I’m not sure about you, but having cats around the house is the best. They say a house only becomes a home when a cat lives there. According to the RSPCA, more than 29% of households in Australia own a cat. According to a recent ACAC study, more than two million are in our homes across Australia.
There is nothing better than a cat having its “mad” hour running crazy around the house to make you laugh!
The crazy antics like stealing washing and playing hide and seek when you are making the bed in the morning, not to mention the unlimited kisses, snuggles and the occasional ankle bite of affection. This alone makes you feel a hundred times better. I often sit there watching them play or sleep, and I want to snuggle them.
Many scientists have studied human and pet relationships and recognised the benefits of owning a pet. Some of the basic benefits are as follows:
- Companionship – to cat owners, this is evident, but it surprises me how many people believe the myth that they are distant and unsociable – I often get confused with this (I’ve lost count of how many affectionate head-bunt I’ve had from a friendly kitty). Still, I soon realised it’s only ever from people who are not cat owners.
- Exercise – I understand cats don’t need as much exercise as a dog, but I often toss Oscar’s mouse around the room to get him moving and not to forget running around the house dragging one of their “dangle toys”.
- Nurturing – many people jib pet owners into turning their pet into a substitute child for “something to nurture, ” which isn’t bad. We all need something to love, furry or otherwise.
- Empathy – growing up with pets all my life has taught me to consider my actions in how they affect others. It is said that this experience helps children learn to relate to other people. I have often experienced people with pets or been brought up with pets who are much nicer people.
- Purring – Petting a cat while curled beside you or on your lap has lowered stress levels and blood pressure. Recent studies have shown that the frequency (or the “pitch”: how high or low the purr sounds to you) of a cat’s purr helps bones and muscles to heal after an injury!
The above points are just a few benefits of how animals can have a positive health effect on humans, and I totally get it. Of course, you wouldn’t adopt a cat purely to keep your health in check. Owning a cat or any pet is a big responsibility for some, not plausible, which is why I had to share this video. Imagine if there was one in every city…enjoy!