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!

The Best Cat Breeds for Families with Kids

Got kids but want a cat as well? That's a great idea since exposing kids to cats at a very young age helps them grow up more sociable, loving and nurture their communication skills faster compared to children without pets in their environment.

However, unlike what most people think, picking out a feline addition for your family isn't just about how fluffy its coat is or the color of its eyes. You also have to determine if a certain breed is patient and tolerant around kids.

So if you're planning to have a pet feline of your very own that is sure to get along with your children easily, the following breeds are the best choices to go for:

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #1: Maine Coon

Sure the Maine Coon may have a rather large physique, but this cat is more of a gentle giant than a cumbersome feline. Apart from having a charming, kittenish attitude that stays even well into adulthood, the family-oriented Maine Coon also has a characteristic gentle nature and won't have a problem being held and petted. Interestingly, this cat also has a fondness for water and can be easily taught tricks, which kids will surely find fascinating.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #2: American Wirehair

When it comes to settling in laps and bonding with its human companions, the American Wirehair is one of the breeds that is definitely topping the list for being very affectionate. This cat likes social interaction and will be always up for a hug or two each and every time. This cool feline also won't have a problem adjusting to new faces and surroundings that makes it a superb choice for parents with young kids.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #3: Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is the cat to go for if you'd like a pet for your kids that won't just entertain them with its clownish antics, but will also make them look forward for a bit of exercise. This feline will even be eager enough to have a go at a game of fetch or tag whether it's in the living room or the yard. Being very friendly and adventurous, your kids won't ever have a dull time with the Abyssinian in the home.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #4: Ragdoll

Avid fanciers consider the Ragdoll as perhaps the most laid-back feline in the world of cat fancy. Aside from being extremely calm and docile, which makes it highly unlikely for this cat to bite and scratch, it also stays very relaxed when held or petted. The Ragdoll stays kittenish and extremely affectionate even until maturity as well. Young kids will also find its habit of becoming limp when cuddled captivating and cute at the same time.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #5: American Shorthair

Now while the American Shorthair is commonly labeled as a "working cat," this feline can be also very playful and sweet. Apart from appreciating having a go at an interactive game or two, it also loves being given a vigorous belly rub or a scratch behind the ears. Moreover, this jovial cat is known to be very tolerant around children and will just walk away to play somewhere else when it feels that the play has become too rough for its taste.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #6: Chausie

Sure the Chausie is a breed that can trace back parts of its family tree to jungle cats, but it is actually a very affectionate and friendly breed that loves to get in on whatever its human companions are doing. Although this cat does have an active streak, it also does very well around young children since it is always an eager participant when it comes to cuddling and playing.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #7: Birman

The Birman is quite popular for its quirky habit of sitting still and taking it easy for a very long time. Remarkably, this Persian and Siamese cross doesn't shy away from being shown gestures of affection while at it though. It's also not uncommon to see this feline hanging out near the front door and appointing itself as the home's official greeter.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #8: Manx

Kids can be quite playful any time of the day and the Manx is just the cat that won't think twice about matching their energy levels. Although this cat can be quite active, it is still very gentle and will allow itself to be petted and caressed without getting grumpy. The Manx is also very fond of water and won't hesitate to jump in a kiddie pool.

Kid-Friendly Cat Breed #9: Siamese

The Siamese has the reputation of being chatty and playful, which will surely liven up your household as soon as it arrives. It is also known as a very sociable and friendly feline that doesn't have a problem getting along with very young children. Its infectiously active disposition is sure to make any child want to play a game with this slender-necked cat almost immediately.