7 Reasons We’re Thankful for Cats

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Thanksgiving time has arrived, and while we prepare for serious grocery shopping, cooking, and feasting, we also reflect on the blessings we have in life and offer up gratitude.

As for me, my cats take the top places on my gratitude list. Truly, I cannot imagine my daily life without my five cats, plus whatever feline refugees I have in my upstairs foster room. The cats sometimes drive me nuts, annoy me, make messes, and cost me a lot of money. However, they also bring so much joy and love and amusement to my life, so they are worth every knocked-over drink, every hairball mess on the carpet, and every huge veterinary bill.

Here are seven reasons to be grateful on Thanksgiving and every day for our beloved cats.

1. Cats Are Good for Our Health

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When we gather at the Thanksgiving dinner table and go around in a circle, naming our blessings, many of us will cite good health. In some ways, we have our cats to thank for their health benefits.

Many studies have demonstrated specific health benefits from owning cats. A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology found that sharing your life with cats significantly reduces the chances of dying from strokes or heart attacks. A study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy Journal found that babies who spend time with cats are less likely to develop allergies.

Cats also help us maintain our mental health. Nothing soothes feelings of depression and anxiety quite like a cuddle with a purring cat nuzzling us.

2. Cats Can Be Little Turkeys, but That’s Part of Their Charm

With their unapologetic attraction to mischief and shameless vandalism of our things—like drinks and Christmas trees—cats are often annoying, infuriating, and just plain stinkers. But, let’s face it: The cat-titude is part of their charm. The cats we love are the best mix of sweet and sassy, and we love them for it. And it’s hard to stay mad at our cats when they look so darn cute.

3. Cats Make the Best Bedfellows

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Once you get used to sleeping with a cat, your bed never feels complete without one. I travel often, and as much as I enjoy it, my bed always feels empty without a furry cat to snuggle next to me and purr. I was thrilled when I visited a bed and breakfast in West Virginia that had several resident cats, and one of them slept with me in my room.

Many cat parents will say they fall asleep faster and just feel cozier in bed when their cat accompanies them. We are thankful for our warm bed buddies!

4. Cats Make Delightful and Low-Maintenance “Kids”

I often tell people that although my cats are like my children, cats have an independence about them that makes them akin to a roommate rather than a child in some ways. Yes, my cats depend on me for food and water, medical care, litter, and affection. But, I can go out for an evening or an entire day, and I do not need to get child care; cats can hang out unsupervised. Cats usually are fine with having solo time and don’t need constant attention. Although I don’t leave my cats overnight without getting a pet sitter, I could leave out adequate food and water in case of a one-night emergency. I don’t need to worry about coming straight home after work so that my cats can relieve themselves like dog owners do; they do it in the litter boxes on their time.

We are thankful for these four-legged feline children that give us the best of both worlds: the opportunity to care for a baby, but one that is independent enough to allow us more freedom than a human child, or a needier animal like a dog.

5. Cats Are Funny!

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It’s no wonder cat videos are so popular on the internet and get even non-cat people giggling. Cats have this air about them where you can observe their body language and facial expressions, and feel entertained without the cat doing anything comical in particular. With their playful and mischievous antics, our cats are neverending sources of amusement. We are thankful for the laughs.

6. Cats Are Great Company and Ease Loneliness

Even if we are hurting for human intimacy, our cats will always keep us company. Their affection, with the vibrating purr, is very soothing and gets the oxytocin hormone flowing. Humans might mistreat us, let us down, and break our hearts, but our cats will only shatter us when their lives end. People who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression or loneliness have discovered how the presence of an affectionate cat comforts them. Cats will never betray us—and for that, we are thankful!

7. Cats Give Us a Noble Purpose

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When countless cats need homes—due to the tragedies of pet overpopulation, neglect, and abandonment—we cat lovers have a “felinitarian” calling to help cats in need. Just when you’re done rescuing one litter of kittens or an adult cat or two, more show up needing your help.

I believe all cat lovers can make it their heartfelt mission to help cats in need, by physically rescuing and fostering cats, donating money and supplies to rescues and shelters, or doing anything else that will help cats in need. Cats deserve the best, and our utmost gratitude—even for their cattitude!

Also Read: Should Your Cat Eat Your Thanksgiving Leftovers?