Why we love cats

It’s almost International Cat Day. It’s a yearly celebration since 2002. It is a day to raise awareness for cats and learn about ways to help and protect them. Cats hold a special place in our hearts. Do I need to say meow? I don’t have to explain why we love cats, as we can feel it in our hearts. And if you don’t feel it, you will also not understand. There is something unique about cats, that makes so many humans in the world fall in love with them. This is a blog dedicated to this amazing creature.  

Perfect shape 

A phone cover with a cat, a cutting board in the shape of a cat or a breakfast bowl with a cat. There are so many things we can buy with cats on it. I personally think it is the shape of a cat, that seems to be perfect. If they are sitting, walking, sleeping, it all doesn’t matter. From each angle they are perfect. The shape of a cat is elegant, classy, beautiful and cute. Compare a cat shape with a dog shape, and you know what I mean right? I also love dogs, but using the shape of a dog on an object just doesn’t work. But cats? They always sell. 

Domestic cat 

The cat (Felis catus) is the domestic cat or house cat. The domestication of the cat dates back from 7500 BC in the Near East (Ottoman Empire, Middle East). Cats were kept as a pet and farm cat, to kill vermin. Domestic cats are found everywhere around the globe. Worldwide there are round 600 million cats, from which 400 million in Asia. 

Why we love cats

It’s difficult to explain why we love cats. There are a lot of reasons. It must be a combination of their personalities, behaviors, appearance and the way they interact with humans. Some reasons why we love cats: 

• Cats are cute. Cuteness overload. Cats are adorable and charming. Every part of a cat is cute. Their soft fur, their big eyes, the tail, the nose, the shape of their ears and of course their toe beans. Especially the beans. 
• Cats are in balance. Not only physical, but also in their behavior. They maintain a good balance between wanting attention and being independent. They will come to you when they want, but they also have the urge to do their own things. 
• Cats are crazy and funny. We never get tired of cat videos. The funny and crazy things they do makes us laugh and improve our mood. 
• Cats are charming and mystical. The charm of a cat can never be compared to another living being. Their mysterious and charming behavior let us easily fall in love with them. 
• Cats have different personalities. Every cat is different and unique, like humans. But the difference is that cats don’t care what you think of them. They just be and show who they are. Their individuality makes them special. 

Health benefits

There are many reasons why we love cats. Living with a cat or more cats is also good for our health. Some health benefits:

• A cat reduces your stress. Being with a cat calms you down. Especially their purring will lower stress levels and makes you feel relaxed. Most of the cats also come to you when you don’t feel well or sick to support you. 
• A cat reduces your blood pressure. Having a cat can reduce blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. 
• Cats are your best friend. They are not judging us.  If you treat them with respect and love, they will be your best friend. They will not easily let you down, like humans can do. 
• A cat reduces loneliness. If you are living alone or with others, a cat in your house will reduce loneliness. A home without a cat is just a house. They fill up the empty space and make your house a home. 
• Cats will increase your physical activity. Playing with a cat can increase your physical activity. So it’s healthy for your cat, but also for you. 
• You become older with a cat. For elderly people, cats can provide emotional and psychological support. They give a sense of purpose. 

Responsibility

Having a pet is nice, but it is not all about you. Before you decide to have a cat or another pet, ask yourself the question if you can take care of it. In a previous blog I wrote about the responsibility for a pet. Does a pet match your lifestyle? Do you have enough time for a pet? Do you have enough money to take care of your pet? Do you understand your pet and its needs? Do you have friends or family where your pet can stay when you travel or when something happens to you? Many people like pets, but often they will dump them when their pet doesn’t listen or becomes too expensive. So please consider these things before getting a pet. It is not a toy, but another living being with its own needs and personality.