20 Sweet Reasons Why Cats Are The Best Pet You Can Have
There’s no question that cats are a popular choice for pets — in fact, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 25 percent of U.S. households have these cute, furry felines as a live-in friend. Sure, they're mischievous at times, and they might love to lay across your keyboard while you're working or enjoy smacking things off your desk for no particular reason, but if you ask us, that's entirely part of their charm — and a big reason why we love them so much. Not only are they adorable (because seriously, they're so cute), they're also fiercely independent, curious, and loyal — and can make amazing lifelong companions for you or your family. Here are 15 reasons why cats make the absolute best pets. (P.S. If you're thinking of adopting a new kitty, be sure to check out our list of the cutest cat names). Say Goodbye to Allergies Well, not for you. But if you have kids, or have kids on the way, having a pet at a young age can lower their risk of getting allergies. Not only to pet hair, but according to the National Institute of Health, pet exposure at a young age can also prevent "other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass." They'll Keep Your House Pest-Free Don't be fooled by all the fluff and fur, cats are natural predators. Despite being domesticated, they still have that hunter instinct — and will keep your home free of mice. They'll Make You Smarter No, seriously. In a study of self-proclaimed dog-lovers versus cat-lovers done at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, cat owners scored higher on intelligence than dog owners did. They Can Hear and Smell — While They're Sleeping Cats do sleep a lot (more on that later), but even when they're snoozing, they still stay super alert. They're actively hearing and smelling things while asleep, so that they're able to pounce on a pest at a moment's notice. They're Very Photogenic Need we say more? With their big, expressive eyes, cats can turn out to be pretty hilarious in photos. Cats Can Help Kids Learn Social Skills Cats can have a bunch of positive effects on children. According to Care.com, owning a cat can teach kids social skills and help them cope with traumatic situations. They’re the Ideal Pet for Apartments Plenty of apartments allow cats because they’re quiet, so they are less likely to wake the neighbors up when someone rings your doorbell. They Often Cost Less to Care for Than a Dog According to the ASPCA, cats won’t break the bank nearly as much as medium or large dogs because they require much less food, fewer toys, and fewer trips to the groomer. You Know They Are Low Maintenance Unlike our friend Fido, Whiskers doesn't require multiple walks a day. Older cats can also be left alone for a day or two if they have access to their food, water, and litter box. Of course, make sure you speak with your veterinarian beforehand. and the list goes on ...
