Once upon a time, the first domesticated cats personified something divine and guarded sacred places and temples. They were a symbol of fertility, sun, joy and home. Modern four-legged pets are valued no less. After all, it’s not for nothing that it’s customary to let them into a new home. They are credited with healing properties, the ability to calm and relax, relieving stress, and also warn of natural disasters. But no matter how good pussies are, a person should weigh the pros and cons in advance before getting a purring friend. After all, any animal in the house is, first of all, a responsibility.
The heart will thank you
Having a cat welcome you home and purr on your lap in the evening is a great way to reduce your daily stress levels. And where there is less stress, there is less stress on the heart and blood vessels.
In general, it is not surprising that the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases among owners of these tailed animals is significantly lower than among those who did not think of getting a cat.
Yes, scientists are quite categorical: they call the acquisition of a purring beast Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases. Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study is an excellent strategic solution for those concerned about heart health.
Main advantages
Undoubtedly, purchasing a kitten has many advantages:
- The best companion . Many people suffer from loneliness, so a cute fluffy pet will help brighten up the gray days; you can have a heart-to-heart talk with him. This is the best company for single women and senior citizens.
- Subtle psychologist . Often, when a loved one is lost, the owner, experiencing mental anguish, is not ready to communicate with the people around him. And a cat, sitting comfortably on your lap and quietly purring, gives you peace of mind, a feeling of warmth and care.
- Excellent "warmer" . The fur of cats is pleasant, silky, soft to the touch, several times warmer than a blanket, rug, or heating appliances. That is why, sitting on the sofa next to your pet and stroking it, it is impossible to freeze.
- "Anti-dust" . The mustachioed tabby, moving over all pieces of furniture, collects dust from the surface, so it does not have time to accumulate. So, cleanliness in the house is another reason to get a cat.
- Acupuncture abilities . The fact is that cats, trampling on the owner’s body, often dig into the skin with their claws. This works as a kind of acupuncture massage. So why pay for something that is given for free?
- No alarm clock! If a cat has settled in the house, the owner does not have to worry about it oversleeping. From the very morning he will be awakened by a purring “bell” poking his face, demanding attention, affection and food.
- Life extension . According to research, a “cat person” lives at least 10 years longer.
- Way to earn money . Many people love to take pictures of their pets and post their photos, which get a lot of likes. You can make great money from this.
- Doctor. In diseases of the heart and nervous system, the ability of cats to alleviate the condition has been clinically proven.
Muscles and bones will become stronger
No, no, for this you won’t have to carry the well-fed Vasily (or Murka) in your arms. Strong muscles and bones are attached to every cat, even the skinniest and smallest. All you have to do is pet the animal regularly to make it purr.
Purrs are sounds at a frequency of 20–140 Hz. Research proves Biomechanical stimulation therapy as physical treatment of arthrogenic venous insufficiency that frequencies in the range of 18–35 Hz improve the mobility of joints and muscles after injuries, and are also able to heal microtraumas and prevent muscle atrophy Why do cats purr? . This is called biomechanical stimulation therapy.
If you adopt a kitten, consider that you have acquired a device for effective physiotherapy. And he, the “device”, is happy with you.
You can learn a lot from a cat
Yes, yes, you understood everything correctly. Man is a creature several orders of magnitude higher than animals, but he can learn a lot from his four-legged pet. To understand this, just watch a cat.
How does she live? How is she acting? Cats are calm, calm and graceful. They are in no hurry, living their lives the way only they want. Cats are not hypocrites and do not pretend. They behave with dignity and “honor.” The life of these animals is measured and not hasty. They are not in a hurry or running. Many people should learn this attitude towards life and adopt the behavior of cats.
Mental health will improve
Several years ago, the reputable British company Cats Protection surveyed Pets and mental health more than 600 people, including both cat owners and people who do not have pets at all. Some of the respondents suffered from all kinds of mental disorders.
Scientists analyzed the responses and came to the conclusion: 87% of those who owned cats said that a mustachioed and striped pet had a beneficial effect on their psychological well-being. And 76% also added that a cat helps them cope better with everyday stress.
Cats are clean
The cat is the cleanest pet, but it is also quite squeamish. The litter tray must always be perfectly clean, otherwise the animal feels uncomfortable. The same goes for the water bowl: drinking water is changed twice a day so that the pet always has access to fresh and clean liquid; otherwise he may refuse to drink.
At least once watch how a cat eats: carefully, neatly, intelligently, like an aristocrat! She does not attack food, but eats beautifully and calmly. Every day the cat thoroughly washes its face and “washes” its “fur coat” with its tongue. An animal can spend several hours a day licking. There are no unpleasant odors coming from your pet: if you bury your face in the soft fur, you can’t smell anything other than his pleasant personal scent. Such a clean pet brings a minimum of problems.
