Cat Breeding Tips: Responsible Practices for Success and Well-being

 Cats have often been portrayed as mysterious, aloof animals that only care about themselves. Sometimes, it might even seem that they prefer to be away from everything, spending most of their time sleeping. However, despite their seemingly detached demeanor, cats are always aware of what’s happening around them, especially regarding their owners and their emotional states. The pleasure of having these animals, adored by a large part of society, comes with some intriguing benefits, many of which are linked to their ability to help us find peace of mind.

Today, Bright Side would like to share what science says about the benefits of sharing your home with a cat.

1. Their purrs are not just soothing sounds; they actually use them to heal themselves. Spending time with a purring cat can also positively affect your health.

“Purrrrrr” is the distinctive sound that cats make when they purr. This is one of the ways they communicate with their owners and other cats, but they make this noise for various reasons. Sometimes it’s because they’re hungry, something hurts them, or they’re afraid or upset. On the other hand, purrs also happen when cats are comfortable and calm, being petted, or wanting to express friendship and love. The frequencies of these sounds can, in some cases, match healing frequencies. That’s why purrs are considered a form of therapy for cats and maybe even for the people around them. Purring might relieve the cat’s discomfort and help both humans and cats feel more relaxed.

In addition to potentially reducing the risk of heart disease, a cat’s purr could also improve lung function for people suffering from respiratory problems. Their purring can help alleviate stress and calm you down during a nervous breakdown. Purring occurs at a frequency between 20 and 140 hertz, with domestic cats most commonly purring at frequencies between 20 and 50 hertz.

This sound vibration stimulates tissue healing, particularly in injuries affecting tendons and muscles in cats. These frequencies also reduce pain and help increase bone density. Studies have shown that living with cats during the first year of life can decrease the chances of respiratory and ear infections, as contact with pets protects and strengthens the immune system. Interestingly, this benefit also applies to contact with dogs. So, if you were deciding between the two, you might want to consider adopting both!

2. Cats help you feel calm, reduce anxiety, and provide comforting companionship during tough times.

Caressing our pets can brighten our day and leave us with a unique sense of peace. Research over the past few years has determined that owning a cat, or another pet, can help relieve the stress and anxiety of daily life. This, in turn, helps keep blood pressure levels lower and reduces heart rate, making you feel more relaxed and worry-free. With this knowledge, having a cat at home becomes one of the best ways to combat loneliness and naturally prevent anxiety and stress.

A study found that cats are a constant source of companionship for 83% of participants, are always there when needed for 67% of participants, and provide emotional support in times of distress. Another study determined that having pets at home can boost their owners’ self-esteem and increase their levels of endorphins. These molecules are related to the experience of happiness and well-being. By petting cats (which they love, as proven by science), playing with them, or simply knowing they’re silently keeping us company, we can chase away sadness. It’s no wonder that cats have the special power to make us feel more relaxed the minute they enter the room.

1. Cats help you sleep better.

We might think our cats sleep in our beds for warmth and comfort, but there are deeper reasons behind their choice. When it's time to sleep, they seek affection and protection, feeling safe in our presence. It's also a way for them to relax from their alert state during the day. If you struggle with sleep due to a busy routine, try placing your cat on your forehead for 5 minutes to help release the day's burdens and unwind.

4. Cats bring joy to your life and often make you laugh with their playful antics and quirky behavior. 

Living with cats is an adventure in every sense, as their movements, expressions, and behavior bring joy to their owners. For those unable to have pets at home, there are still ways to experience similar joys, such as viewing animal posts online.

In fact, studies have found that watching cat videos online has become a popular pastime because of the positive emotions they evoke. These videos can uplift mood and energize viewers. Research into Kawaii (cuteness) has shown that after enjoying such content, people often experience increased productivity in their activities.

5. Cats can help individuals with autism communicate more effectively.

In some cases, individuals with certain types of autism may struggle to communicate with others. Animal therapy has proven to be a valuable tool in establishing new channels of communication, partly because patients often feel a strong connection to animals. Additionally, studies have shown that children who have pets tend to feel calmer and more sociable than those who do not. Petting a cat can increase oxytocin levels, fostering trust and strengthening the bond. For instance, Iris Grace, a child with autism, finds communication easier with her cat Thula, who provides her with a sense of security.

6. Having cats can reduce allergies, particularly in children.

There are various opinions on what cat fur does and how much it sheds. Concerning having young babies at home, some may hesitate to have a cat sharing the house. However, a study found that children under one year old who grow up with a cat as a pet are less likely to develop allergies. These findings suggest that early exposure to pets could potentially prevent the development of animal allergies later in life. It may also help mitigate other similar issues, such as dust allergies.

7. Cats are often friendly and can form strong bonds with their owners.

Although cats are often seen as independent, they do enjoy interacting with humans. In fact, a study found that many cats prefer socializing over activities like eating or playing with objects. When deprived of these options, most cats chose to seek affection from humans after a few hours. Only a few prioritized food over cuddles. This challenges the stereotype of cats as solitary creatures!

8. Cat owners are smarter than dog owners.

The debate between cat and dog owners has indeed been ongoing for a long time, driven by various perceptions and preferences. It's true that studies have found differences in the personalities and lifestyles of cat owners versus dog owners. Dog owners tend to be more active, outgoing, and spend more time outdoors, while cat owners are often more introverted, prefer indoor activities like watching TV or reading, and have a penchant for cultural and academic interests.

Regarding intelligence, attributing higher intelligence to cat owners based on these characteristics is a broad generalization and not conclusively supported by scientific evidence. Intelligence is a complex trait influenced by many factors beyond pet ownership.

As for cats and their healing powers, they have been known to provide emotional support and relaxation, which can positively impact their owners' well-being. Whether through their purring, companionship, or simply their calming presence, many people report therapeutic benefits from having cats in their lives.