Cats are one of the most popular pets in the US, and about 46.5 million US households live with at least one pet cat ¹. It’s no surprise that cats are beloved in the US. They’re adorable and make wonderful companions for all kinds of people.

There are so many positive things we could say about cats, and we could go on and on about why we love them. For the sake of time, we’ve condensed our love for cats to a list of our top 12 reasons why cats deserve all the love.

The 12 Reasons to Love Cats

1. They’re Super Cute

There’s scientific data that suggests that humans naturally find cats cute because they have specific features that humans instinctively respond to. Cats have similar features to babies, including large eyes and playfulness. These similarities may make people more likely to care for and want to nurture cats.

Cats also know how to have fun. Their playful nature makes people all the more drawn to them and want to shower them with love and attention.

2. They’re Low-Maintenance

Once cats feel established in a home, they’re pretty good at taking care of themselves. They’re quick to learn to use a litter box, and they don’t require daily walks. They also don’t require too much formal training.

We do want to note that while cats are relatively low-maintenance pets, they still depend on people and require daily attention. Cats that don’t receive enough attention can develop behavioral issues, including boredom, depression, and separation anxiety.

3. They’re Tidy

Cats are pretty clean pets that self-groom and stick to using a litter box. While long-haired cats do need to be brushed, they don’t really need very many baths. If you have an indoor cat, you don’t have to worry about your cat tracking in dust, dirt, and allergens from outside.

Cats do shed, but it’s pretty manageable once you get a cleaning routine established. Having the right cleaning supplies, including handheld vacuum cleaners and lint rollers, can also help minimize the amount of cat hair in your home.

4. They Scare Away Pests

Even if your cat isn’t the best hunter, they can still keep common pests away from your home. Rodents, including mice and rats, can detect the scent of a cat in the home, so they’re less likely to enter into homes with cats.

The Tree House Humane Society developed a creative solution for the care of feral cats by launching the Cats at Work program. This program assigns feral cats to residential and commercial properties to hunt and keep rodents at bay. In exchange, the property and business owners will provide food, water, and shelter for these cats.

5. They Have Long Lifespans

Cats tend to have longer lifespans than dogs. Their average life expectancy is between 13-17 years, and it’s also not uncommon for cats to live past 20 years old. The oldest known cat is Crème Puff, a Tabby mix that lived for a total of 38 years and 3 days.

While genetics don’t guarantee a long lifespan, certain cat breeds are known to live longer than others. American Shorthairs, Balineses, Russian Blues, and Siameses are all cat breeds with longer life expectancies.

6. They’re Great Cuddle Buddies

Some cats may not enjoy being petted or cradled, but there are quite a few cat breeds that like to cuddle. Some cat breeds known to be affectionate include Burmeses, Maine Coons, Persians, Ragdolls, and Siameses. These cats can end up being the ultimate cuddle buddies. They’re soft and warm, and many are heat seekers who enjoy taking naps throughout the day. They’re also quite affectionate with their owners and will often snuggle next to them if they’re seeking attention or want to take a peaceful nap.

7. They Can Boost Mental Health

Surveys have shown that cats often have a positive effect on their owners’ mental health. One poll revealed that 69% of participants felt less stress and anxiety when around their cat. They also felt that their cats provided unconditional love and support and offered meaningful companionship. 66% of cat owners stated that their cats provided a calming presence.

Another study recorded that cats can have a positive psychological effect on people. Cat owners in this study reported a correlation between their cats and feeling happier, more confident, and less nervous.

8. They Have Therapeutic Purrs

Along with boosting our mental health, cats may also have a positive effect on our physical well-being. Some studies point to the possibility that happy cats may be therapeutic cats. Cats often purr when they’re feeling content, and the vibrations of these purrs may be beneficial for people’s health. There may be links to cat purrs and lowering blood pressure and the risk of stroke and heart disease.

9. They’re Loyal

Some cats have social and outgoing personalities and may enjoy meeting new people. However, most cats are partial to showing their affection to one or two people in their family. They may not show interest in house guests and will prefer to give their attention to family members. Research also shows that cats can form strong attachments with people and prefer being around individuals who have established themselves as their primary caregivers.

10. They’re Quiet Roommates

Sure, cats can be vocal and chatty at times. However, they’re relatively quiet when compared to dogs or birds. A cat’s meowing and purring are much quieter than dogs barking or birds squawking. Cats may yowl at times, but these instances are quite rare and don’t occur unless they’ve been provoked. Due to their small size and low noise levels, cats often make excellent apartment dwellers and polite neighbors.

11. They Have Cool Furniture

Cats love to climb and jump, and they’ll appreciate having cat trees, platforms, and window perches installed in their home. You can find all kinds of cat furniture with different designs and styles that suit your personal tastes. Some even look like art pieces or fun home decorations. There are also many cute cat beds, scratching posts, and litter box setups. The options are endless, and you can easily spend countless hours discovering and shopping for cool and unique cat furniture.

12. They’re Entertaining

It’s no surprise that cat videos often go viral and garner millions of views. Cats are effortlessly amusing and entertaining. Their curiosity often drives them to do silly things, and it’s often just fun to watch and observe them. Cats are also very playful and can have fun playing with everyday objects, including string, laser pointers, hair ties, and cotton balls. Cats can make just about any situation entertaining and usually bring more laughter into the home.

Conclusion

Cats are amazing pets, and it’s no surprise that humans have been showering them with love for millennia. Everyone has their own reasons for adoring their cats. We hope our list has reminded you of how wonderful cats are and that you remember to show your cats some love and affection today.

• See Also: Why Do People Like Cats? 15 Interesting Reasons

Featured Image Credit: truenos86, Shutterstock