You won't suffer from loneliness
Throughout our lives, each of us experiences periods of loneliness and social rejection. They may be associated, for example, with moving to an unfamiliar city or country, or the loss of loved ones and friends. The feeling of loneliness that arises is sometimes so great that you want to give up.
A pet is a creature that forces the owner to organize his life: take care of him, feed him, and clean the litter box on time. But in the end, a person feels How Pets Help Manage Depression that he is needed and continues to live, no matter what.
The cat is easy to care for
For a cat to live comfortably, you need to buy a lot of things, you also need to determine a place for the tray, eating and sleeping. However, all the associated troubles accompany a person only at the initial stage associated with the appearance of a pet in the house.
Then caring for a cat is as easy as shelling pears. You don’t need to walk her twice a day; it’s enough to regularly change the tray, add food, change water and scratch. Of course, the animal needs to be given attention - communication and games are required - but the person himself also enjoys it. There is no need to bathe your cat: she can handle the process of cleaning her fur perfectly well on her own. Bath days should be arranged only when necessary, if the pet is very dirty. Periodically, the pet's claws are trimmed and several other minor rituals are performed. In general, caring for an animal takes a minimum of time.
And you'll sleep better
Surveys among patients suffering from sleep disorders give an interesting result: if a pet - the same cat - is in the bedroom or even bed, sleep becomes calmer, deeper and more peaceful. This is indicated by more than 40% of respondents. Are Pets in the Bedroom a Problem? .
Should your pets sleep in the bed with you? A new study's surprising answers, from Mayo Clinic sleep specialist Lois Krahn, say cats are akin to an effective and completely harmless sedative that can be prescribed to almost anyone.
Cats “help” raise children
There is an opinion that there must be pets in a house with children. Kids who interact with pets from childhood grow up softer and more affectionate. They learn to empathize and have compassion, they develop empathy, thanks to which they become able to understand the pain of others. This quality helps children competently build relationships with others and take their own behavior seriously.
A cat is perfect for the role of a companion for a child, provided that the parents tirelessly explain to the child how to treat the pet. They can use the cat to develop a sense of responsibility in the child. For example, you can give small tasks related to your pet: change the tray, comb out the fur, add food. From an early age, the child will understand what it means to care for someone else. Thanks to the cat, he will learn to appreciate the life of any living creature, become kinder and more responsible. But, of course, all this will happen under the condition of proper parental education.
A cat can be a great friend for a child. Once a survey was conducted in which children who had cats took part. The overwhelming majority of them answered that they primarily prefer to share their fears, problems and experiences with their mustachioed and striped pets rather than with their parents.
Fun fact: It has been observed that children who own cats are less likely to miss school. This is due to stronger immunity, which is formed through interaction with the pet. As a result, children get sick less and miss nine fewer school days than others.
Cat or kitten?
This question is individual for each case. Some are completely sure that you should only take a small one, while others, on the contrary, talk about the positive aspects of an adult animal. Everyone makes a choice, the main thing is that it is conscious.
If the future owner has a lot of free time, the choice may be made in favor of a small kitten. At the same time, the main thing to remember is that the baby requires a lot of attention, care and time.
People who are rarely at home, due to work or frequent business trips, should carefully weigh the pros and cons before getting a pet. In this case, it is recommended to choose an already formed animal for a friend and family member.
A little about love
Don't think that cats don't know how to love. They sincerely become attached to the owner and show tenderness towards him. If you have problems at work or in your personal life, if you were unable to successfully complete a project, or if there are disagreements with a business partner, a cat with its warmth and affectionate purring will help you temporarily abstract from these troubles and relax. She will not criticize or condemn you for mistakes. Sometimes it is precisely this kind of pure and selfless love that a person lacks to feel happy.
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Practical reasons for having a cat in the house
The ancestors who decided to domesticate the wild cat in time immemorial had good reasons for this. Felines ideally protected warehouses and barns from rodent invasions, literally saving the harvest, preventing the risk of famine. For many centuries, in most countries, cats were highly valued. For example, Empress Elizabeth had pets brought from Kazan to protect the treasures of the Winter Palace from mice and rats, since these cats were considered the best hunters. And now in almost every house in rural areas there is at least one cat, which allows the owners not to suffer from rats and mice, to protect them from attacks on poultry, food, etc.
Respect for traditions
Gradually, cats revealed their other qualities; they began to be kept in homes not only for hunting rodents. They began to be considered one of the symbols of a warm home. Since ancient times, the belief has been preserved that the presence of such an animal protects the house from evil spirits.
