Petting Cats Reduces Chronic Pain

Many people around the world live with chronic pain. Levels of pain can vary from mild to severe, affecting adults’ quality of life, well-being, and independence in many ways. While doctors can sometimes prescribe medications to help ease the symptoms of chronic pain these are not always effective.

Cat ownership can ease symptoms of chronic pain and provide much-needed relief to sufferers. The soothing act of stroking a cat can be an effective pain management solution. Petting a cat releases endorphins into the brain and these chemicals help ease feelings of pain in the body. This is just one of many reasons why pet therapy is so effective!

As you can see, the benefits of cat ownership are significant. These furry felines aren’t just cute to look at, they offer significant benefits to your happiness, health, and well-being. From physical to mental health, there are so many ways cats can support you in your daily life, helping you live life to the fullest.

And if you are still not quite ready to have your own cat but want to benefit of the 5 Wellbeing Benefits of owning a Cat, try cat sitting with Cat in a Flat to get your needed injections of cat cuddles.

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