WHY BEING A CAT LADY AIN’T SO CRAZY
This week I’m flying the flag for our often misunderstood feline friends and waxing lyrical about why I believe they’re so freaking awesome!
My own ball of fluff arrived in my life in 2015. After taking in a pregnant stray cat, my mum suddenly found herself with six adorable – but mischievous – little beings who all needed good homes to go to.
I was in a rented place at the time so it wasn’t ideal for taking on a pet, but from the moment I laid eyes on her I knew Eileen belonged with me. She was the runt of the litter – scrawny looking with Bambi-esque legs that seemed too long for her tiny body.
Fast-forward five years and I cannot speak highly enough of cats. It’s fair to say I’m a massive fan – I should start a club or wear a t-shirt or something. I’ve managed to convert a number of skeptical friends and spread the word far and wide about the benefits of having characterful kitties around your home.
Their sometimes-aloof nature can lead people to think they’re not affectionate when, in fact, the opposite is true. They have such spirit and their independence is certainly appealing to me.
Plus, felines dominate the YouTube world with the popularity of “cat videos” showing no signs of slowing down.
But don’t just take my word for it. I’ve found some actual scientific evidence that backs up my
beliefs that puddy cats are freaking awesome…
They ease stress
A 2009 study by a group of savvy scientists found that cats can actually lower stress levels. When I first read this I wasn’t exactly shocked – I only have to look at the recent lockdown and Coronavirus situation to know that spending an evening chilling with the cat leaves me feeling more relaxed than time in the real world. However, perhaps more surprisingly, the research also shows that this lowering of stress can have a knock-on effect on your overall cardiovascular health, leaving cat owners about 30 per cent less likely to suffer from cardiovascular issues. Pretty neat.
Another way in which our furry friends help to ease stress and anxiety is thanks to their low-maintenance and independent nature. Cats tend to be less demanding and put us under far less pressure than their canine counterparts, which works well when we’re feeling pushed for
They make us happy
Grumpy Cat, cats in tiny boxes, cats up curtains, cats in places where they really shouldn’t be…
Of course I’m talking about cat videos. I fall down Internet wormholes on an almost daily basis and cat videos are my guilty pleasure. Millions of us (cat lovers and sceptics alike) are tuning in to enjoy their quirky, cocky and hilarious antics. One study by researchers at Indiana University in Bloomington found that people who watch these videos can enjoy boosted energy levels, increased positivity and general happiness. Can’t be bad!
They’re giving off good vibrations
And finally, cats are healers! I don’t just mean during times of stress and heartbreak, I mean
actual, real life healers. According to research by Fauna Communications, it’s all in the purr.
The study found that the frequency of our feline friends’ purr – between 25 -140 Hz if that means anything to any of you – is the ideal therapeutic frequency for promoting bone growth. This frequency can also aid healing of fractured bones, reduce swelling and act as a natural pain reliever. It’s also said to help with healing and strengthening of tendons and ligaments. So if you’ve gone too hard down the gym, an evening with your cat could be just the ticket.
And there you have it, folks! If you were on the fence about whether to adopt a four-legged fur
ball, perhaps this short blog has helped you to find in favor of these remarkable animals.