When most people think of getting a pet, a cat is always among the top of the list options. This explains why 18 in every 100 households keep a pet cat in the UK. Likewise, 25% of households in the United States of America keep these furry and fluffy felines as their pets. However, many people don’t know much of what there is to know about these feline domestic creatures.
Over the years, cats have become the pet of choice for many people and households due to their distinct features. It is said that there’s a mystery behind cats’ personalities, which makes them even more special and adorable. Cats are loyal, curious, and independent animals, all the more reason to consider owning one.
There are many facts and information about cats that sets them apart from other types of pets. For example, did you know that 70% of a cat’s life is spent napping? No? Well, brace yourself for more interesting facts and information that might be exactly what you need to hear, to convince you that a cat is what you need for a pet.
Reasons Why You Need a Cat as A Pet
1. Cats are quick learners
Compared to other pets such as dogs, cats are easier to train around the house. Less effort is required on potty training a cat than a dog. All you are needed to do is to point them in the direction of the litter box and their instincts will guide them on what to do next.
This is among the reasons why cats are the most suitable for being apartment-pets. Their litter boxes don’t require to be taken out of the house many times in one day.
2. Cats are recommended for good health.
A study that was carried out for ten years showed that pet owners of cats had a 30% lower chance of dying from a stroke or heart attack, compared to those who didn’t own a cat. More studies proved that a cat has a soothing and calming effect on people who own them. A cat’s purring sound is likely to help one to fall asleep fast.
In other health matters, research shows that owning a cat helps children who are below one year to become immune and unlikely to develop any types of allergies. The allergies prevented through this are grass allergies, pet fur allergies, ragweed, and dust mites.
3. The maintenance cost of cats is low compared to most other pets
As long as there is adequate water, food, and access to a litter box, a cat is capable of surviving alone for more than 24 hours. Cats rarely need to be taken out for multiple walks. A scheduled routine check-up with a vet every once in a while might be all that your cat needs. Cats are likely to stay out of trouble for a long time hence avoiding the regular visits to the veterinary. As long as you know what is good for your pet in terms of food and hygiene, most of the other requirements of cats won’t require you to dig deep into your pockets every other time.
4. Cats have a high intellectual capacity and memory.
Cats are more smart and intelligent than most people think. Animal Planet says that cats keep learning constantly and their memory is excellent. In addition to this, they have been proven to have several effects on younger and older children. These effects are positive. A study has shown that kids who have cats as pets in their households have excellent social skills and can easily cope with situations that are traumatic.
5. The approximate lifespan of cats is 15 years.
It may not be entirely possible to know the exact years that a cat’s life will last since some cat breeds live more years than others. However, the average lifespan of a cat is 15 years, when all factors are held constant. Having a pet around for this long will enable you to recreate memories with them. Some kids are born to find a kitten in their house that will keep them company up to their teenage years. The longest living cat, according to the Guinness Book of World Records lived for 38 years and 3 days. This means that many cats can live way past their teenage and 20s.
It is easy to get your cat to live long by feeding nutritious foodstuff and keeping it in a safe environment.
6. Cats are less noisy than other pets.
Sometimes all you need is peace and quietness when you get home in the evening after a tiresome day. Other times you need to get some things done and you need an environment that is less noisy to boost your level of concentration.
If that’s the case, then your pet cat has got you covered. The most noise that can come out of a cat is an insistent meow that is not likely to be heard in the next room. Their small structure and body size enable them to navigate through spaces, no matter how squeezed, without knocking things over. This depends on the size of your cat or the objects around, but that’s as far as it goes.
7. Cats will get rid of pests in your house.
Being the natural predators they are, cats will always run after mice, roaches, and other pests that might be lurking in your house without your awareness. No matter how domesticated the pet is, the hunter instinct will always kick in whenever they smell or see any pest roaming around the house. This may not be your primary intention of keeping a cat at your home but imagine having a friendly pet and a pest-free house at the same time? Great idea, right?
Read also: Best Cat Treats for Training
Conclusion.
In a nutshell, cats are friendly, playful, loyal, curious, independent, and overall fun to have around. The best part is that you won’t have to break the bank to get one or to care for one. A cat will not take all your time away, being the independent pets they are. There are more benefits of owning a cat as a pet than can be outlined in one article. So, make up your mind and get your household a pet cat as soon as you can. It is worth it.
