The joy of having a cat

The experience of millions of people, the studies and advice of specialists say the same thing: owning a cat can bring unconditional love and be unparalleled company, even in life. Having a friend who doesn’t speak can also help reduce stress and improve whole-body health, including your heart.

We must therefore not overlook this truth: owning a cat can be an extremely rewarding relationship. A feline has the ability to calm the nervous system and provide a special break, a disconnect from fun and play. Although cats are independent animals who like to groom themselves and explore the world in their own way, they are also very affectionate with their owners and people they trust.

Most cats love to curl up in their owner’s lap at the end of a long day while you watch TV or read a book. The simplicity of this act can cause an automatic release of all kinds of the right chemicals in your brain, allowing you to quickly relax without the weight of the world on your shoulders. Any cat owner will tell you how much their furry friend helps them relax and disconnect – it’s no secret! While many people enjoy the company of dogs, a cat may be a more acquired taste, but once mastered, it’s a hard taste to lose.

Recommended reading: Are you looking for happiness? It comes with pets – here’s the truth researchers discovered.

Why are cats great pets for Romanians too?
The versatility of cat ownership is one reason why so many people (including other cats) enjoy feline companionship. Cats make great pets, whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, and provide all the fun and goodwill associated with larger animals. If you are thinking of owning a cat, these are some of the main benefits:

– Cats are low maintenance. Perhaps the most attractive quality of cats is that they don’t ask for much and cost less than dogs, which need walking, training, frequent grooming, and more toys or attention. Cats are also perfect for apartments or townhouses. They don’t need large surfaces to play and explore: sometimes even small rooms will keep them occupied for hours. You can read about litter and cat litter here.
– They are silent. Cats tend to meow when they are hungry, but you rarely have to worry about being woken up or distracted from a task by a cat that needs attention. This makes it an ideal pet if you work from home or have children who sleep during the day, for example.
– They are independent. A cat will be there for you when you need it, but this domestic feline will also be perfectly capable of having fun. Most don’t need – or want – constant attention, and you’ll never have to put up with a cat’s guilt-inducing puppy dog ​​eyes.
– Felines keep your home safe from pests. You probably already know that cats love to hunt rodents. But they are also natural insecticides, providing the kind of home protection that the flying traps on TV promise but rarely deliver. Many cats really enjoy exterminating insects such as houseflies and spiders, almost as if they are paid to do it.
– They have a long life. The most difficult phase of pet ownership is parting with your beloved companion. While you’re likely to outlive a cat, its longer lifespan means you’ll have more time with it—up to 20 years, in fact.

What benefits do they bring to our health?
While owning a pet can offer numerous health benefits, there are some things specific to cats.

1. Reduce stress and anxiety. Cat owners know how a cuddle or play session with their cat can turn a bad day into a good day. Scientific evidence also shows that purring a cat can calm the nervous system and lower blood pressure.
2. Improve cardiovascular health. Cat owners have been reported to have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Prevention of allergies. We often hear that cat hair is one of the most common allergens. However, if a child comes into contact with cats early in life, he or she is more likely to develop an immune system capable of fighting not only cat allergies, but also other types of allergens.
4. Reduces feelings of loneliness. Cats make great pets, offering unconditional love that can match (or sometimes surpass) that of many human friends and confidants.

How to feel good with your cat?
One of the main advantages of owning a cat is that you don’t need a lot of space to play with this animal. Unlike large pets who need lots of space to play or run around (as mentioned above), with a cat all you need is your own living room and a little imagination. Besides a ball of yarn, there are many other ways to bond with a cat.
● Play hide and seek. Childhood play can now become your and your furball’s favorite pastime. Simply hide a toy or object of interest under a blanket and watch your cat walk away.
● Blow soap bubbles. One of the greatest joys of owning cats is their interest in new things. Blowing bubbles may seem like an old-time activity, but your cat will be so fascinated by the floating balls that it might reignite your interest. Cats love trying to catch and pop bubbles, just make sure you always use a non-toxic bubble solution.
● Organize a scavenger hunt…food. Cats love the thrill of a challenge that keeps their minds sharp and their stomachs full! Place suitable treats in hard-to-reach places around the house and watch your cat struggle to retrieve them. Cats are so agile that you can even give them obstacles to jump over. It might even inspire you to be more active!
● Use a mobile application. The iPhone and Android apps offer games to keep your cat entertained, including catching fish or insects that appear on the screen.

