Having a pet is a wonderful experience that many people cherish, and research shows that having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and even make it less likely for these mental health issues to occur. Cats are amongst the most popular choices that people go for.
This article will go over some of the reasons why they can make the perfect pet for people who feel stressed out and could use some animal companionship in their lives.
1. Cats Are Mostly Low Maintenance
Compared to dogs, which are amazing in their own right, cats are one of the most intelligent and independent pets that you can own.
For example, they don’t require training, they can bathe themselves, and as long as you make the food and water accessible to them, they can eat whenever they feel hungry.
You won’t ever have to walk your cat either, but regardless of whether or not you raise them to be an indoor or an outdoor one, you’ll still need a way for them to exercise and expend some extra energy they might have.
Even the most aloof or lazy cats can get bored, and because of this you should provide them with toys and scratching posts to stay entertained and try to play with them when you can. By doing this, you also reduce the likelihood of your cat expressing themselves by scratching up and damaging your furniture.
Overall, though, cats are excellent for people who work full-time and can be assured that their cat will be just fine when they get home.
2. Cats Are Suitable For Different Living Spaces
Aside from the occasional sign that says “no pets allowed”, cats can thrive in whichever type of housing you currently live in. If you plan to move in the future or you’re unsure what pet is most appropriate right now, having a cat can open up more options for you.
For example, if you live in an apartment, cats only require a litter box in order for them to take care of their business, but owning a dog here might make it more challenging, especially if you don’t have your own yard.
Cats tend to also be very quiet animals, and this will greatly reduce the likelihood of your pet ever disturbing your neighbors and hearing any complaints.
As long as your kitty is adequately stimulated and has his or her needs met, such as the suggestions mentioned in the previous section, he or she can do just fine in even the smallest domiciles and this can make living with a pet much less stressful.
3. Cats Are Loving Creatures
While cats collectively have a reputation for being aloof and standoff-ish, they can also be just as affectionate as dogs and will show it in their own way.
Many cats will try to nuzzle, nibble, kneed, and even groom you if they’re trying to show you some love and receive it back from you. Some outdoor cats will even try to share or gift you their prey, and while handling a dead rodent, reptile, or insect isn’t always the most pleasant thing, it’s a good idea to appreciate your feline friend’s gesture nonetheless.
Of course, just about everyone is familiar with a cat’s purr – the sound that is produced when a cat is feeling relaxed and content (it can also indicate pain or that they’re hungry, so read your cat’s body language) and this can be quite therapeutic to our ears and our mind.
There’s nothing quite like bonding with your cat, and doing so can produce a strong and positive sense of wellbeing and a calming effect. Even if you have a busy schedule, always strive to spend time with your furry friends because they can make a huge difference in your health and how you feel every day.
However, while cats can be a valuable way to help achieve mental health and wellness, they are not professionals, and should not be a replacement for a licensed professional who can teach you how to manage stress.
Reach out to a counselor or therapist online today at BetterHelp to learn how to cope with stress and live the best life possible alongside your pets. You can also look into animal-assisted therapy, which is becoming increasingly more popular because of its combination of professional guidance and a love of animals to heal and live happier and healthier.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to adopt a pet, there are little to no downsides to giving a cat a good home, and hopefully, this article has shown you why it could be one of the best decisions you can make. Even if you have allergies, the ease of taking care of a cat and the affection one can bring can have a positive impact on your life that you can’t ever forget.
