10 Reasons You're Not Crazy For Being Obsessed With Cats
The old "crazy cat lady" stereotype has been around for ages, but cat lovers know there is a lot more to the story. Being obsessed with cats does not make someone strange, it usually means they have found a kind of companionship that fits them perfectly.
In this article, the stigma around cat people gets a closer look, along with a few reasons cat ownership has such a loyal following. From health myths to the everyday joys of living with a feline, the case for cats is stronger than the joke suggests.
And once you get to the end, it is pretty hard to argue that cat people are the weird ones.
Why do cat people get a bad reputation anyway?nbcnews.com/better/health/forget-what-you-ve-heard-being-cat-lady-healthy-ncna789676" target="">NBC:
Besides medieval hysteria about witches and their trusty black sidekicks, some of this fear may have stemmed from the notion that toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite found in cat feces (along with undercooked meat and contaminated water), could cause people to lose their minds. People like cat ladies.
Alas, in a recent study published by the Journal of Psychological Medicine, there is 'no evidence of an association between cat ownership and psychotic symptoms.'
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite through various means, including cats, but very few people show symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness.
Today, those of us who are bona fide cat enthusiasts have taken back the stigma and created an endearing world of being besties with our furry feline friends. Being a cat person today isn't negative, but in case you meet someone who disagrees, I've got great news. Cats actually improve our lives, and it's been proven by science!
Here are 10 reasons it's actually good to be a 'crazy cat person!'
1. Cat lovers are smart... and sensitive!
In 2014, a survey found that when compared to dog owners, cat owners were more intelligent and more sensitive! According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, 'People who choose cats often exhibit higher levels of independence and creativity, traits that are frequently associated with intelligence.' This suggests that cat owners may reflect a lifestyle that aligns with their personal values and educational backgrounds.
That Twitter account’s 50 reasons to get a cat is basically the “why we’re obsessed” playbook.
2. Heart Health
In 2008, a study was published by researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Stroke Institute. The study followed 4,500 people, of whom 3 out of 5 owned a cat for 10 years. The astonishing results revealed that cat owners were 30% less likely to die from a heart attack than people who didn’t own cats!
3. Lower stress? All you need is purrs.
According to Scientific American:
'Scientists have demonstrated that cats produce the purr through intermittent signaling of the laryngeal and diaphragmatic muscles. Cats purr during both inhalation and exhalation with a consistent pattern and frequency between 25 and 150 Hertz. Various investigators have shown that sound frequencies in this range can improve bone density and promote healing.'
Additionally, according to a report by Mother Nature Network, cats are superior to all other animals at reducing stress and even lowering blood pressure... and it's probably got a lot to do with that effective purring.
4. Kitties make you laugh.
If you've ever let a cat into your heart and home, then you're well aware they make you laugh daily. Laughter has been proven to have many benefits. In fact, Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, states, 'Laughter not only reduces stress but also enhances our ability to learn and remember.' You can find more about his insights on his website shawnachor.com. Additionally, Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, emphasizes that 'having a sense of humor can act as a buffer against heart disease,' which underscores the profound impact of laughter on our health. More information can be found at rickhanson.net.
I don't think anyone could keep a straight face and tell you that cats don't make us laugh.
5. Cats can help autistic people communicate!
In 2012, French researchers studied 40 children with autism and their families. The study revealed that children with autism who were introduced to a family pet specifically at the age of 4 or 5 showed major improvements in two social skills that are not only difficult for autistic people but are also critical in sustaining human relationships: sharing with others and comforting people in distress.
6. Companionship has its benefits.
Having cats leads to feeling less lonely, which may sound contradictory to the concept that cats are loners. Instead, cats are independent! They are very much social creature companions, though.
A study in 2011 concluded that our fuzzy friends can erase the same amount of loneliness that hanging out with our human friends can, and if you've ever owned a cat, there's a chance you believe they do an even better job since they listen without interrupting, are always down for evening snuggle sessions, and are cheerful and perky when you get home, even when they're grumpy.
7. Allergies? We don't need no stinkin' allergies!
In a study first published in 2011, it was concluded that exposure to cats in the first year of life significantly decreased the likelihood of developing an allergy to pet dander later in life. According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, 'Early exposure to pets can help children develop a more resilient immune system, reducing the likelihood of allergies.' This theory suggests that providing the young, developing immune system with natural stimuli helps it function properly, rather than overreacting to harmless substances.
8. You'll spend less money compared to raising dogs.
According to research by the ASPCA, owning a cat instead of a dog could save you anywhere from $300 to $800 annually! Food, toys, and even vaccines cost less than what is typical for a dog.
9. They're the BEST nap buddies.
According to Dr. Joel Kahn, a cardiologist and health advocate, naps can significantly enhance your well-being: 'Short naps can boost alertness and improve cognitive performance, making you feel more energized throughout the day.' Additionally, Dr. Neal Barnard, a physician and nutrition researcher, states that napping can help 'reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease.' He also notes that a quick nap can elevate your mood. Let's face the truth: cats are experts at napping. Having your furry little buddy lead the game in nap tactics is only improved by the fact that a 20-minute snooze and snuggle is the optimal way to nap in style.
10. Cats help fight depression.
Pets, in general, have a reputation for distracting us from our own emotional conundrums by offering both unconditional love and acceptance, as well as providing us with an important sense of responsibility. The love they offer and the duties we perform can help us get through tough times!
Ready to laugh off the “cat lady” stereotype? Check out 8 cat lady memes for cat lovers who need a good laugh today.
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