The Benefits of Having a Cat: Why Humans Need Cats

Cats aren't just beautiful to look at - having one even comes with significant perks. Some are obvious, like having a soft, furry cuddle buddy. Cats tend to seek out warm places to sleep on or spend lots of time burrowing under the bed covers, meaning you also get to benefit from this natural heat pack.

Not to mention the entertaining antics of our feline friends that can keep us amazed and amused for hours.

But these aren't the only benefits to owning a cat - it turns out having a feline friend in your life adds up to several perks for you, both health-wise and mentally.

1. Companionship 

People tend to assume that dogs are a lot more loving than cats and that cats tend to be more aloof, more uncaring. But as laid-back as felines are, cats do provide constant, loving support even though they're less obvious about it than dogs are. A 2004 Swiss study found that having a cat in the house is the emotional equivalent as being a part of a couple! 

And speaking of couples, having a cat just might even increase your chances of coupledom! A British poll found that over 80% of women found men more attractive if they liked to keep a pet. And that's not all - 90% of women believe men who own cats are "nicer" than non-cat owners.

So, if you're a single guy - adopt a cat!

2. Independence and Intelligence
According to a study of French pet owners, cat owners were found to be more intelligent (in both IQ and education) than their dog-loving counterparts. Although the investigators conducting the experiment do not believe that the cats were responsible for making their owners smarter, they did deduce that people with high education - and usually, longer employment hours - were more likely to opt for cats since they are much more low-maintenance and can more or less take care of themselves - an awesome trait that all cat lovers respect and appreciate! 

3. Allergies

Some studies suggest that newborns living in families with pets - like cats - are more likely to develop immunity to allergies and even have fewer infections and respiratory problems than children who're raised in pet-free households. 

Early exposure to cats - and dogs - provide immunity, even to asthma!

4. Anxiety

According to a study done by the University of New Work, individuals with pets have lower anxiety levels than non-pet owners. 

5. Cholesterol 
A 2009 Canadian study found that having a cat was as effectively in lowering cholesterol as cholesterol-reducing prescription drugs!

6. Mood Booster
In general, owning and also interacting with a cat can improve your mood. While cats are not the cure-all to major issues like depression, playing with a cat does help get your head off your problems and even for a moment, relax and enjoy yourself. It's been found that feline owners recoup from painful injuries faster and even show fewer physical symptoms linked to pain.

7. General Health
It's been found that cat owners make less frequent visits to health care providers, chiropractors and medical facilities. Nursing homes studies also found that home that allowed kittens into the facilities had lower therapy costs than those that didn't! 

Not that you need apart from the fact that you really like cats to get one - the above will help justify your next adoption or kitty shopping!