Listen up cat-haters: cat lovers have SCIENCE on our side!
There are a ton of studies to show that even just watching cat videos online can positively affect a person's happiness. So obviously the affects of actually owning a cat are even more positive.
But it's not just your mental health that benefits from your lil' fluff ball! There are a bunch of scientific reasons as to why owning cats is a great idea. Not that we needed evidence, but it doesn't hurt.
1. Cats are better for the environment than dogs.
Because of the resources needed to process dog food, the carbon footprint left by dogs is larger than an SUV. However, cats are more likely to eat easier to harvest products, and only leave the footprint of a small hatchback.
2. Cats are proven to help you cope
Cats have been proven to help people get over tragedies quicker. People who own cats are less likely to show physical signs of sadness (such as crying.) They can sense when you are sad and will come over to help heal you. Also, they won't judge you when you vent to them...so that's a plus.
3. Cats will help you find love
It's been proven that women prefer men who have cats. Seriously! 90% of single women say men who own a cat are nicer than other guys they've met. And in general, 82% of women say they're more attracted to men with an animal. Except maybe not a hamster.
4. Cat owners are smart!
The University of Bristol did a study in 2010 which showed people who owned cats are more likely to have post-secondary degrees than those with dogs. They also surveyed 600 university students and found that cat owners were more intelligent. They concluded it's probably because people who are focused on education don't have the time to take care of a dog, but still want a companion.
5. Cats give you a healthier heart
Cats have been proven to lower your stress and anxiety levels. One study showed that people who own cats are 30% less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke. Even just petting a cat will give you a certain calmness in your life.
6. Cats provide companionship, despite those stereotypes that say otherwise
There's a belief that cats hate affection, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Studies have proven that cats are just as affectionate as dogs, more so for women. Cats have evolved to develop a small half purr/half meow that mimics the sound of a baby's cry. Since we're pretty much conditioned to respond to a child's distress, it's almost impossible to ignore your cat's need.
7. Cats prove you're an honest person
The type of pet you own says a lot about your personality. Cat owners are quieter and more introverted. It was also proven that they are considered more honest and trustworthy. Plus, they're less manipulative and more modest than dog owners.
8. Cats help you sleep better
Several studies show cat owners sleep better when their cat is on the bed...even better than when their partner is there. There's really no reason WHY it helps you sleep, but it's probably got to do with that whole "calming effect" thing.
9. Cats can prevent allergies
No, not just cat allergies! Marshall Plaut, M.D. at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, says "high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass." Baby on the way? Time to get a cat, too.
10. Cats can save your life
Cats have literally saved tons of people's lives. Whether it's through warning them about seizures, alerting families when there's a gas leak, or seeking help when their owner has collapsed, cats have been heroes. Once cat even received the higher medal available to military animals.
So, if anyone ever tells you dogs are superior, bring up these facts and see if they change their mind.
