Ten Benefits of Owning Cats and Dogs

People say that dogs are a man’s best friend. Cats have been a part of civilization since the times of the ancient Egyptians. For almost as long as man can remember, there have been dogs and cats. To be sure, these dogs and cats were not the same creatures that they are today; over time, they have developed and evolved to better fit their companionship status. According to the Humane Society of the United States, in 2011-2012, an average of 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats were owned in the United States. Clearly, these animals have a positive impact on our lives. Otherwise, why would so many people own these pets? Here is a short list of reasons that explains why owning a cat or a dog (or maybe both!) can be a great addition to your family.

10:) They are very cuddly.
When was the last time you could sit and hold a canary or a goldfish in your lap and be satisfied with the amount of warmth that they give you? Although birds and fish are pretty to look act, they hold nothing in the way of cuddliness when it comes to cats and dogs. There is something irresistible about the sweet faces that they give, and that warm fur that seems to heat up your body when they lay on you, purring or softly snoring the night away.

9:) They can be a source of inspiration.

Cats and dogs have been known to cause people to do things that they would not normally do. The dog sitting next to the door with the ball in his mouth may inspire you to put down the laptop and go play outside; the purring feline lounging in the sun could convince you to go lay in the sun yourself. Everyday, domestic animals give us inspiration for the small things in life, and sometimes even the big things. Who knows, maybe your best friend drooling in the corner will help you gather up the courage to finally ask that person you really like to go out with you.

8:) They are great companions.

Whether you are going for a walk, playing in the sun, or sitting on the couch reading a book, these creatures are the perfect companion. Unlike other animals that may not be willing (or able) to sit still long enough for you to do the things you need to do, dogs and cats are more than happy to be by your side. At night, they snuggle up next to you in bed so you have someone to keep you warm. In the kitchen, they are the perfect being to give the leftovers too when no one else wants to eat them. Dogs and cats, while sometimes wanting to go do their own thing, are content being with you just for the sake of being with you.

“dogs and cats are more than happy to be by your side.”

7:) They teach responsibility. 

A perfect way to teach responsibility to a child is to give them a cat or a dog and have them care for it. Owning a pooch or kitty teaches children and adults how to feed, water, and regularly groom a being that is not themselves. Having a cat or a dog is a great precursor to having a child as well, because it teaches people about the difficulties of having dependents, and its also shows them the rewards and satisfaction that comes with doing these tasks.

6:) They can be trained for many jobs.

Service dogs are everywhere. They can be trained to sniff out drugs, to catch the criminals, and to follow a scent. They can also be trained to help a blind person navigate,  let a young girl walk around feeling safer, and alert a man when he is about to have a seizure. Even cats have important jobs. Barn cats are bred for the purpose of keeping mice from getting into hay and grain for the other animals. Some cats and dogs even make a living out of visiting people on a regular basis. Not many other animals can boast a resume that has that much variety.

5:) They improve your health. 

One of the many jobs that cats and dogs have is to visit people in hospitals. Some hospitals have floors where cats are free to roam and keep the patients company; likewise, there are dogs who travel to retirement and nursing homes to spend time with the elderly.  The interactions that are created by these creatures improves these people’s moods, and sometimes even cause them to get better sooner. Even if you are not ill or getting on in age, owning a cat or a dog can help significantly decrease the stress level in your life and provide something that you can look forward to everyday.

4:) They listen.

Friend too busy to take your call after a family member just died? Did the person you usually talk to when you are upset become the person you are upset with? With cats and dogs, that is not a problem. A cat snuggling in your lap is a lot more likely to listen than a person who has their own opinion, and their own way of dealing with things that may not match up with your own. A dog will lay there next to you as you are crying, and let you work it out yourself, without offering side comments that may not be conducive to you actually feeling better. Sometimes, the best thing someone can do for you is to sit there and listen, and that is exactly what cats and dogs do best.

3:)They are always there for you.

They are there when you come home from school distraught because you failed the class. They are there after you get home from work, frustrated about the latest project that you are behind on. No matter what the circumstances, cats and dogs are always waiting by the door, ready to greet you like it has been a million years since the time you last stepped foot through that door. When you get up to go do something, they anxiously wait for the return of their master, and leap for joy when you return a few minutes later. Cats and dogs live life to the fullest, and want to spend every moment that they can by your side.

2:) They don’t judge.

It does not matter if you are black or white, gay or straight, male or female. As a pet owner, you are more than meets the eye to your canine or feline friend. People with disabilities or other physical and mental ailments do not have to worry about whether their pet likes them, or if they are focused on their misfortune rather than their personality. With cats and dogs, the fact that you love them is all that they need to see that you are a good person, and deserve that same amount of love right back.

“Cats and dogs live life to the fullest, and want to spend every moment that they can by your side.”

1:) They love unconditionally. 

Cats and dogs do not hold grudges; they do not get upset and refuse to be pet anymore. If you are the owner of a cat or dog, and you treat them well, they will always come running when you get home. It does not matter if you just failed your test, or if you had the worst day of your life. They will be right there, ready to lick your face, or snuggle your hand, and offer you the same kind of love that you have given them. They take everything that you are feeling, and give it back in the form of warm, sincere love. What person can do that?