Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 Ways Cats Bring Families Closer Together: Benefits & Tips

happy family with cat pet spending quality or bonding time in living room

Since their personalities are so diverse, our feline friends adapt to family life in different ways, but they all have one thing in common—cats have the power to bring families closer together.

If everyone at home wants to adopt or foster a cat and is prepared for the responsibility, but is mulling over whether it would be the right thing to do, this post highlights some of the major benefits of making a cat a fully-fledged (or temporary, if you’re fostering) member of your family.

divider 1 paws

The 5 Ways Cats Bring Families Closer Together:

1. Cats Help Foster a Positive Atmosphere

Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and blood pressure while boosting your mood.1 Not only can everyone in the family benefit from this individually, but it may also contribute toward a lighter, calmer, and overall, more positive home environment. If there’s an argument, for example, the cat suddenly turning up may break the tension a little.

high five with an orange tabby cat
Image Credit: Svetlana Rey, Shutterstock

2. Cats Are a Lesson in Responsibility

When you adopt a cat, getting children at home involved in their day-to-day care is a great idea. This could be helping with feeding, ensuring the cat has water, exercising the cat with play, grooming, and generally spending time with the cat so they don’t feel neglected.

This sense of responsibility can boost kids’ self-esteem and teach them compassion, empathy, and respect for animals. If you’re bringing a cat into a home with children, you’ll need to teach them how to be respectful and interact with the cat appropriately by modeling this kind of behavior as well as telling. Young children who don’t know boundaries yet should not be left unsupervised with the cat.


3. Cats Offer Emotional Support

Cats are a wonderful source of emotional support when a family or someone in the family is going through a rough time. For one thing, your cat will listen without interrupting you, and they’ll always keep your secrets safe because they can’t share them! Cats and other companion animals are also a constant for children in families experiencing discord (divorce, job loss, etc.).

Case in point, in The Power of Pets: How Animals Affect Family Relationships, Krista Scott Geller cites a 1986 study by Katcher and Beck which revealed that over 70% of teenagers said they confide in their pets.

woman owner holding her ragdoll kitten
Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock

4. Caring for a Cat Involves Everybody

Ideally, caring for the family cat is something everyone should get involved in. Having a common interest is a good way to foster stronger relationships and communicate with one another better.

For example, if everyone has a role in looking after the cat, this will entail communicating about how to provide for the cat’s needs and who is responsible for what aspect of the cat’s care. In addition, the fun and heartwarming moments you spend with your cat as a family are great for building bonds and making memories. This brings us to our next point.


5. Cats Bring a Lot of Joy

Whatever your cat’s personality, they’re sure to inject a lot of joy into your household. While some cats make you happy by sleeping at your side, sitting in your lap, or purring away contentedly, others make you laugh with their unique quirks. All of this contributes to a more fun and enjoyable home to live in.

young woman owner with white cat
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

divider 1 paws

Is My Family Ready for a Cat?

While adopting or fostering a cat can be incredibly beneficial for all involved, the responsibility of an animal companion may not be the best thing for every family. Cats are, after all, a long-term commitment. To help you decide if it’s right for you, ask yourself these questions:

  • Are you prepared to care for an animal that could live up to 20 years (and even beyond in some cases)?
  • Are you prepared to create a safe, loving, and enriching environment for the cat to live in?
  • Will you ensure all the cat’s needs (food, litter, etc.) are catered for?
  • Will buying cat food, litter, and other necessary items be an issue?
  • Do you know someone who can care for the cat if you go on vacation? If not, are you willing to hire a pet sitter?
  • Do you have time to play and interact with the cat daily so they get enough exercise?
  • Are you prepared to teach children how to respect the cat?
  • Are you prepared to continue caring for the cat if children stop helping as much?

divider 1 paws

Conclusion

Cats make wonderful family members as long as they’re afforded respect and all their needs are met. Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision as to whether or not your family and a cat would be a good match—it’s best to be completely sure it’s what you want before you take the plunge. If you’re ready, there are plenty of rescue organizations and shelters out there who would love to hear from you.


