Cats

What are cats?

Cats are the domestic species of a small carnivorous mammal. They have a lifespan of 2-16 years and need a balanced diet to remain healthy. Cats are really big on communication and will find many ways to communicate several messages to its owner.

Care

Cats need about 12-16 hours of sleep per day. Even though many cats enjoy being outside, doing so actually increases their chances of dying earlier due to circumstances like disease and car crashes. Many cats are actually lactose intolerant, so be mindful of what you feed them. Many cats will refuse food they do not like, even if they are starving. According to The Banfield Pet Hospital, neutered males live an average of 62 percent longer than unneutered cats and spayed females live an average of 39 percent longer than unspayed cats.

Why do Cats make us happy?

Owning a pet comes with its own benefits. Caring for one that genuinely makes you happy can increase serotonin and oxytocin levels, which can make you happier overall. According to Psychology Today, "Research has shown that cats can be very healing for us. A 10-year research study suggests that cat owners were less likely to die of heart attacks than people who have never owned one. The latter group was 40 percent more likely to die from heart attacks and 30 percent more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. Other studies confirm that cats can lower our blood pressure and release dopamine and serotonin, which reduce stress and improve immune functioning." Owning a cat can statistically make you a happier person, and being a happier person can statistically elongate your lifespan.