 Owning a cat can bring unconditional love and companionship to your life. Having a feline friend can also help to relieve stress and improve your heart health. Owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding relationship. A cat has the ability to both calm your nervous system and provide an immediate outlet for fun and play. Although cats are independent animals who like to scavenge and explore on their own terms, they are also very affectionate with their owners and people they trust. Most cats love to curl up in your lap at the end of a long day while you watch television or read a book. The simplicity of this act can cause an automatic release of all the right kinds of chemicals to your brain, allowing you to ease into the evening without the weight of the world on your shoulders. Any cat owner will tell you just how much their furry friend helps them to relax and unwind. While many people enjoy the company of dogs, a cat can be more of an acquired taste, but once acquired, it's a hard taste to lose. Reasons Why Cats Make Great Pets The versatility of cat ownership is one reason why so many people enjoy feline companionship. Cats make great pets whether you live in a big house or tiny apartment, and they provide all the fun and play of larger animal companions. If you're thinking of owning a cat, these are some of the key benefits. Cats Are Low Maintenance Maybe cats' most alluring quality is that they are lower maintenance and cost less than dogs, who need walking, training, frequent grooming, and more toys and attention. Cats are also perfect for apartments or city living. They don't need tons of space to play and explore, nosing their way through the nooks and crannies of your kitchen will keep them occupied for hours. They're quiet. Cats tend to meow when they're hungry, but you rarely have to worry about being woken up or distracted from a task by a cat begging for attention. This makes them an ideal pet if you're working from home or have youngsters napping during the day, for example. They're independent. A cat will be there for you when you need them but they're also perfectly adept at entertaining themselves. Most don't need, or want, constant attention and you'll never have to endure guilt inducing puppy eyes from a cat. They keep your house pest free. You probably already know that cats like to hunt rodents. But they're also natural insect killers, too, offering the kind of household protection that Venus Flightwraps promise but rarely deliver. Many cats thoroughly enjoy exterminating bugs such as house flies and spiders, almost like they're being paid for it. They have long lifespans. The most difficult stage of pet ownership is parting with your beloved companion. If you're still likely to outlive a cat, their longer lifespans mean you'll get to have more time with them, up to 20 years, in fact. The health benefits of cats. While owning any pet can provide a myriad of health benefits, there are some benefits that are specific to cats. They can. Lower stress and anxiety. Cat owners know how one session of petting or playing with their cat can turn a bad day into a good one. Scientific evidence also shows that a cat's perk can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure. Give your cardiovascular health. Cat owners have been reported to carry a lower risk for heart disease and stroke. Prevent allergies. You always hear about cat hair being one of the most common allergens. However, if a child is exposed to cats within the first few years of life, they are more likely to develop an immune system that combats not only cat allergies but other kinds of allergens as well. Reduce feelings of loneliness. Cats make great companion animals. They offer an unconditional love that can be equal to, or sometimes even greater than, many human friends and confidants. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out beemixpets.com. Use coupon code Kittenlife to get 20% off. Have fun with your cat. One of the great benefits of owning a cat is that you don't need much space to play and have fun together. Unlike large animals who need plenty of space to play fetch or run around, all you need with a cat is your living room and a little imagination. Beyond a ball of yarn, there are plenty of other ways to entertain and bond with a cat. Play hide and seek. An old childhood sleepover favorite can now become you and your fluff balls favorite pastime. Just hide a toy or an object that interests them under a blanket and watch your cat scavenge. Blow bubbles. One of the greatest joys of cat ownership is their never waning interest in the ordinary. Blowing bubbles might seem like an activity you left back in the schoolyard, but your cat will be so taken with the floating balls of mystery, it could reignite your interest. Cats love to try to catch and pop the bubbles, just be sure to always use a non-toxic bubble solution. Set up a food treasure hunt. Cats love the excitement of a challenge that keeps their mind sharp and their stomachs full. Place treats in hard to reach spots in your home and watches as your cat works to retrieve them. Cats are so agile you even can set up obstacles for them to navigate. It might even inspire you to be more active. Use an app. iPhone and Android applications offer games to keep your cat entertained, including catching fish or bugs as they appear on the screen. See the Get More Help section below for more information. Care for your cat. Although cats are more independent than many other pets, owning one is still a major commitment. They need a devoted owner to keep them as happy and healthy as possible. Cats need. A fresh litter box. Most house cats are indoor cats, which means you will need a litter box. A litter box is convenient but needs to be cleaned every day to avoid unpleasant odors. Pet stores offer litter formulas that make it easy to scoop out waste and control the smell. Consistent grooming. Although a cat might not need the same amount of grooming as a dog, it still takes work to prevent your house from turning into one big hairball. A weekly cleaning is usually enough, and you can find easy to use cat grooming tools at most pet stores. A scratch pole. Many cats have a tendency to scratch and paw at drapes, furniture, and just about anything else that takes their fancy. Investing in a scratch pole or post will not only provide your cat with the scratching outlet they need but also save you lots of money and frustration. A well-balanced diet. Work with your vet to ensure your feline is getting a nutritional diet. Avoid overfeeding that can lead to obesity and other serious health issues. Also, be sure to keep their food and water bowls far away from their litter box to prevent any risk of contamination. A safe environment. Cats are small, delicate animals that do well living mostly indoors. Although many cats love to roam free outside, other predatory animals and traffic, for example, can threaten their safety. Always monitor your cat's whereabouts and keep an ID tag on its collar. Tips to manage cat allergies. Although it's true that cats can trigger allergies, it might not instantly rule you out of owning a cat. If you suffer from allergies, it's a good idea to spend time with different cats before adopting or buying. And if a friend or partner already owns a cat, there are still plenty of things you can do to help manage your allergy. Restrict certain rooms in the house. If you suffer from a cat allergy, you may want to keep the cat out of your bedroom and restrict them to only a few rooms in the house. For example, wash your hands. After handling or petting your cat, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before you touch your face or rub your eyes. Use air purifiers. Air purifiers fight against cat allergies as well as other allergens that might be lingering in the air, such as dust mites. Using one may help you to live a healthy and happy life with your cat. Be consistent about bathing. Giving your cat a bath can reduce dander, while also keeping your cat sleek and clean. Use antihistamines. Consult your doctor or local pharmacist about the best antihistamine for your cat allergy. Common symptoms such as a runny nose can often be treated with oral medication, while puffy, watery eyes can frequently be treated with eye drops. If you enjoyed this video, kindly press the like button. 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