Featured Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

9 Best Cat Litters for Kittens (2025) – Reviews & Top Picks

Bringing home a fluffy new kitten is an exciting and memorable time. While you might have picked up all sorts of toys and...

11 Amazing Ragdoll Cat Facts: Surprising Things You’ll Love to Learn

Some cat lovers want a pet with the cutest looks, while others only care about their cat’s personality. But if you want the...

My Cat Is Pressing Their Head Against Me, Should I Worry? Vet-Approved Facts, Causes & Care Tips

Cats show their affection in funny ways, including rubbing or head-butting you or other pets. They like to rub or bump their head...

100+ Spanish Cat Names: Ideas for Vibrant and Outgoing Cats

There are so many amazing things to celebrate when we think of Spanish culture. A few of the most obvious include tapas (which...

More related

Basepaws Cat DNA Test Review: Pros, Cons, FAQ & Verdict

Have you ever wondered about the breeds that make up your cat? Or wondered what potential health problems your pet might face in...

What Are the Acro-Cats? Facts, History & FAQ

Animal lovers on a mission are always looking for ways to get our attention. If you have recently heard of the Acro-Cats, but...

Can Cats Get Laryngitis? Vet-Verified Health Facts

Your usually vocal cat suddenly struggles to find their voice. They open their mouths, but either nothing comes out at all, or all...

How Can I Stop My Cat From Waking Me Up? 20 Tips & FAQ

It can be so frustrating when your cat keeps waking you up early in the morning! Whether it’s incessant meowing or relentless scratching,...

Keep reading

6 Best Dry Cat Foods in Australia in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the right food for your cat is one of the best ways to ensure your kitty’s health and longevity. It can be confusing to pick a cat food with so many brands, and many of them use marketing ploys...

grey cat eating food

What Do Cats Do When They Are Alone? 6 Vet-Approved Tips on Making It Fun for Them

Does your cat spend much time alone? Do you ever wonder what your cat does when they’re alone? Do you wonder if your cat sleeps the entire time, or maybe they play with their toys? You can buy a camera...

lonely cat sits alone on a bed at home and sadly looks at the window

My Cat Killed a Rat, What Do I Do Now? Vet-Reviewed Info

The first time that your cat kills and delivers you a rat, it can bring up all sorts of emotions: Disgust, anxiety, and more are all common and perfectly normal. But none of those emotions tell you what you should...

cat next to a dead rat

How Does Cat Allergy Testing Work? Vet-Reviewed Test Types, Signs & FAQ

Whether your cat is displaying signs of allergies or you just want to get ahead of things, you might wonder how exactly allergy testing works. After all, it can sometimes be lengthy and very much trial and error. Here, we...

cat blood test

Is Salt Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Dangers & Limits

If you’re a person who loves flavorful food, you probably like to add a bit of salt to every meal. Salt has been used for preserving and seasoning food for thousands of years and is essential for good health. Although...

Salt

Breakaway Collars Guide: Vet Reviewed Uses, Safety & Advice

No cat owner wants to consider the possibility of their kitty getting lost, but it’s always better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. If your cat escapes your house or yard, you want to make it easy for anyone...

Breakaway Red Collar Cat

Why Does My Cat Lick Me, Then Bite Me? 5 Reasons for This Behavior

Sometimes our cats do slightly strange things that can leave us scratching our heads. One example is when your cat licks you and then bites you soon after—What’s up with that? Some cats might give you a tiny bite that...

White cat bitting fingers

Is Freeze Dried Food Good for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Tips

Cats are notoriously fussy eaters, and finding food they won’t turn their noses up at can feel like a never-ending challenge. There are many different types of cat foods, from canned food to kibble to raw diets and everything in...

Is Freeze Dried Food Good for Cats