ANIMALS - Feline lovers, rejoice on this national Cat Day. In the United States, National Cat Day is October 29th. Some countries in Europe (including Italy) set this date on February 17: Italian National Cat Day. In Russia, it is March 1st. In Japan, this date is fixed on February 22nd (2月22日), it's the Cat Day (猫の日, Neko no hi) because 222 says "ni ni ni ni" which is close to "Nyan Nyan Nyan" for "meow meow meow meow".
National Black Cat Day was created by Cats Protection on October 27, 2011. When the campaign was launched, statistics revealed that black, and black and white cats took an average of seven days longer to find a home than cats of other colors.
Your cat is not only a pretty hairball - it's also incredibly good for your health. Those who have a preference for dogs can't deny the major benefits of having a hairy companion of any breed either. Among other things, science has shown that pets can help prevent allergies in children, ward off respiratory infections, improve mood, and even boost self-esteem.
So whoever you are, if you're one of those people who are obsessed with their feline friend. Be prepared to enjoy the many benefits of having a cat.
Here are 10 reasons why we should enjoy having a cat in our lives.
They keep your heart healthy.
According to a 2008 study by the University of Minnesota's Stroke Institute, cat owners are less likely to die of a heart attack. By observing 4,500 people (three out of five having a cat) for 10 years, researchers were able to determine that cat owners had a 30% lower risk of dying from a heart attack than others. Subsequently, a 2009 study linked cat ownership to a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, including stroke.
They practically invented the nap.
These heavy sleepers know the importance of sleep, but they also look adorable when they sleep. Numerous studies have shown that a little nap can improve alertness, memory, creativity, productivity and mood. So if you're not a fan of taking naps alone, maybe the opportunity to curl up against your hairball cat will convince you to get a little sleep today.
They leave no place for failure.
No matter how frequently they fall, cats are always able to find a way to get up and try again. They have a fighting spirit and probably know better than we do that the small mistakes we make don't mean we can't succeed in the long run. It's not for nothing that they have nine lives.
Their purring calms your nerves.
Studies show that purring can reduce stress and blood pressure. In addition, cats' purring can make vibrations ranging from 20 to 140 Hertz, a frequency that, medically, would be good for various diseases, according to studies.
For them, it's only the present moment that counts.
It's a fact that their lives are far less stressful than their human companions. But that doesn't take anything from their innate ability to sit motionless for several hours at a time just to enjoy the moment. They watch the world go by in front of their eyes. We, too, can benefit from the many advantages of meditation practice.
They make you laugh more than you thought possible.
Every cat owner will tell you that these creatures are as hilarious as they are cute. From funny little incidents to uncontested failures, it is impossible not to laugh (a little at their expense) and therefore reap the benefits of such crazy laughter. Last year, researchers at California's Loma Linda University explained that watching funny videos for 20 minutes substantially reduces cortisol levels and helps develop short-term memory in older people. This other study links laughter to a stronger heart and immune system.
They teach us the importance of strategic decision-making.
Unlike their canine enemies who pounce as soon as they get a chance to get some fresh air, chase a tennis ball or gobble up the whole bag of candy lying around the kitchen, cats tend to choose their battles a little more carefully. They take a moment to look, think, weigh the pros and cons, before deciding if the thing that attracts their attention really deserves their interest. They manage to climb into places that seem inaccessible and yet find a way to get down safely. They are thoughtful, strategic and deliberate - all characteristics that their owner puts forward and would like to attribute to himself.
They can help people with autism communicate.
Children and adults with autism sometimes have difficulty communicating with the world around them. However, animal therapy has proven to be a useful learning tool, in that many people with autism feel a stronger connection with animals than with other people. In a 2012 French study, researchers observed 40 autistic children and their pets and found that the children felt calmer and socialized better than those without pets. They associated this change with increased production of the hormone oxytocin, which can be triggered by petting a cat and subsequently increases feelings of trust and love.
They support you in your fight against depression.
Petting her cat on her lap is soothing and not only reduces stress. This companion is known to boost mood, and a positive distraction for those struggling with depressive disorders. Beyond their companionship, animals add routine, responsibility and social activity to our lives. While animals can play a role in improving depressive symptoms, cats are particularly calm and peaceful, and these characteristics can be contagious in the good sense.
They reduce feelings of loneliness with their unconditional love.
Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize that one of the greatest benefits of having a pet is their ability to soothe our feelings of loneliness. They are often the best ears we could wish for after a long, hard day, and their look when we return home reminds us that there is always someone who is excited to see us. According to researchers at the Universities of St. Louis and Miami, animals can fulfill their owners' social needs in the same way that people can.