The tradition of having a cat in the home is preserved in many families. Following it, people take a kitten without even thinking about the reasons. My great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother had such a pet, which means it should be present in my house. Otherwise, housing will be inferior.
Cons of an adult cat
Choosing an adult cat that is already fully formed has almost no disadvantages. After all, when choosing, everything that a breeder can expect is revealed. Something new is unlikely.
- Adaptation . A mature animal can take a long time to adapt to a new home and all its members. Sometimes this lasts up to 3 months. But there are cases when adaptation takes place very quickly, the animal understands and accepts all the rules of the new home.
- Getting used to new things . Adult animals do not always know how to do everything a new breeder needs. There are also cases where the animal suits all its habits and character, but is not taught, for example, how to drive a car. It will be a difficult challenge to accustom a mature animal to something new. But this is possible if you do everything gradually, unobtrusively. This, of course, is an advantage on the side of the kids. It is easier to instill skills in a child's return than to achieve this from a mature animal.
Reason 9. Aesthetics
And finally, cats are simply beautiful. They awaken aesthetic feelings in us. Even an ordinary yard cat has natural grace and incredible charm. Silky fur, expressive eyes, graceful movements, regal poses - cats have retained these features from their distant wild ancestors. And now, like precious figurines, they serve as decoration for any interior.
Get yourself a cat. You will see, not only your home, but your whole life will be transformed and become much better.
To summarize: what age is the best cat to choose?
As you already understand, there is no ideal and only right decision when choosing a pet. We advise you to choose an animal not only with your soul, but also with your head. And for this you need to understand the following questions.
- Work schedule
The adoption team urges those who spend all day at work not to adopt kittens. After all, the baby needs very careful care: feeding, education, games. A little kitten will feel lonely and unwanted if you leave him alone all day. Therefore, for those who come home late at night, an older cat would be the best option.
- Which behavior is closer to you?
It's no secret that kittens are like children - active, playful, always on the move and never tired. On the one hand, it's very funny. This behavior always makes you want to smile and join the game. You definitely won’t be bored with such a pet!
But if you want to come home and relax on the couch with your cat, and not run around the apartment with toys, then an adult cat is more suitable for you. Don't think that cats over the age of three are boring and immobile. They are easy-going and very playful. Especially when the initiative for the game comes from the owner. So we can say that a kitten will force you to play, but an adult pet will give you the right to choose.
- Free time, energy and nerves
If you have all three things, then it will not be difficult for you to raise a kitten. Believe me, you will enjoy this process, but it is not easy at all.
An adult cat is suitable for those who want to see not a small child next to them, but an adult and smart animal that already knows how to do everything. Such a pet will save you both time and effort, which you can spend for your own pleasure.
Read about choosing a pet: Kitten or adult cat? Myths and reality
Why you shouldn't get a cat. 20 reasons
Do you take a fluffy miracle with tassels? Are you ready for this? We will give you 20 reasons why you should not get a cat. And you will understand that you simply need it.
Any animal in the house is a small, at the same time not very smart, and too smart when it wants to be a child.
Who will never grow up. Do you take a fluffy miracle with tassels? Are you ready for this? 1. Welcome to the endless loop. It doesn't stop even for a day. Seven days a week. No sick leave. Bowls and pot. Bowls and pot. Bowls. Pot. Bowls. Pot. Bowls. Pot. Bowls, pot, bowls, pot, bowls, pot. For many, many years.
Did you come home late at night completely exhausted, and in the morning you have to get up at 6? Don't have the strength to clean the pot? At best, even in your sleep a judgmental look will burn the back of your head.
At worst, in the morning you will have to wipe up the demonstrative puddle next to the tray. And traces of wet paws on the floor within a radius of 5 meters. And they will wash their paws with disgust on your bed.
2. You will know everything about cat litter. You will be ready to be accepted into any pet store as a sales consultant. All existing types, odor retention, granule size, degree of dustiness and clinginess to paws. And also the weight in used form. You will either learn to turn a blind eye to the filler granules in the house, or include the “cleaning with a broom” item in the cycle.
3. You will also know everything about the types of cat litter boxes. Over time, you will begin to match the tray to the interior of your home. Because it is simply impossible to fit a tray suitable in size for an adult Maine Coon into the finished interior. From time to time you will be tempted to fill the bathtub with filler and solve this problem once and for all.
4. You will develop a persistent guilt complex. No psychotherapist can help you anymore. Because your fluffy manipulator with tassels wakes up and follows you into another room. He falls asleep, wakes up, follows you. He drags the swinger in his teeth and explicitly invites him to play with him. Meows behind a closed bathroom door.
