Heart Healthy
Acting on Instinct
Cats are natural hunters, and they will keep your house clear of unwanted insects. If you are unfortunate enough to have mice in your home, then your cat is up to the task of hunting them down.
In Sickness and in Health
Cats can provide a furry shoulder to lean on during times of illness or bereavement. Maybe you just suffered a loss in your family or you lost your job, or you just simply had a bad day. Cats are very intuitive to their human's emotions, and most will cuddle right up next to you to offer what comfort they can.
Companionship
Dr. June McNicholas, a psychologist with a focus on animal and human relationships, has performed studies that prove just how important a role cats can play in our lives. Their companionship is a source of comfort for people at all ages. Dr. McNicholas found that 90 percent of people put their family pet in their top 10 relationships, with the percentage going even higher for children under 7 and adults over 60.
Caring for Another
When it comes to children, the presence of a cat in the house can be helpful. Kids can learn the responsibility of taking care of a living creature. They learn to ensure that their cat is fed daily and how to keep a clean space for them in the house (read: the litter box).
Security Blanket
It's an old argument, but a Mayo Clinic study finds that you can sleep better with a cat. The presence of a warm, furry animal adds a sense of security to your bed. Forty-one percent of the 151 participants in the Mayo Clinic study reported that having a pet in their bedroom led to better sleep.
Social Aide
Children or adults with social disorders can benefit from having a cat. Those with autism improve their communication abilities by spending time with an animal that doesn't judge them. It gives them a safe social interaction every time.
