Are There Benefits to Owning Cats?
By Randi Morse
I've learned so much in my lifetime, yet I feel like I still know next to nothing. One thing that I do know is that there are three types of people: people who prefer dogs, people who prefer cats, and those who prefer to own no animals. While I tend to prefer dogs, there is definitely something about owning a cat that can't be denied. My husband absolutely adores our cats and it turns out that owning a cat may be a great option for your health!
The Environment
It may seem silly to think that owning a cat, or a dog, can be harmful to the environment, but it's true. A study that was completed in 2009 showed that the amount of resources a pet owner needs to spend in order to feed a dog throughout its life equals the same carbon footprint as a Land Cruiser. Cats eat much less than most dogs and because their meals tend to be made from fish and not beef or corn-flavored products, their carbon footprint is the equivalent of a small hatchback.
Support Pets
Dogs can be amazing at providing support. They often know when you're feeling down and will come and sit with you. Cats, however, not only know when you're feeling down, they also know when you're sick. There is a reason why many nursing homes have cats on premises. Having a cat on your lap tends to be even more soothing than sitting with a dog. Their purring is almost hypnotic and can be extremely comforting.
Smart Owners
In 2010 there was a survey completed by the University of Bristol that showed that people who owned cats were much more likely to have a college degree than those who had dogs. Another study done in Wisconsin in 2014 confirmed these findings after a study of 600 college students discovered that the students who owned cats were more intelligent also.
Not Useless
It's a misconception that cats are completely useless. There have been a number of times when cats have saved their owners. One cat woke up his humans when a gas pipe started leaking in their home, and another warns her owner whenever she is going to have a seizure. Cats are just as capable of saving their owners lives, and being helpful, as their canine counterparts are.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hendersonville, Tenn.