Growing up, I had a dog. I didn't spend much time around cats, and I thought they were weird and mean. So you can imagine how I felt when I moved into a townhouse with my best friend a few years ago, and she brought her cat with her. I thought it would be a struggle to get used to living with a cat while I considered myself a dog person, but things changed fast. Cats are cleanly! Cats entertain themselves! All a cat really needs to be happy is some tuna and a cardboard box! Cats can be left at home while you're at work because they don't have to go outside to relieve themselves! Cats love to sleep! It didn't take long for me to switch from Team Dog to Team Cat and adopt my own kitten, and later, another cat.
Because I have turned into a cat person -- or "cat lady" as we are sometimes called -- my brain is more tuned in to all things cat-related. I recently learned that National Hug Your Cat Day is a thing that exists and it is happening on June 4, 2016. Here are 7 good reasons you should own, hug, and love a cat on June 4 and every other day of the year!
1. A friend for life
You always have someone to come home to! A cat is a great pet to have, especially if you live alone or in an apartment that doesn't allow for larger animals (i.e. dogs). Cats provide social interaction and help if you're feeling lonely. According to the CDC, cat ownership is also credited with promoting socialization among the elderly and people with physical or mental disabilities.
2. Healing power of purring
It has been determined that there is an association between the frequencies of cats' purrs and improved healing of bones and muscles. Simply being around a purring cat could improve your bone density! While the exact reason for why cats purr is still unknown, sometimes it just feels nice to have a purring cat rest on your chest.
3. Reduce your blood pressure
The act of petting a cat is calming and can lower your blood pressure. If you've had a bad or stressful day, there is nothing better than coming home and petting the cat to calm you down!
4. Lower your risk of heart disease
A study at the University of Minnesota found that cat owners had a lower chance of cardiovascular disease than people who did not own a cat. They concluded that adopting a cat would be a great way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in those with high-risk factors.
5. Boost your immunity
While many people are allergic to cats, it is actually helpful to have cat dander around your house to increase your resistance to allergens and boost your immunity! Having a cat in the house with a young child also helps prevent the child from developing an allergy to cats or even developing asthma.
6. They make you happy!
Whether you actually own a cat or just like to watch cat videos excessively on the internet, cats can make you happy! A study done at Indiana University found that people have positive reactions to cat videos that include improved mood, more energy, and fewer negative emotions such as anxiety.
7. They remind you to love
June is also National Pet Adoption month. If you think it is the right time in your life to add a fluffy companion, check out these local rescues (Minneapolis-St. Paul). I got my first cat, Marvel, from Happy Tails Rescue and my second cat, Bean, from Twin Cities Pet Rescue. You can also search Petfinder.com to find adoptable cats (dogs, birds and other small creatures) to add to your family and love forever!