How to take care of your cat: practical advice
Even though cats are more independent than many other pets, owning one is still a major commitment. They need a devoted owner who will keep them as happy and healthy as possible. Cats need:

1. A clean litter box. Most domestic cats are indoor animals, which means you will need a litter box with fresh litter. A litter box is a convenient solution, but it must be cleaned properly to avoid unpleasant odors. Petmax.ro offers you litter formulas that facilitate waste removal and odor control, made of clay or silicate, right HERE.
2. Constant care. While a cat may not need the same amount of care as a dog, it still takes some work to keep your home from turning into a hair-covered mess. A weekly cleaning is usually enough and you can find it easy to use cat grooming tools here (brushes and shoe polishers).
3. A sisal. Many cats have a tendency to scratch or touch curtains, furniture and anything else they like. Investing in a plain or angled sisal will not only give your cat the scratching post it needs, but will also save you a lot of money and frustration.
4. A well-balanced diet. Work with your veterinarian to ensure your feline at home is eating a nutritious diet. Avoid overeating as it can lead to obesity and other serious health problems. Also, make sure to keep food and water bowls away from the litter box to avoid any risk of contamination.
5. A safe environment Cats are small, delicate animals that live well, especially indoors. Although many cats enjoy roaming freely outdoors, other predators and traffic, for example, can threaten their safety. Always check where the cat is and tag it. Microchipping your pet will allow shelters and veterinarians to easily identify you as the owner if the cat gets lost. More on how to protect your cat from household riskson the blog.

Cat allergies: there are solutions
You may be interested in bringing a cat into your family, but the only thing holding you back is the runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. While it’s true that cats can trigger allergies, having a cat may not immediately rule you out. Most allergies are caused by pet dander, and some breeds generate much more than others. If you suffer from allergies, it’s a good idea to spend time with different cats before adopting or purchasing them. And if a friend or relative already owns a cat, there are still many things you can do to manage your allergy:
– Limit some rooms in the house. If you have a cat allergy, you may want to keep your cat out of the bedroom and limit it to, for example, a few rooms in the house.
– Wash your hands. After grooming or petting your cat, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before touching your face or rubbing your eyes.
– Use air purifiers. These air purifiers fight animal allergens and other allergens that may remain in the air, such as dust mites. Using a purifier can help you live a healthy and happy life with your cat.
– Be consistent in cleaning. Bathing your cat can reduce shedding or messes while keeping your cat sleek and clean.
– Use antihistamines. Consult your doctor for information on the best antihistamine for cat allergies. Common symptoms such as a runny nose can often be treated with oral medications, while swollen and watery eyes can often be treated with eye drops.

How to choose the most suitable cat for you
Study, ask, find out, then choose the cat from a reputable place, a shelter or someone you know. Things to keep in mind when looking to adopt are:
● Kitten or adult? Kittens are able to adapt quickly to their environment, but will require training and much more attention than an adult cat. An older cat might be a wise choice if you have a tight work schedule and don’t have time to care for a kitten. On the other hand, an older cat may have health problems that will require multiple visits to the vet.
● Health problems. A healthy kitten or cat will have bright eyes and a shiny coat. Cats that appear thin, overweight, or have a runny nose may have health problems.
● Personality and disposition. Just like people, cats can vary in terms of personality and character traits. Look for one that seems right for you and your lifestyle. If you hope to pet and pet it often, for example, you may need to look for a cat that actively demands its owner’s attention, rather than one that scratches.

Do you love dogs too? No problem! Cats and dogs that live together can get along very well – find out how, in this article.