And in general, he is at home alone all day, and there is no one to play with, and no one to talk to. Gently and unobtrusively touches your hand with its paw when you eat chicken. Are you out of food? No, he wasn't offended. But that look that follows you past the empty bowl will haunt you in your nightmares.
5. There will be more nightmares. You dreamed that the window was open, but there were no bars on the windows. Although all the bars on the windows are stronger than in maximum security prisons. You have already become a specialist in strengthening frames and windows; your knowledge is of interest to security agencies.
6. Were you late for work? Now you will. You will not be able to explain to your superiors that during these ten minutes your conscience did not allow you to drive the miracle with tassels off your knees. That for the next five minutes a miracle prevented you from tying your shoelaces. And ten more - you were cleaning the wool from your suit. Better change your job right away.
7. Wool, oh yes, this is a special pleasure. This is your permanent accessory. Exquisite seasoning for every dish. An addition to any piece of furniture. Stylish design element. Thin, weightless hairs make your whole life special, giving it new sensations at every moment.
8. But the hair on the coon can become your headache. Because sometimes it needs to be combed out well. Otherwise, a headache in 3D format - tangles. And we don't like to itch. And we chew on the comb. And we are generally afraid of water because it hisses so much. We have much more strength than it seemed, now try to pull me out from under the sofa.
9. We only like water in bowls. She's quiet there. Do you love wet cleaning as much as we love it? Very soon you will have an extensive collection of cat dishes that turned out to be “too light”, “too low”, “too high”, “too narrow”, “too deep”, “too shallow” for the curious paw of your pet, who has no idea , how you can drink without raking the water source.
You will settle on a basin, a five-liter saucepan or a dog sippy cup, only wearily brushing aside the surprised glances of your guests. This object also does not fit into your interior. But it's dry.
10. You will generally see a lot of surprised looks from guests. And much less delight than you would like. “Do you have a Maincoon or something? Will it still grow? My friend Masha also has a Maine Coon, a big one, four-haired, hairy, 14 kg, a real Maine Coon.” Well, yes. And your red hair with a tassel has curled up into a ball and is not moving with its ears. And the tail has peeled off.
11. It’s also not always possible to delight someone with tassels. Balls, feathered balls, mice, rabbit fur... I'm tired of it all. And he's bored. Get ready for creativity tests.
12. Otherwise, you will be taught ingenuity. You can’t even imagine what you can play with in the house. And what to steal by running away with your eyes bulging. You will learn better than all circus trainers how to open your mouth while jumping and extract different things.
You will shout at all the household members who dared to leave threads, strings, bags and other inedible crap that your tasseled one loves so much. Everything that has become interesting to the Maine Coon may disappear. That is, finally and forever.
They know the way to the fifth dimension, but they won’t show it to you. You can say goodbye to a dozen balls, mice, hair clips, socks and wallets. Some particularly refined people love jewelry. Adyos.
13. Do you love companion cats and that’s why you got them? Love to get up at dawn. Because yours with tassels craves communication. Thirsts for love and affection. Directly. Now. At 5:30. Don't you understand the hints? They will explain it to you clearly. And more than once. Don't you know how to play dead? Learn. Or love to get up at dawn.
14. Get ready to soundproof your apartment. A horse jumping from the cabinet onto the laminate flooring ten times while you pretend to be dead will not delight your neighbors. You are the one who loves big cats, not Uncle Vasya from below.
15. You will be able to tell exactly what your baby is doing at any given time. Day and night. You will plunge veterinarians into a stupor with the phrase “something is wrong with him.” Everything seems to be fine, but something is wrong.”
16. You will learn to trim your claws, clean your ears, follow the vaccination schedule, stuff a thermometer under your tail, give pills, pour liquid from a syringe, all the while muttering indistinct apologies and begging for forgiveness from His Majesty the cat. Because it's a shame. Because he trusted.
17. All your loved ones will know as much about your Maine Coon as you do, all conversations with you will be reduced to discussing his eccentricities, at first they will look at you sideways, and by your approaching vacation they will stop answering phone calls. Because everyone has already gone through the “week of feeding the cat” once. Do you still travel a lot? Now you will love your hometown.
18. At some point you will be glad you have two kidneys. And, given the constantly rising prices for food, you still won’t leave your tasseled one without food. And tray filler, yes.
19. You will learn to part with material things with ease. A pot of collectible orchids? Yes, and let it be, water less. Porcelain figurine from Japan? She had been collecting dust on the shelf for a long time. Leather chair from Italy? These claw marks don't spoil it at all. No, what are you talking about, he’s well-mannered here, he doesn’t scratch his claws on the furniture. It only starts with it. And he fell a couple of times in his sleep.
20. The worst thing is that after about half a year you will have crazy thoughts of having a second one.
